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Can't get into download mode

First I want to say I love this forum.
I believe I have a unique problem. I searched around on forum and couldn't find my issue.
My infuse is completely unmodified, I haven't rooted or flashed any roms. My phone suddenly restarted today and now it just keeps flashing the "SAMSUNG" logo on the screen over and over every 2 seconds. I tried putting it into download mode but the problem is once I put the battery, it automatically turns on ... So theres no time for me to do the sequence. I'm not sure how else I can get it into download mode. I have all the odin software and stock roms from the other threads.
Any help would be greatly appreciate. Thanks for help in advance.

D4rkL1ght said:
First I want to say I love this forum.
I believe I have a unique problem. I searched around on forum and couldn't find my issue.
My infuse is completely unmodified, I haven't rooted or flashed any roms. My phone suddenly restarted today and now it just keeps flashing the "SAMSUNG" logo on the screen over and over every 2 seconds. I tried putting it into download mode but the problem is once I put the battery, it automatically turns on ... So theres no time for me to do the sequence. I'm not sure how else I can get it into download mode. I have all the odin software and stock roms from the other threads.
Any help would be greatly appreciate. Thanks for help in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried holding both volume buttons as the power cord is inserted? Lol sorry i had to laugh at myself.

D4rkL1ght said:
First I want to say I love this forum.
I believe I have a unique problem. I searched around on forum and couldn't find my issue.
My infuse is completely unmodified, I haven't rooted or flashed any roms. My phone suddenly restarted today and now it just keeps flashing the "SAMSUNG" logo on the screen over and over every 2 seconds. I tried putting it into download mode but the problem is once I put the battery, it automatically turns on ... So theres no time for me to do the sequence. I'm not sure how else I can get it into download mode. I have all the odin software and stock roms from the other threads.
Any help would be greatly appreciate. Thanks for help in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, its been a while since I've troubleshot on stock but, here goes. If you can't get download mode,(Pull battery, reinsert, hold both VOL +/- while plugging in USB) try this first:
Make sure the device is off.
Power it up and repeatedly tap the far left soft key until the phone boots.(now i'm not 100% sure, but I think the ATT bootanimation has to show up first before tapping, but trying won't hurt)
If that doesn't work you could try a hard reset: (Warning, this WILL erase all data)
To make my life easier, I'll just link the how-to's lol:
LINK
LINK
Now these have slightly varying methods, so I linked both. Good luck!

Hopefully you have already fixed the problem by now, but one other thing to consider is the possibility that the USB port is messed up. This can happen pretty easily on these phones if you use a USB cable other than the one that came with it. It is possible for the phone to get confused and think that there is a cable plugged in even when there isn't. I have this problem with one of my Infuses and it causes the exact same symptoms you have described. I usually just plug in the original cable and wiggle it around a little, then unplug it and try it again.
In my case the problem started when I unknowingly plugged a Logitech USB cable covered in mustard into my phone. Don't ask how it got there because I sure as heck don't know. All I can say is I now keep my cables away from my three year old.

I tried all those suggestions and it didnt work, please keep in mind that once I put my battery in it AUTOMATICALLY turns my phone on. Theres no way for me to have it off with the battery in. So I cant hold the buttons down while its off and then plug it in. Or do recovery mode or anything. I am using the cable that came with the phone.
Also, all it does is the samsung logo comes on the screen for 2 secs then goes off for 2 secs and that process repeats for eternity... When I plug it in the battery charge meter starts to come up and then the screen goes black, and then that repeats the same way ...
Before you guys suggest to take it back to AT&T i already did. They said it needed to be reflashed ... So they tried, and told me that they couldn't even do it because it was messed up so bad. And they said they couldn't replace it because I have a small crack in my screen EVEN THOUGH he told me that he knows that isnt related to the problem! Are you kidding me? Great way to treat loyal customers ... AT&T are cheap bastards.

