I bought one of these phone's really cheap. The owner could not get it to boot. They had not tried a new battery. I opened it up and discovered a lot of corrosion on the USB part of the PCB, everything else "seems" O.K. I cleaned the corrosion from the USB PCB but it does not charge and the computer doesn't recognize it. I ordered a new battery, wall charge dock unit, USB pcb and a loudspeaker assembly about a week ago. Today I received the new OEM battery in the mail. I popped it in and the phone booted up. No real problems except it's locked to a provider I don't have any interest in using. Since USB is broken, I have to wait until the PCB part is delivered to replace it. I also noticed the home button (center plastic button) is not working. I have no problems keeping a stock ROM but I need to root to unlock it and this requires USB. My question is this, am I going to have any serious problems rooting and unlocking the phone if I can't get the Home button functioning?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXaBzHjnpqw USB PCB Damage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIlytcGx7wY The phone booting up
I think you need the home button to get into download mode. I might be mistaken though (need download mode to flash insecure kernel from Odin)
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
u should clean the corrosion with 99% isopropyl alcohol and a new tooth brush as for the home button sadly you need to remove the whole entire screen to get to it.. but once ur there just take the plastic off the click and use an eraser to clean it ,yes a pencil eraser..... this also works on blackberrys when there is water dmg on the buttons....
Also ... http://www.scribd.com/mobile/documents/56542824
george241312 said:
u should clean the corrosion with 99% isopropyl alcohol and a new tooth brush as for the home button sadly you need to remove the whole entire screen to get to it.. but once ur there just take the plastic off the click and use an eraser to clean it ,yes a pencil eraser..... this also works on blackberrys when there is water dmg on the buttons....
Also ... http://www.scribd.com/mobile/documents/56542824
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have already done that, the damage is too extensive on the USB PCB. Going to wait for the new part. Thanks for the home button info though. Is there a USB jig that can auto root these phones?
It's rebooting after turning off because of the USB port/circuit damage. A new one will fix this easily. You can root it without the home button using DoomLord's root toolkit.
Yayah!!
Intratech said:
It's rebooting after turning off because of the USB port/circuit damage. A new one will fix this easily. You can root it without the home button using DoomLord's root toolkit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wanted to thank you again. I replaced the USB flex cable and used Doomlord's to root and used an App off the market to SIM unlock it. Sweet things, loving this phone! Just need to replace the home button. I am using button savior for the home button for now.
USB flex cable replacement:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aChzv3IzxsU
After root and unlock, phone and data testing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQTWZb5PHAc
Related
I recently bought a part working but faulty S2 and have been using it for the things I wanted.
However the fault was that the volume up button wasn't working (volume down button was fine), as I used a bluetooth headset it wasn't a problem. However this stopped me from flashing custom ROMS.
I've taken the unit apart and can see that the top two of the four connectors on the flat ribbon cable connecting the volume buttons have broken at the solder points connecting the cable to the PCB..
I'm not a soldering expert and even after spending an hour looking on youtube for relevant videos (and not finding any) I need advice on how to solder the connectors back.
Would it be best to clean the existing solder and try to solder afresh (my concern here is that the plastic on the flat wire connector would surely melt?) or would I be better off using very fine wire and trying to make a patch?
If anyone could give me some guidance or point me at some vids I'd appreciate it.
Also if anyone in London is a soldering expert and would be willing to do it for me I'd appreciate the help.
Thanks
You can not solder the ribbon cable unless its at its contact ends. If the tracks are damage along the ribbon you may be able to use conductive paint to repair this, other wise and new ribbon cable part.
My advice is to look on ebay for a full housing most come with ribbon cables inside which for $20 or so must be a better option.
Post some hi-res photo If you can. To repair this yourself (if really only solder point is broken) You will need some equipment (preffered is soldering station with regulated power). Local electronics service might do it cheaper.
It's hard to post Hi-Res photo's without the risk of causing more damage.
This is the Volume Button sub assembly.
http://stellatech.com/article.php?lang=en&id=810429
If you look at the flex cable part you can clearly see the four connectors at the bottom of the photo.
