Extension 10 & sometimes ext. 11 are dead 3

[crazylikeafox11]

Let me start off by saying that I'm a paralegal for a small law firm and not too familiar with anything other than programming of our phone system. However, my bosses are cheap and insist I fix all of their tech problems.

My problem is that extension 10 seems to be completely dead (which isn't good because it's the only extension with the night button). The station where ext. 10 is has a blank display and no dial tone. It no longer receives incoming calls nor can you make calls. It's akin to a completely unplugged phone as far as functionality goes. This problem first arose around a month ago and the extension would intermittently be down. Just last week we experienced a power outage that lasted longer than our UPS and since then extension 10 has been down permanently. Extension 11 was also briefly down (we don't normally use it; I switched it with ext. 10 so I could use the phone at ext. 10 to program the system), but came back online long enough for me to reprogram the system.

What I've done to try to fix it: I have tried switching out the phone first (didn't work). The outlet where the phone for this extension plugs into was tested and found to be working. I tried switching ext. 10 with another extension that is in use (switching the wires for same within the unit); the other extension works fine at the phone/ station where extension 10 is when I do this. When the problem first arose, when I switched the extensions back, sometimes extension 10 would come back online. Now it is not working and extension 10 is still dead even after switching the extensions and switching them back.

Some info about the system: All I know is that the manual says it is Partner Plus Communications System Release 4.0. I don't really know what else you guys would need (ex: if you need the info written on the modules). We do have Partner Mail VS. Our phones are the MLS-18D.

Any help would be appreciated. I don't know anything about the technical installation side of things, but I would think that perhaps the wires for extension 10 are kaput? But that's purely speculation on my end and I'm not sure how you'd fix that.

 

[Telecomboy]

It sounds like the extension port for x10 is bad. You could verify this by taking the phone back to the system and plugging it directly into extension port 10. If that is the case, you have a bad 206 module. You can replace it fairly inexpensively these days, but would probably want a tech to do so for you.

 

[Textron68]

I agree, taking a phone and plugging directly into the port to confirm the port condition. If you choose to replace the module on your own, be sure to power off and unplug the system before replacing the module. Mark all cables for where they plug into. Depending on the module release, you can expect to pay between $120-$250 for a replacement 206E from an authorized dealer which would give you at least some kind of warrenty on the condition.

 

[crazylikeafox11]

Thanks guys! I tried plugging it directly into the port for extension 10 and nothing. I plugged it into another port for a known working extension to verify I was doing it correctly and it worked on that one. I then tried plugging it into 10 again and then it suddenly came back on. It's pretty inconsistent so I'd say that it's probably going bad. I'll look into getting it replaced.

Thanks again!

 

[phonesaz]

While I agree with everyone above, due to the age of the sysem I would seriously consider replacing the processor instead. The newer processors replace the Partner Plus module, so extensions 10-15 or 10-17 are on board the processor. This eliminates the need for the bad 206 board, gives you a system than will last you many more years, allows you to replace the batteries so you don't lose programming when you lose power (if it hasn't happened to you yet on your Partner + it will soon) and gives you Caller ID. Again, refurbished R6 processors are available fairly inexpensively on the secondary market - should be under $500. A way better use of your $$ - instead of bandaiding something old, you are virtually restarting your system as a new one - kindof like putting a brand new engine in a car.

While I have seen people do this themselves, the voice mail programming is a little difficult to get your brain around if you have never done it before. A decent Partner installer would be able to do it in an hour or two.