I just bought a used Inspire without a volume button. I can easily "push" up and down by simply using a pair of tweezers. But I really hate to carry tweezers around with me, and I want to fix the problem.
Before I order a new volume button, I was hoping someone might be able to shed some light, based on the attached picture. Basically, I need to know if the "feet" on the replacement volume button are conductors that act as a jumper, or if they apply pressure to some additional conductor I might also be missing.
From the pictures I've seen of the replacement volume buttons, it looks like the "feet" are made of black plastic. I just hope I'm wrong, and it's some sort of metal conductor (thus making the repair simple).
Help is much appreciated!
BigMatza said:
I just bought a used Inspire without a volume button. I can easily "push" up and down by simply using a pair of tweezers. But I really hate to carry tweezers around with me, and I want to fix the problem.
Before I order a new volume button, I was hoping someone might be able to shed some light, based on the attached picture. Basically, I need to know if the "feet" on the replacement volume button are conductors that act as a jumper, or if they apply pressure to some additional conductor I might also be missing.
From the pictures I've seen of the replacement volume buttons, it looks like the "feet" are made of black plastic. I just hope I'm wrong, and it's some sort of metal conductor (thus making the repair simple).
Help is much appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try using a toothpick or plastic fork to test your question...
EDIT: Dont know if i need to but the reason for the test is the use of a non-conductive surface... If the volume works with said media, then the "feet" are gonna be rigid plastic...
tyler79durdan said:
Try using a toothpick or plastic fork to test your question...
EDIT: Dont know if i need to but the reason for the test is the use of a non-conductive surface... If the volume works with said media, then the "feet" are gonna be rigid plastic...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am Jack's sudden embarrassment.
What look like metal contacts are not at all. They are simply buttons. All the conducting is done beneath what's seen in the picture. The two end "holes" in the picture do nothing but secure the button. I was able to simply push on the either of the inner "holes" (buttons) with a toothpick to change the volume up/down. I guess the tweezers weren't doing anything special after all.
So now all I need is the replacement volume button. Great news.
Thanks for helping me see outside the box on this one!
My inspire 4g has lose the volum button. How to fix it? Need to open
The myTouch 4g is a good, reliable phone. When, rooted, it is even better. We happily flash ROMS away, without a care in the world. One day, however, your power button just stops working . Dread, fear, and despair right? Well there is hope! If your power button doesn't work, there are a couple of things you can do before you head for the wallet to spend big bucks on a new phone.
1. Send to HTC.
The most recommended thing to do is to check if your phone has warranty and send it in to HTC if it does. You can either call (preferable) or send in a e-mail. Remember, even if you are rooted and you send in you phone with a custom ROM, HTC will not charge you unless you remove the "VOID" sticker in the back. This is the painless, easiest method, with little effort required, *although you will have to survive without your phone for atleast a week (which was hell)
No warranty?
If your phone is out of warranty, or if you removed the VOID sticker for whatever reason and Dont feel like paying HTC $125 to fix it, there a couple of things you can do.
2. Jury-Rigging (self-fix method)
This method is for those that are comfortable opening up their phone and want to fix the power button for themselves.
*Tools: aluminum foil, Torx T5 screwdriver, small phillips screwdriver, safe-open pry tool.
This idea was inspired from XDA user jjbadd385 who mentioned in a thread I can't quite remember that he had turned on his phone by using aluminum foil to touch the actual power button underneath the outer casing. I recommend using this thread and video http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1591388 to safely open up the phone. Ofcourse, you wont need to dismantle the whole phone, all you need to do is remove the outer casing (black rubber thing the surrounds the edges of the phone). Just do the First step from the guide provided. BE CAREFUL not too lose a little spring that is located near the power button, without it your power button will feel like "its stuck", but the spring itself is NOT necessary to turn the phone on. You will then see your actual power button at the top of your phone. Now here comes the fun part. Using your eyes, and common sense, cut out a small piece of aluminum foil that is about roughly the same size as the power button. Using your hands or the pry tool, bend the aluminum so that it comfortably fits in that little square area directly on top of the power button. Now carefully put the rubber casing back, be wary of the aluminum falling out of place. It may take some patience, but it shouldn't be too difficult. If put correctly, your phone should now start up! Now your power button should work whenever you click it
***If for some reason it doesn't, there could be a problem with the actual ribbon itself (which would be unfixable unless u bought a new ribbon), but most likely the aluminum foil probably was not placed right or was moved putting the casing back on.
