My lens did not retract when i turned off my Canon A480 and now when i turn it on it says lens error, restart. When i do it does the same thing. Didnt drop it, get it wet or hit it against anything so cant figure it out.

Try these procedures. Many of the steps are applicable whether the lens is extended or retracted.

Hi,

Checkout this tip about digital camera error messages


Lens Errorfix for Digital Camera

heatman101

Service & Support Issue: Camera displays "Lens error, restart camera" on the LCD monitor.
Solution: Possible solutions for a Lens Error message PowerShot A480.

The "E18" or "Lens" error message indicates an error that involves the lens unit or lens cover.
This error may appear where the lens is prevented from properly extending or retracting such as, for example, when pressure is applied to the lens or the area surrounding the lens while handling the camera. The error may also be displayed if the lens unit/camera has been subjected to an external shock, or if a foreign substance (i.e. liquid, sand, dirt) enters the camera. Solution
Check the following when you operate the camera to avoid applying pressure to the lens and surrounding area:

• Hold the camera so that your fingers do not touch the lens unit when you are shooting.
• Make sure the camera is off before the camera is placed back in the case. Exercise caution to ensure that the camera does not accidentally power on while the camera is stored inside the case.

If you cannot clear the error code by turning the camera off and then on again, or if the error code is displayed frequently, a camera malfunction may have occurred. Please click here to set up service for your camera online.

Please replace standard alkalines with rechargeable NiMH batteries Sony or Varta 2700 Ni-MH!
That's was working for me!.

Try these procedures.

thats a well known problem wiith that model .. here is a site that explains the failure and gives solutions ..
http://www.e18error.com/

In the compartment where the batteries go, there is another smaller watch battery, pull out the watch battery, and re install, and that should fix your lens error, I have a Canon powershot A700 that was getting the same error code and it works just fine now!!

The lens motor is burnt out. Has to be replaced.

Lens error is usually caused by mechanical faults concerning lens assembly. The lens cannot extend or retract fully, the error is detected and lens error is returned.
Sometimes this can be fixed playing with the lens during extraction or retraction to help the lens asset getting back to normal.
More often the camera lens must be disassembled and re-assembled by a technician to fix the problem.

i think ur camera dropped, u try ur local repairer repairable