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solution for defy earpiece problem (for device not under warranty)

I fixed my defy earpiece problem which was getting dead again and again.
I found that there is a defect in the design of speaker.
Connection point on the speaker is so tiny and is not sufficient to make good and reliable contact with main board.
Solution:----
Dont do this unless you are good confident that you can reassemble the device and ready to take risk.
take a small piece of aluminum masking tape cut it in two tiny pieces and apply those pieces on both the speaker's connection point and you are set.
reassemble your phone and enjoy..
Important :---Defy's speaker is stick on front housing proper care is required while removing it.
Disassembling video of defy MB525
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uSH1UuEOvI

still thinking of getting one...but it scares me knowing the problems..
good video!

the earpiece problemis solved in newer batches of the phone.
its pretty unlikely to buy one that still has the issue.
and even if you get so unlucky, its covered by the warranty.

Motorola did no recall of affected stock and there is still plenty out there with faulty earpiece.

SimboXXX said:
Motorola did no recall of affected stock and there is still plenty out there with faulty earpiece.
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Click to collapse
With a possible faulty earpiece.
I've got one of the "old" models and been using it for 3 months now - and the earpiece is still working like a charm.

Also using an "old" defy for three months now - no problems yet.

for the ones using old defy without problem.. one question.. have you used the wired handsfree headset? cause some say that it caused the earpiece connector to fail..
I myself haven't used my wired handsfree. with the consequence of unable to use the fm radio..

arixal said:
for the ones using old defy without problem.. one question.. have you used the wired handsfree headset?
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Click to collapse
Like, basically every day, yes.

btw, on our russian disscussion board we found that earpiece is replaceble with sony-erricson's earpieces with lightly moding. phone is still sealed from water earpiece itself could not surviwe after swimming )

@feroz2u
Thank you
@Fedor,
What type of SE earpieces might be compatible with defy after a little modding ?

Mine is also 3 months old and have no problem so far. But I'm really curious as to exactly when they began shipping the re designed stock of defy. I want to know if the earpiece failure is still potential in my defy.
Sent from my MB525 using Tapatalk

mute
activating and deacticating the mute button solved the problem on my device. i will report if that holds after a few phone calls in the next days. can somebody else confirm this solution?

i can confirme that this was the first method i used before sending the device to Motorola, it works only a few days this way, the tendence is that the problem will grow up more and more.

mine allso had some problems with the earspeaker after a good wash under the tap. the sound was very low. but after 5 minutes it worked just fine.
some body else had that problem?

Lemark said:
Mine is also 3 months old and have no problem so far. But I'm really curious as to exactly when they began shipping the re designed stock of defy. I want to know if the earpiece failure is still potential in my defy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a long thread about this on the Motorola support forum for the Defy. The official advice buried in there is:
If you remove the battery you should see a label inside the battery compartment with a bar code and the words "Made in China". If the characters above "Made in China" include "BTxx" or "BFxx" then the phone should not be at risk of suffering the earpiece problem. Alternatively, if there is a blue dot on the label then the phone should also not be at risk.
Note that I say "at risk" - not having "BTxx" or "BFxx" or a blue dot does not mean that your phone is broken. My phone does not have any of those reassuring markings but the earpiece has been fine so far, touch wood.
Bear in mind that there can be other reasons for the earpiece to fail, over and above the known fault which Motorola have acknowleged. So even a phone not in the "at risk" batch can still go wrong for other reasons eg mistreatment, or a one-off manufacturing error.

Semseddin said:
@feroz2u
Thank you
@Fedor,
What type of SE earpieces might be compatible with defy after a little modding ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sony ericsson K550i

feroz2u said:
Sony ericsson K550i
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Click to collapse
I got a K850 speaker from ebay and it works better than before
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA Premium App

ovu85 said:
mine allso had some problems with the earspeaker after a good wash under the tap. the sound was very low. but after 5 minutes it worked just fine.
some body else had that problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There was just some water in the earpiece hole blocking the sound. Same can happen with the microphone hole.

my defy was supposedly one of the 'fixed' ones and it was broken brand new out of the box!

rubjonny said:
my defy was supposedly one of the 'fixed' ones and it was broken brand new out of the box!
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Click to collapse
As the saying goes: sh!t happens.
That would have been down to a manufacturing fault, and the retailer would have been legally obliged to replace it immediately, or offer a refund (Sale of Goods Act). It wouldn't have been a Motorola warranty issue.

