Related
OK, after being so annoyed with the Navigation on this phone not working, I finally found a fix that is working for me and I am in shock that what I did produced a working GPS. First, anyone who doesn't know how to take apart the black cover (not the battery cover) do a search. Next, after removing the cover, the GPS Antenna without a doubt is one right next to the power button. I found this out by putting a piece of electrical tape over every gold connector that touches an antenna, then closing the black cover, turning on the phone, running gps test, and after trying different spring connectors, I noticed I had the correct one when the app GPS Test couldn't locate any satellites. Next, I also noticed that on the inside of the cover that I took off, the one that requires six screws, there is a silver looking strip that is supposed to make contact to the connector that has a full metal top part, so when the cover goes back on, the silver strip must make contact to this negative grounding harness top. I added a bead of solder to the silver strip on the inside of the black cover so that I knew it was making contact. I believe that this is a source of everyone's problems with navigation. That strip must be a shield and the design doesn't look like it makes good contact to the connector's ground metal plate. You'll see what I mean when you open the cover.
Next, while I had the cover off, I wrapped a 30 gauge wire around the gold spring pin that connects to the GPS antenna and ran that wire down the side of the phone right along the PC Board in hopes that it extends the antenna. I just ran it like 3 inches and remember, I ran it down, not up. The GPS antenna already goes up. I put a tiny bead of solder on the wire where it contact the gold spring contact that is attached to the PC Board so that it does not come off accidentally. And believe me, it is really simple. You cannot mess anything up. Just a dab of solder is all it takes.
I put the black cover back on, and then ran the GPS test app and at one point I had 12 satellites read and used with a 7 foot accuracy!!! Next I went to the Navigation app and started playing around with different addresses and my navigation WORKED!!! I am still in awe three days later. I drove from New Jersey to Rhode Island yesterday and had the Nav running for the entire trip. Only one time did I get a small circle about the size of a half inch which lasted for 4 seconds. At that point, I was driving though a forest type side road with limited sky view.
Please try this fix for anyone who has Navigation issues with their Nexus S and let me know if it fixes it.
Dan
Awesome. Samsung should have hired you before they released the Nexus S and 1st-gen SGS phones. My Captivate never had reliable GPS. I might as well have had Ray Charles giving me directions.
Funny thing is Google nexus phones are bugged...
Nexus one multi touch bug
Nexus s compass not working...
I think the issue here is with whoever was choosing and picking the hardware that would have powered a nexus...
HTC and Samsung do not surprise me... But Google not testing the compass on a flagship phone before releasing scares me :-\
Luckily my gps works fine (i9023 here) but the broken compass create a lot of troubles with gps navigation as very often the phone thinks to be driving in the reverse direction...
The nexus one digitizer wasn't a bug. Just a crappy digitizer. It worked as it meant to. It sucked but wasn't a bug.
The GPS and compass issues for the nexus s are different as well. Some devices have crappy ones and apparently don't work. My GPS and compass works perfect on the other hand. Always has
evcz said:
Funny thing is Google nexus phones are bugged...
Nexus one multi touch bug
Nexus s compass not working...
I think the issue here is with whoever was choosing and picking the hardware that would have powered a nexus...
HTC and Samsung do not surprise me... But Google not testing the compass on a flagship phone before releasing scares me :-\
Luckily my gps works fine (i9023 here) but the broken compass create a lot of troubles with gps navigation as very often the phone thinks to be driving in the reverse direction...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have problems with navigation, even tho i hardly ever use it. However, this compass thing; I downloaded an app called Smart Compass and it works really well... Where I know it's north, the compass points north and so on. but mind you, I got my phone after companies stopped selling it so I might've gotten the last of the good batch
Could you post a photo of the finished fix so I can check if I'm going to fry something ? Thanks !
@VOLTAGEROCK:
post some photos for better help if it's possible, before and after modifications please
thanks in advance
I will but gimme a day or two. All I know is I'm on day five and its still working!
wow
Sent from my
RESSURECTED Nexus S
CM10 NIGHTIES
DmA81 said:
Could you post a photo of the finished fix so I can check if I'm going to fry something ? Thanks !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I should have at the time of doing it, but I didn't know what i was doing was going to work!! Now I have to take the phone apart again, but you give me a reason to hook up my Touchstone from the Pre while the phone is open and accessible. I will do my best to put the pics up in a timely manner and in the meantime, if there's anyone out there, go to the iteardown fix it (i think that's what its called) and look at the video or pics of the Nexus being taken apart.
