580 EX Flash Problem

I posted earlier about underexposed images when using 580 EX Flash and I recently found out my flash is not working as it should. In the past, the flash would fire and the image results were underexposed. I recently placed new batteries in the flash and now the flash will not fire. The flash will turn on with the red pilot light lit. Now if I press the red pilot light button to fire the flash, the flash will not fire any light. This happens if it's mounted to the camera or not mounted. Has anyone experienced this problem before and what can I do to fix this flash?

Flash settings: ETTL Mode, Zoom, HS Synch, etc. Need advice fast!

New batteries - will not fire. I know this sounds totally obvious, but make sure the batteries are inserted correctly, try another fresh set, make sure it is not in Master mode with fire disabled, then send it off to Canon.

I've tried new batteries with different sets and the Flash will not fire. The red pilot light is lit, the flash also makes the normal beeping sound when it's ready to fire and everything looks good to go. The Flash is not set to Master or Slave mode, so I'm not sure what's going on with my flash. I've mounted it to my back up camera and I get the same results. I think it's time to send it off for repair.

It's dead Jim.

So what is the cause for this malfunction? Does anyone know?

Did it get dropped? Might be a broken flash tube. Try searching, I think someone posted about replacing one last week.

Never dropped this Flash since I've owned it. It's about 3-4 years old and it's been well taken care off. How long do they usually last with proper care?

I've not seen a spec but I would say it's not so much how old it is-more like how many pops. Maybe someone has read a spec?

I have a Sunpak 555 that's over 20 years old and still works great.

But everything put together falls apart.

I've read that electronics work on smoke. If the smoke gets out the equipment stops working. Has it ever emitted smoke?

Other than that I would assume stuff happens and there is no logical explanation that can be come up with. Failed component, loose wire, malfunction in the henway.

Item has never been dropped or even smoked. I guess I'm just out of luck right now and will have to send the item in. The unit looks flawless and it doesn't make sense why it's not firing right now. I fired it about 8,000 time since I purchased the unit. Is this a high number of flashing? I'm now in the market for a new 580 EX or EXII, so where can I locate one for a great price?