If you imagine the two left hand most connectors soldered connection to the PCB are good and the two right hand most connectors solder has separated.
Hope this makes sense.
Not to stop you from fixing it, but if you haven't flashed custom roms because of being unable to do the 3 button combos, they aren't needed just use the command line to run "reboot download" or "reboot recovery" a Terminal app from the market or adb should be enough. Then most custom roms will even let you add shortcuts to each into the power menu.
shadowofdarkness said:
Not to stop you from fixing it, but if you haven't flashed custom roms because of being unable to do the 3 button combos, they aren't needed just use the command line to run "reboot download" or "reboot recovery" a Terminal app from the market or adb should be enough. Then most custom roms will even let you add shortcuts to each into the power menu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that but I'd prefer to install CWM and install the ROMS via ODIN, this isn't possible without being able to use the Vol Up button.
OK so that's how i see it.
* Transformer soldering iron is not suitabe, could cause damage. You will need soldering station with very fine... ending (don't know the english word) and power output regulation (DO NOT BUY cheap ~20-30W integrated heater without regulation - it's worth nothing)
* Definitely you will need flux, in my opinion little pieces of solid-kind are better (than gel) but that's arguable.
* I would try to use existing remnants of solder and add some Pb-based tin (existing is Pb-less for sure so it requires higher temperature)
* Do dot try to remove existing solder - it will require long time of warming with solder iron and could cause much damage. Also special equipment is needed for that.
* Put some pieces of flux on desoldered part and warm it for the solder to melt but for as short time as possible. Do not touch any isolation (OR CASING !). Cable isolation do not melt easily but prolonged heating will surely damage it.
* Flux remnants should be removed afterwards using isopropyl alcohol.
* Practise on sth. similar as soldering requires some experience, electronic board is easy to damage by prolonged heating.
It's not very difficult, but if You didn't ever soldered anything, it would be cheaper, safer and probably wiser to find some workshop. There are people who can even replace chips on MB so this job will be piece of cake.
slig said:
OK so that's how i see it.
* Transformer soldering iron is not suitabe, could cause damage. You will need soldering station with very fine... ending (don't know the english word) and power output regulation (DO NOT BUY cheap ~20-30W integrated heater without regulation - it's worth nothing)
* Definitely you will need flux, in my opinion little pieces of solid-kind are better (than gel) but that's arguable.
* I would try to use existing remnants of solder and add some Pb-based tin (existing is Pb-less for sure so it requires higher temperature)
* Do dot try to remove existing solder - it will require long time of warming with solder iron and could cause much damage. Also special equipment is needed for that.
* Put some pieces of flux on desoldered part and warm it for the solder to melt but for as short time as possible. Do not touch any isolation (OR CASING !). Cable isolation do not melt easily but prolonged heating will surely damage it.
* Flux remnants should be removed afterwards using isopropyl alcohol.
* Practise on sth. similar as soldering requires some experience, electronic board is easy to damage by prolonged heating.
It's not very difficult, but if You didn't ever soldered anything, it would be cheaper, safer and probably wiser to find some workshop. There are people who can even replace chips on MB so this job will be piece of cake.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this.
The fine ending is called a "tip" by the way.
While I have soldered things before nothing this fine to be honest, I think I'll try to find a workshop to do it for me.
Best Regards, thanks for the advice and have a good Holiday.
pinsb said:
Thanks for that but I'd prefer to install CWM and install the ROMS via ODIN, this isn't possible without being able to use the Vol Up button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just told you how to get into download mode to install with Odin. that was the reboot download command.
pinsb said:
Thanks for that but I'd prefer to install CWM and install the ROMS via ODIN, this isn't possible without being able to use the Vol Up button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And that's what he taught you to do.
Just use the command to reboot into download mode, flash in something like CF-Root kernel using Odin which then gives you root and CWM.
Then in the future, you can get the phone to reboot into download mode using the CWM app (it's called reboot download). Then you can keep flashing using Odin without needing the vol up button, especially if you are unsure if you are able to solder such a fine detail successfully.
With regards to soldering, you will need to keep the temperature low as possible so that you don't damage the multilayer PCB.
