Hello all,
I recently replaced the battery on my Xperia ZL as it was showing signs of death . After replacement, the power button no longer functions. I want to note that the power button had previously given me issues as it has become harder to depress it to make it work. There is a good chance the power button was damaged when I replaced the battery.
Before I move forward in trying to repair the power button I am curious if there is a way to repurpose some of the other buttons, mainly the dedicated camera button, to take the power button's place. I tried conducting a search on this forum but did not find anything.
Thank you all for your help!
srawas89 said:
Hello all,
I recently replaced the battery on my Xperia ZL as it was showing signs of death . After replacement, the power button no longer functions. I want to note that the power button had previously given me issues as it has become harder to depress it to make it work. There is a good chance the power button was damaged when I replaced the battery.
Before I move forward in trying to repair the power button I am curious if there is a way to repurpose some of the other buttons, mainly the dedicated camera button, to take the power button's place. I tried conducting a search on this forum but did not find anything.
Thank you all for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is possible, but could be tricky... The power button on ZL is part of the flex cable (FPC Side Key, Part #1261-9757), together with the volume buttons and the IR transceiver. The camera button is part of a different flex (FPC Camera key PBA, Part #1265-3974). The good thing is that the buttons are micro-switches soldered to those flex cables, and not integral parts of them. So, rewiring them is relatively easy, but may not be a trivial task if you are not handy with microelectronics. Keep in mind that if you screw up, you may have to replace not one, but two parts (both side key and camera flexes). Give it a try, if you are an adventurous type, and have proper tools, but you may want to consider just replacing the flex. Here is one example where you can find it online. The photo also gives you a good idea of what those buttons actually look like.
Thank you for your reply. You mentioned that the power button and the volume buttons are on the same flex cable, would it be easier to repurpose one of the volume buttons instead? I do not want to reopen my phone again as the phone works fine now barring the power button issue.
srawas89 said:
Thank you for your reply. You mentioned that the power button and the volume buttons are on the same flex cable, would it be easier to repurpose one of the volume buttons instead? I do not want to reopen my phone again as the phone works fine now barring the power button issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without looking closely at that flex, and understanding how the conductors are routed, it's impossible to tell... If I was doing it, it would make a little difference to me whether it's the same flex or different one, as long as I can solder a thin wire to a switch (button). But honestly, it doesn't seem to be worth the effort, since replacing the flex is not expensive. I know I would be able to do what you are contemplating, but if I had the same problem, I would just order the part. My second option would be to dig through my electronics scrap bin, and try to find a micro switch of a similar size to replace the power button...
kt-Froggy said:
Without looking closely at that flex, and understanding how the conductors are routed, it's impossible to tell... If I was doing it, it would make a little difference to me whether it's the same flex or different one, as long as I can solder a thin wire to a switch (button). But honestly, it doesn't seem to be worth the effort, since replacing the flex is not expensive. I know I would be able to do what you are contemplating, but if I had the same problem, I would just order the part. My second option would be to dig through my electronics scrap bin, and try to find a micro switch of a similar size to replace the power button...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the only way to repurpose a button would be to solder something onto the flex cable, there is no method via software to reconfigure a different button as the power button?
srawas89 said:
So the only way to repurpose a button would be to solder something onto the flex cable, there is no method via software to reconfigure a different button as the power button?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jeez... Looks like I totally took it the wrong way, focusing on a hardware solution only. Talk about tunnel vision... The only software way to remap the buttons that comes to mind is to use Xposed Additions module. I haven't used it for a very long time, and can't tell you for sure what it can do to remap the power button, so you'll have to research it, or just try it out. But keep in mind that this remapping, if it works, will only be in effect after both Xposed framework and the module itself initialize.
Related
I have an HTC Evo I am working on for somebody. Their power button is broken off at the motherboard. Short of telling them to just replace it, or trying to find a working motherboard to salvage with a clean ESN, I was wondering if there is a way to boot this phone from the computer so I can get the power button remapper app for them?
I checked the HTC Sync software, but nothing good there. I have been searching around to no luck. Pretty much wondering of there is an adb command I am missing that will power on from USB connection.
I haven't played much with the board in the Evo but are there any jump pins, like on the motherboard of a computer, where you can close the circuit between them with a screwdriver and have the device power on?
HA! Thanks for the idea... wasn't thinking that simply! I actually attached two wires to close the connection and it cut on.
