Question about failed PowerShot SD400

Please give me some advice on a problem with my camera. I’ve had this Canon SD400 for maybe about 2 years, and now it won’t work. It remains with the lens extended even though it is turned off. I bought new batteries and charged them, but the symptoms remain the same. If you try to turn the camera on, it makes a whirring sound, the lens retracts and then immediately extends again, and then the camera turns off, even though the lens is still extended. Has anyone heard of something like this before? The camera can’t be used at all.
Also I wonder if I could have a bad charger. When I put the battery in the charger, it shows amber, like it should. But then it shows green in about 10 minutes. That does not seem like enough time to charge the battery. But would a failed or dead batter make the camera leave fail and leave the lens extended?
PowerShot SD400
Digital ELPH
Ai Af
On bottom:
PC1150
DC 4.3 V
No 0723330709

Does the lens retract, then extend, if you set the camera in "Review"/"Playback" mode when you turn it on?

A fast recharge time could indicate a problem with the camera, battery or charger. Unfortunately, you'd need to try with another battery and charger to narrow things down more.

Thanks for your response. I am checking the question about the "Review"/"Playback" mode now. I did buy new batteries and I am trying to borrow another charger.

Here is the exact problem the camera exhibits. I have ordered a new charger in case that is the problem, but the camera does work in Playback mode:

Left position (Replay Mode)
Resting position – lens extended
Press start button
Lens stays extended and pictures can be viewed on card
Camera stays turned on with lens extended
If you turn camera off, lends stays extended


Center position (Video Shooting Mode)
Resting position – lens extended
Press start button
Lens goes in and then immediately goes back out
Canon screen shows for about 5 seconds
Camera turns of by itself but lens stays extended


Right position (Picture Shooting Mode)
Resting position – lens extended
Press start button
Lens goes in and then immediately goes back out
Six beeps
Canon screen shows for about 5 seconds
Camera turns of by itself but lens stays extended

Hey there sd400pics,

I know it's been awhile but just curious if you ever found a solution to your problem. I have a SD400 that is doing the exact same thing. The camera has not been dropped and just stopped working after taking a few pictures. The lens will not retract by itself and stay inside the body of the camera.

Just curious if you ever found what was causing it. I'm about to do some surgery on the camera and I'll let you know what I find.