Does the Phone Power Up?
When you pick up your GE cordless phone and press a button, the phone should beep as a confirmation that a button has been pressed. If the telephone handset does not beep, or if it does not respond to any buttons, the battery may be in need of a recharge. Verify that the cordless phone base unit is plugged in to an electrical source, then place the handset into the charging cradle. If no lights illuminate on the phone, or if charging fails to correct the issue, clean the metal charging contacts on the cordless handset and place the phone back on the charger. If it still fails to respond or to charge, the unit may need to be serviced or replaced.
Does the Battery Hold a Charge?
If the cordless phone charges up and appears to be ready for use but dies after only short periods of use, the internal rechargeable batteries may need to be replaced. Replacement batteries are widely available at electronics and discount retail stores. Note your phone's exact model number, as this number will be necessary when purchasing a replacement battery.
Listen for a Dial Tone
If the GE cordless phone powers on, and beeps when you press keys, but no dial tone is heard, one of three problems is the likely culprit. The phone's batteries may have an insufficient charge to fully power the phone, a condition that can be corrected by simply placing the phone back in the charger. If the batteries are charged, but no dial tone is heard, it is also possible that another telephone in your home or office is "off hook" or in use; verify that all telephones, fax machines and modems are securely on the hook. If there is still no dial tone, your telephone service may have been disconnected or require service by your local telephone company.
Listen for Static
On some GE cordless phone models, particularly older models, static may be heard if the radio signal between the handset and base unit experiences interference. Common sources of interference include unshielded electronics, appliances, and radio transmitters, as well as high-tension power lines. If your phone offers an option to change channels, try several different channels to see if the static is eliminated. If static continues to exist, or if static can be heard on wired phones sharing the same line, your telephone line may require service.
Verify Your Handset is Registered
Some models of GE cordless phones may display a message on the display screen that the handset needs to be registered. If this message appears, move the handset close to the base unit and press the "Prog/Mute" button near the bottom of the handset. Next, press the "Pager" button on the base unit (your handset may instruct you to perform this step). Finally, press the "Prog/Mute" button on the handset one more time to complete the registration process. Your GE cordless phone should now work correctly.
Tags: base unit, cordless phone, back charger, cordless phone, dial tone