Where is the on/off switch that the description mentions? I can't seem to locate. I've changed the batteries to brand new, rechargeable batteries, cleaned the connections and cannot get the lantern light to come on. Worked great for a couple years and now is dead. Dead photocell possibly? Thank you!! Where is the on/off switch that the description mentions? I can't seem to locate. I've changed the batteries to brand new, rechargeable batteries, cleaned the connections and cannot get... » Read More Where is the on/off switch that the description mentions? I can't seem to locate. I've changed the batteries to brand new, rechargeable batteries, cleaned the connections and cannot get the lantern light to come on. Worked great for a couple years and now is dead. Dead photocell possibly? Thank you!! « Show Less
1141793
The solar lights on this product stink. Same thing happened to mine..died in a few months. One creative solution we did to try and salvage our money was to go get the cheap walmart solar lights that stick in the ground. We then zip tiend them around the candle part and now we have solar lights in the pretty glass encasement.
1141794
The on/off switch is found under the lip of the top of lamp. If you run your fingers all around under the top, you'll find it. Sorry that you purchased this product. It worked fine for us one year, but then just died. I regret I bought this. Now I wonder how to get rid of it!
1141795
The switch is under the top or " roof" of the lantern. It is at the top where the mid section connects to the top. It is difficult to find .....it is easier to feel for it under the roof.
1141796
The top of the lantern unscrews as you know, as you have changed the batteries. On one side of the underneath of the top there is a small slide switch that turns the power to the LEDs' from the batteries off. If it doesn't make the lights turn on it might be corroded so switch it on and off rapidly a few times to get rid of any corrosion within the switch mechanism, if your batteries are charged the lights should come on. If you are still having problems charge the batteries in an external charger and put them in the lantern, switch the lights on and off via the slide switch, either cover the light sensor or do it in the dark, if you still don't get the LEDs' to work your lantern is faulty. The top of the lantern unscrews as you know, as you have changed the batteries. On one side of the underneath of the top there is a small slide switch that turns the power to the LEDs' from the batteries off. If it doesn't make the lights turn on it might be corroded so switch it on and off rapidly a few times to get rid of any corrosion within the switch mechanism, if your batteries are charged the lights should come on. If you are still having problems charge the batteries in an external charger and put them in the lantern, switch the lights on and off via the slide switch, either... » Read More The top of the lantern unscrews as you know, as you have changed the batteries. On one side of the underneath of the top there is a small slide switch that turns the power to the LEDs' from the batteries off. If it doesn't make the lights turn on it might be corroded so switch it on and off rapidly a few times to get rid of any corrosion within the switch mechanism, if your batteries are charged the lights should come on. If you are still having problems charge the batteries in an external charger and put them in the lantern, switch the lights on and off via the slide switch, either cover the light sensor or do it in the dark, if you still don't get the LEDs' to work your lantern is faulty. « Show Less
1778737
Yes...the batteries are in the top of the lantern. Remove the screws under the lip and you will find the battery chamber. Interestingly, I just bought these too and already one needs a battery change.
1423495
This question has come to someone who has purchased this lantern in the past. For me, it works fine. I would ask Amazon for a replacement ASAP.
1523865
There is no on/off switch. They are solar lights, so they go on when it gets dark and off when it's light out. If they stop working you can get take the batteries out and replace them with the same kind of battery which can be purchased at home improvement stores, or probably here on Amazon. Ours have lasted for probably 9 months without having to change the battery.
1951170
I gave this item as a gift last year. It is still working. Maybe the manufacturer will exchange for you. Be sure to have it out where the sun can charge the solar unit on the lantern. I hope this helps.
865362
This sounds like a problem I had a few weeks ago, my light would turn on sometimes if I held the button just right, sometimes not at all. Or it would change through the modes all by its self. I found that the there was a piece loose in the back section of the flashlight, where the switch is. if you take off the switch to change out the battery, my problem was that behind the spring that pushes down the battery there is a nut that holds the switch in place and it came loose. I removed the spring and tightened the nut that holds the button in place.
719437
Hello there. These are a really nice light and I own 3 sets. However, the main problem is that the lights stays in a "ready status" even when off, so that gives you the instant on feature but burns thru batteries in just a few weeks. In order to change the batteries just push on the left end panel and slide it off. Then you can remove the 6 batteries and slide 6 new ones down the slot. Hope that this helps.