At this point I might just wire in a replacement button for them. They liked the idea of a toggle switch you flipped open and closed to turn the device on.
Another phone resurrected! I am still amazed at how sturdy some of these Android phones can be. The EVO is very service friendly too which helps.
Thanks again for the idea.
Hi guys,
I recently dropped my phone on concrete, resulting in a nasty crack across the screen. Last night I received the new LCD/Digitizer and went ahead and replaced the screen (I opted to replace the LCD as well due to the copious amounts of glue used between the two parts). After many curse words were shared, I put it back together again and everything works perfectly... except Wifi.
I was wondering if anyone has had a similar issue, and where I should start looking to fix this? I took the cover off again to check both white (wifi?) cable and black (bluetooth?) cables, and both were connected as they should be.
Any help would be very much appreciated!
Tim
Go back through and check every wire and hook up. That's all you can do.
- hit my thanks button if i helped you -
hukel56 said:
Go back through and check every wire and hook up. That's all you can do.
- hit my thanks button if i helped you -
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, thanks for the reply. I went through it on Saturday very carefully looking for any wire or contact that was loose and unfortunately everything was correctly attached. I did notice that the bluetooth and wifi wire plugs on the lower board were *very* close to each other, so they may well have touched and caused a short. After checking everything over and reassembling the phone, wifi still didn't work I also checked bluetooth and that won't work either, so perhaps my suspicions about the wires contacting is correct.
Note to anyone else doing a repair on this phone: Be very careful that the wifi and bluetooth plugs don't touch each other. It's very easy for them to rotate around in their socket and contact each other. I'm not sure if this caused them to fail in my phone, but it could certainly be the reason why both no longer work.
Cheers
Did you seperate the wires...and did that work.
hukel56 said:
Did you seperate the wires...and did that work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, I separated the wires and still no luck :/
I also removed the wires just to see if it would at least turn allow me to turn on the wifi, but all it says is "error" in the wifi settings and I can't turn wifi on no matter what I try.
I have exact same problem: after LCD replacement wifi fails with ERROR. Also sometimes no reaction to POWER button - no power off menu neither LCD is off/on. Don`t expect any wires or so i could accidentally damage.
Solved
After dissasembling phone again i found that flex cable has not good connection to mainboard. I pressed connectors, felt some "click", reassembled phone and after booting everything is ok:
wifi, bt, volume buttons, leds while charging operating well. Attaching picture. The connectors are located right under sim card and micro sd card slots, you have to remove full mainboard and flex cable to fix that. Cheers!
juzis28 said:
After dissasembling phone again i found that flex cable has not good connection to mainboard. I pressed connectors, felt some "click", reassembled phone and after booting everything is ok:
wifi, bt, volume buttons, leds while charging operating well. Attaching picture. The connectors are located right under sim card and micro sd card slots, you have to remove full mainboard and flex cable to fix that. Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's really interesting. Thanks for the info. It's odd that the phone even functions if the flex cable might be loose. I may have a look and see if this is the problem too when I get a chance.
Yes, phone operate, but really weird behavior - some functions worked, some not, sometimes no reaction to power on button and so on. Hope this helps someone.
juzis28 said:
Yes, phone operate, but really weird behavior - some functions worked, some not, sometimes no reaction to power on button and so on. Hope this helps someone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm. I wonder if my issue is the same. I have experienced absolutely no odd behaviour other than wifi + bluetooth not working. Everything else works as it used to. GPS actually seems to work better haha. There are two flex cables so perhaps one of them does those two things.
TimHawker said:
Hmm. I wonder if my issue is the same. I have experienced absolutely no odd behaviour other than wifi + bluetooth not working. Everything else works as it used to. GPS actually seems to work better haha. There are two flex cables so perhaps one of them does those two things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you haven`t found any other damage: wires, pcb, then most probably your issue is related to exact flex cable. Yes, here are two contacts where flex cable connects to m/b, its clearly seen on photos i attached. My problem was both flex cables become loose...
You're a real man. I would have paid someone to fix my screen.
DIY makes you a real man? lol
- sent from a flux in space -
juzis28 said:
After dissasembling phone again i found that flex cable has not good connection to mainboard. I pressed connectors, felt some "click", reassembled phone and after booting everything is ok:
wifi, bt, volume buttons, leds while charging operating well. Attaching picture. The connectors are located right under sim card and micro sd card slots, you have to remove full mainboard and flex cable to fix that. Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My WiFi (and Volume Keys) stopped working after I dropped my phone.