[Q] Nexus One main microphone repair/replacement?

Hi all,
I've recently had a crash - my N1 fell out from my pocket while climbing (stupid, I know..) - cracked screen, all that.. I've managed to replace the digitizer without big problems, but I have a more serious issue: the main (built-in) microphone stopped working and now I have to use the headset for every call
I've sent it to HTC service and they said the motherboard needs replacing and wanted me to pay 300$ for it..
Since it's quite a lot for a microphone, before buying the new one (at least 200$ for tho mobo alone) or sending it again to the HTC guys for repair, I'd like to ask you if there is anybody who had anything to do with those microphones or issues similar to mine.
The microphone itself is a small gold rectangle-shaped thing glued to the motherboard, but I cannot make out any markings on it (there seems to be something written on it, it's just not readable any more). It seems to be exactly the same as the noise-cancelling one near in the upper part of the phone. Of course, before cutting or soldering anything I'd like to know as much as I can..
So.. the questions are:
Has anyone repaired a thing like that or managed to replace a microphone on Nexus One motherboard? How could this be done?
Does anybody know where I could buy a microphone that would match?
I know it's a long shot (and a long post ), but I figured it's worth a try to look for somebody who might have some insight.
Thanks in advance,
Kuba
P.S. Could anyone move this question to Q&A, please?..first post gone wrong..

you could just buy a new one for under 300$ on ebay or a used one for less than 220 for everything new If something like that is messed up its not worth fixing, too much work

hitmanre,
thanks for the reply, but...
As I said, I figured the part on buying another mobo (or a broken N1 for parts) on my own.
I was just curious - from a DYI perspective - what's going on on the board and what's actually broken around the microphone.. If it was only the microphone then it should be easy enough to replace - but if it's a crack somewhere in the inner layers of the board, then bummer..
In fact, I opened my N1 again yesterday and cut the mic out...curious thing is that there seem to be only one connected soldered part between mobo ant the mic.. Could anyone explain how a microphone could work with a single connector? there doesn't seem to be any ground connection anywhere..
If I have some time, I'll post photos - but no sooner than in a week - going on vacation
See you,
Kuba

I have the same problem, and I live outside the service coverage area. I've had my Nexus One since May 2010, so it was more than one year old. It's really sad to quit such a really nice phone just because it can't make phone calls. It seems that nobody here in Lima know how to repair a N1. And I'm so afraid to open it...

I have seen 2 of these phones with the same issue. one mine and second a customers. and I have tried replacing the mic headset jack (headset jack can short out audio) and still nothing. mic works with loudspeaker but not in normal mode with earspeaker.

ok today I was able to get my hands on a working nexus. and swapped the upper flex and that fixed it.
the only thing is that we ordered this part from one of our sources to fix a power button (which is on the same part) and it had this issue. so I had to replace it again

blevinski said:
ok today I was able to get my hands on a working nexus. and swapped the upper flex and that fixed it.
the only thing is that we ordered this part from one of our sources to fix a power button (which is on the same part) and it had this issue. so I had to replace it again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also have a problem with the mic suddenly not working and working again suddenly. So it must be a damaged flex since the phone has a dent on the upper left part of it.

[Q] Anyone else with a buzzing earpiece?