D4rkL1ght said:
I tried all those suggestions and it didnt work, please keep in mind that once I put my battery in it AUTOMATICALLY turns my phone on. Theres no way for me to have it off with the battery in. So I cant hold the buttons down while its off and then plug it in. Or do recovery mode or anything. I am using the cable that came with the phone.
Also, all it does is the samsung logo comes on the screen for 2 secs then goes off for 2 secs and that process repeats for eternity... When I plug it in the battery charge meter starts to come up and then the screen goes black, and then that repeats the same way ...
Before you guys suggest to take it back to AT&T i already did. They said it needed to be reflashed ... So they tried, and told me that they couldn't even do it because it was messed up so bad. And they said they couldn't replace it because I have a small crack in my screen EVEN THOUGH he told me that he knows that isnt related to the problem! Are you kidding me? Great way to treat loyal customers ... AT&T are cheap bastards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try these steps.
1. switch off the phone.
2. remove the battery.
3. connect the phone to computer (without battery)
4. press both volume up and down buttons.
5. put the battery and wait to open in download mode.

Yeah I have the same problem, and it is my first and only att phone without an upgrade till 2013. If you figure out how to fix it please tell me.

please give a solution to dis problm i'm facing the same problem
whenever i'm inserting the battery with out pressing the power button my infuse switch on's and go on repeating the samsung logo....

prudhvi11 said:
please give a solution to dis problm i'm facing the same problem
whenever i'm inserting the battery with out pressing the power button my infuse switch on's and go on repeating the samsung logo....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried doing what is said in this thread?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium

Crinkypops said:
Have you tried doing what is said in this thread?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i had done it while trying in ur manner it goes into the charging mode and keeps restarting....
---------- Post added at 05:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:34 PM ----------
D4rkL1ght said:
I tried all those suggestions and it didnt work, please keep in mind that once I put my battery in it AUTOMATICALLY turns my phone on. Theres no way for me to have it off with the battery in. So I cant hold the buttons down while its off and then plug it in. Or do recovery mode or anything. I am using the cable that came with the phone.
Also, all it does is the samsung logo comes on the screen for 2 secs then goes off for 2 secs and that process repeats for eternity... When I plug it in the battery charge meter starts to come up and then the screen goes black, and then that repeats the same way ...
Before you guys suggest to take it back to AT&T i already did. They said it needed to be reflashed ... So they tried, and told me that they couldn't even do it because it was messed up so bad. And they said they couldn't replace it because I have a small crack in my screen EVEN THOUGH he told me that he knows that isnt related to the problem! Are you kidding me? Great way to treat loyal customers ... AT&T are cheap bastards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm facing the same problem
had u got any solution for dis one...

My sister had the exact same problem with her phone.
take battery out. insert USB cable, hold both Vol Up/Down, insert battery.
If not use a USB Jig
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rdn5GoRjhn0
and don't use the culprit charger/Usb cable that threw your phone into this mess!

hey XDA my infuse is workin
what i did is just gave my infuse a one day rest without doing anything(with battery removed)
and thanx all for ur suggestions...

My Samsung Infuse 4G keeps rebooting every 2 sec and won`t let me do anything
Hi ther,
Even I have similar kind of issue not sure if you got any solution. Can anyone help me getting this fixed.
Thanks in advance
AK
D4rkL1ght said:
First I want to say I love this forum.
I believe I have a unique problem. I searched around on forum and couldn't find my issue.
My infuse is completely unmodified, I haven't rooted or flashed any roms. My phone suddenly restarted today and now it just keeps flashing the "SAMSUNG" logo on the screen over and over every 2 seconds. I tried putting it into download mode but the problem is once I put the battery, it automatically turns on ... So theres no time for me to do the sequence. I'm not sure how else I can get it into download mode. I have all the odin software and stock roms from the other threads.
Any help would be greatly appreciate. Thanks for help in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Sounds like power button is stuck.... a few threads here on the subject. Good luck.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

My Samsung Infuse 4G keeps rebooting every 2 sec and won`t let me do anything
I removed casing and checked the power key it looks all fine.
Pony Express said:
Sounds like power button is stuck.... a few threads here on the subject. Good luck.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

anandvia said:
I removed casing and checked the power key it looks all fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The power button should make a distinctive clicking sound when pressed. Are you getting that sound?

