[Resolved] Rooted Nexus One Dust Replacement - Nexus One General

It seems quite a few people have had questions about getting a replacement phone due to a dust issue on an original rooted phone. Here is my experience:
I called HTC and began the replacement process, but did not mention my phone was rooted. Three days later I received another Nexus One with no battery and no battery cover. My observations on the differences between the old phone and the new phone can be found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=655966
I removed the battery cover and battery from my original phone and shipped it to HTC in Texas with the packaging and shipping label they supplied.
Approximately 5 days later (today), I received an email from HTC saying "We have completed our diagnostic tests. To review the results and confirm this quotation please visit our service site." I went to the site and there was an option to pay a $196 service fee or to pay $28 for the return shipment of my original phone (without any servicing).
I called up HTC to find out more information. The service representative pulled up my file and immediately asked me if my phone had been rooted. I had little choice at this point so I said my phone had indeed been rooted. The representative told me my options are to:
a) Pay the $196 to replace the motherboard in the phone (does this mean Goolge/HTC also do not know how to relock the bootloader?), keep the replacement phone they sent, and not receive back my original phone. This is the worst case scenario where I pay $196 to get a brand new replacement N1 with no dust issue.
b) Pay the $28 shipping charge to return my old phone, and return the replacement phone. This would bring me back to square one, with having my original rooted phone with the same dust issue.
c) Pay the $28 shipping charge to return my old phone with the same dust issue. Now I would own two full priced N1s, one that is brand new, and a second that still has a dust issue.
Most importantly, and my only hope really for coming out on top, the representative mentioned that I should call back tomorrow before 5PM EST and speak to a supervisor that has the ability to declare that rooting the phone has no impact on the dust manufacturing issue, and I could keep the replacement phone at no charge. The representative said that there is a 50/50 chance the supervisor would do this.
If the supervisor will not honor the warranty and let me keep the replacement phone for no charge, I will just return the replacement phone, get my old phone back, disassemble the phone, clean the dust out and reseal the phone with RTV or something similar.
I will call them up again tomorrow and report back what happens.
It has been difficult to resist rooting the replacement phone.
UPDATE: Through the help of a google employee, I was pointed towards this form: http://google.com/support/android/bin/request.py?contact_type=refund
If you start a ticket with this form, the Google sales team will work to help resolve voided warranty issues from an unlocked bootloader when exchanging or servicing the N1 due to a manufacturing defect.
I called HTC today and they said I was no longer going to be charged $196 because of my unlocked bootloader, and my warranty would be honored. The representative on the phone seemed to have no idea why the ticket status had changed.
I am very pleased with the outcome, and give many thanks to the Google employees that go out of their way to support their loyal customers. It is nice to know that the passion we have for Android is acknowledged and supported by the Google team.
Time to root the new N1.

I wonder if they make a distinction between rooting and an unlocked bootloader?
Because it is possible to un-root. So for other people returning phones, they could un-root, and if they ask if it's rooted, they could say no.

Paul22000 said:
I wonder if they make a distinction between rooting and an unlocked bootloader?
Because it is possible to un-root. So for other people returning phones, they could un-root, and if they ask if it's rooted, they could say no.
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Valid point, but I think the issue is voiding the warranty by unlocking the bootloader.

How do you expect HTC to honor a warranty which you clearly and willingly voided?

JD914 said:
How do you expect HTC to honor a warranty which you clearly voided willingly?
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Welcome to XDA.
I don't necessarily expect HTC to honor my voided warranty, but I am optimistic that HTC will fix my $580 defective phone from a manufacturing defect that is in no way related to rooting.
Like the representative I spoke with said, there's about a 50/50 chance it will work out. No harm in trying.

Interesting.
I think it's kind of crappy that unlocking the bootloader voids your hardware warranty too. I mean, if your phone has an obvious physical defect like this, completely unrelated to the firmware, then they should honor the warranty.

Comon, HTC, be reasonable! There is dust under the screen and nothing else is bad! That is obviously not related to rooting in any way. $196 to replace the motherboard? Yeah right! More like press a button on the computer and relock it.

i don't know if he is still around here anymore, but swetland works for google, and when the n1 came out, he was going to be an advocate for us, and if you were having obvious manufacturing defects (such as dust under the screen), he could pull strings to get it fixed for you.
i say pm him, and see if you get a response.

GldRush98 said:
Interesting.
I think it's kind of crappy that unlocking the bootloader voids your hardware warranty too. I mean, if your phone has an obvious physical defect like this, completely unrelated to the firmware, then they should honor the warranty.
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They should but in the real world they don't have to and more than likely wont. Most people don't, but if you read the literature that comes with electronic devices you'll see why they do what they do as far as warranties go.

