Database Info

Hard-Bricked Hammerheads thread

My Nexus 5 died on me.
A few days ago, I woke up and connected my phone to the charger and went on with my daily routines. And when I checked the phone after half an hour, the phone was completely off. I tried to turn it on and tried all the key combinations, the phone showed no response at all; no Google logo, no bootloader, no TWRP, the screen was just completely off. I thought that it was the battery's fault as the phone was almost 2 years old and had been showing signs of depreciation. It doesn't even show anything even when I connect it to the charger, instead it heats up a lot during charging. So I took it to the service centre and the guys at the service centre told me that the motherboard had got fried and the only solution is to get a new mobo which costs 13,500 INR (200$). But, I don't want to spend that much fixing this device, I think its better to buy a new phone. I am planning to get something cheaper than the Nexus 5 with a not bad specification and good dev support (thinking about Moto G 3 and OPX).
Three of my friends also had bad experience with the Nexus 5.
One friend had the same issue, the phone died one day without any apparent reason. He is now using a YU Yuphoria.
The other two friends' phones just started bootlooping one day. Both those phones were not even rooted ( not the power button issue, they also had to replace the motherboards, but luckily their devices were under warranty back then, so they got it replaced for free). I think LG used cheap low quality components to make the Nexus 5.
What do you guys think could have caused this problem?

I had the same issue. I received a Nexus Device from a friend with a faulty wireless card. I know it was faulty because when I could get it turned on, it would never turn the WiFi adapter on.
What I did to fix it was, I ordered a broken Nexus off ebay. The screen was cracked and the guy tried replacing it but he f'd up the internals somehow. I swapped out the mother board which was easy and flashes stock Marshmallow and haven't had any problems since.

goku14238 said:
I had the same issue. I received a Nexus Device from a friend with a faulty wireless card. I know it was faulty because when I could get it turned on, it would never turn the WiFi adapter on.
What I did to fix it was, I ordered a broken Nexus off ebay. The screen was cracked and the guy tried replacing it but he f'd up the internals somehow. I swapped out the mother board which was easy and flashes stock Marshmallow and haven't had any problems since.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But that's just a small issue compared to mine :/.
Still a sign of cheap components.

yzak58 said:
But that's just a small issue compared to mine :/.
Still a sign of cheap components.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same thing would fix yours. If you buy one with a broken screen then just swap motherboard it would be cheaper than buying a mb replacement. I have the opposite issue with my wife's G2, motherboard is ok, but everything else, screen, battery, toast.

Display Screen is pixel or scrolls

Hi,
I have Nexus 5 and was running good with Marshmellow and suddenly one day the screen started scrolling up. Restart or factory reset did not help. While starting the boot logo was also corrupted and I use to get is display with random pixels lit with different colors, mostly white and red. So have tried different bootloaders and even downgrading to 4.4.4 but the issue is still there.
Called up Google and LG as well. Since device is not under warranty now, it is going to cost for repair. So would like to know if there is any solution to this problem before I try the repair or give on this device.
Appreciate any suggestions. Thank you,
Sandeep.

Was the phone ever dropped? It's possible that there is a loose connection inside the phone. I suggest removing the back and inspecting the phone's internal components and connections.
If everything appears fine, it could be A problem with the lcd of motherboard, neither of which is cheap to repair. I suggest trying to find a used nexus 5, either with a smashed screen and working internal components or one with a working screen and damaged internals to troubleshoot your own phone.

audit13 said:
Was the phone ever dropped? It's possible that there is a loose connection inside the phone. I suggest removing the back and inspecting the phone's internal components and connections.
If everything appears fine, it could be A problem with the lcd of motherboard, neither of which is cheap to repair. I suggest trying to find a used nexus 5, either with a smashed screen and working internal components or one with a working screen and damaged internals to troubleshoot your own phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not recollect dropping it. I would wait to see if any better option comes up. And will keep an eye for an broken Nexus to see if I can get the motherboard swapped. Thanks for ideas though.

Nexus 5 - trying to repair it. Screen? Other issue?