****If enough people request, I'll probably make of video/picture slides of the Jury-Rigging method, but right now I have to study for my Sociology test and I'm too lazy
*******************************************************************
Want to turn on your phone, but you don't have the tools for the Jury-rigging method and you need your phone NOW?
If you are UNROOTED: (this method is untested by me) From doing a quick google search, there have been people who have turned on their myTouch 4g by simply connecting the phone to the charger and immediately holding the HOME button for about 5-10 seconds. Some have had success with this, but personally, It has not worked for me.
If you are ROOTED and your phone has these things:
Clockworkmod Recovery 5
ADB debugging enabled
You must have adb debugging already enabled on your phone or else this will not work! Even though the phone is powered off, commands somehow still go to the phone!
Make sure to set up ADB on your computer (there are multiple guides in XDA)
-Then simply connect your phone to your computer, open your terminal. Check to see if your computer reads your device by running this command:
Code:
adb devices
If your computer reads it, then you'll be all set!
Then, run the command:
Code:
adb reboot
Give me lifeee! Your phone should then reboot!
THANKS
to jjbadd
to repairsuniverse for the excellent video/instructions
to my myTouch 4g. Its a love/hate relationship
to anyone else i somehow forgot
and to XDA --sharing is caring
**** Please Give "thanks" if I helped revive your phone and please donate to my college books fund!!
I want to add that underneath the outer case, and sitting on top of the flex ribbon, is a very very small piece, that adds that "spring" to the outer button itself, & it falls out of place. Mine did, and to my suprise, when I opened my phone, I apparently lost it because it was nowhere in sight. Also, I have a 4ext recovery image, that was compiled specifically for me by madmaxx82, that when I flashed it, I can power my phone completely down, then plug in the charger, & it will automatically boot up into recovery. I then select "reboot" and it reboots my phone normally. It's a neat little utility, that keeps me from cracking my phone open.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium
jjbadd385 said:
I want to add that underneath the outer case, and sitting on top of the flex ribbon, is a very very small piece, that adds that "spring" to the outer button itself, & it falls out of place. Mine did, and to my suprise, when I opened my phone, I apparently lost it because it was nowhere in sight. Also, I have a 4ext recovery image, that was compiled specifically for me by madmaxx82, that when I flashed it, I can power my phone completely down, then plug in the charger, & it will automatically boot up into recovery. I then select "reboot" and it reboots my phone normally. It's a neat little utility, that keeps me from cracking my phone open.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, I too lost the spring as well! good catch!!
I too use to do pretty much the same thing (plug-in the phone to turn it on) But now with the aluminum foil in-place inside the phone, I can use the power button whenever!
Thanks again for the insight about using aluminum foil!
Alternate material option
I had a similar issue with my power button and came to this solution also but instead of aluminum foil I used a piece of disposable aluminum cookie sheet because it was thicker and has some spring in it. I started with aluminum and it didn't work so well - I think the aluminum foil deforms too much to work reliably over multiple operations.
But if you can get your phone replaced by the carrier or manufacturer do it because these things aren't made to be repaired.
mytouch4g-user said:
I had a similar issue with my power button and came to this solution also but instead of aluminum foil I used a piece of disposable aluminum cookie sheet because it was thicker and has some spring in it. I started with aluminum and it didn't work so well - I think the aluminum foil deforms too much to work reliably over multiple operations.
But if you can get your phone replaced by the carrier or manufacturer do it because these things aren't made to be repaired.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good call, the cookie sheet was certainly tougher, but not much of a big difference i guess.
