Raspberry Pi Not Working

Question

I got a Raspberry Pi 2 and it did not work with the newest version of NOOBS (flashing LEDs). There is nothing on the TV/monitor. It just says there is no HDMI input. I tried it with an older version and the lights stopped flashing, but still the same problem with the video output. I tried re-installing and re-formatting the OS and SD card multiple times with no luck. I tried multiple different power supplies with sufficient amperage, and multiple TVs. Still dose not work. I ended up returning the Pi and got a new one. I am getting the same problem the the new one.

Answer 1

2024: An up-to-date version of this is now maintained at https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/computers/configuration.html#led-warning-flash-codes

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Based on the type of flashing of the green (ACT) LED, you can figure out what is wrong (or at least what ballpark it's in) by looking at [this page] 1.

Too long didn't read version:

Green LED: ACT LED ------ Red LED: PWR LED

Simple Issues

• No PWR LED - No power.
• PWR LED Blinking - Not enough power.
• PWR LED but no ACT LED (For Pi 1s) - Problem with SD card.
• PWR LED on ACT LED on and STEADY (For Pi 2) - Problem with SD card.

ACT LED Flashing in Specific Pattern

• 1 flash - OS too old. FIX: Use OS written after September 2013
• 2 flashes - SD Card cannot be read.

FOR SOFTWARE (OSs) BEFORE OCTOBER 2012:

• 3 flashes - loader.bin not found
• 4 flashes - loader.bin not launched
• 5 flashes - start.elf not found
• 6 flashes - start.elf not launched
• 7 flashes - kernel.img not found

FOR SOFTWARE (OSs) AFTER OCTOBER 2012:

• 3 flashes - start.elf not found
• 4 flashes - start.elf not launched
• 7 flashes - kernel.img not found
• 8 flashes - SDRAM not recognised. FIX: Newer bootcode.bin/start.elf firmware.

Answer 2

Try booting the board with your hdmi plugged in and without a sd card. One should see the test rainbow screen. If not then there is a malfunction either in your display, cable, and/or the raspberry pi.