Hi
I am trying to fix my Nexus 5. Couple months ago I dropped a mug on the phone. The result: cracked screen. I ordered a new screen with the whole front housing so only thing I had to do was remove cracked screen with frame and replace it with new one. When I did it I turn on the phone but I saw only a short blink of the screen. After lots of attempts of I came to conclusion that I probably damaged the new screen or it was already damaged. So the screen is black. When I plug the phone to PC everything works perfectly. I can browse the memory etc.
I would like to ask you whether my conclusion is correct and the only issue is the screen which has been damaged by me or the seller.
One more thing is that when I charge the phone or it is attached to the PC beside the black screen I can not also see any light from notification led.
Best
micro

If the old screen can still display an image, move the parts back to the old screen to check for issues.

HI. Thx for reply. I don't remember whether cracked screen was functional in terms of displaying image. I will try to attache the old screen and will let you know.
Best

Nexus 5 Audio and Black Screen Issues

Hi everyone, I'm have an issue with my Nexus 5 and hoping someone here can tell me whats going on.
It started off with the sound always cutting out, and I have to press the back part near the "S" logo for it to return.
Eventually the screen would go black but I can clearly see a back light is on. Now not only does the sound cut out, and screen goes blank.
It has become very sluggish to reboot it. I hold the power button until the phone reboots "Google" logo appears and the android animation. Now during this time the phone will be so slow to the point of being crippled out and i have to reboot it again and again until it is normal speed returns. Often it will black out during this time.
I'm just trying to understand what is failing. I tried safe-mode and it still has the issue. I cleared cache, reset the phone everything, nothing appears to fix the issue at all.
edit: I forgot to add, when I'm on YT or listening to music or browsing the web, even though the screen is blank with just the back light on, the sound is still going (when it works). I get text/call notifications still during this time.
My Phone Details.
Nexus 5
Android version, 6.0.1 (MOB30Y)
no ROOT

No replies at all, I guess I may have to garbage the phone. Idk what else to do with this device to fix it.

Please don't throw it away.
You said that pushing at a specific spot fixes the problem (or improves the audio situation). This means that it's a hardware problem. I have disassembled it many times and I know the layout. Behind the 'S' of NEXUS is actually the motherboard cover, and under it are 2 connectors; one for the battery and one for an extra 'board' that is located right underneath the LG logo on your back cover. On that 'board' is your screen connector, and also the speaker rests on there, as well as the primary microphone, 3G and 4G antennas and of course the USB port. The connector for this extra board is actually located a bit to the left on the 'S' (when you look at your phone from the back, it's more below the camera).
Now I have to note this: While using my phone, I have experienced some UI hiccups. At random times (very rarely) everything would just freeze for a few minutes, though music would still play. The power button was useless apart from the hard reset, it was so badly stuck. This was a software problem, although it appeared MOST at one point when my motherboard was faulty. Since I got a new device, it happened again but only once. I'm not sure that this is what you are experiencing. If this is the case, then it's a software fault. Never happened on CM so you can give it a try.
But since it's probably a hardware problem, you can always check it out yourself. Obviously if you have warranty you are covered. Otherwise, you can try disassembling it, at least take the back cover and the motherboard cover off, it's ridiculously easy, there is a disassembly guide from ifixit (I think) online, just be careful not to break the clips of the back cover (xp talking). If you open it, keep away metal things and the first thing you do after you remove the motherboard cover is remove the battery (xp talking again). Obviously turn off the phone properly before you attempt anything. Everything is sensitive in there so be careful. What you should look for is the long connector that connects the extra board that is located at the bottom of the phone with the motherboard. That's what you are pushing so if it's not sitting correctly, then that's your problem.
Plus, everything in there, apart from the motherboard, is cheap and can be found on eBay so don't worry if something is broken (unless it's the motherboard, then no hope ).
I hope I helped.

Firstly thanks for the reply. I did manage to remove the back and get to the connector you were saying. I reseated this and noticed the phone was working much better. I noticed the following still.
When it starts acting slow/crippled pressing this connector fixes the issue. However once the screen goes black with just a backlight this method is rendered useless. Also sometimes when I plug in the wire to charge it will cripple and or go black. So I wondering if the board is shot as you suggested to order a new one, or is it the connector strip ?
Again thank you for the response.

