Problem with AF-assist illuniator for D50

[beloved84]

i have a d50 and i was wondering if this is normal or a problem.

in the dark, when i try to focus, the light (AF-assist illuninator) will turn on the first 5-6 times, but after that it will not register or it dies out. then if i leave it alone for a bit it will come back.

is this a problem?

[Phatpat]

I was playing around with my camera to try to replicate your problem, and I couldn't get the light to go. Eventually I realized the Autofocus and AF-Area Mode items were grayed out, so I figured maybe there was a problem with the lens. I removed it and replaced it and now the AF-illuminator works.

The D50 manual also says it won't work if it overheats, from using it too much.