When I turn the typewriter on it beeps about 3 times and the line spacing 1 and 2 are flashing, but it won't type or do anything. What can I try to do?

Impossible to answer without make and model.

I don't know of any typewriter that works on batteries, but I did find this.

IBM Personal Wheelwriter 1 Typewriter 6781 Operator's ...

minus zero degrees https://minuszerodegrees.net > manuals > IBM P... PDF right side of the typewriter. If the Line Space lights flash when the typewriter is turned on, the batteries are low. See "Batteries" ...
84 pages

Google

make model manual

and look in the troubleshooting section.

It is most likely a bad keyboard. You can try my fix under WW1000 or contact Geo. Beyers Co. for a rebuild.


DickyO

Flashing 1,2,3 is a selection homing error. It could be a problem with the printwheel ( bent spokes), the rails the carriage ride on could need lubrication or it could be a bad power supply unit. We have been replacing a lot of power supplies on these units due to the age of the machine. You will likely need a tech to figure out the exact cause. Good luck.

Your keyboard is going bad. You can have it rebuilt at Geo. Beyers Co. 800.392-8085 or try my tip under WW1000.

DickyO

It sounds like your keyboard is going bad. You can try my tip under WW1000 or you can contact Geo. Beyers Co. @ 800-392-8085 for a rebuild.

DickyO

Try reinserting the printwheel, check for debris in the printwheel area.

DickyO

Usually means bad keyboard. You can try re seating the connections,but almost always you will nedd to replace the keyboard. You can order a replacement board or send yours in for repair. If you are handy and can do the exchange yourself.

I’m happy to help further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jayw_0e86fb055a7b73de

The keyboard is probably bad and the typewriter can't see it.
Contact George Beters CO. 1-800-392-8085.

DickyO

Yes, those batteries do need to be changed. They are probably corroded. clean up all he corrosion, reinstall the batteries and give it a try!

If the 1, 2, and 3 line space keys are flashing in order, you need to change the two AA batteries that are located inside your typewriter.