I bet I'm not the only person with this problem, but I have a brand new Sensation with a buzzing speaker. I've taken the cover off and looked for hairs in the grille and whatnot, to no avail. I even took off the protective sticker to see if that helped anything... nope.
The problem gets worse as the volume goes up.
I bought this from of someone on Craigslist who was selling a couple of them, new in box (he had bought them at Wal-Mart). Should I contact HTC?

zakool21 said:
I bet I'm not the only person with this problem, but I have a brand new Sensation with a buzzing speaker. I've taken the cover off and looked for hairs in the grille and whatnot, to no avail. I even took off the protective sticker to see if that helped anything... nope.
The problem gets worse as the volume goes up.
I bought this from of someone on Craigslist who was selling a couple of them, new in box (he had bought them at Wal-Mart). Should I contact HTC?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. It should be coveted under warranty irregardless of where you bought it from as the device itself is only a month old. They do not need proof of purchase
Swyped from my HTC Sensation Pyramid using my thumb and eyes

Thanks -- Talked to both HTC and T-Mobile.
HTC said they would repair it if I sent it in. T-Mobile said that I needed the phone to show up on my account (I only bought it last night) before they could determine warranty info, and that I'd be better of getting the receipt (which I don't have) and taking it back to the store it was purchased from.
However, I took the liberty of taking the back casing off, taking the speaker protective sticker off, and blowing some air into the speaker area. That seems to have fixed the problem and it looks like I won't have to send them the phone after all.

I also have a buzzing noise. A first device I had was producing such a strong buzzing that I asked for an exchange. The second one is only producing this noise on certain calls and gets worse when increasing the volume. I an also wiling to try to clean buy I fear to void warranty by removing the sticker.

The sticker comes off very easily with a razor blade and is very easily replaceable. Remember, you're only removing a grille speaker, not the "void" sticker. Nobody could possibly be any the wiser.

zakool21 said:
However, I took the liberty of taking the back casing off, taking the speaker protective sticker off, and blowing some air into the speaker area. That seems to have fixed the problem and it looks like I won't have to send them the phone after all.
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Click to collapse
Have not solved the issue for me.

Takeshi_Kintaro said:
Have not solved the issue for me.
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That is very bad news. I was hoping that was the solution.

Crap, I swapped a pretty good working sensation having dust for a sensation having no dust but with a massive buzzing noise when having a conversation. Right now, I hate htc.

eadred said:
Crap, I swapped a pretty good working sensation having dust for a sensation having no dust but with a massive buzzing noise when having a conversation. Right now, I hate htc.
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+1 1234567890

So, I will return my third sensation because of the buzzing problem. My shop is going to hate me so bad. On the other hand, no really my fault, is it?
But I will certainly not take another sensation for now. I will check back in a few months if htc has fixed the issues. I have no use for a phone that cannot make phone calls properly!
Can't believe htc is making such sophisticated devices, but is unable to make the mere phone function work properly.

I noticed my earpiece makes a light crackling noise when in phone calls. It does get worse with increased volume. I am going to deal with it for now and see if for some reason it gets better. I REALLY dont want to have to try and return my phone because I just returned another one and I dont want to be one of those people that abuses the warranty system.

Getting a buzzing on my new Sensation earpiece when on the phone, gutted right now. Just contacted HTC.

Sending my phone back, after 5 days, i can't stand it any longer!

Also have this problem... I'm going to try and replace it tomorrow
I hope they won't give me a refurbished one... I just bought mine on Saturday...

I noticed the buzzing yesterday. I have only had the phone for 3 days. I imagined I would be the only one having this problem. I don't have any problems returning the phone. I haven't returned one before, but I don't think I should have to settle for a brand new phone that can't perform its most simple function.

have the same problem ....

I replaced the phone today, after A TON of arguing with the store clerk... They were trying to make me send the phone to HTC warranty service, but in the end they gave in.
The new one only exhibits this problem moderately at the loudest speaker setting. Below or at medium it is not noticeable.
Overall I'm pleased with the outcome

so if this is a common issue
if I send my phone to the repair center how are they gonna repair it ...
Also the spare parts must be broken...

Not all of them are like that...Odds are you'd get a "better" device

Just got my Sensation today and am having the same issue: distortion at all volume levels - it sounds almost like a blown earpiece. I will probably end up exchanging it soon as I cannot stand the noise during calls.