And this is why I keep saying repeatedly, stop sending your device back people. A few specs of dust isn't worth the hassle. Just sent it back at 364 days. THEN it's worth it.

Paul22000 said:
And this is why I keep saying repeatedly, stop sending your device back people. A few specs of dust isn't worth the hassle. Just sent it back at 364 days. THEN it's worth it.
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I had excessive dust, more than 30 specs.

irishrally said:
I had excessive dust, more than 30 specs.
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30 specs?
The only way it'd be worth it to send it back is when you have so much dust you can't even COUNT the specs.

Paul22000 said:
30 specs?
The only way it'd be worth it to send it back is when you have so much dust you can't even COUNT the specs.
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No, dust is really annoying and is frustrating to have considering the price we paid for this thing. The more HTC has to refurbish, the more they learn their lesson and make sure that no dust gets in.

OP, get back to us and let us know what happens

Good news - this issue has been resolved and will be charged nothing for my rooted phone with dust defect exchange. See OP for details.
Many thanks to the dedicated Google team that supports their loyal customers.

irishrally said:
Good news - this issue has been resolved and will be charged nothing for my rooted phone with dust defect exchange. See OP for details.
Many thanks to the dedicated Google team that supports their loyal customers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congrats!
Any chance you can update the link in the OP?
It's linked as "google.com/support/android/bi...ct_type=refund" with the dots, which leads to a dead page of course

Paul22000 said:
Congrats!
Any chance you can update the link in the OP?
It's linked as "google.com/support/android/bi...ct_type=refund" with the dots, which leads to a dead page of course
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Click to collapse
Thanks. OP updated.

JD914 said:
How do you expect HTC to honor a warranty which you clearly and willingly voided?
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Here in the US, a warranty termination because of a any fine print violation will not stand up in court unless the warranty violation had a direct impact on a defect in question. Automakers have tried that kind of bologna with aftermarket parts, and they've failed. They can't refuse to honor a warranty just because a car was serviced by others, and they can't refuse to warranty an alternator because someone put on an aftermarket exhaust system, unless they can prove that those actions had a direct impact on the defect.
This does not mean HTC is obligated to bail someone out who has bricked their phone, but hardware issues like dust under the digitizer or faulty microphones or the like clearly can't be tied to unlocking the bootloader. I expect HTC or any other company to honor the laws wherever their products are marketed, and it seems that's exactly what they are doing.
I hope this ends your confusion, and really wish more slack was allowed by some for people who unlock the boot loader and then end up with hardware issues requiring service.

attn1 said:
I hope this ends your confusion, and really wish more slack was allowed by some for people who unlock the boot loader and then end up with hardware issues requiring service.
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I hope someone figures out how to re-lock the bootloader.

I'm really suspicious about the rooting voiding your warranty. I mean you paid damn near 577 for the device..well i know I Did... Why can't you root your own ****..its known as a google dev phone if I'm wrong correct me..But isn't android open source? why can't we try and help it be a better Operating system? They want us to sit on 2.1 until google puts something out? Why not dev with our phones and help google help itself? I mean damn... I could see if you were under a contract with tmobile..but I bought my phone brand new unlocked for the full price give me some damn use of my phone..