I should mention that will the commands to reboot into recovery or download mode work and could be all you ever need, they only work from a booted system.
If you get stuck in a boot loop you could be in more trouble and would need to fix the volume rocker to get into recovery and wipe OR get a jig and flash a full wipe rom to fix a boot loop.
shadowofdarkness said:
I should mention that will the commands to reboot into recovery or download mode work and could be all you ever need, they only work from a booted system.
If you get stuck in a boot loop you could be in more trouble and would need to fix the volume rocker to get into recovery and wipe OR get a jig and flash a full wipe rom to fix a boot loop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which is why I want to fix the Vol button first.
At the moment I have a semi usable unit, if it boot loops I'm stuck.
Got it fixed today in 30 minutes for £10 including the cost of the replacement volume button part.
Worth every penny and have CM7 running happily now.
pinsb said:
Got it fixed today in 30 minutes for £10 including the cost of the replacement volume button part.
Worth every penny and have CM7 running happily now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how did you end up fixing it? i have a similar issue with my Galaxy Nexus with similar connections to the mainboard and i have snapped them off trying to take out the board to replace my ear speaker
please let me know the tools and procedure so i can try to fix mine aswell without messing anything up
many thanks
Just to let people know.....
I managed to contact a Samsung phone repair outlet that asked me to bring the phone in.
The sold me the replacement volume buttons connector and fitted it themselves for the price mentioned above.
In hindsight given these guys deal with this sort of stuff every day best take it to an expert and that's what I did.
I'm at work and no access to a proper computer, so searching is a bit difficult at the moment. Would appreciate it if you guys could suggest some options for me
Basically my microUSB port has gone faulty, it won't stay connected to any of my 4 USB cables/chargers. It will charge for a bit, but then stop and make the disconnected sound, without being touched. Sometimes wiggling it can get it start charging again, but it needs to be repaired.
So, I need to unroot and put it back to stock. I'm concerned that trying to flash via Odin is going to end badly, if the port suddenly decides to disconnect itself from the computer in the middle of the process.
What should I do? I'm pretty new to Samsung, this is my first one, and I have heard about a mobile Odin - is this an option? If not, then what are my choices?
Thanks.
Bump.
Any ideas, guys/gals? I'm very reluctant to just try flashing a stock ROM through Odin, because I am almost 100% the USB will disconnect during the process. At the moment I have a working phone, and I don't want to change that to a bricked phone!
If there is no way to do this without a reliable USB connection, then does anyone know what Three UK are like when it comes to warranty repairs on modded phones? Do they even check if it's been flashed with custom firmware?
Use Mobile Odin
Glebun said:
Use Mobile Odin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, I found Mobile Odin, I'm gonna buy the pro version. Any "watch out for this" advice? I've literally only used desktop Odin once before, other than that I've just flashed ROMs through recovery....
setspeed said:
OK, I found Mobile Odin, I'm gonna buy the pro version. Any "watch out for this" advice? I've literally only used desktop Odin once before, other than that I've just flashed ROMs through recovery....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The same advice you get when you use the desktop Odin. I'd used it and no problems at all. GL
setspeed said:
OK, I found Mobile Odin, I'm gonna buy the pro version. Any "watch out for this" advice? I've literally only used desktop Odin once before, other than that I've just flashed ROMs through recovery....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeh mobile Odin should be fine, just make sure it has enough charge and you have done all the triangle away etc. you need first. I guess try and follow this guide but with mobile odin - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1911726 The unroot guide at the bottom should help
I think the voltage is too low. If you use usb extension cords or other chargers the voltages could get too low and the phone reduces the charging power so charging gets very slow. With a loose contact this is also possible. Try to unplug and plug in the phone.
Whoa guys. Hold your horses. Turn into repair? Never do that until its your last option. This problem isn't uncommon tho, and often its an easy fix as well. What it sounds like is a loose connection. So here's how to fix:
1)Turn the phone off. Its not nessisary but its better safe than sorry right?
2) Get something thin, a pocket knife works great, maybe a saftey pin might do the trick?