Again, I have no reason to believe that I didn't fix the problem as it's working everytime, when it wouldn't work at all before the mod. When you're looking at the phone from the back, the GPS antenna location has a letter G engraved into the black cover after the battery cover has been taken off. It's right below the electrical type tape that covers the antenna FYI.
*#*#gpsclrx#*#* always fixed my gps woes and i had a lot. no hardware mod required.
Sputnikk23 said:
*#*#gpsclrx#*#* always fixed my gps woes and i had a lot. no hardware mod required.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What does that do by the way.? Because my mod works everytime and you never have to use the code you just put up. Even though I appreciate you putting that there. Also, what type of problems were you having with your navigation? Did it work periodically? Did it never work like mine? Just curious as to the problem you had with your navigation. Thanks
Dan
I can confirm this hardware mod fixed voltages gps. He's gone thru 2 nexus s phones and both GPS would constantly lose the position every few minutes then reacquire, and show a huge circle for his position. Somehow this hardware mod fixes some design issue with the nexus s where a shielding isn't properly grounded. And also he extended the GPS antenna with a wire for good measure.
By the way it was the sprint nexus s 4g he modified.
Please post pictures to go with your narrative. I would like to try this!
O
RogerPodacter said:
I can confirm this hardware mos fixed voltages gps. He's gone thru 2 nexus s phones and both GPS would constantly lose the position every few minutes then reacquire, and show a huge circle for his position. Somehow this hardware mod fixes some design issue with the nexus s where a shielding isn't properly grounded. And also he extended the GPS antenna with a wire for good measure.
By the way it was the sprint nexus s 4g he modified.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the clarification nation, Podact.
VOLTAGEROCK said:
What does that do by the way.? Because my mod works everytime and you never have to use the code you just put up. Even though I appreciate you putting that there. Also, what type of problems were you having with your navigation? Did it work periodically? Did it never work like mine? Just curious as to the problem you had with your navigation. Thanks
Dan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wipe gps data. not the same thing as the gps status wipe (which didn't work for me). try it, doesn't really hurt anything. seems a software code is worth a shot then opening up the phone you know?
Some ROMs it never worked. Other ROMs it was sporadic. When I would get it to work, it always eventually "lost" its ability to lock, etc.
But hey.. if you want to get all hyper-sensitive over your mod.. go for it. Was just throwing another method out there for the faint of heart.
Sputnikk23 said:
wipe gps data. not the same thing as the gps status wipe (which didn't work for me). try it, doesn't really hurt anything. seems a software code is worth a shot then opening up the phone you know?
Some ROMs it never worked. Other ROMs it was sporadic. When I would get it to work, it always eventually "lost" its ability to lock, etc.
But hey.. if you want to get all hyper-sensitive over your mod.. go for it. Was just throwing another method out there for the faint of heart.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am sensitive as I cried at your remark, and then I got really hyper and started running in circles with joy that my nav works. So I guess you're right, I am hypersensitive! Btw, I was being nothing but nice to your reply. Its OK. I forgive you.
Pics requested
Check out the pics. One of them shows some solder on the silver shielding so it makes better contact with the connector when they close back up. The other shows a 30 gauge red wire soldered to the gps pin and running down the phone. Hope this clears up what you guys need to do to get the gps to finally work on this dag gone phone.
.I've been using navigation and never had such a problems.my gps always locking under 10sec and doesn't loosing signal.
Btw i live in UK and using nav in big city.
Do a search for Nexus S 4g on sprint nav problems and you'll see a whole slew of people with problems.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda app-developers app
_____________________________________________
!!! 25+ ESTIMATED SUCCESSES!!! (Either reported or from thanks on this post)
_____________________________________________
For TL;DR - start at [[ WILL THIS HELP YOU? ]]
This ABSOLUTELY fixed my AT&T Note 3's GPS. However:
:::: DISCLAIMER :::: I had an unusual chain of events leading up to this fix. I hope it fixes your Note 3's GPS, but there's really no way to tell - unless you decide to try it. It may not help you at all. So, what have you got to lose? Well, take a look at [[ WILL THIS HELP YOU? ]] and [[ RISKS ]].
[[ INTRO ]]
If you're here, most likely your Note 3's GPS doesn't work, and you're desperate like I was for a fix. Here's the chain of events that led to my fix:
1. Got AT&T Note 3 - **out of the box** it had the 'blurry' camera issue, but outstanding GPS (consistent 3 second satlock).
2. Sent Note 3 in for Samsung Warranty Repair to fix the 'blurry' camera.
3. Samsung fixed the camera.
4. Disappointingly, Samsung broke the GPS (by bending the 'leaf' pin circled RED in my pic below, I assume inadvertently during reassembly).
