USB connection, wear and tear - Captivate General

So after so many flashes of custom roms, kernels, modem, and etc.
Are you guys finding it harder for the micro-usb connector to actually get a tight fit into the phone? Mine's so loose that the slightest tug or movement will disconnect it from powering or connecting to my PC.
I slighlty fixed it with needle nose pliers , a more efficient fix anyone?

Im having the same issue
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Definitely noticed this too. I notice my usb cord after a minute of being plugged looks like it's coming out a little.

I actually don't have this issue. I don't know how much you guys flash but I am doing something daily beyond just charging. I don't move my phone around much when it is plugged in.

On my phone, thin plastic piece around the usb port is cracked and i sometimes confuse that with the sliding usb door and tries to close it until i looked down to notice that it's not the door that i'm trying to close

I've noticed this recently too (I've had mine since July). On mine, when holding the phone normally, if I push the cable toward the center of the phone and it comes loose. If I push it outward (toward the volume buttons), it doesn't really move.
If I open the usb door all the way, plug the cable in, then close the door *slightly*, it holds the cable a lot better. Not like it did when it was new though.
Has anyone diagnosed the cause of this yet?
Xstop said:
I slighlty fixed it with needle nose pliers , a more efficient fix anyone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What exactly did you do? I was a little hesitant to try bend anything - I didn't want to make things worse.

tdogz said:
-What exactly did you do? I was a little hesitant to try bend anything - I didn't want to make things worse.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I do not recommend doing it this way until other means are available, remember, ruin your usb connection = your screwed.
But it's the sides of the usb connection I'm trying to tighten up. Where it forms / \
Mines so loose, that if I do a simple reboot and move the wires too much it will give me the: ! to android guy pic.

If it's becoming loose its due to the plastic bezel around mini usb port. Eventually it will crack at where the door hinge has to pass through the part just before the door becomes secure when set to open position. Not sure if it's a plastic quality problem with a certain batch just order a replacement.
Secondly the usb cord supplied is not flexible at the handle for the miniusb connector. Flex it to much you will dislodge the data + - wires. Took it apart and inspected. You'll need to resolder to fix it.

MarlowXim said:
If it's becoming loose its due to the plastic bezel around mini usb port. Eventually it will crack at where the door hinge has to pass through the part just before the door becomes secure when set to open position. Not sure if it's a plastic quality problem with a certain batch just order a replacement.
Secondly the usb cord supplied is not flexible at the handle for the miniusb connector. Flex it to much you will dislodge the data + - wires. Took it apart and inspected. You'll need to resolder to fix it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that post
I have a question though: When you say order a replacement, do you mean a new phone or the little plastic bay that holds the charger?
I also bought this phone at launch, and I'm sure that means I am out of any kind of warranty.
UNLESS!
Is there a year warranty on hardware defects?

You're still under warranty (1 year). You'll have to deal with a AT&T DSC for replacement.

norcal einstein said:
You're still under warranty (1 year). You'll have to deal with a AT&T DSC for replacement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So does that mean I should back up with Titanium Backup and flash back to stock?

cracks
My cappy has 2 tiny cracks on the top of it. One where you posted ( between the charging port and the back of the phone ) and another between the headphone jack and the back of the phone. They are so small no one would notice them unless looking. Returning the phone would be too much of a hassle for me ( I'm lazy ).
My idea was if the plastic began to chip or crack anywhere else I would just buy a bodyglove case and voila - no more cracks. And I didn't have to talk with an AT&Tard to fix it.

daleaf said:
So does that mean I should back up with Titanium Backup and flash back to stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you actually have physical damage to your USB port to warrant a replacement phone, yes...I'd say flash back to stock.
If you're trying to address any problems you have with the USB slider door, I doubt they'll replace your phone. You'll probably have to have it sent in to Samsung for repair, and shipped back to you. Of course if your phone goes to Samsung, you had better flash stock.

norcal einstein said:
If you actually have physical damage to your USB port to warrant a replacement phone, yes...I'd say flash back to stock.
If you're trying to address any problems you have with the USB slider door, I doubt they'll replace your phone. You'll probably have to have it sent in to Samsung for repair, and shipped back to you. Of course if your phone goes to Samsung, you had better flash stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not the slider door. That is broken now too, but it isn't a problem for me. It is the USB cord won't stay in the charing port anymore. It is a bit of a hassle to wake up in the morning and my phone didn't charge.