My Samsung Infuse 4G keeps rebooting every 2 sec and won`t let me do anything
Yes it makes clicking sound when I press. Is JIG is the only option left ?
Pony Express said:
The power button should make a distinctive clicking sound when pressed. Are you getting that sound?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

anandvia said:
Yes it makes clicking sound when I press. Is JIG is the only option left ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a quick review of download mode: Pull battery.
Connect USB to phone from a known working USB port on computer. (Infuse drivers installed.)
While continuing to hold down both volume up and volume down (no power button),
insert battery.
Should see download mode screen after 2-4 seconds.
If no, a jig is the least expensive option at around $2. You can also send it to a repair service, think I read that is around $50.00. Good luck.

anandvia said:
I removed casing and checked the power key it looks all fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
even tho it look fine, you should attempt to clean it..mebby a electronic cleaning solution

D4rkL1ght said:
I tried all those suggestions and it didnt work, please keep in mind that once I put my battery in it AUTOMATICALLY turns my phone on. Theres no way for me to have it off with the battery in. So I cant hold the buttons down while its off and then plug it in. Or do recovery mode or anything. I am using the cable that came with the phone.
Also, all it does is the samsung logo comes on the screen for 2 secs then goes off for 2 secs and that process repeats for eternity... When I plug it in the battery charge meter starts to come up and then the screen goes black, and then that repeats the same way ...
Before you guys suggest to take it back to AT&T i already did. They said it needed to be reflashed ... So they tried, and told me that they couldn't even do it because it was messed up so bad. And they said they couldn't replace it because I have a small crack in my screen EVEN THOUGH he told me that he knows that isnt related to the problem! Are you kidding me? Great way to treat loyal customers ... AT&T are cheap bastards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same issue ı am desperate

[Q] Properly Bricked Xoom - no screen whatsoever

hi everyone, I have a challenge for you...
My MZ604 Wifi Xoom is completely unresponsive. No boot logo, no screen nothing.
A few months ago I flashed a US stock to get a hold of the ISC update. it went off without a hitch and I was very happy with it.
A few weeks ago I picked it up and it was black and not booting, even to the logo. Nothing.
The only things that light up are the white charging light when it is plugged in.
When I plug in the USB (Win7x64) it registers as a Motorola Flash Interface and charges through my computer- but not all the time.
I have tried many combinations of button pressing and holding, and the only indications I get that it is working underneath the black screen are the white front light going on and off and the device registering in device manager.
Oh, and it makes the battery low sound when low on battery, which i hope is a good sign.
Adb fastboot does not recognise the device no matter that I do.
Has anyone ever come back from this???
Desperate,
Bloggorus

Bloggorus said:
hi everyone, I have a challenge for you...
My MZ604 Wifi Xoom is completely unresponsive. No boot logo, no screen nothing.
A few months ago I flashed a US stock to get a hold of the ISC update. it went off without a hitch and I was very happy with it.
A few weeks ago I picked it up and it was black and not booting, even to the logo. Nothing.
The only things that light up are the white charging light when it is plugged in.
When I plug in the USB (Win7x64) it registers as a Motorola Flash Interface and charges through my computer- but not all the time.
I have tried many combinations of button pressing and holding, and the only indications I get that it is working underneath the black screen are the white front light going on and off and the device registering in device manager.
Oh, and it makes the battery low sound when low on battery, which i hope is a good sign.
Adb fastboot does not recognise the device no matter that I do.
Has anyone ever come back from this???
Desperate,
Bloggorus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This might be a case for the Motorola Programming cable from the Black Hat Team (google it). You can also make one. There are instructions somewhere in one of these threads.
Have you tried to take the cover off and remove the batter(ies)? Look for the thread with instructions for that. You will need a Torx screwdriver (#5?).
I'll bet you can bring it back.

thanks okantomi,
I just ordered a torx set, hopefully a battery disconnect will work.
Very hard to figure this out, every single search i made for 'bricked xoom' came up with silly buggers with frozen boot screens. Not a real brick at all...
If you don't hear from me again, assume it's fixed!
Thank again

Good luck!

We havent hear from you since so hopefully you fixed your xoom!
Can you share your experience for whoever has simmilar issue....
Thanks
&
Good Luck

HTC One S shuts down and won't turn on, no charging led.