It seems like this board is causing everything. First, check the connector on the motherboard. Make sure that nothing is wrong on the motherboard. Then you can remove the bottom black plastic thing that has the speaker on it and 2 antennas. Then, inspect this board. Check the connector of the display. There is only one big connector on it. This board is glued on the frame of the phone. You can remove it but do it carefully. Do it slowly so that you don't break it. First, remove the antennas extension cables from either this board or the motherboard, and then pull it out.
This board is definately responsible for the black screens and audio issues (unless your display is faulty, check its connector), but I'm not sure about the phone being sluggish. Since this board offers input to the motherboard, I suppose that it could be its fault.
Remove it and inspect everything. Then, if you want, you can order a new one. If you come across D820 and D821 models, I don't think that this part of the phone has anything to do with it so don't worry.

I will take a further look into this for sure, and report back. If you can provide which motherboard is required for my device, so I can also read into this and so that I may order it right-away. Is there any model number or something that indicates which board to order once it is open?
Thanks again!

omega59 said:
I will take a further look into this for sure, and report back. If you can provide which motherboard is required for my device, so I can also read into this and so that I may order it right-away. Is there any model number or something that indicates which board to order once it is open?
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to change the motherboard, not to mention it's very expensive and hard to find. What you need to replace is probably the flex cable that goes below the battery. For example this.
This is not model specific, you can use it with all available Nexus 5 models (D820/D821, 16/32GB) so it doesn't matter what device you have.
FYI, if you think that you should replace your motherboard (you probably shouldn't), you need to take into account the storage (16/32GB) and the network differences (D820 or D821, the only difference is about the 4G networking, the american version has some bands enabled and some others disabled, and vice versa)

Okay, I just ordered the replacement flex cable. It is going to take about a month before it arrives from HK , I hope it fixes the issues. I will respond to this post once it is here and installed. Thanks again.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/271660361300?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

omega59 said:
Okay, I just ordered the replacement flex cable. It is going to take about a month before it arrives from HK , I hope it fixes the issues. I will respond to this post once it is here and installed. Thanks again.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/271660361300?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in the meantime, pray it isn´t a motherboard issue, the conector can go bad and lose a few solder joints

I have exactly the same problem... I unmounted motherboard and clean everything but didn't help to much... did you find any solution ??

Siamer no solution just waiting for my delivery of the part. However it is getting worse with the blackscreens and crippled lag.

omega59 said:
Siamer no solution just waiting for my delivery of the part. However it is getting worse with the blackscreens and crippled lag.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my is the same. sometimes is working for few hours without any problems and than starting again, on the biggining it was power button problem but not I don't even touch that button (I use vol button to turn on) and sometimes screen getting black (with backlight on) and can't do anything so have to reboot... it's so anoying! Hope that parts will fix it, please let me know if you will find some solution. Today I will open phone and clean all connections etc...
Thanks,
siamer

I believe the part may fix it. I noticed if i run my finger along the strip the phone may uncripple itself or just turn black all together. I'm hoping it fixes it. I will report asap but this HK shipping is so slow it will be a month. Also there is no tracking
ATM i'am just trying to becareful with it trying not to trigger the issue. I just did an OTA update using FlashFire (6.0.1 (MOB31E) i wish v.7 will be available for my Nexus 5 ha ha!
Also if the Nexus 7p arrives I may just buy it to replace this Nexus5.

omega59 said:
I believe the part may fix it. I noticed if i run my finger along the strip the phone may uncripple itself or just turn black all together. I'm hoping it fixes it. I will report asap but this HK shipping is so slow it will be a month. Also there is no tracking
ATM i'am just trying to becareful with it trying not to trigger the issue. I just did an OTA update using FlashFire (6.0.1 (MOB31E) i wish v.7 will be available for my Nexus 5 ha ha!
Also if the Nexus 7p arrives I may just buy it to replace this Nexus5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Omega59.
Today I bought air compressed can(name: air dust) and open my nexus 5 as much as I could. I clean everything, every connector, every cable etc. and last few hours is working fine... even power button is working ok. I will let you know in next few hours how it will be, hope will be still ok
Good luck!
siamer
[edit]
there is still same problem, working better than before, black screen not showing so often but still showing... I think tomorrow I will order oneplus3... Would be nice wait to see new nexus but how... :/