For each usb wire that I use, I am now gently crimping the top and bottom of the usb connector to get a tighter fit. DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK THOUGH
It seemed to help me to get a tighter fit and now I don't have to check if the sucker is charging or not.
But yea, I was at the point where it would not charge my phone if I did not get it right, sucks I know.

Xstop said:
For each usb wire that I use, I am now gently crimping the top and bottom of the usb connector to get a tighter fit. DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK THOUGH
It seemed to help me to get a tighter fit and now I don't have to check if the sucker is charging or not.
But yea, I was at the point where it would not charge my phone if I did not get it right, sucks I know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^^^I also did that and it helps^^^
And, on the usb wires I use, there are little prongs, or tabs, that I gently pulled up with a tiny flathead screwdriver, actually a clean razor blade worked better... But I pulled those tabs up, and now I have a pretty snug fit.
And of course, do that at your own risk.

I started having this issue too where the lightest touch on the sides would bump it loose from the connector. In my case though I noticed that I did not have the door open completely all the way (yeah DUH). Once I pushed it completely open it fit much better.

Xstop said:
So after so many flashes of custom roms, kernels, modem, and etc.
Are you guys finding it harder for the micro-usb connector to actually get a tight fit into the phone? Mine's so loose that the slightest tug or movement will disconnect it from powering or connecting to my PC.
I slighlty fixed it with needle nose pliers , a more efficient fix anyone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have flashed a lot and my phone is repeatedly connected and disconnected from USB at my desk all day at work and my usb still fits snug. But about 2 weeks ago the little plastic sliding door started sticking as I was opening and closing it and yesterday it finally just fell out of my cappy. Bought on release day last July.

I had this problem too, but it was the cable, not the phone.
Got a new OEM cable off of Amazon, and now it's nice and snug. Maybe not 100% like new, but pretty close.
Because of the little metal hooks on them, Micro USB cables tend to wear out much faster than the Mini USB cables of old.

I swapped mine out last week for another refurb (number two) because of this. It got to the point that I had to make sure the cable was in precisely the right spot otherwise out wouldn't charge.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897

Related

[Q] “Loose" usb port?

Just wondering if anyone else's usb cable is a little bit "shaky" after being plugged in? I guess it's normal since i don't have any poor contact issue so far, but ...it's kinda annoying..
Sorry if you didn't notice it before but you do now
ye my last android did that too. after using the micro usb port a few times it gets "shaky"-er haha
NIKEstickER said:
ye my last android did that too. after using the micro usb port a few times it gets "shaky"-er haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ya all my phones with a micro usb port have eventually gotten this way...
futureaccount said:
Just wondering if anyone else's usb cable is a little bit "shaky" after being plugged in? I guess it's normal since i don't have any poor contact issue so far, but ...it's kinda annoying..
Sorry if you didn't notice it before but you do now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Epic 4G Touch is the same exact way. However, I never had this issue with my Evo. Wonder if its an issue with the ports on Samsung phones.
I have found taking a pair of pliers and adding some slight pressure to the end of the usb cable has helped tighten things up. Make sure you are squeezing the entire connector and not using needle nose.
promiseofcake said:
I have found taking a pair of pliers and adding some slight pressure to the end of the usb cable has helped tighten things up. Make sure you are squeezing the entire connector and not using needle nose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its funny that you mention that because the looseness seems to be more dependent on the actual USB cable than the port itself (at least on this phone) Luckily, I haven't had any real connection problems with my phone. However, after replacing the cable, it seems to fit more snugly. Either way, its a little odd that it the same cable will seem more loose in this phone, but fit just fine in my previous one (still have it as a spare).
I've been having this problem lately also. Thinking in was a bug in the rom or a bad cable, the problem persists and its getting worse to the point it constantly will connect and disconnect repeatedly. I'm thinking its the phone because I've changed cables, usb ports and it still does it. But sometimes it will stick normally. Wierd...
If you have even tried brand new cables (since your existing ones may be worn out), then I would say that the port on the phone is likely damaged. Looks like it may be time for a service center repair.
My SR is the same way. The mini usb cocksoff to the right. I've experienced the same with a few Motos. I've came to the conclusion it is the cables themselves. I have noticed that the two teeth on the male plug get kind of wore out or not even pop back out and furthermore eventually damage the female port to where the phone will cycle from power to no power. I've especially seen this with OEM cables. I also saw a thread here where the guy gives an awesome, detailed breakdown of a screen replacement. The site he links has the replacement chip with the mini usb port if you feel froggy...