After reading your solution I removed the SIM/SD-Cover and just by pressing from outside, the cable snapped in.
No disassembling, not even a reboot! My DHD works like on it's first day!
Thanks!
Guys, my beloved galaxy nexus, had a power button problem. I opened up the phone, cleaned up the power but... I didn't figured out that the volume button was soldered to the mainboard. I just forced it and then noticed the sh*t I made. I think the power contacts we're taken apart with the solder.
So, if I send my phone to the Samsung Technical Assistance, there is still hope that it will be fixed or I f**** up my volume button forever?
I'm should never, EVER, open up this phone. I'm feeling a total crap right now.
I just ordered an electronics solder kit and a new flex cable (these are like $5). Going to try to fix it myself.
zmattmanz said:
I just ordered an electronics solder kit and a new flex cable (these are like $5). Going to try to fix it myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, did you manage to fix it? i also accidentilly pulled the volume flex cable off the main board when changing my USB charging port. i tried sticking the cable back on with sellotape, obviously didnt work!!
i'd appreciate if you can update with your attempt
dcsworld said:
Hey, did you manage to fix it? i also accidentilly pulled the volume flex cable off the main board when changing my USB charging port. i tried sticking the cable back on with sellotape, obviously didnt work!!
i'd appreciate if you can update with your attempt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I fixed half of it. The down volume button works but the top does not, so I will make another attempt at this week or next. First, these connections are super small -- I didn't have a set of helping hands or magnifying glass to see the connections as well as I should. Second, I'm pretty sure my solder was too thick -- it has to be a pretty small diameter.
I'll probably be able to fix it after my helping hands, flux and small solder arrive. Try it if your handy. I had never solder before and now realize I should have warmed the connection then apply the solder (vs. doing both at the same time).
zmattmanz said:
Well, I fixed half of it. The down volume button works but the top does not, so I will make another attempt at this week or next. First, these connections are super small -- I didn't have a set of helping hands or magnifying glass to see the connections as well as I should. Second, I'm pretty sure my solder was too thick -- it has to be a pretty small diameter.
I'll probably be able to fix it after my helping hands, flux and small solder arrive. Try it if your handy. I had never solder before and now realize I should have warmed the connection then apply the solder (vs. doing both at the same time).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i tried and failed. i too got the volume down button to work, but then went back in to try fixing the volume up button, ended up damaging the whole area, melted all the soldering points and none of the solder is sticking anymore. My first time soldering too, was worth a try!
dcsworld said:
i tried and failed. i too got the volume down button to work, but then went back in to try fixing the volume up button, ended up damaging the whole area, melted all the soldering points and none of the solder is sticking anymore. My first time soldering too, was worth a try!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah glad to hear I'm not the only one. I'm not sure why the volume up key connection is difficult to repair. It's pretty usable -- just vol down and then turn up the volume with the slider.
Unfortunately I accidentally dropped my Mi Max earlier today and some of the casing came loose. When I tried to put it back on, the volume buttons came off the circuit board pads because of the poor design on the rocker switches on this phone.
Does anybody know if I should just be able to solder them back on again? Also are the buttons any different or should I just be able to solder one to each pair of pads? It seems crazy that they would break off so easily tbh.
Actually from looking around it seems like this is a common problem and it's just a ribbon cable. Hopefully it should just be simple to replace the whole cable then if the buttons can't be re-attached. Normally I wouldn't worry as much but this is my main phone and I use it for pretty much everything these days.
BloodRose said:
Actually from looking around it seems like this is a common problem and it's just a ribbon cable. Hopefully it should just be simple to replace the whole cable then if the buttons can't be re-attached. Normally I wouldn't worry as much but this is my main phone and I use it for pretty much everything these days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have some abilities you should be able to solder it back(I've done it a lot before with a lot of different devices),anyway it's not the end, you can control the different volumes through settings or using an app for volume control.good luck.
Sent from my MI MAX using Tapatalk
Albertkuba said:
If you have some abilities you should be able to solder it back(I've done it a lot before with a lot of different devices),anyway it's not the end, you can control the different volumes through settings or using an app for volume control.good luck.
Sent from my MI MAX using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the super quick reply.
Fortunately the power button remains in tact but I don't have a spudger with me atm so I've removed the microSD/Sim tray and pried the case away on the volume/power side for now so as not to stress the power button any further.