Thank for the tip
And yeah, HTC seriously f'ed p with the power button in this phone. It was just desined pretty much to fail evntually lol.
Hey man would you be so kind to sharing that little piece of genius with me/us? Im one of the unfortunate ones that has this problem. PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
jjbadd385 said:
I want to add that underneath the outer case, and sitting on top of the flex ribbon, is a very very small piece, that adds that "spring" to the outer button itself, & it falls out of place. Mine did, and to my suprise, when I opened my phone, I apparently lost it because it was nowhere in sight. Also, I have a 4ext recovery image, that was compiled specifically for me by madmaxx82, that when I flashed it, I can power my phone completely down, then plug in the charger, & it will automatically boot up into recovery. I then select "reboot" and it reboots my phone normally. It's a neat little utility, that keeps me from cracking my phone open.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
elivaldez84 said:
Hey man would you be so kind to sharing that little piece of genius with me/us? Im one of the unfortunate ones that has this problem. PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check your PM. I'll try to help anyway I can. If anything re-read the guide
Thank you so much! Foil method worked perfectly when I thought my phone was doomed.
This idea was inspired from XDA user jjbadd385 who mentioned in a thread I can't quite remember that he had turned on his phone by using aluminum foil to touch the actual power button underneath the outer casing. I recommend using this thread and video http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1591388 to safely open up the phone. Ofcourse, you wont need to dismantle the whole phone, all you need to do is remove the outer casing (black rubber thing the surrounds the edges of the phone). Just do the First step from the guide provided. BE CAREFUL not too lose a little spring that is located near the power button, without it your power button will feel like "its stuck", but the spring itself is NOT necessary to turn the phone on. You will then see your actual power button at the top of your phone. Now here comes the fun part. Using your eyes, and common sense, cut out a small piece of aluminum foil that is about roughly the same size as the power button. Using your hands or the pry tool, bend the aluminum so that it comfortably fits in that little square area directly on top of the power button. Now carefully put the rubber casing back, be wary of the aluminum falling out of place. It may take some patience, but it shouldn't be too difficult. If put correctly, your phone should now start up! Now your power button should work whenever you click it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone would not turn on after I dropped it on a hard floor for at least the hundredth time (Silly name aside, I LOVE this phone for its durability and the fact that I bought it almost 2 years ago and its features are still on par with most phones out there!!). I had almost bought a new phone earlier in the day before trying one last time to find a solution online. I am so glad I found this post!
I used the foil method, although I didn't have a torx 5 handy, I was able to safely pry the frame apart enough to access the power button and put some foil on it. I am pretty sure I lost the spring before I even attempted the fix. There was also a small amber plastic square with a small metal bump in the center covering the switch poles - seemed like it might have once had to do with powering on the phone, but I took it out and now the phone powers on fine with the foil.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING!!!
jjbadd385 said:
I want to add that underneath the outer case, and sitting on top of the flex ribbon, is a very very small piece, that adds that "spring" to the outer button itself, & it falls out of place. Mine did, and to my suprise, when I opened my phone, I apparently lost it because it was nowhere in sight. Also, I have a 4ext recovery image, that was compiled specifically for me by madmaxx82, that when I flashed it, I can power my phone completely down, then plug in the charger, & it will automatically boot up into recovery. I then select "reboot" and it reboots my phone normally. It's a neat little utility, that keeps me from cracking my phone open.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should share that recovery image
I lost it. I asked him for it again and he sent it..but it don't work for me now. However if u email madmaxx82.. tell him what u want, I'm almost positive he will oblige. He a really cool dude. I've since put foil under my button and its working great.
Sent from my Dark Unicorn Ressurected HTC Glacier
I bought the MT4G used so I just want to confirm, is there only one "void" sticker located beneath the micro SD card slot? Thanks
dinhhviet said:
I bought the MT4G used so I just want to confirm, is there only one "void" sticker located beneath the micro SD card slot? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, should only be one. Sorry for the late reply!