Yeah I'm not sure when the Nexus 7p will arrive, they not even advertised much. I will assume next year?
OnePlus 3 looks nice, but compared to Galaxy 7 it's a bit better slightly. You should check out comparison charts
Maybe they are making a OnePlus 4 soon.

oneplus 3 already ordered. I don't like samsung. I would say nexus "7p" or "pixel xl" will be launch october as always prabaly 4th of october - leaks saing that... next oneplus will be launch around july next year as I know. the only phone that I was thinking about was oneplus, htc10 or new nexus but can't wait to see nexus...
today by excident I broke screen in my nexus 5, got a little bit angry
Regards,
siamer

omega59 said:
Siamer no solution just waiting for my delivery of the part. However it is getting worse with the blackscreens and crippled lag.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You probably don't want to hear this, but if it's getting worse, it's probably because of the pressure you apply to it, you make it worse. Be careful when you apply pressure around the motherboard since it's very sensitive. You REALLY don't want to break the motherboard. So if you find yourself pushing on the motherboard too often, you might want to leave it and wait for the replacement part so you won't ruin it.
Waiting for your news...

My part arrived yesterday. I put it in was pretty easy, however the first attempt i had to redo the top connector bc it was still black screen and no audio. After I disconnected the top connector ran some alcohol over it, re-put the top part things are working okay.
Just a note, the little USB connector (charger slot) seems to be very tight compared to the old one. Maybe bc it's new and not as worn down. But even just to put the wire in, requires more of a push, same with removing it.
I will see how it goes before I can really say that was the issue. I will report after a few days about it.

siamer said:
oneplus 3 already ordered. I don't like samsung. I would say nexus "7p" or "pixel xl" will be launch october as always prabaly 4th of october - leaks saing that... next oneplus will be launch around july next year as I know. the only phone that I was thinking about was oneplus, htc10 or new nexus but can't wait to see nexus...
today by excident I broke screen in my nexus 5, got a little bit angry
Regards,
siamer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think N7P will be out this year, they have not advertised anything and we are almost in Oct. Right now they are all rumors.

omega59 said:
My part arrived yesterday. I put it in was pretty easy, however the first attempt i had to redo the top connector bc it was still black screen and no audio. After I disconnected the top connector ran some alcohol over it, re-put the top part things are working okay.
Just a note, the little USB connector (charger slot) seems to be very tight compared to the old one. Maybe bc it's new and not as worn down. But even just to put the wire in, requires more of a push, same with removing it.
I will see how it goes before I can really say that was the issue. I will report after a few days about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I changed my screen and housing it was difficult to slide the USB connector in too. Just make sure that everything is in place, there is a rubber think for the microphone, maybe that's what's in the way. Don't stress the connector too much.

Moto G5. An input line of keys are not selectable on the phone. All other keys work.

Hi
My son recently gave me his old Moto G5 phone. The phones charging board was broken and the screen was very badly cracked all over (it had a screen protector) and was generally not in the best of condition.
My son had bought a replacement screen several months ago, but had not got around to trying it. The battery was also totally flat.
So he gave me the phone and I installed a new charging board and the new screen and charged the battery.
Unfortunately an area of the new screen does not respond to key input . This area is a line of keys towards the bottom of the screen (not the bottom though).
My son says that he had not noticed any such problem when he last used it (he kept using it until the battery went flat; he then purchased a new phone).
I've tried doing a factory reset. I've removed and re-connected the display cable onto the main board and these have not fixed the problem .
I am not sure what to try next :crying::crying:. I could purchase yet another screen in case this new screen has a fault (probably unlikely?).
Presumably it could be the main board (digitizer?)...How can I find that out?
Maybe I have done something wrong on the install, but seems odd that the rest of the screen (as far as I can tell) works ok. What might I have done to have caused this problem?
Has anybody got any useful tips as to what I could try. Seems a waist of a good phone, not to try and repair it.
Thanks for reading this.