With the popularity of digital cable and digital video recorders (DVRs) on the rise, technical problems are bound to crop up. Most problems you encounter aren't anything new, and chances are your issue has happened to someone else before. That means the troubleshooting has already been done for you, so you should be able to check a few common answers for your particular malfunction and act accordingly. The good news is if your DIRECTV power light begins to flash, all is not lost. It is generally an indicator that something is wrong, but it doesn't have to mean replacing your whole DVR.
Instructions
1. Refer to DIRECTV's technical support forums (see Resources). There have been many cases of a blinking blue power light, and you should be able to pinpoint your exact problem.
2. Listen to your DVR box. Is it making a clicking sound accompanied by the blinking blue light? According to the DIRECTV tech on its forum, this can mean that the hard drive has died.
3. Reset your box. Unplug it from the wall and wait at least 30 minutes before plugging it back in and repowering. Some DVR models have a reset button inside the access card door. If so, simply press the reset button.
4. Check the power supply board if you are tech savvy and knowledgeable about working with electrical components. The blinking power light is often caused by broken caps. You will notice them bulging if they are bad. Replace the caps. Only do this if you own the DVR as it is a breach of lease if you are renting the box from DIRECTV.
5. Call DIRECTV's customer service or technical support line (800-531-5000). Assistance is available 24 hours a day, and seven days a week. Once you call, they can either help you troubleshoot over the phone, send a tech to your home to check the box, or even replace the box completely if they deem it necessary.
Tags: power light, blinking blue, reset button, should able, technical support