Hi,
yesterday I pulled my One S out of my pocket, opened up the browser, made a search on google and all of a sudden, while the page was loading the screen turned off, completely black. The capacitive buttons stayed awake for 4-5 seconds, then they turned off too.
Completely dead, the phone won't turn on anymore, not even in recovery mode. If I connect the wall charger the charging led doesn't light up, although I can feel the phone is heating (as usually happens when charging).
I've tried connecting it to the pc via usb and windows after a while, detects a peripheral named "qhsusb_dload". I've read on google that this isn't any good... Anyway, even connected to the pc (for hours) the charging led doesn't light up.
No signs of life from my One S... :crying:
The phone is completely stock, unrooted.
Do someone have any hints?
Thanks.

I believe you're in download mode.
Hold the power button until your button leds start flashing and then keep holding it until they stop again. Now let go. If they don't start flashing within (say) 20 seconds, you can also let go. Hold the vol-down button and press&release the power button. Hopefully this boots you into bootloader mode. If not I don't nkow what else to suggest other than look at the unbricking thread in the development forum.

There's no way I can enter bootloader. The phone shows no signs of life (no capacitive buttons, no charging led, nothing at all)...
One thing that maybe is important: for about a month, I've been experiencing a strange battery drain. The drain used to occur even if the phone was in deep sleep (I'm sure about this because I've checked with cpuspy and anyway I hadn't installed any new apps for quite a while), at a rate of 7-8% each hour. I could leave the phone on the desk with screen off and in standby (no 3g data, no wifi, not even cellular network) and the drain was still there.
By the way, when my phone died I had plenty of battery left, about 70%.

nor-ric said:
The phone is completely stock, unrooted.
Do someone have any hints?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's unrooted then your warranty is still 100% intact and HTC will replace your phone no problem. What you describe just happens sometimes, more so with this phone then others I've seen.
The qhsusb_dload means it's not worth tinkering with yourself if you can just submit it for warranty.

dc211 said:
If it's unrooted then your warranty is still 100% intact and HTC will replace your phone no problem. What you describe just happens sometimes, more so with this phone then others I've seen.
The qhsusb_dload means it's not worth tinkering with yourself if you can just submit it for warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see, thanks. Is this qhsusb-dload issue hardware-related? If so, is it possible that they swap my S4 chip with an S3?

nor-ric said:
I see, thanks. Is this qhsusb-dload issue hardware-related? If so, is it possible that they swap my S4 chip with an S3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Think of qhsusb-dload kinda like your normal PC without windows. Your phone could not find an operating system to boot into and defaulted to qhsusb-dload mode waiting for a command. Our problem is that we don't really know the commands for qhsusb-dload nor do we have the files needed to use it only the manufactures do.
They can't swap a s4 chip for a S3 version that isn't the same product.

Most likely it the micro USB charging port that's gone toast.. happened to mine exact same symptoms. I was actually unlocked, HTC dev unlocked too, running a custom ROM as well as custom recovery and splash screen. I still sent it in repair with hope of they will never be able to turn the damn thing on to discover my deeds and will replace my phone but they didn't mind, they reflashed stock rom after repair and sent it back but I was still s-off
Send it into repair mate. Best option instead of tinkering with it lol
Sent from my HTC Sensation using xda premium

Nope, there is a solution.
http://unlimited.io/qhsusbdload.htm
Sent from my HTC One S+

Ok, thanks everybody.
I'm going to try usaff22's method and if that doesn't work I'll send the phone in.
I'll let you know! :fingers-crossed:

It didn't work. The terminal waits for the device, however it doesn't respond...
I'll have to send the phone in.

Crazy idea but that sounds like the mode you go into for the downgrade so maybe the last part of it might help to get you up and running again.

Darknites said:
Crazy idea but that sounds like the mode you go into for the downgrade so maybe the last part of it might help to get you up and running again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where can I find the guide you're referring to?
Thanks.

nor-ric said:
Where can I find the guide you're referring to?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go, Downgrade/Unbrick.