61432
I would suggest you make your own battery pack or buy a different light. My battery pack was dead on arrival. I haven't opened mine up, I started to pull the rubber stand off to get to the batt pack but it's glued on. It'll be damaged if I can't find another way. It's probably got 3 AA cells wired in series to give 7.2V. If I can't hack this to use AA or AAA 'Eneloop' batteries I will dispose of it.
1296507
It might be a faulty unit. Like Jimbo, my unit charges easily--even an hour or so of sun is plenty for several hours of illumination. I'm very impressed with this device and hope that you have similar luck with a replacement lantern. Good luck.
591578
Mine died recently too, but since I was trained in electronics/electricity in the Marines, I thought I'd just fix it. Nope, the lamp is built so that when it dies, you just need to toss it. After 8 or 10 years, I just ordered a new one from Amazon. Bell and Howell is a very good name in the industry, but I guess, as in all things, you just have to know when to say when. Save yourself a headache, and buy a new one.
142281
First thing with me I only put in 4 batteries, 8 just seems to make the thing a bit to heavy, and if it were to fall with that much extra weight it would probably brake. Now when you put in 4 batteries only, place them in the battery pockets that have the white outline, the green outline pockets are only for when you are using all 8. Now when you re attach the bottom, you have to make sure that the center square protrusion lines up with the center square hole in the lantern itself, if it's not lined up just right the batteries won't make contact. It's kind of an odd system, but once you do it a few times it's no biggie. My lantern works fine, and remember you still get plenty of burn time even when just using 4 batteries. Also make sure the bottom is screwed on right, be careful not to strip the plastic threads, the bottom should be tight and even when screwed all the way in place. Hope this helps you out.
2160814
I believe you have a defective light. I love mine. It only has on and off features.
1061858
Howdy, the description on Amazons site says the battery never needs replacing. I think these are made mostly for third world countries and they just throw them out when they die. Great lantern though, very bright!
1955184
Each of the two lights is powered by two CR1620 lithium button cells. A light will give close to 10 hours service off one set of batteries before it begins to gradually dim. The bad news is that it is extremely hard to replace the cells. It may be easier to throw the thing away and start over when the batteries run down. BTW, you don't really need to use both lights at once because you can only use one eye at a time (see the reviews for more info). Your question has prompted me to try to actually change the cells. After I sort out a procedure, I'll add it to my review, which is under the name "The Experimentalist." Each of the two lights is powered by two CR1620 lithium button cells. A light will give close to 10 hours service off one set of batteries before it begins to gradually dim. The bad news is that it is extremely hard to replace the cells. It may be easier to throw the thing away and start over when the batteries run down. BTW, you don't really need to use both lights at once because you can only use one eye at a time (see the reviews for more info). Your question has prompted me to try to actually change the cells. After I sort out a procedure, I'll add it to my review, which is under the... » Read More Each of the two lights is powered by two CR1620 lithium button cells. A light will give close to 10 hours service off one set of batteries before it begins to gradually dim. The bad news is that it is extremely hard to replace the cells. It may be easier to throw the thing away and start over when the batteries run down. BTW, you don't really need to use both lights at once because you can only use one eye at a time (see the reviews for more info). Your question has prompted me to try to actually change the cells. After I sort out a procedure, I'll add it to my review, which is under the name "The Experimentalist." « Show Less
1075955
try replacing the batteries....... ussually,when the batteries are low it does that.I had very bad luck with mine lantern... i suggest that you return it..
1961034
Sorry for getting back to you very late...I plugged the AC adapter into the light and it did turn on, but this does not say that it is running off the adapter and not just the battery. I would suspect it was running off the adapter. I could experiment and drain the battery then do this again. I modified my light by replacing the internal 750mAh battery with two external 2000 mAh batteries. Each will keep the light going for about 1:45 mins for a total of about 4 hrs of use. That is good for my long ghost hunts.
1706699
There must be a loose connection somewhere or either the batteries are not making a good connection. We installed ours about 2 1/2 years ago, still have the same rechargeable batteries, and our lamp comes on without fail every night. I would check both the wiring connections and insure that the batteries have a tight connection too.