[Q] LCD and touchscreen not working now after disassembly - Connector broken?

I took my TF700 apart last night as the digitizer was not working following a drop and assumed that a cable had come loose.
Anyway, made a mistake while doing it.
I could not disconnect the cables between the LCD and digitizer and the connectors.
I since realise that there is a small white bar that you flip up. I presume I have "broken" the connectors or something as the tablet works fine when plugged into HDMI, but I cannot use the digitizer and the screen does not come on.
Any suggestions? Most that I have found have suggested "throw away and buy again as spares too much", but wondered if anyone had a bright idea.
I have found why the digitizer was not working, there is corrosion over the SD card and around the top connector to the digitizer nearest the SD card slot. It looks like mositure/drip got into the slot and may have shorted something? I have cleaned off the surface debris as much as can.
Anyway this would not impact the LCD which still displayed (until connector concern.)
Following that, is anyone getting rid of their TF700 and would be interested in selling it at a sensible price?
Thanks
If you didn't pull that white bar off or break it, it could possibly be that you have not properly inserted the ribbon cable and fastened the connector. I would open it again and check this before I did anything else.
Most of them work like this:
Open it by pulling at each end of the white bar until it moves foward a little, then gently lift it to about 45 degeres and the cable slides out with a slight tug. Putting the cable back in is the reverse. That bar has to be loose and at about 45 degrees to get the cable back inside the connector. Make sure the end of the cable is in straight and close the connector. Cable should be tight and not come out if you gently tug it.
The OP here may be willing to sell a likely brick:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2769818
flhthemi said:
If you didn't pull that white bar off or break it, it could possibly be that you have not properly inserted the ribbon cable and fastened the connector. I would open it again and check this before I did anything else.
Most of them work like this:
Open it by pulling at each end of the white bar until it moves foward a little, then gently lift it to about 45 degeres and the cable slides out with a slight tug. Putting the cable back in is the reverse. That bar has to be loose and at about 45 degrees to get the cable back inside the connector. Make sure the end of the cable is in straight and close the connector. Cable should be tight and not come out if you gently tug it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the suggestions, I have tried that, but none of the 3 connectors (2 for digitizer, 1 for LCD) respond. I connected it to the HDMI, but cannot see the screen respondin to my finger (maybe that is broken also ha ha)
Is it more likely the connector, or cable is broken? I suspect connector pins to be honest. Abit small for me to see though.
Digitizer or Ribbon Cable or ZIF socket ??? How to tell ???
dilfred said:
Thank you for the suggestions, I have tried that, but none of the 3 connectors (2 for digitizer, 1 for LCD) respond. I connected it to the HDMI, but cannot see the screen respondin to my finger (maybe that is broken also ha ha)
Is it more likely the connector, or cable is broken? I suspect connector pins to be honest. Abit small for me to see though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Greetings!
Just curious how this problem worked out? I too have a TF700 with a working screen but no digitizer. Some time back during my first battery replacement (another story) I tried (we ARE a curious species you know) to open the ZIF socket for the digitizer cable (has twin, gold ribbons) and accidentally flipped the wrong side... needless to say it did NOT flip open. The black plastic top of the socket broke off exposing a little of the ribbon. Everything still worked fine so I counted myself lucky and closed her up and all was good.
Unfortunately I'm never willing to leave sleeping dogs alone and I attempted to replace the 2nd dud battery with yet another one (don't ever trust those "Brand New" eBay batteries)! This time I must have accidentally pulled on a ribbon cable a bit too much. When I closed up the tablet I ended up with a tablet just like yours... everything works great... just not with my finger! I opened it up AGAIN... to replace the original battery... you never can tell you know... while I was in there I tried reseating the digitizer cables (both sockets)... no luck.
So... now what... I'm hearing that some folks had their digitizers fail after about a year anyway... mine is two years old... so my digitizer COULD have just failed... or it COULD have been my messing with the ribbons and/or ZIF connectors. How to tell ??? Is there ANYTHING one can do short of ordering a replacement ZIF socket PC board ($25 eBay) and / or ribbon? With a two year old device I'm reluctant to spend much on repair... ASUS wanted $184 to fix it... and buying an eBay digitizer or ZIF board on the blind chance that one or the other is the problem seems a bit risky.... to say nothing about the chance of mucking up the heat separation of the LCD/digitizer! What's a digital explorer to do???
The only thing I was unable to determine was where does the forked golden digitizer ribbon cable GO on the glass end. Does THAT end ever come loose? How does it attach to the digitizer? Anything I could "fix" on that end?