Related

HTC WANT ME TO PAY FOR MB Replacement

HI guys as i reported a few days back my hd died on me so i sent it to them to fix, well theyve got back to me 2day saying that:
"Our initial assessment of your device indicates that the repair work required is caused by damage that isn’t covered by warranty. Unfortunately, this means we must charge you for the repair."
they want me to pay 151 sterling for it, what you think shall i pay it? or shall i just buy the dam iphone! its really pissed me off is there any ways around it? is there a way to buy the the motherboard from some where else?
Why isn't the motherboard covered by the warranty? You didn't break the seal did you?
Fallen Spartan said:
If you can't even get phone to start, chances are its a motherboard problem and likelihood is that HTC will just replace motherboard without even looking at whats installed on device. Others have had same problem and they had no problems. However I CANNOT stand by this 100%. It will be a risk!!
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Hmmm.... I think you battery was dead. If battery is completely dead HD won't power up from charger per se. And they have seen the illegal criminal stuff on your HD. The price they quote seems more like for battery than motherboard.
crajee said:
Hmmm.... I think you battery was dead. If battery is completely dead HD won't power up from charger per se. And they have seen the illegal criminal stuff on your HD. The price they quote seems more like for battery than motherboard.
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But a custom ROM can't damage the motherboard... And since he is specifically talking about a problem "caused by damage that isn’t covered by warranty" and not "we have to charge you because your warrenty is void" I'm not too sure this is the problem...
I would ask them to specify what supposedly damaged the motherboard that isn't covered by warrenty!
I'm having the same issue with my Diamond. The screen broke (touches are all over the place) and they say the following:
Illegal software has been found on your device (HardSPL), this has damaged the motherboard. It will have to be replaced and you will have to pay for it as this has voided your warranty.
There are several issues with this. First, HardSPL does not damage the motherboard. Second, software does not break screens. Third, nowhere in their warranty it states anything about something like this voiding it. Fourth, for many countries in the EU they would have to fix it due to EU warranty regulations irregardless if this voided the warranty or not.
Anyways, my lawyer is on it.
thanks guys im thinking of getting it deliveryed without getting it "fixed" will only cost me 11 quid, and buy a new battery, is there anywhere you guys would recooment getting a new battery from? im assuming that they have managed to turn on the hd, which i couldnt do and panicked and sent it to them within a day, if i can turn it on ill down grade everything and then take it to tmobile as im covered with issurance
Chainfire said:
I'm having the same issue with my Diamond. The screen broke (touches are all over the place) and they say the following:
Illegal software has been found on your device (HardSPL), this has damaged the motherboard. It will have to be replaced and you will have to pay for it as this has voided your warranty.
There are several issues with this. First, HardSPL does not damage the motherboard. Second, software does not break screens. Third, nowhere in their warranty it states anything about something like this voiding it. Fourth, for many countries in the EU they would have to fix it due to EU warranty regulations irregardless if this voided the warranty or not.
Anyways, my lawyer is on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks i mite state this to them they didnt even specifically say how i managed to mess up my MB
i cant even get through to them now seems that all there support numbers are down
You'll find that all companies including HTC will try all methods of getting out of warranty and the fact that you have HSPL on your device (whether or not it was related to malfunction) will be enough for them to void your warranty.
Others have sent devices in and had no problem as device wasn't checked. You have been unlucky.
My device broke at the weekend and seeing as I have 2 HD's I decided it was worth the risk taking it apart. I managed to refix the motherboard due to a faulty loose connection. Took a while to figure it out.
HOWEVER I WOULDN'T ADVISE ANYONE TO DO THIS!!! THIS SHOULD BE DONE ONLY AS A LAST RESORT, AND ONLY IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING!! ONCE YOU HAVE OPENED DEVICE YOU WILL COMPLETELY VOID WARRANTY!!!!
i managed to get through and spoke to some1 he said that the usb had something to do with the motherboard failing, im gona try getting it sorted through insurance, they are going to send me a more detailed reason for them charging me for repair, ill post it as soon as i get it
just sent them a letter:
I am writing to inform you of my disappointment with the HTC. Last week I sent my phone my phone in for repair as it kept on switching off (09GBD230000153). After a few days I was sent an email telling me that HTC knew what was wrong with the phone but would charge me for repair as the “work required is caused by damage that isn’t covered by warranty”. I was told the main board needed replacing. This confused me somewhat as I had not ever dropped the phone and the phone never had liquid damage. I called the center saying that this was all a bit confusing; they assured me and told me that they will find a more detailed description of the fault. I received a call today from a HTC operator explaining that the warranty was void as a new rom had been “flashed”. I argued that there was no way this could affect the hardware. He was very sympathetic but kept his stance. I have now decided to have the phone returned without repair but am bitterly disappointed about the way HTC conduct their policies on warranty. If HTC sent me a message when I first sent the phone into repair saying that the warrenty was void due to an “illegal” rom I would have understood. But to claim that the “work required is caused by damage that isn’t covered by warranty” is farcical. It seems HTC will do anything to avoid repairing the phone at their own expense. HTC need to understand why people flash “illegal” roms in the 1st place. It is not because of HTCs interface but primarily because of the poor windows software the stock rom holds. I am contemplating approaching BBC's Watch dog as I believe people need to know more about the company as it is slowly growing in the UK and Europe. I am also aware of people in the US in the same predicament and Dog Eat Dog productions (a Michael Moore company) has taken a special interest for a future documentary.
