I am having the same problem on two extensions. Both are using M7208 handsets on a Meridian system.

When the handset is plugged into the handset jack and taken off-hook, the station goes straight to speakerphone and can't be taken off of handsfree. If the handset is plugged into the headset jack then the handset works, but the hook doesn't work and a line must be manually selected and the RLS button must be used to hang up.

I copied the configuration from another extension but it didn't make a difference.

Any help is appreciated.

Very strange problem, I tried to simulate it here on my system. I have never plugged a handset into the headset jack before, and when I tried it, it worked just as you said. What happens if you have nothing plugged into the headset and handset jacks at all? When I tried it, it still acted like the handset was there (didn't go to speakerphone) when I lifted the switch hook. If yours does the same, I would suggest a problem with those 2 sets (surge/lightening damage?). I don't believe there is anything in programing that would cause otherwise, as I tried different scenarios (full handsfree off/auto handsfree off).

Teran:

It sounds as if you might have a key stuck on the phone. Take off all key caps and try it. If it works OK--then put back the keycaps. If it doesn't work--then it's got to be something else. Good Luck.

JW has it. It is either a stuck button or a bad/dirty keypad membrane.

Thanks, everyone. I'll run through your suggestions tomorrow and see what I can see.
It is frustrating because the handsfree settings didn't seem to make a difference.

Believe them, it almost has to be a stuck button, and I've been on site twice where I tried pushing every button and both times there was a piece of dirt holding the key in place. Every button would bounce up but one. Pull the cap off that button, put in on and problem solved.

JW and Paul have this nailed, I can't imagine what else it would be. Did you put a different, working 7208 at either of those two jacks? That would be the proof one way or another.

teran, make sure you post back and let us know what it is.

I do not believe it is a stuck button. That's what I originally thought it was too until I tried to simulate it. If the phone has full handsfree enabled, and that button is stuck, the set is on all the time (cannot release). If it's any other button stuck, it's on speakerphone until you pick up the handset (works like a normal phone).

Your description of how the phones operate when the handset is plugged into the headset jack is correct and normal for that scenerio

I've seen phones go to HF when you lift the handset (plugged into handset jack) AND press a line or intercom... the phones have defective hook switches.

Okay, I had another chance to look at things. These stations are slightly different than the other 7208 stations that I have. They look identical, except that the jacks on the back of the phone are oriented differently. That is, if the jacks on a normal 7208 line up perpendicular to the bottom of the phone then these line up parallel (can't remember which is which).

It doesn't appear that any buttons are stuck.
I have swapped known good phones onto these jacks and they work as they should.
The hook switches work. If the handset is plugged into the handset jack and taken off-hook then the phone goes to handsfree.

Yes, I have seen different versions of the 7208's as well. The jacks on the back run horizontal instead of vertical. If you look inside the set, they use a pressure contact pad for the hook switch rather than optic. The handsfree mic inside is also mounted in a different location off a set of fly leads.

It's probably as telemarv suggests and defective hook switch.

I do know that out of all the rural properties that I do, this cheaper version of the 7208 seems to be the one that is always taken out by lightening strikes. There must be some other differences with this set as well.

Have you tried changing out the Headset? It could be a combo of a headset problem and the handset jack on the phone.