Golden battery holder wire is cut. Need to turn on for recovery

Hi guys. This is gonna sound awkward. I'm having issues in my personal life and I was talking on whatsapp with brother when I got angry and threw my nexus. the screen is broken like colors and stuff and lines so I tries to turn the phone off by touching where the power off button appears on screen butI couldn't.
since I was angry I removed the back cover and cut the golden wire at the bottom point where it turn. I've tried turning it on by holding the cut ends but no luck. tried charger too but nope. All I wanna do is get into recovery somehow (TWRP) and dump my internal storage.
Thank you.
After some thought about your description.... I wonder if you have actually cut the main ribbon cable from the microphone/speakers/USB assembly this is the one that runs down the side of your phone. your best bet will be to purchase another cable assembly.. since you are dealing with a multi conductor ribbon cable.
I really doubt that you will be able to repair and re-connect the cable without some pretty highly skilled soldering ability.
The battery cable is very short and comes directly out of the battery itself... it is not likely that you actually cut it but did cut the main circuit cable. Too Bad, but this will be a real problem for a repair.
no joy... but you might want to investigate a reputable repair shop.
paultbear said:
After some thought about your description.... I wonder if you have actually cut the main ribbon cable from the microphone/speakers/USB assembly this is the one that runs down the side of your phone. your best bet will be to purchase another cable assembly.. since you are dealing with a multi conductor ribbon cable.
I really doubt that you will be able to repair and re-connect the cable without some pretty highly skilled soldering ability.
The battery cable is very short and comes directly out of the battery itself... it is not likely that you actually cut it but did cut the main circuit cable. Too Bad, but this will be a real problem for a repair.
no joy... but you might want to investigate a reputable repair shop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for replying. Yes indeed I cut the ribbon cable. I'm in no position of buying a new one. I guess I'm gonna take it to someone with high soldering skill. Before that I'm gonna try tape too
Xami said:
Thanks so much for replying. Yes indeed I cut the ribbon cable. I'm in no position of buying a new one. I guess I'm gonna take it to someone with high soldering skill. Before that I'm gonna try tape too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question: if this ribbon isn't battery wire then why the phone doesn't start
main connection cable ( do NOT cut)
Xami said:
Question: if this ribbon isn't battery wire then why the phone doesn't start
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That ribbon cable is the one that interconnects the working boards in your phone, Microphone, Speakers, buttons. Unlike the battery cable you probably won't be able to fix it... it is pretty much a replacement only part.
this part is called -- LG Nexus 5 D820 D821 Charging Port Flex Cable Dock Connector USB Port With Mic Microphone Flex Cable Repair Part (amazon.com)
you will have to source a supplier close to you... but the good news is that it is relatively inexpensive... Ebay has it listed for $10USD or so.
not trying to be the bearer of bad tidings... but I've spent 20 odd years repairing computers and associated devices. It is always best if you don't cut ribbon cables.