[Q] crackled/annoying speaker sound

Hi im new to the sensation.
I just bought a sensation and i was happy about a good deal.
But later on when i tested the phone i did notice one problem,
the phones front speaker is makeing a crackled/annoying sound during calls.
I have a hard time hearing people some times, i did read some threads about people having this problem. But nothing that actually helped me, some say they flashed a new rom and all solved and some say they took the plastic or something from the speaker. Anyone here that had this problem and has just simply replaced the speaker, and then if it has worked like charm efter?
//Virtualxp

You could download an RUU which is official htc. Run it and if it fixes problem, great, if not, RMA

What is ruu and Rma? What do they stand for?
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda app-developers app

Rom Update Utility and Return Material Authorization. Google is your friend.

Ok so i tried Skype after reading some, and the sound in skype was pretty good didn't notice the crackled so much sound there. I have made a hard reset but that didn't solve it, took the backcase off and polished the the copper plate that pushed into the holder of the simcard and that made the sound better to. Could it maybe be the back case? someone with a idea =)?
//Virtual

Screen Replacement hardware issues now?

I had my screen replaced by a local shop. The phone worked fine even with spider web cracks. They damaged a cable supposedly to do with the sim card in the process. They ordered the parts and I got it back 2 days ago. Since I got it back GPS no longer works. It seems to see satellites, but won't lock. Also, the phone ear piece and mic don't work-it will work on speakerphone and bluetooth. Google voice search doesn't work-mic doesn't have signal. Is there a diff mic on headset vs speakerphone, thats odd?

Take it back, tell them to fix it some more!
Seems like they still don't have it right...

sonicshaman said:
I had my screen replaced by a local shop. The phone worked fine even with spider web cracks. They damaged a cable supposedly to do with the sim card in the process. They ordered the parts and I got it back 2 days ago. Since I got it back GPS no longer works. It seems to see satellites, but won't lock. Also, the phone ear piece and mic don't work-it will work on speakerphone and bluetooth. Google voice search doesn't work-mic doesn't have signal. Is there a diff mic on headset vs speakerphone, thats odd?
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Click to collapse
Two mics. For sound cancelling. I even saw this on the m7. Mic only worked on speakerphone on the one I saw.

OK, so this mic situation could be hardware. Thx.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk

sonicshaman said:
OK, so this mic situation could be hardware. Thx.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
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Yep....one on the bottom of the phone and one on the back of the phone to the left of the cameras.

I just wanted to try to learn what I could about it. It's going back, it's useless to me now. I just hope they are capable of fixing it. Big mistake bringing it here. Unfortunately HTC's customer service was not so good, no one ever got back to me, I would have rather sent it back to them.

sonicshaman said:
I just wanted to try to learn what I could about it. It's going back, it's useless to me now. I just hope they are capable of fixing it. Big mistake bringing it here. Unfortunately HTC's customer service was not so good, no one ever got back to me, I would have rather sent it back to them.
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Sorry man. Just out of curiousity where is here?

Thanks, just dropped it off again, hopefully they will fix. I'm in Orange County, NY.

The nightmare continues. Just in case there are any locals here, it's at a place called CPR (cell phone repair). They are a franchise, apparently reviews are sketchy all around. I wish I checked this out beforehand. Apparently they have no idea how to fix my phone and just keep ordering parts from Taiwan that take forever to get here supposedly. We've contacted their corporate office to complain, but so far to no avail. I'm at the point where I'm just going to go in and take it back and buy another used one somewhere. Then I will go to the BBB, review on every site I can find. Arggghh!

Sell as is, or fix and sell? OK got my phone back, it's got a fresh screen and some internal bits. The top (ear) speaker is not working. They told me they were waiting again for parts, I decided to pull the plug on that. Phone is totally functional otherwise. I bought a used one in the meantime while all this has gone on. Does anyone have interest in buying as is? Should I try to take it somewhere else, or send back to HTC to fix?