Pentax Auto 110's Flash not firing

[fabulousrice]

I've used Auto 110s for years but only recently got a flash.
I put batteries in it, screwed it on the camera and waited for a while - the flash unit made the usual "flash charging" wheezing sound - but when I pressed the "TEST" button or fired a shot it didn't go off. I waited a good 10 minutes but the "test" light didn't light up either.

Are there things I can try to see if the flash works?

 

[AgX]

You might try for 20 min. but check for any other sounds than that of the inverter, and if that flash gets hot.
If not firing after that time, release the flash by camera. The test button might not working (I actually experienced such with a much more modern flash.) If still not firing, then my first thought would be the main capacitator not charging.

 

[wiltw]

The power capacitor of the flash, which stores high Voltage current supply to be sent to the flash tube, has likely gotten old and maybe even dried out. If it has not dried out, it may be revivable. Simply leave the unit turned on and recycling for a very long amont of time (hour) and maybe the capacitor can be 're-formed'.so it will hold a charge (and the ready light then lights up). If the unit does not work after about an hour, the capacitor itself is likely dead and cannot be re-formed.

It used to be that flash manufacturer instructions would be to re-form the capacitors on a monthly or quarterly interval...just normal maintenance to keep things operating. Changing the capacitor technology often avoids that periodic 'maintenance' task today.

 

[Cholentpot]

My test button doesn't work. Try firing the shutter.

 

[wiltw]

My test button doesn't work. Try firing the shutter.

He said, "when I pressed the "TEST" button or fired a shot it didn't go off. " and also that the Ready light never lit. ergo my suggestion for prolonged recycle time to see if capacitor could be re-formed.

 

[MattKing]

And don't forget to clean the battery terminals in the flash - I usually use a new pencil eraser.

 

[ProgramPlus]

The first one I bought hadn't been used in many years apparently. I thought it was dead because it would make the charging sound but not fire. I just put fresh batteries in it and let it sit for a long time (on). It eventually fired and has worked since.
If you don't get it to work, keep checking KEH. I got a pristine looking one with a case for about $5 a couple years ago.

 

[wiltw]

My dad purchased a Pentax 110 outfit way, way back, and it sat literally unused since he passed in 1989. Due to this thread, I just put a set of batteries in it and turned it on and left it for a while....when I came back it had charged up and the Ready light was on. I test fired it a few times to verify it as operational.