Darknites said:
Here you go, Downgrade/Unbrick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've read that thread: do you mean I should try the 9th point?
you can open a new terminal window and run the following command IF AND ONLY IF the phone doesn't reset out of QDL mode
Code:
$ sudo ./emmc_recover -r
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

nor-ric said:
I've read that thread: do you mean I should try the 9th point?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No that for flashing Hboot think you want step 12 but will need to edit the file the download has but you will need to do step 3 so you can do step 12. I have no idea if it will work but its an idea and also might be best to ask about it there too before doing anything.

thanks a lot touch of jobo i was going to get crazy :laugh:

touch of jobo said:
I believe you're in download mode.
Hold the power button until your button leds start flashing and then keep holding it until they stop again. Now let go. If they don't start flashing within (say) 20 seconds, you can also let go. Hold the vol-down button and press&release the power button. Hopefully this boots you into bootloader mode. If not I don't nkow what else to suggest other than look at the unbricking thread in the development forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that worked for me. thanks a lot
btw. maybe someone can answer this: how come that the phone goes in download mode?! I had the phone unused the last hours before I recognized it wasn't on anymore? Does this just happen? I am on CM11 Nightlies atm.

[Q] Help? Bricked One X?

I think I bricked my one X im not sure how or why but out of the blue it just said the 10 second power off message and no longer turns on at first i was able to turn it on a few more times but now i cant.
It is not taking charge both from my computer or ac :/
when i plug it into my computer it says HID compliant device found. and the three led buttons light up every about 5-10 seconds but the top led notification doesnt turn on
If it matters
Hboot 1.14
on jokerfg jb rom
also this is a week and a half old device. if i have to replace it i will but I am more concerned with formatting it or getting it to stock before hand incase i send it in and they get it running

Uff. I have not encountered this issue. Sorry brother. Update if you find a fix.
Sent from my HTC One X+ using xda app-developers app

How did it get to that state?
What are the 5 contact looking things at the back of the phone for?
Sounds like you need to give the thing some charge, i'm sure one of those street corner shops can pop it open, macgyver some volts in, and reflash something that will boot for $30ish?

I'm not really sure, my power buttton is stuck but it retracts like a button should, but it has died and refuses to power up now. I just wanna turn it on to reformat it. or is it possible htc wont be able to turn it on themselves and when they receive it just trash the device?
gururug said:
How did it get to that state?
What are the 5 contact looking things at the back of the phone for?
Sounds like you need to give the thing some charge, i'm sure one of those street corner shops can pop it open, macgyver some volts in, and reflash something that will boot for $30ish?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

so the battery is dead and it wont charge? if it will charge youll have to relock the boatloader and ruu to stock if u cant get in to recovery

Leave the phone on the wall charger (not USB) for several hours (overnight) and see if you can boot. You might also try to power on, or hold the power button, or try to enter hboot while the phone is plugged to the charger (after letting it charge for several hours). As at least one guy that I thought was hard bricked got his phone to boot this way.
What appears like spontaneous power off has happened to some people. So it may be nothing that you did. Hopefully, letting it charge for a few hours will fix it up.

I have the same exact problem as the OP. I have already made a thread and have tried to express my problems but I don't think people are willing to help (although some did and I appreciate it a lot) so I am going to try to get some help here. Help a brother out?

mr.5106411 said:
I have the same exact problem as the OP. I have already made a thread and have tried to express my problems but I don't think people are willing to help (although some did and I appreciate it a lot) so I am going to try to get some help here. Help a brother out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had this happen. I left it on charge (from powerpoint not USB to PC) over night and then connected back to PC. It didnt start but the pc was telling me USB device connected and disconnected when long pressing power button.
after running RUU and changing bootloader I finally got it to work. I would try the latest RUU from US / ATT as it has newest everything and see how that goes.

vangoogle said:
I had this happen. I left it on charge (from powerpoint not USB to PC) over night and then connected back to PC. It didnt start but the pc was telling me USB device connected and disconnected when long pressing power button.
after running RUU and changing bootloader I finally got it to work. I would try the latest RUU from US / ATT as it has newest everything and see how that goes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply but how did you RUU if the phone connects then disconnects quickly?

mr.5106411 said:
Thanks for the reply but how did you RUU if the phone connects then disconnects quickly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It stays connected. I meant u can hear the Win 7 sound of connect USB when u press power and then disconnect USB if u long press power.
Sorry I cant be of more help.