Regards
scar88 said:
just sent them a letter:
I am writing to inform you of my disappointment with the HTC. Last week I sent my phone my phone in for repair as it kept on switching off (09GBD230000153). After a few days I was sent an email telling me that HTC knew what was wrong with the phone but would charge me for repair as the “work required is caused by damage that isn’t covered by warranty”. I was told the main board needed replacing. This confused me somewhat as I had not ever dropped the phone and the phone never had liquid damage. I called the center saying that this was all a bit confusing; they assured me and told me that they will find a more detailed description of the fault. I received a call today from a HTC operator explaining that the warranty was void as a new rom had been “flashed”. I argued that there was no way this could affect the hardware. He was very sympathetic but kept his stance. I have now decided to have the phone returned without repair but am bitterly disappointed about the way HTC conduct their policies on warranty. If HTC sent me a message when I first sent the phone into repair saying that the warrenty was void due to an “illegal” rom I would have understood. But to claim that the “work required is caused by damage that isn’t covered by warranty” is farcical. It seems HTC will do anything to avoid repairing the phone at their own expense. HTC need to understand why people flash “illegal” roms in the 1st place. It is not because of HTCs interface but primarily because of the poor windows software the stock rom holds. I am contemplating approaching BBC's Watch dog as I believe people need to know more about the company as it is slowly growing in the UK and Europe. I am also aware of people in the US in the same predicament and Dog Eat Dog productions (a Michael Moore company) has taken a special interest for a future documentary.
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please let us know HTCs answer - I'm really curious to know what they have to say to your letter!
will do
scar88 said:
just sent them a letter:
I am writing to inform you of my disappointment with the HTC. Last week I sent my phone my phone in for repair as it kept on switching off (09GBD230000153). After a few days I was sent an email telling me that HTC knew what was wrong with the phone but would charge me for repair as the “work required is caused by damage that isn’t covered by warranty”. I was told the main board needed replacing. This confused me somewhat as I had not ever dropped the phone and the phone never had liquid damage. I called the center saying that this was all a bit confusing; they assured me and told me that they will find a more detailed description of the fault. I received a call today from a HTC operator explaining that the warranty was void as a new rom had been “flashed”. I argued that there was no way this could affect the hardware. He was very sympathetic but kept his stance. I have now decided to have the phone returned without repair but am bitterly disappointed about the way HTC conduct their policies on warranty. If HTC sent me a message when I first sent the phone into repair saying that the warrenty was void due to an “illegal” rom I would have understood. But to claim that the “work required is caused by damage that isn’t covered by warranty” is farcical. It seems HTC will do anything to avoid repairing the phone at their own expense. HTC need to understand why people flash “illegal” roms in the 1st place. It is not because of HTCs interface but primarily because of the poor windows software the stock rom holds. I am contemplating approaching BBC's Watch dog as I believe people need to know more about the company as it is slowly growing in the UK and Europe. I am also aware of people in the US in the same predicament and Dog Eat Dog productions (a Michael Moore company) has taken a special interest for a future documentary.
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting approach, would have maybe mentioned the contents on this as well.
Would be interested to hear their response!!
I have sent similar letters in the past - never receiving a response though.
Im thinking of sending my HD in as it will no longer charge from power supply only USB any ideas why that could be,, i have hardspl on it now if i take that off and reflash to a stock rom will that unvoid my warrenty?
Fallen Spartan said:
Interesting approach, would have maybe mentioned the contents on this as well.
Would be interested to hear their response!!
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didnt think of that dam!
Chainfire said:
I have sent similar letters in the past - never receiving a response though.
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realy? what did you write? if we make enough of a racket they have to respond 1 day
meandu229 said:
Im thinking of sending my HD in as it will no longer charge from power supply only USB any ideas why that could be,, i have hardspl on it now if i take that off and reflash to a stock rom will that unvoid my warrenty?
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Click to collapse
if you send it to them make sure you reflash the stock rom, i would have but the phone wouldnt turn on now there screwing me, so along as your phone works, reflash the stock rom and then send it
scar88 said:
realy? what did you write? if we make enough of a racket they have to respond 1 day
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Who says they have to? They make enough money out of us already doing what they do. Why do they need to change? I'd be surprised if you get a response (though if you do, post it). I'd imagine they will just stick to what they previousy told you and state warranty is void due to illegal rom installed

