DSTV ERROR CODE AND SOLUTION

DSTV error codes

Most DSTV users at a certain point face some problems with their decoder or smartcard. In those cases, users receive a certain error code on their screen. The purpose of the error codes is to point users in the direction of the problem and help them solve it. In that case it's useful to have a full list of error codes and their meanings, so you can try and fix the problem. 

We compiled the list of DSTV error codes and instructions on how to fix them from different online sources - DSTV web site, DSTV forums and experiences of DSTV users from other forums. In case you have useful information on any of the error codes and repair methods, please let us know:

E04 – Please insert smartcard - Your smartcard might have been inserted in the wrong slot or might have been inserted incorrectly. 

SOLUTION: Switch off the decoder, remove the smartcard, wipe it gently with a dry cloth and re-insert with the chip facing down and the arrow facing the decoder. If the error continues, reboot your decoder. If the problem persists then the decoder and/or the Smartcard might be damaged and must be tested, visit any DSTV office close to you. 

E05 – Cannot read smartcard - an incorrect smartcard was inserted or the smartcard has been inserted incorrectly, or has collected dust.

SOLUTION: Remove the smartcard, ensure that it is free of dust and re-insert it with the chip facing downwards and the arrow facing the decoder. Reboot the decoder. 

E06 - Smartcard fault. Cannot read 

The smartcard is faulty or has been inserted upside down. Re-insert the card with the chip facing downwards and the arrows facing the decoder. 

 

E07 – Checking Smartcard - The decoder is checking the Smartcard.

SOLUTION: If the message does not dissappear after 30 seconds, remove the smartcard, wait for the E04 error, then re-insert the smartcard. If E07 reappears, reboot your decoder. If E07 reappears again, the decoder/Smartcard should be taken for testing. Visit any DSTV office close to you. 

E08 – CA Module failure - The Control Access module is malfunctioning. 

SOLUTION: Please visit any DSTV office close to you and have your decoder tested. 

E14 – Service is currently scrambled - Transmission might be temporarily suspended. 

SOLUTION: Tune to another channel and go back again. If the E14 message reappears, try rebooting your decoder. If the E14 message again reappears, visit any DSTV office close to you or call their call center. 

E16 - Service is currently scrambled - Transmission might be temporarily suspended. 

SOLUTION: Check that there are no outstanding payments on your account. Press Menu, then 4 to check your Mail Messages, and if you have a payment notification from DSTV, then you need to make a payment before the service can be reactivated. If your account is not suspended, then click on My Account to clear the error code or clear it using the form on the right part of the DSTV website. 

E17 – Smartcard marriage conflict 

SOLUTION:Ensure that your smartcard is inside the decoder. Then either: 
-SMS "E17 + smartcard number to 32472 
-or reset the service by logging into your account and selecting "reset decoder" 

E18 – Unknown Smartcard - an incorrect Smartcard is inserted or the Smartcard might have been inserted incorrectly or has collected dust. 

Check out our DSTV E18 error code page for instructions on how to remove the E18 error. 

E19 – Service is currently scrambled. Please wait 

SOLUTION:Your subscription might have expired. Wait for a few minutes until your subscription status has been verified. If the message is not cleared in 2 minutes, renew your subscription or call your local DSTV Call Centre 

E30 – Service is currently scrambled. Please wait 

Your smartcard is checking your subscription status. If the message does not go away after 2 minutes, contact the DSTV Contact Center. 

E34 – Cannot read smartcard 

SOLUTION:Your smartcard is either not valid for this country or network. Contact your DSTV Call Center 

E35 – Service is currently scrambled 

SOLUTION:This is a temporary failure in receiving transmission. Tune to another channel and then go back. If the problem persists, reboot your decoder. 

E37 – Invalid channel number 

SOLUTION:The channel number you selected is not in this viewing environment. To see the list of all channels, press the DOWN arrow or press TV and select My Channels. 

E38 - Program Map Table Not Available 

SOLUTION:Check that all cables from the satellite dish are securely connected to the correct inputs on the back of the decoder. Then switch the decoder off, wait for 10 seconds, then switch it on again. If the error is still present, contact the DSTV Call Center 

E38 - Service not running 

SOLUTION: Check that all cables from the satellite dish are securely connected to the correct inputs on the back of the decoder. Then switch the decoder off, wait for 10 seconds, then switch it on again. If the error is still present, contact the DSTV Call Center 

E42 - Parental Control PIN Blocked 

SOLUTION:This happens if you've set your parental control levels, but have forgotten your PIN and need to have it reset, or if you've entered the incorrect PIN 5 times. You will need to login to reset your PIN. 

E43 - Not for this country 

DSTV doesn't have the rights to broadcast this channel in your country, which is why it cannot be viewed. 

E44 - No PG status is available 

This channel or programme is blocked for viewing. You need to enter the correct PG PIN to watch it. If you have forgotten your PIN, contact the DSTV Call Center. 

E45 - Service not allowed 

SOLUTION:This service is not authorized. Please contact the DSTV Call Centre for assistance. 

E50 - No services available 

No Channels exist in the package you have selected. Please select another package. 

E70 - Services not available on TV2 

This channel is not available in your secondary viewing environment, so please try another channel. 

E71 - Song title and artist info not available 

Song title and Artist information cannot be viewed on the secondary viewing environment. If you really need to know the information, please use your primary viewing environment. 

E72 - Rescan in progress 

The decoder is busy scanning. Please wait for the scanning to finish.

E73 - TV link overload 

SOLUTION:Check your connection or consult your manual. There may be an error with your installation. 

E74 - LNB1 overload 

SOLUTION:The TV1 LNB has a problem. Please check your connection or call a DSTV accredited installer for assistance. 

E75 - LNB2 Overload 

SOLUTION:The TV2 LNB has a problem. Please check your connection or call a DSTV accredited installer for assistance. 

E76 - Your second TV service is not enabled. Please contact MultiChoice for assistance. 

SOLUTION:TV2 is not enabled. You are not enabled to view this channel or your account has been suspended. Please contact the DSTV Call Centre for assistance.If you found the lift of DSTV error codes useful, please let us know. If you have suggestions on how we can improve the web site, feel free to contact us.