Strange metal brace (?) came out of the USB-C charging port

Hi guys!
I'm a fresh Pixel 2 user (and for now, I love the device), but a very strange thing occurred to me. I unboxed the phone, connected the cables to transfer the data from my old Nexus, and everything went smoothly, the cable connected easily and firmly. When I came home and wanted to connect the charger I noticed I can't push the USB-C cable in - it was getting stuck before being pushed completely, and the phone wouldn't charge. I looked closely into the charging port thinking that maybe some small debris was locked inside, but instead I've seen a crooked metal brace (closeup photo attached, the part was really small) that seemed loose and was blocking the connector to go fully inside. I didn't know what it was, but I used a toothpick to try to lock it in place or at least see if it's really loose, but upon touching it simply came out from the port and hit the floor.
The port now works flawlessly, it charges, it connects to the computer, nothing seems lose, the cable sits tight, and it looks perfectly normal to me. I checked some other USB-C devices I have if they have similar metal thing inside, but none does. The port now looks like all other USB-C ports I've seen.
I wouldn't expect anything to come out of the charging port in a new phone though. Would you have any idea what's the purpose of this metal brace in the Pixel's port, and what could've happened that it got detached from the port? Should I be worried or just throw it into the bin and forget?
I'd appreciate any clues and insights
Thanks!
M.
This looks like half of the metal usb shield inside your port. If you look deep inside there should be another half (or maybe it's fallen out). The purpose of this part is purely to reduce electrical noise at the point of the connector, so you shouldn't really see any charging issues with it out, although you may run into the occasional data transfer issue.
Thanks, that's reassuring I don't really see the second half, but everything is working smoothly so I will not be too bothered then.
Keep the part. The phone is faulty. If you don't have problems, wait until the warranty is nearly out and then RMA the phone to get a 'new' one
This exact thing just happened to my Pixel 2 phone. I hope I don't have any problems. I know this is an old post. Did it ever cause you any problems?
maticomp said:
Hi guys!
I'm a fresh Pixel 2 user (and for now, I love the device), but a very strange thing occurred to me. I unboxed the phone, connected the cables to transfer the data from my old Nexus, and everything went smoothly, the cable connected easily and firmly. When I came home and wanted to connect the charger I noticed I can't push the USB-C cable in - it was getting stuck before being pushed completely, and the phone wouldn't charge. I looked closely into the charging port thinking that maybe some small debris was locked inside, but instead I've seen a crooked metal brace (closeup photo attached, the part was really small) that seemed loose and was blocking the connector to go fully inside. I didn't know what it was, but I used a toothpick to try to lock it in place or at least see if it's really loose, but upon touching it simply came out from the port and hit the floor.
The port now works flawlessly, it charges, it connects to the computer, nothing seems lose, the cable sits tight, and it looks perfectly normal to me. I checked some other USB-C devices I have if they have similar metal thing inside, but none does. The port now looks like all other USB-C ports I've seen.
I wouldn't expect anything to come out of the charging port in a new phone though. Would you have any idea what's the purpose of this metal brace in the Pixel's port, and what could've happened that it got detached from the port? Should I be worried or just throw it into the bin and forget?
I'd appreciate any clues and insights
Thanks!
M.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
luisenriquereyes said:
This exact thing just happened to my Pixel 2 phone. I hope I don't have any problems. I know this is an old post. Did it ever cause you any problems?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, everything was fine with the phone afterwards - at least for that reason. I had to RMA it for failing display though after few months of use, so I no longer have that particular one. With the replacement the metal brace is still intact.

MicroUSB connector malfunction on Z5 (bad contact? liquid electrical cleaner?)

Hi all,
It's been two years I have been using my Z5 Compact, and the MicroUSB connector is hardly usable now.
I of course tried several cables.
It is very difficult to charge the telephone. I don't know exactly what the problem is. I tried cleaning with a dry air bomb (for keyboards etc.), but to no avail. Seems like a bad contact.
Is it possible to use electrical parts liquid cleaner to properly clean the USB contacts?
Anybody having the same experience?
MF
I had the same problem, usb cable didn't fit in entirely.
Culprit was a piece from the inside of my jeans pocket was pushed deep inside my usb port. It was pretty much stuck in there but once I got it out the problems where solved and I switched to magnetic usb cable to prevent this.
I got it out using very tiny pliers and a magnifying loupe.
Hope this helps..
Regards
Mine is going to die sometime, soon, too! i already bought a new one on ebay, laying ready to be installed here! In a couple of days i´ll take a hair dryer and then i´ll peel of the back cover and replace that broken connector
update: 17th of june!
Just wanted to tell you guys, it worked! I just replaced the USB Connector with the one i bought on Ebay, price was around 4 Euro or so, not much i think
It was rather easy, as i already own the needed tools (a very very small philips screw driver, and a tool to go underneath the back cover and a hairdryer)
took about 20 minutes or less!
Just use the hairddryer to heat up the back cover, then use the special tool (or a thin knife?) to loose the back cover and peel it off
then you have to remove 2 screws on the lower part, then you can remove some sort of a "bar" over the usb connector! next you have to lift the "motherboard" on the lower part (yes it moves down to the usb connector) but first disconnect the usb connector! then pull out the broken usb, shove the new one in and do all the above in reverse order!

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