3) Locate the microUSB port, and since we are on a i9300 forum, its going to be on the bottom, easy to find.
4) Inside that port, is a panel thatsticks out, this has the gold/ metalic panels that connect with the gold/ metalic pannels on the charger that you try to plug in. There is a very small space bellow it, get your tool (knife / saftey pin) and GENTALLY pry up that pannel. Be ohhhh so careful of it, you really dont need much for it to work again.
5) Once satasfied, test it! Turn on the phone and connect it up for a charge/to the computer. It should be working like new.
This is common when you continuesly use the port. This happened to my old nexus s and was an easy fix.
If this doesn't work for you, it might be worth checking inside the phone. There are some good dissasembly guides on Youtube that an assist you. All you would then need to check is the connections the the MicroUSB port. If one appears damaged (which is kinda unlikely) then you may need to solder. If you feel uncomfortable doing that, then by all means, send it to Samsung.
Hope I helped. Any further questions your better of sending me a PM. Cheers!
WoodenAnts said:
Whoa guys. Hold your horses. Turn into repair? Never do that until its your last option. This problem isn't uncommon tho, and often its an easy fix as well. What it sounds like is a loose connection. So here's how to fix:
1)Turn the phone off. Its not nessisary but its better safe than sorry right?
2) Get something thin, a pocket knife works great, maybe a saftey pin might do the trick?
3) Locate the microUSB port, and since we are on a i9300 forum, its going to be on the bottom, easy to find.
4) Inside that port, is a panel thatsticks out, this has the gold/ metalic panels that connect with the gold/ metalic pannels on the charger that you try to plug in. There is a very small space bellow it, get your tool (knife / saftey pin) and GENTALLY pry up that pannel. Be ohhhh so careful of it, you really dont need much for it to work again.
5) Once satasfied, test it! Turn on the phone and connect it up for a charge/to the computer. It should be working like new.
This is common when you continuesly use the port. This happened to my old nexus s and was an easy fix.
If this doesn't work for you, it might be worth checking inside the phone. There are some good dissasembly guides on Youtube that an assist you. All you would then need to check is the connections the the MicroUSB port. If one appears damaged (which is kinda unlikely) then you may need to solder. If you feel uncomfortable doing that, then by all means, send it to Samsung.
Hope I helped. Any further questions your better of sending me a PM. Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but I don't think it's a good idea for me to start undertaking physical repairs on a six month old phone. I'll let Three Mobile do it or replace it.
By all means though check the first option in attempting to push the connectors up
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
I just got this old phone from my friend after he upgraded. It's a solid phone but I'm having 2 issues.
1. The power button doesn't have the nice clicking feel to it. I opened the phone up and discovered the power button was one that I have not seen before. Is this button soldered onto the board? I would like to replace it myself, I have tried looking up power button fixes but was not able to find any results with this particular button type. It's usually the ribbon cable type deal with the flat disk contact kinda deal. Any idea where I can find some instructions and the buttons themselves?
2. I have a problem with the phone not powering down. After shutting the phone down the phone boots right back up or the screen shows the charging animation. Also the screen never goes into sleep mode it only goes into the dim mode. I looked up this problem and it seems to be a common one, a problem with the micro usb slot. I ordered the whole usb slot and the board its attached to. My question for this one is how difficult is the install?
Sent from my SGH-T989
I just replaced the screen one of my i777's. I followed this great guide my LE55ONS on YouTube. It was for I i9100, but they are almost the same phone. Along the way in the video he explains how to replace everything in the phone, including the microUSB board and flex cable, which if i remember was a pretty easy fix. As for the power button, i would try maybe putting a little piece of paper or cardboard or foam or something inside the phone right next to the button, that might make it more ferm when pushed.
Hope this helped.
Here's the link to the video :
tps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65pvAINg2ME&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
Thanks for the reply, yes I saw the video too, it was helpful but that dang power button is so mushy it feels horrible. A little update though I was able to fix the micro usb port by cleaning it with a brush then bending the pins towards the screen, it appears that over time the row of pins gets pushed too far down and shorts the assembly. Power problems fixed but not the power button. Only place I can find that even has the power button repair service is mobiletechvideos
Sent from my SGH-T989
You might want to check the forums for your device, as the hardware between the I777 and the T898 are very different.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1329
Title says it all really. I dropped it, but it had the keyboard attached and closed, it didn't fall far. However, now it won't turn on at all. If I hold down the power button, it will vibrate for half a second after I hold it down for about 10 seconds, but it doesn't turn on. Nothing appears on the screen.