i would try ruu or another usb cable

vangoogle said:
It stays connected. I meant u can hear the Win 7 sound of connect USB when u press power and then disconnect USB if u long press power.
Sorry I cant be of more help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your help so far. Ill try this tonight.

mr.5106411 said:
I have the same exact problem as the OP. I have already made a thread and have tried to express my problems but I don't think people are willing to help (although some did and I appreciate it a lot) so I am going to try to get some help here. Help a brother out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm one of the folks who tried to help you in the other thread. Saying that you think people are unwilling to help sounds ungrateful and a bit whiny. Remember that the community here provides help for free, and that we also have lives and can't be on here to help you all the time.
Since you've tried charging (wall charger) for several hours, and tried (unsuccessfully) to get into bootloader, there isn't much else you can do. The idea of trying to run the RUU is a good one. But if you can't connect and can't run the RUU, the phone might be done. In particular, the blinking red light is not a good sign. I think there have been some other folks that have gotten this recently, and were not able to recover from it.
But keep trying to charge, and keep trying the bootloader button combo. The fact that your condition happened right after trying to restore a nandroid, leads me to believe its something that can be recovered from, and not a random hardware failure. But that is just a gut feeling, and maybe a bit too optimistic.

when my battery dies and i plug it up to charger led blinks red until it has enough juice to be powered on. you shouldn't try to power on your phone when it is blinking red, i assume that might end up killing the battery for good if you do.

Nexus S 4G hard bricked!! want to restore

i have a nexus s 4 g from sprint. it is hard bricked. i tried to root it and change recovery.then it shut off and wont power on, light up at all. I would like to know if i am able to achieve download mode, what do i need to do, what files and how to install to return this phone to stock?? please help!!!

Take out the battery for a few seconds and put it back; then while holding Volume UP (+) press the Power Button.
See what happens...
One helpful tool is found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1984849

kozmo2k4 said:
Take out the battery for a few seconds and put it back; then while holding Volume UP (+) press the Power Button.
See what happens...
One helpful tool is found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1984849
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing. Happens it don't light up or power on at all. It is not reconized on computer either. It's hard bricked.

Make sure the Battery is charging...

How can I make sure the battery is charging when no lights come on at all? All I do know is I had it plugged in for a while yesterday and it got really warm. But no lights whatsoever. The screen doesn't light up at all neither does the led.

??????

There are no notification lights on the D720, but when you plug it in with a charger, you should see a battery bar on the display.
Other than that, you are probably right about hard-brick.
I, luckily, never had a "brick" on the Nexus S, so someone else with experience may wanna chime in. But Google and YouTube are your friends.
Sorry...
Sent from my NookColor using Tapatalk 4

Hey man, did you have any luck with this? I'm experiencing the same problem.

Talal916 said:
Hey man, did you have any luck with this? I'm experiencing the same problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please help me, i have the same problem

been awhile since any action here. saved mine with JIG method once but this time it won't work ??!(why) , in search of a solution again! -> hardbrick #2 on this device!

You guys can try a USB Jig. If that does not help, I think JTAG is what you need.

Jesus... just to revive this thread (and this concept of hard bricking), I think I just accidentally bricked mine as well.
Here's exactly what I did:
One moment, it was working spectacularly - fully stock, but unlocked. I had just listed it on eBay, too.
So I ran a factory reset on it (from the Settings menu), also "erase USB storage".
Then, after it shut down for the reboot, I pulled the battery.
...
That was it. Now it doesn't turn on for anything whatsoever. No device detected on USB when plugged into PC. Remove, replace battery, hold VolUp+Power, nothing. Plug into power adapter, nothing. Nothing at all.
But the back does get lukewarm after a minute or so, as if it's alive in the head but frozen, unable to start the bootloader.
WTF? I also have 2 more of these Nexus S 4G's, and both of them seem to have Flash storage chips that exhibit the same behavior when their chips are placed in (this) working motherboard. They can't boot. When I try to "hot-flash" it by booting the bootloader then swapping the Flash chips, they can't flash anything (this is probably to be expected). So, if I can get my ONCE-WORKING phone back to life, there's a good chance I can get another working as well (one just has a cracked glass, otherwise working mainboard & peripherals).
It's old, yes, but it's a damn shame to E-waste these things for a stupid software problem like this!