To root or not to root

Hey,
So this is kind of two part.
1. I have a nexus one, I would like to root (now or in the future) but I have one tiny spec of dust under the screen and am contemplating warranty exchanging it.
I am curious through, is it worth sending it in for one dust particle? Am I going to get a refurbished unit? and this has been treating me VERY well, and my reasoning is, if i don't mind the small spec, is it worth sending it in and potentially having more problems???
Theo
If the spec doesnt bug you, i wouldnt send it in just yet myself. This sounds like a recurring issue, and I would be skeptical the problem is "fixed" yet. Personally, I dont see any direct reason to root yet, so I would rather wait to see if i get more specs of dust(currently one at very top of non viewable aspect of screen). This also allows them more time to fix the problem if i ever do need to use the warranty.
Mine is rooted. I have insurance from asurion too, and if you send it back, rooting doesn't cause dust under the screen. Just root it. I have the tether apps on mine already.
halfsight said:
Mine is rooted. I have insurance from asurion too, and if you send it back, rooting doesn't cause dust under the screen. Just root it. I have the tether apps on mine already.
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don't listen to this guy. first thing they'll do is check to see if the bootloader is unlocked. they don't have to cover squat if it's open.
both reps i have talked to on HTC warranty support BOTH checked with their supervisors and other staff and BOTH claim that at this point in time all swap phones are brand new units taken straight from the production line and reserved as replacements until they have enough refurbished units in stock.
melterx12 said:
both reps i have talked to on HTC warranty support BOTH checked with their supervisors and other staff and BOTH claim that at this point in time all swap phones are brand new units taken straight from the production line and reserved as replacements until they have enough refurbished units in stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if this is true, i'll just call it in thanks.
Theo