I've ordered a replacement ribbon which should hopefully arrive in a few days and I can try to resolder the buttons back to the pads tonight as an interim fix. There is a soldering iron here at work but I think it's too high wattage and wouldn't be up to the task tbh.
So I finally tracked down the bootlooping problem with my phone. It is the power button is stuck pressed on. I have ordered a new flex cable for the power button and volume keys, and my phone is currently disassembled, but I cannot find any guides/videos on how to replace this flex cable.
Does anybody have a link to such a video? I am hopeful this fixes my phone.
Cheers,
B.D.
This happened to me recently. Believe it or not, I fixed it by cleaning it. The issue is dust/ dirt getting stuck in between the button.
You can try repeatedly pressing the button fast.
If that doesn't work, try pressing it super hard.
If that doesn't work, try hitting it (gently!) Against a table (impact on the power button)
Finally, if that doesn't work - and this is what fixed it for me - take a small piece of paper and stick it in between the power button and clean it by moving that around. As much as you can.
Tell me if any of these worked.
BostonDan said:
So I finally tracked down the bootlooping problem with my phone. It is the power button is stuck pressed on. I have ordered a new flex cable for the power button and volume keys, and my phone is currently disassembled, but I cannot find any guides/videos on how to replace this flex cable.
Does anybody have a link to such a video? I am hopeful this fixes my phone.
Cheers,
B.D.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to find out how to repair it here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_V0X5sR3Nk
https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Google+Pixel+3+XL+Teardown/113656
bobbyphoenix said:
You should be able to find out how to repair it here.
https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Google+Pixel+3+XL+Teardown/113656
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had checked that site. Nothing about removing the power and volume buttons. I suspect that one has to carefully separate the flex cable from a metal support, and then one could unscrew the metal support. I will do a teardown once my new power button and volume buttons flex cable arrives.
Cheers,
B.D.
BostonDan said:
I had checked that site. Nothing about removing the power and volume buttons. I suspect that one has to carefully separate the flex cable from a metal support, and then one could unscrew the metal support. I will do a teardown once my new power button and volume buttons flex cable arrives.
Cheers,
B.D.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, I received my new flex cable and installed it. Easy peasy. I did have to remove the previous flex cable/button.
There is a metal bar for support when you push the buttons with three screws, on pointing vertical and two pointing horizontal. Because the button flex cable gets bent over the support bar, you have to either carefully remove the flex cable from the support bar, or cut the flex cable around the two horizontal screws. Once removed from the body, a sharp knife is needed to remove the glued buttons from the support bar. Fairly easy to pop them off with a sharp knife.
Finally, due to an error in the system I had to wipe and lose my data partition. But all seems to be well now. I'm not closing up the phone just yet, as I have a new battery coming on Monday and I want to replace the current battery before I close it up fully.
Hope this helps anybody else.
Cheers,
B.D.
Wow this issue happened to me ages ago and I posted about it. It fixed itself but I knew it was something to do with the power button.
BostonDan said:
So, I received my new flex cable and installed it. Easy peasy. I did have to remove the previous flex cable/button.
There is a metal bar for support when you push the buttons with three screws, on pointing vertical and two pointing horizontal. Because the button flex cable gets bent over the support bar, you have to either carefully remove the flex cable from the support bar, or cut the flex cable around the two horizontal screws. Once removed from the body, a sharp knife is needed to remove the glued buttons from the support bar. Fairly easy to pop them off with a sharp knife.
Finally, due to an error in the system I had to wipe and lose my data partition. But all seems to be well now. I'm not closing up the phone just yet, as I have a new battery coming on Monday and I want to replace the current battery before I close it up fully.
Hope this helps anybody else.
Cheers,
B.D.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My wife's P3XL just started doing this last night... Planning on ordering the parts & tools today to do this myself. Any additional tips for me or pics/vids of the process you took while you were doing it?
FlyOnTheWall43 said:
My wife's P3XL just started doing this last night... Planning on ordering the parts & tools today to do this myself. Any additional tips for me or pics/vids of the process you took while you were doing it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No pics or vids. Recommend buying plastic razer blades to separate the back. Be careful of the fingerprint sensor connector. I ended up breaking mine.
I used a heat gun to hear up the back glue and then worked the plastic razer blade around the body. It was painful to do, but it all worked out.
Good luck.
Cheers,
B.D.