Thank you so much!! I thought that was the end of my phone...but good thing I had it rooted and guess I had left on ADB was able to install ADB on my laptop and recover my phone!!! Just have to make sure it's always charged
lmt125 said:
Thank you so much!! I thought that was the end of my phone...but good thing I had it rooted and guess I had left on ADB was able to install ADB on my laptop and recover my phone!!! Just have to make sure it's always charged
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since I had to do this for myself last month, I thought I'd throw in a couple of little things I gathered from the process.
- My symptoms were that my power button would not 'register'. It had less feedback and gradually grew harder and harder to activate until eventually I couldn't get it to work at all. Other than a couple of small drops, I hadn't put it under any serious stress. I did the cable-boot thing for a while (in combination with a sleep button app), but eventually got tired of it and decided to pop the case open.
- You absolutely need a T5 screwdriver, and they can be a little tricky to find (many driver sets don't go down past T7). Home Depot has a generic driver set that does include a T5 bit. The safe-pry tool is optional (you can use a small, flat screwdriver head if you are _careful_).
- My phone was never serviced, so the third T5 mentioned in the guide is under the VOID sticker at the bottom of the back. Once you take those three screws out, you can use your fingertips to make a gap between the front bevel and the rubber, then pry _gently_ to loosen the clips.
- Once you have released all the clips, the construction of the power button assembly looks like this:
Button -> piece of film -> metal disc (this is the 'spring' mentioned in the guide) -> ring-shaped contact on body
In my case, the film and disc had somehow slipped off-center, making it so that I couldn't make it hit the contacts. In this case, all I had to do was line everything back up again (film over button, disc over contact with concave-ish end facing the contact so it 'springs') and carefully clip it all back together. Now my power button works like it did on day one. Obviously this fix won't work if you actually have a flex cable break, but I have a feeling that most people who don't throw their phones around may have this sort of slippage occurring over time, and the fix might be simpler than you think*!
* - unless you break something disclaimer disclaimer disclaimer
tuxkamen said:
Since I had to do this for myself last month, I thought I'd throw in a couple of little things I gathered from the process.
- My symptoms were that my power button would not 'register'. It had less feedback and gradually grew harder and harder to activate until eventually I couldn't get it to work at all. Other than a couple of small drops, I hadn't put it under any serious stress. I did the cable-boot thing for a while (in combination with a sleep button app), but eventually got tired of it and decided to pop the case open.
- You absolutely need a T5 screwdriver, and they can be a little tricky to find (many driver sets don't go down past T7). Home Depot has a generic driver set that does include a T5 bit. The safe-pry tool is optional (you can use a small, flat screwdriver head if you are _careful_).
- My phone was never serviced, so the third T5 mentioned in the guide is under the VOID sticker at the bottom of the back. Once you take those three screws out, you can use your fingertips to make a gap between the front bevel and the rubber, then pry _gently_ to loosen the clips.
- Once you have released all the clips, the construction of the power button assembly looks like this:
Button -> piece of film -> metal disc (this is the 'spring' mentioned in the guide) -> ring-shaped contact on body
In my case, the film and disc had somehow slipped off-center, making it so that I couldn't make it hit the contacts. In this case, all I had to do was line everything back up again (film over button, disc over contact with concave-ish end facing the contact so it 'springs') and carefully clip it all back together. Now my power button works like it did on day one. Obviously this fix won't work if you actually have a flex cable break, but I have a feeling that most people who don't throw their phones around may have this sort of slippage occurring over time, and the fix might be simpler than you think*!
* - unless you break something disclaimer disclaimer disclaimer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the input!
I bought a used sensation 4g week or so back. Opened the cover, something fell off, I didn't pay much attention and lost it. By the time I realised it was the spring, it was too late using a light sensor software at the moment to lock/unlock the device.
Is the foil method for the above issue? How can the foil create the spring effect. Hmm I guess I'll have to try out for myself though the sensor is working fine too but this post gives some hope.