Warranty Issue

Hey xda,
Just wanted to share my experience on a warranty repair with unlocked bootloader. Incase any of you are about to go through this.
I've had to recently send in my phone on a warranty repair for a dead pixel and also getting static interference on my phone speaker when the ringtone is sounding on a incoming call.
Upon calling them they offered a exchange but after I told them I had an unlocked bootloader they said they can only do a repair job on it.
So I ship my phone and 2 days later I get a repair quote for $196.00. I call them to find out specifics and they said I need a new motherboard. My phones been in it's sleeve since I first got it a few weeks ago and absolutely has never been dropped. Which means a failing motherboard came with my phone from the beginning. Now they are telling me that an unlocked bootloader voids my warranty. I have pointed out to them that I know of plenty of people with unlocked bootloaders & clear hardware malfunctions who were able to get a warranty repair or even a warranty exchange!
Now my ticket is being escalated and I will hear back from the higher ups in 48-72 business hours.
Any helpful advice guys?
Thanks,
-L
All you can do is wait... I'd bet that the escalation people will approve the repair under warranty. If not, then everyone needs to be on notice and my prediction has come true.
Code:
I told them I had an unlocked bootloader
Wonder if they would have just sent you a new one if you didnt say that.
By "static interference on my phone speaker", do you mean you hear static when the speaker is ringing? Does the speaker-phone play music without static noise?
britoso said:
Code:
I told them I had an unlocked bootloader
Wonder if they would have just sent you a new one if you didnt say that.
By "static interference on my phone speaker", do you mean you hear static when the speaker is ringing? Does the speaker-phone play music without static noise?
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I think they would've sent a new one but I had to put a $529 on a credit card to do so (which I would've done). But I was afraid that they would've kept the $529 if they found out that my original phone bootloader was unlocked. So I figured I'd tell them for the sake of good karma...I'm really not trying to hustle HTC here.
Yes every couple of calls when my phone rings, the ringtone would be accompanied by a lot of static. I've tried playing back music and trying to recreate the problem but I couldn't get any static out of it on my own. Just randomly happens on it's own during incoming calls. Didn't matter what ringtone I was using or what radio I was on.
lazaro17 said:
I think they would've sent a new one but I had to put a $529 on a credit card to do so (which I would've done). But I was afraid that they would've kept the $529 if they found out that my original phone bootloader was unlocked.
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The $529 deposit is so you have an incentive to send back your old phone and not keep both. Once they receive it, the charge is undone.
cekle said:
The $529 deposit is so you have an incentive to send back your old phone and not keep both. Once they receive it, the charge is undone.
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Yea I know its just a temporary hold but I thought they inspect your old phone upon arrival. Guy on phone told me they can't do anything with unlocked bootloader phones on exchanges which is why it was out of the question. I was just afraid that my old phone would get there and they realized it was unlocked...would've been a more complicated situation then since they are holding my $529.
Where you from? need put $529 for deposit? Being charge $196.00 a bit high, so poor you.
Then service center in Singapore is better, no need any deposit, mine one also root and dead completely and they fix for me FOC.
I'm in Miami, Florida. Had to send it in to HTC in Texas I think.
I will wait and see when they get back to me from the ticket escalation. Hopefully there's a kind soul there!
May god bless you, wish you all the best
Get it replace FOC
Mother board replacement to fix dead pixel
HTC charged me £128.00 to repair signal fault on my N1. They told me that it needs a new mother board as i've unlock the bootloader.
I think they riping peoples of who ever unlocked there bootloader and send for warranty.
I don't understand you, a new motherboard for the issue with the faulty signal?, or the motherboard is to lock the bootloader?
Not to be mean... but you did unlock the bootloader and void the warranty. It's clearly stated everywhere that this is the case.
I don't see what the problem is.
Seems HTC will 'change' the motherboard for anything.
When I thought I would be stuck on ERE36B for ever, I anonymously asked them if there was a way to get it regressed to official firmware. As you may have guessed, they told me they would have to replace the motherboard at a cost of £105
When I sent them my phone for a cosmetic issue, it came back with ERE27 and the same IMEI, so my original motherboard.
Sounds like they're just trying to scam people to be honest.
I've read elsewhere that HTC doesn't repair motherboards. Their fix for everything seems to be just to replace the motherboard.
Not to be mean... but you did unlock the bootloader and void the warranty. It's clearly stated everywhere that this is the case.
I don't see what the problem is.
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I agree but I really thought the build quality on a $500 dollar phone was going to outlast 3 weeks before I had to send it in. You have to see both sides of the story here. Sure it protects HTC but what if on the other hand there's a lot of faulty hardware out there and it actually starts working in their favor. As we're all noticing here now their "repair" process seems to just be an automatic new motherboard. Sounds like a rip off.
So after the escalation they still don't want to cover it with warranty. The rep on the phone says that replacing the motherboard could reinstate the factory warranty. Basically it looks like they are trying to do all these MB replacements on rooted phones so that you have a locked bootloader again & warranty...at the cost of $196.
I asked if i can get a quote for just a repair on the dead pixel and was put on hold for 10 minutes. Finally the agent gets back on the phone to tell me he needs to escalate the ticket in order to get a price quote for just the screen. So now I won't hear back from them until Monday (the earliest) in order to find out how much it is to fix a dead pixel issue.
This is the second time my ticket has been escalated and going onto a week without my phone. It seems like the escalating thing is a nicer way of them saying "don't call us back for a few days."
Getting very frustrated at this point.
I have to say, that it doesn't seem right to charge for hardware repairs because of a rooted phone. I'm going to go read their warranty policies and also look to see if I can find an official message on the web from Google saying that only the software warranty is void. If they make no distinction, then its not even a plan B option for me.
Currently I want the Desire. If it doesn't become available with in the next month or so, I was going to get a Nexus One for the Verizon network.
I feel for you on this one. Activating a change in software really should not affect their hardware obligations to you. I can see them charging you if you sent your phone in and software caused an issue with your device some how but thats not likely the case here.
deekjx said:
I have to say, that it doesn't seem right to charge for hardware repairs because of a rooted phone. I'm going to go read their warranty policies and also look to see if I can find an official message on the web from Google saying that only the software warranty is void. If they make no distinction, then its not even a plan B option for me.
Currently I want the Desire. If it doesn't become available with in the next month or so, I was going to get a Nexus One for the Verizon network.
I feel for you on this one. Activating a change in software really should not affect their hardware obligations to you. I can see them charging you if you sent your phone in and software caused an issue with your device some how but thats not likely the case here.
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Click to collapse
Thanks, I was trying to look over it myself as well. I don't see much clarification between hardware and software warranty.
I tried calling HTC to file a complaint (mostly over the repair process) but they have no complaint system set up.
I would love to be able to write someone higher up at HTC or even Google explaining my situation. I can't find any contact email on the internet. I know sometimes these things can be resolved just by getting in touch with corporate offices or headquarters directly.
Anyone have any useful (public) emails for either HTC or Google?
lazaro17 said:
Thanks, I was trying to look over it myself as well. I don't see much clarification between hardware and software warranty.
I tried calling HTC to file a complaint (mostly over the repair process) but they have no complaint system set up.
I would love to be able to write someone higher up at HTC or even Google explaining my situation. I can't find any contact email on the internet. I know sometimes these things can be resolved just by getting in touch with corporate offices or headquarters directly.
Anyone have any useful (public) emails for either HTC or Google?
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Keep me updated. I called t-mobile today and set up Insurance which covers lost/stolen/cracked screen/ blown up for 4.79 a month. Its a 130 deductible too. Worst case is I get my phone back, send them the swap and then play some nexus firsbee. If your in the Chicagoland area, please join me.
Hitorii said:
Keep me updated. I called t-mobile today and set up Insurance which covers lost/stolen/cracked screen/ blown up for 4.79 a month. Its a 130 deductible too. Worst case is I get my phone back, send them the swap and then play some nexus firsbee. If your in the Chicagoland area, please join me.
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Ah crap. I've missed the 14 day insurance period by a couple of a days. I had no idea they offered it.
i know it's not related to the above issues but...
got dinged for 55 bucks for dust under the screen since i had an unlocked bootloader.
also pissed because the guy on the phone told me the bootloader would also be relocked as per my request. going to give them a call about that monday...

