How to Troubleshoot an HP 17B II

Crunch numbers with an HP 17B II Calculator.

The HP (Hewlett Packard) 17B II is a financial calculator. Hewlett Packard is one of the largest companies in the world, and its products are well-known and trusted. However, as with many consumer electronics, glitches can occur when using this calculator. Using its menu system, though, the problems are relatively simple to troubleshoot, whether it be an issue with language, or a function that needs to be reset. Before taking your calculator in for a service, there are a few steps you can run through on your own.

Instructions

1. Run a diagnostic self-test to check that the calculator is generally operating correctly. Turn the calculator on. If you have an optional infrared printer, turn it on. Certain diagnostic information is printed out during the test. Press the "MAIN" button on the calculator, then hold down the "CLR" button while pressing the fifth menu key from the left to start the test. Do not press any other keys once the test has started. The calculator will beep periodically and display various patterns and characters. If the calculator passes the test, the message "OK-17 B II-E" will be displayed. If the calculator fails the self-test, the calculator displays "FAIL" followed by a five-digit number. In that case, have the calculator serviced.

2. Press "MODES" and "ALG" to set the algebraic mode if the arithmetic keys do not function properly.

3. Press "DISP" if the numbers contain commas as decimal points. This will restore the periods.

4. Press "CLR" and "CLEAR DATA" to clear all or portions of the memory. "CLR" clears the calculator line, and "CLEAR DATA" clears the data lists.

5. Press "PRINTER - TRACE - EXIT" if the calculator is operating slowly. The calculator is in trace printing mode.

6. Press "MODES - INTL - ENGL" if the messages and menu labels in the display are not in English. This will restore English to the display.

7. Change the batteries if the calculator does not operate at all. Remove the battery-compartment door by pressing down and out on the ribbed area. Shake out the old batteries. Orient the new batteries according to the diagram inside the battery compartment. Be sure that the raised and flat ends match the diagram. Slide the battery compartment back onto the calculator. Turn the calculator back on. If the unit does not turn on, you may have taken too long in changing the batteries. Remove the batteries again and lightly press a coin against both the battery contacts in the calculator for a few seconds. Replace the batteries and turn the calculator on. The message "MEMORY LOST" should appear.

Tips & Warnings

• When the low battery annunciator (sign in the display) comes on, the calculator can continue operation for several hours.

• If the calculator is turned off, Continuous Memory will be preserved for approximately two weeks.

• Once the batteries are removed, you must replace them within one minute to prevent loss of Continuous Memory.

References

• HP 17B II: Owner's Manual