It's completely stock, not even rooted. Does anyone have ideas?
The LCD screen ribbon cable has mostly come loose. This happen to mine when my son accidentally dropped my prime. Easiest way to confirm this is if you have a micro HDMI cable. Just plug the tablet into a TV and see if you have a picture. If you do then it is the LCD ribbon cable. The battery sits right under the screen ribbon cable and all it takes it a drop and a shift movement of the battery and the cable becomes unplugged. Just take the back cover off the tablet using the updated videos on XDA on how to disassemble the tablet. I used a little pick and two credit cards. The back cover comes off pretty easy and it is real easy to do - REALLY EASY. You will then see the ribbon cable above the battery. Just plug it back in better and secure it with tape. Power on the tablet if you want to check your work. If it works then reverse the steps taken to open up the tablet and you are done. While your in there you can tighten up the "screen" screws if you have screen light bleed too. Hope this helps you.
tdang said:
The LCD screen ribbon cable has mostly come loose. This happen to mine when my son accidentally dropped my prime. Easiest way to confirm this is if you have a micro HDMI cable. Just plug the tablet into a TV and see if you have a picture. If you do then it is the LCD ribbon cable. The battery sits right under the screen ribbon cable and all it takes it a drop and a shift movement of the battery and the cable becomes unplugged. Just take the back cover off the tablet using the updated videos on XDA on how to disassemble the tablet. I used a little pick and two credit cards. The back cover comes off pretty easy and it is real easy to do - REALLY EASY. You will then see the ribbon cable above the battery. Just plug it back in better and secure it with tape. Power on the tablet if you want to check your work. If it works then reverse the steps taken to open up the tablet and you are done. While your in there you can tighten up the "screen" screws if you have screen light bleed too. Hope this helps you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you are right! I plugged in the HDMI cable and got a signal.
Now I'm going to try and take it apart. Wish me luck...You don't happen to have a link to the guide you spoke of do you?
Thanks!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1479664
This is the link (How to is disassemble your prime) I used. Worked like a charm to open the tablet up without destroying it up or marring it. Also look at the posts of replacing the screen. You can see the LCD ribbon cable in the pictures. Hope this helps.
tdang said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1479664
This is the link (How to is disassemble your prime) I used. Worked like a charm to open the tablet up without destroying it up or marring it. Also look at the posts of replacing the screen. You can see the LCD ribbon cable in the pictures. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
while you are in there, if you have poor wifi you may want to do this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=29685066&postcount=1085
It's fixed. Thanks again for the help!
Awesome, dude. Easy as pie thanks to the people on XDA .
Wow! Good going. Your a happy camper! Long live XDA....hoera
Sent from my MK16i using xda app-developers app
The power button on a samsung note 2 that I inherited fails to work. The phone was left outside and rained on so when I first got it the screen did not work and I thought it was going to be trash however after drying it out and properly cleaning it the device screen works now and it will turn on when plugged in. I have one of the dongles that forces the phone into recovery but the power button just plain does not work. I don't know what to do but I would like to be able to use this phone.
I've dismantled a few of these phones and once I ruined a power button while sliding the the tool past it to pop the case apart. The power button is part of another assembly but can be replaced. Any version of the phone (Sprint/ATT/etc) will use the same subassembly for the power button. If that is the problem, you can swap it out.
Otherwise, you may have corrosion issues. I have brought older "dumb" phones back by spraying the circuit boards w/electrowash cleaner, scrubbing w/a toothbrush, and blowing off with an air compressor. Be sure to remove all ribbon connectors and scrub both sides of the connector. Also: DON'T JUST SPRAY THE PHONE WITH THE BACK OFF! the electrowash will stay visible the display, so do this in a controlled manner.