HTC and Unlocked bootloader Swap

Hello. I just wanted to get some insight on some people who have successfully SWAPPED their phone with an unlocked bootloader because of a manufacturing defect.
My phone originally did not have dust under the screen and I unlocked it. Within 2 weeks it accumulated a TON of dust, called HTC, let them know I was unlocked with dust under the screen, and got my swap going. That was 3-4 weeks ago. I have my new phone (unlocked, however the bottom casing has a sliver of plastic chipped off and the screen isn't flush).
Today I got an email saying my estimated repair bill was $196.00 else I had to pay a triage fee to get my old phone back ( I'm not sure if they will charge the $560.00 for the swap phone as well.) I called and talked to a rep. All he said was that my MB needed to be replaced and shouldn't be charged. He issued and escalation and hopefully I can have this taken care of soon.
If anyone else has had a similar experience, or like stated, SWAPPED an unlocked phone no problem, please let me know how and if you had to ream HTC untill you got what you needed.
PS. My philosophy is if I brick a phone, tough ****. Its my fault. However manufacturing defects as such I have had are unacceptable on a nearly $600.00 unsubsidized phone. I wouldn't mind paying 30-40$ even. But 200 is just outrageous.
Thanks everyone.
Hitorii
LOL, it seems like HTC is saying peoples MB are broken a lot lately.
I had mine swapped and they didn't mention it at all, most likely because I didn't mention it.
cekle said:
I had mine swapped and they didn't mention it at all, most likely because I didn't mention it.
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Is your ticket closed?
McFroger3 said:
LOL, it seems like HTC is saying peoples MB are broken a lot lately.
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my thoughts exactly... i wonder if they are doing this strictly to people that have unlocked bootloader...
Just a heads up. I PM'ed swetland and he forwarded my message to google's side of HTC and Nexus one, perhaps this will help my cause.
Worst case scenario I'd like my old phone back and pay the 28$ triage fee and send back the one the Swapped phone ( as not to be charged the $560 for the POS scratched up phone they sent me as a "swap"). That's not unreasonable, is it?
Hopefully though someone will get back to me and let me know whats up and see to get it fixed. As a note, my current Nexus One is not unlocked.
Keep the comments rolling. I'd really like tips to deal with customer service, and it's better to have real world proof of someone actually doing this as it set the precedent. Ay?
Hitorii
Currency: Pound Sterling
Item Price
Level 1 - MB replacement 86,08
Labour 18,00
Delivery 6,87
VAT 19,42
Total 130,37
T_T
DJFliX said:
Currency: Pound Sterling
Item Price
Level 1 - MB replacement 86,08
Labour 18,00
Delivery 6,87
VAT 19,42
Total 130,37
T_T
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Ouch. Mine doesn't even say MB or anything, just a $196.00 USD repair charge. No charge for labor or delivery... I really want this to get fixed today.
I'm in a similar situation now too. I mentioned I was rooted so I couldn't do the swap to begin with. I sent it in for repair and got the $196 price quote too. They wanted to replace a whole motherboard for a dead pixel.
I also escalated on wednesday and today they are being very stern about it not being under warranty.
I did find out that they are wanting to replace motherboards on rooted phones automatically. This is supposed to reinstate your warranty but also have you on a locked bootloader once again.
lazaro17 said:
I'm in a similar situation now too. I mentioned I was rooted so I couldn't do the swap to begin with. I sent it in for repair and got the $196 price quote too. They wanted to replace a whole motherboard for a dead pixel.
I also escalated on wednesday and today they are being very stern about it not being under warranty.
I did find out that they are wanting to replace motherboards on rooted phones automatically. This is supposed to reinstate your warranty but also have you on a locked bootloader once again.
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So they basically charge you $196 to re-lock your boot-loader, what a bunch of crap.
McFroger3 said:
So they basically charge you $196 to re-lock your boot-loader, what a bunch of crap.
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yes i guess this should be updated on the "relock your bootloader" thread.
so far the only way to relock your bootloader is to mail your phone into htc repair and have them rape you for $196 lol
lazaro17 said:
yes i guess this should be updated on the "relock your bootloader" thread.
so far the only way to relock your bootloader is to mail your phone into htc repair and have them rape you for $196 lol
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So did you suck it up and pay? I'm wondering what can be done. They told me I was OK, they let me swap after telling them. If you could go into detail about your exchange of words with them it'd be appreciated.
Hitorii said:
So did you suck it up and pay? I'm wondering what can be done. They told me I was OK, they let me swap after telling them. If you could go into detail about your exchange of words with them it'd be appreciated.
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Not yet I had to escalate my ticket again just to get a price quote on how much it'll be to fix the dead pixel itself (not replacing the whole motherboard).
I have a thread started with my whole story and updates here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=644838
They are being super stern about having an unlocked bootloader and voided warranty no matter what I say. So it looks like I'll have to pay one way or the other.
As a last glimmer of hope I messaged swetland as well to see if he'd be able to help any.
P.S. I thought about doing a swap without telling them I was rooted but I was afraid they would later charge me $196 for MB replacement + $530 for new phone.