In the process of dissecting my retired inspire, I somehow managed to cut the ribbon cable that connects to the little pcb with the volume switches. Is that a part that can be replaced workout replacing the whole digitizer & such assembly?
If so, can someone recommend a good source for parts?
Thanks
See here for disassembly and make your own mind up if its possible http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfatoeWbMRk
OMGMatrix said:
In the process of dissecting my retired inspire, I somehow managed to cut the ribbon cable that connects to the little pcb with the volume switches. Is that a part that can be replaced workout replacing the whole digitizer & such assembly?
If so, can someone recommend a good source for parts?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly, the ribbon cable for the volume buttons is joined with the camera lens, the part you need lays underneath the motherboard, which takes up quite a lot of the surface area of the phone, luckily though, the part is quite cheap, you can use the video above to help.
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk 2
So there is this thin plastic-ish strip on top of the button ic but under the physical button, just open your back cover and you'll have an idea of what i am talking about, it has this black center and is goldenish color the rest.
So, I was opening the cover and that 'thing' from the power button and volume + button fell off, I didnt pay much attention, but now those 2 buttons wont work on there own, still I can get them to work by opening the cover and using something pointed, so as far as the IC or the chip or whatever it is, is still fine.
I need some suggestions on some makeshift ideas on how to fix it so the buttons will work with the cover on. Also if possible, anybody know if the mobile guys fix it and how much it costs? Dont worry about where you live, I just want to have a rough idea I dont like walking in to a mobile mall and feeling all dumb
Thanks in advance, and the other thanks you'll all receive anyway for helping
Fas1h said:
So there is this thin plastic-ish strip on top of the button ic but under the physical button, just open your back cover and you'll have an idea of what i am talking about, it has this black center and is goldenish color the rest.
So, I was opening the cover and that 'thing' from the power button and volume + button fell off, I didnt pay much attention, but now those 2 buttons wont work on there own, still I can get them to work by opening the cover and using something pointed, so as far as the IC or the chip or whatever it is, is still fine.
I need some suggestions on some makeshift ideas on how to fix it so the buttons will work with the cover on. Also if possible, anybody know if the mobile guys fix it and how much it costs? Dont worry about where you live, I just want to have a rough idea I dont like walking in to a mobile mall and feeling all dumb
Thanks in advance, and the other thanks you'll all receive anyway for helping
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you can easily fix it yourself if you are a bit smart. Just try to stick a box shaped paper tape at that place where the plastic broke off from.
Cut tape in a small rectangle. Then cut that rectangle into many small pieces of same size and form a small rectangle. Then stick them to the place where "that thing" came off.
You can also use a double end sticky tape but usually the thickness is defined so I am not sure if that will help.
HTC Sensation is an old phone however, you should easily find old bodies/ new cases to replace your current body.
Good Luck
Thanks my explorer had a similar problem Its original back cover's buttons worn off, so I folded up a piece of paper and stuck it there and used a cover over the worn out back case. With sensation there is no way to make the paper stay in the same place, i didnt think of paper tape or double sided tape, will give it a shot.
I just managed to resurrect my black Skyrocket by replacing the power button. Unfortunately, the seller, despite insisting his buttons were compatible with the i727 (I was specific), sold me buttons that were too small. Specifically, while they fit the SMD pattern on the board, and work electrically, they weren't as deep as the old buttons.
I was able to superglue a bit of plastic from the old button to the inside of the power button case piece and file it down with a Dremel tool. With a bit of effort, it feels brand new, and works great, but it was "fun" to say the least.
In hindsight, I wished I had checked before removing the old button...
ive read it is a pia to solder on the button, true?
vincom said:
ive read it is a pia to solder on the button, true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not a beginner project, that's for sure. I am fortunate enough to know a good solder tech at my job, and he described it as "not that bad"
The biggest problem is the through-holes that anchor the button to the board. They are a pain to get the solder out of. Followed by the fact that the button pads are slightly recessed, like a DFN, so you need a pretty fine tip.
I'd say that unless you either know, are are, an experienced solder tech, get it done professionally.