Built-in flash will not pop up when required. error message appears

had a similar issue on 40d. brought it to repair shop and the guy just gently helped the flash to pop up with a fingernail and it jumped right out.

apparently the mechanics are very subtle a even tiny drop of something sticky might cause that the flash doesn't pop out. then the error message comes.

wouldn't use much force though, might be other issue

I have this problem too. I can manually pull the flash up but have to do it every time I take an inside picture. Any suggestions on how to permanently fix?

I had the same trouble with my T3-i. I used a small file to enlarge the hole that the clasp uses to hold the flash down. I did this extremely carefully as to not remove too much of the plastic, so that the flash would still be held down when not in use. I did this about 3 years ago and it has not caused me any trouble after the repair and it only took a few swipes of a file.