Refused repair on phone

I sent my nexus one of for repair as backplate was not flush and it came back not fixed, i rooted phone deciding that i wasnt going to send it back again and because i thought shouldn't matter (as i was told on here) then i decided to send it off again, the guy did not ask me if had changed software on phone either time, but then i got a message saying it been refused repair and i would have to pay for return or new mainboard. I called them to say that it should have been repaired the first time while my phone was under warranty and so it is linked to that case anyway since it should of been repaired then it doesn't matter about its warranty state now its their fault for not repairing it.. they wouldn't have that, i pointed out its not even a warranty matter since it was recieved with fault so its a faulty item so should be replaced or repaired warranty or not.. still wont repair it, i point out that its rediculous they even check the rom of phones that be sent to them with hardware problems because obviously the software does not effect the phone and change the hardware and they know that they sent the item out with the fault so should just fix it they shouldn't even check if warranty is voided by software because that is put in place so they dont fix software faults caused by people themselves so its really bad that they use it to get out of fixing hardware issues.. still no hope so i have to pay for phone be sent back to me and then i will be seeking legal advice
That does suck, and it's completely obvious that the rooted-ness does not affect hardware. Unfortunately there's not much of a case since you clicked the "YES" button to void your warranty when you rooted, voiding all parts of the warranty (hardware and software).
I hate to admit it, fearing that something may happen to my phone, but I can see their side to this matter. It would have been nice for the guy to just fix it for you, though.
Now, the fact that they are making you pay for shipping it back (unfixed) is simply poor customer service.
It does suck, They are using whatever means necessary to make more money.
IMO they should only reject faults that are causable by software. (burnt out LED, bricked, Overheated/Dead due to too high OC...). Since HTC is the manufacturer and they dont state anywhere that they are not evil...theres nothing google can do.
My phone has no faults. Ordered just before the 1/5 announcement
indie12 said:
i will be seeking legal advice
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Good luck with that, you don't really have a leg to stand in, unfortunately.
I hope the legal advice is free since a $600 is hardly worth getting a lawyer over and losing a case... average lawyer will be $100 an hour....
Then again... HTC might counter sue you for wasting their time...
I'll give you "free advice as a law student" (I'm not an attorney... yet). You have no case whatsoever. Sorry.
The best thing to do is totally ruin the phone. There are electronic ways to do this. I have access to a device that generates a strong magnetic field that I used to fry a laptop and a phone before. I have heard of people putting things in a microwave too but I am not sure how well that would work.
Rusty! said:
Good luck with that, you don't really have a leg to stand in, unfortunately.
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Incorrect.
HTC would need to prove what he did caused the issue for what they are refusing repairs to.
This has been discussed before. Car manufactures did the same thing with aftermarket parts.
drdingo21 said:
Incorrect.
HTC would need to prove what he did caused the issue for what they are refusing repairs to.
This has been discussed before. Car manufactures did the same thing with aftermarket parts.
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The only problem with this, though, is that there is no case law regarding cell phones directly, as of yet. Cars are expensive enough to justify the legal fees, phones are not.
It would stand to reason that the entire warranty isn't voided by rooting, if it were to go to court (simple contract law and warranty law, breaking or voiding one part doesn't null and void all other parts)... but the unlocked bootloader method also has you agree to voiding the warranty, so that makes it more difficult and less clear cut since it wold be pretty easy to argue by doing so you agreed to and entered into a contract giving up your warranty rights.
Personally, I wouldn't waste my time on it. I would do what others have done and contact Google. There are numerous threads in here regarding how to get hardware warranty services on your rooted device, do a search and you should be good to go.
drdingo21 said:
Incorrect.
HTC would need to prove what he did caused the issue for what they are refusing repairs to.
This has been discussed before. Car manufactures did the same thing with aftermarket parts.
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Click to collapse
You're incorrect here as well. You can't relate unlocking the bootloader to replacing OEM parts with aftermarket ones. Further, what pjc said is right on. Legally speaking, all of us are expressly informed that the warranty is void if we unlock the bootloader (twice if you count the warranty statement as well). If unlocking the bootloader is not necessary for normal use, then there's no argument that one MUST unlock the bootloader. So any court would laugh at a complaint like this.
I am sure you are all familiar with the M&M act? If not then do a search as it is too much too post here. This at any rate is the one that speaks to aftermarket car parts and touches on many parts of warranty coverage. I fought Chrysler over an issue with a truck I bought some years ago. I won. It cost several times what fixing it out of pocket would have. While the M&M act provides for the ability to recover fees you may or may not do so. I did not. I followed this through as a matter of principle but I can just about promise you if you should decide to pursue this in court you will be sorry you ever stepped down that road. I would not do so again in similar circumstances. Especially since as already stated Google has been quite good about fixing obvious hardware defects with unlocked bootloaders if you contact them and follow the process. I have yet to read one instance where someone with such a problem was denied warranty after following through with Google.

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