My TI-83 Plus turns on but yields a dark screen with no blinking cursor thing. All I can do is turn it on and off. I have just put in new AAA batteries.

Are you sure one of the batteries isn't in backwards? That will make it behave like that.

Here is a link to someone with a similar problem. It has many different ideas that may solve your problem. http://www.fixya.com/support/t407902-ti_83_black_screen_problem

Hi imagenius1,

You need to free up some memory. Try clearing your RAM memory. Your calculator should operate properly afterward.

Press [2nd] [MEM] [7] [1] [2]

If the steps above did not reset the memory to your Ti 83 family calculator try the procedures below.

Please be prepared to re-install the calculator's OS if you run through this process.

If you have a straight Ti 83 without the Plus or, Silver Edition label goto (Procedure 2) below. If your Ti calculator is a Ti 83 Plus or better goto (Procedure 1).

(Procedure 1).

1. Try a new set of AAA batteries.
   

2. Remove one of the AAA batteries. Press and hold the [CLEAR] key. While holding [CLEAR], reinsert the AAA battery and then turn the calculator on. The calculator should display the message "RAM Cleared". Release the [CLEAR] key and, then press [CLEAR] one more time to remove the message.
   

1. Remove one of the AAA batteries. Press and hold the [DEL] key. While holding [DEL], reinsert the AAA battery and then turn the calculator on. The calculator should display "Waiting...Please install calculator software now". Follow the instructions for the TI-83 family or TI-84 Plus family to reinstall the calculator operating system.
   

   
   

   
   

2. Steps to re-installing the operating system:
   ~Connect the TI Connectivity cable between the PC and the calculator.
   ~Click on Start >> Programs >> TI Tools >> TI Connect >> TI OSDownloader
   ~Follow the on-screen directions to reinstall the calculator's OS. If you could not install the new OS on your calculator goto step 4.
   
   
3. Remove all of the batteries including the round lithium battery for 5 minutes. After the 5 minute period, reinsert all of the batteries and turn the calculator on. Adjust the contrast if necessary.
   
   
4. If the above process did not reset your calculator. Try re-doing (Procedure 1) and, extend the time in step 4, by 5 minutes to 10 minutes before you put all the batteries back in the calculator.
   
   

(Procedure 2).


For a straight Ti 83 without the Plus or, Silver Edition label try the procedure below.

1. Try a new set of AAA batteries.
   







2. Remove one of the AAA batteries. Press and hold the [ON] key for 20 seconds. Reinsert the AAA battery and then turn the calculator on.
   

it seems it have an internal problem of contact and you must get it repair, or consider buy a new one that model is a little old.

From TI FAQs:

What troubleshooting can I try if the TI graphing calculator will not turn on?

For the TI-83 Plus Family, TI-84 Plus Family:
Caution: The resets described in these troubleshooting steps will cause a loss of applications, programs and data. If at all possible please create a backup using TI Connect™ first.

1. Try a new set of AAA batteries.
2. Adjust the contrast by pressing and releasing the [2nd] key followed by pressing and releasing the up arrow; repeat as necessary. To adjust or lighten the display, use the down arrow.
3. Remove one of the AAA batteries. Press and hold the [CLEAR] key. While holding [CLEAR], reinsert the AAA battery and then turn the calculator on. The calculator should display the message "RAM Cleared". Release the [CLEAR] key and then press it one more time to remove the message.
4. Remove one of the AAA batteries. Press and hold the [DEL] key. While holding [DEL], reinsert the AAA battery and then turn the calculator on. The calculator should display "Waiting...Please install calculator software now". Follow the instructions for the TI-83 family or TI-84 Plus family to reinstall the calculator operating system.
5. Remove all of the batteries including the round lithium battery for 5 minutes. After the 5 minute period, reinsert all of the batteries and turn the calculator on. Adjust the contrast if necessary.

This is from TI FAQS:

Solution 11900: Troubleshooting a TI Graphing Calculator That Will Not Turn On.

For the TI-83 Plus Family, TI-84 Plus Family:
Caution: The resets described in these troubleshooting steps will cause a loss of applications, programs and data. If at all possible please create a backup using TI Connect™ first.

1. Try a new set of AAA batteries.
2. Adjust the contrast by pressing and releasing the [2nd] key followed by pressing and releasing the up arrow; repeat as necessary. To adjust or lighten the display, use the down arrow.
3. Remove one of the AAA batteries. Press and hold the [CLEAR] key. While holding [CLEAR], reinsert the AAA battery and then turn the calculator on. The calculator should display the message "RAM Cleared". Release the [CLEAR] key and then press it one more time to remove the message.
4. Remove one of the AAA batteries. Press and hold the [DEL] key. While holding [DEL], reinsert the AAA battery and then turn the calculator on. The calculator should display "Waiting...Please install calculator software now". Follow the instructions for the TI-83 family or TI-84 Plus family to reinstall the calculator operating system.
5. Remove all of the batteries including the round lithium battery for 5 minutes. After the 5 minute period, reinsert all of the batteries and turn the calculator on. Adjust the contrast if necessary.

press 2nd and the down button (hold down button)

Sorry, but you cannot. That is the cursor, and it is equivalent to the cursor you see on your computer when typing text. You can change the resolution of the screen by pressing 2ND then the up and down keys, but this will change the resolution of EVERYTHING that is on the screen, not just the cursor.

These instructions are from education.ti.org, and worked for me.

1) Take out one of the AAA batteries
2) Hold down the CLEAR button
3) Put the AAA battery back in while still holding down the CLEAR button
4) Let go of the CLEAR button and turn the calculator ON
5) Press CLEAR to get rid of the error message.

Then you should be good! All the applications on my calculator were still intact, so despite the error message, the RAM was never actually cleared.

Remove one of the AAA batteries. Press and hold CLEAR while reinstalling the AAA battery. Continue holding CLEAR button and press ON. Release buttons and press CLEAR again.