Nokia 1600 errors

[Birdie42]

My trusty Nokia 1600 phone has started playing up.  If I switch the phone off when I'm at home, then when I turn it on again I get a good signal (5 bars) for about 7-8 seconds, then the signal disappears.  If I travel 1/2 mile up the road, I get a signal, come home and it's OK.  But if I turn the phone off, it's the same problem all over again.

I also get a strange screen after a few seconds of resting (non-use) -- it has two squares, one above the other, and two dashes on each side.  I shall try to attached a photo.  Does anyone know what this screen means?  I have had the phone since 2008 and it's never given me a problem before.  Battery life fantastic!

[barry66]

Check for the specs listed on the batteries(voltage and amperage), if they match, you shouldn't have anything to worry about.

[Birdie42]

Thanks for suggestions.  I found out what the strange graphic of two squares and four dashes means.  It just means I needed to set the date and time (because I'd taken the battery out).

Still get no reception at home, but walk 50 yards up the road and it's fine.  Is this likely to be because of 3G being switched off?