5. Got Note 3 back - camera fixed, GPS broken by Samsung.
6. After observing an iFixit teardown, I followed this chain of logic: A - Since Samsung replaced my camera, and B - the camera is separate from the main board that the GPS is on, then C - Samsung must have only replaced the camera, and left the GPS alone. D - Therefore, Samsung did not replace my exceptional GPS, that, sadly, is now broken. E - Something else must have broken the GPS. F - I read a thread suggesting that tightening the 12 screws on the back fixes the GPS, then G - I decided it's time to check on the leaf pins after looking at the iFixit teardown. Below is what I found.
[[ WILL THIS HELP YOU? ]]
Hopefully. I have no idea. Maybe. Decide if the [[ RISKS ]] are worth it to find out if one of your 'leaf' pins are bent or damaged (mine was bent by Samsung Warranty Repair, as explained above).
[ 1 ] Yes, if one of the 'leaf pins' is bent, dislodged, or otherwise not making contact.
[ 2 ] Yes, if one of the contacts that the leaf pins touch is oxidized. (Remove oxidation by scraping it off.)
--- Thanks to evilpotatoman for reporting this fix! ---
[ 3 ] Yes, if one of the 'leaf pins' is squished and is not pressing hard enough against the contact. (Bend "leaf pin" outward to make tighter contact.)
--- As suggested by evilpotatoman ---
Also, perhaps adding a small piece of stock paper under the offending leaf pin will make it keep contact better. ( !!!! Be careful - don't add too much paper, which could stress the pin or contact !!!! )
--- As suggested by superdookie67 ---
[4] Yes, if a screw is loose. This may happen if you remove the back cover frequently, which loosens the screw that keeps a solid connection between the leaf pin and contact near the back cover fingernail hole.
--- As suggested by yedidi2006 ---
Let's be honest: since Samsung Warranty Repair dislodged my Note 3's leaf pin, isn't it plausible that a maybe even a few Note 3's shipped with bent leaf pins?
I'M WILLING TO BET YES. So please reply and let everyone know if this fixes it.
[[ RISKS ]] (Honestly, this is a pretty basic procedure. But here goes)
1. Potentially voiding warranty, though I have no idea how it can be proven (put some new Loctite on the screws afterward if you're paranoid.)
2. (Only a risk for those who are completely careless) Potential damage to internal equipment.
3. Losing 30 minutes of your life. Personally, I love tearing stuff apart whenever I have an excuse, so for me this wasn't a risk.
[[ INSTRUCTIONS ]] (See attached pics for details)
1. See your favorite teardown site for even more details. Remove the back cover, stylus, SIM, and microSD.
2. Remove the 12 Phillips screws on the back. They are sealed with Loctite, so don't damage your phone with too much force.
3. !!!Carefully!!! remove the inner plastic shell (clipped in).
3a. !!!Only lift up!!!, perpendicularly from the screen to avoid damaging the leaf pins.
3b. !!!Take your time!!! Gently open around the edges until all edges and clips are loose.
4. Observe the leaf pin locations shown below.
5. Samsung bent my leaf pin circled in RED below. This one is clearly related to the GPS, because bending it back restored my GPS to perfect functionality.
6. !!!!Extra Carefully!!!! bend the leaf pin back into position, if you find a dislocated leaf pin.
7. Replace the inner plastic shell, making sure to not damage the leaf pins.
8. Replace the 12 screws (with new Loctite, at your discretion).
9. Obviously, replace the SIM, microSD, stylus, and back cover.
10. Fire it up.
11. MOST IMPORTANTLY, reply back if this helps - maybe this is a fix for many of the Note 3's that shipped with terrible GPS reception.
________________________
Nope, I looked in and my 'leaf' pins were all properly shaped. I even slightly bent it to look more like yours, and still having GPS issues.
Sorry to hear that didn't fix it for you. Thanks for posting your results though.
If someone is feeling ambitious (and somehow doesn't care about their warranty), the other thing I was thinking is to clean off / polish the contacts that the leaf pins touch, but that's almost certainly a warranty-voider. Not to mention it could possibly damage or ruin the contacts.
Sent from my SM-N900A using xda app-developers app
Switched my rom back to stock NB4 rooted, having no gps issues now (if I remember, it worked just fine on NB4 before). Bent pins may be a problem for others though.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk
Interesting, well at least it's working again.
I'd be stoked if someone else fixed their GPS because of a bent leaf pin, since it's such an easy and decisive fix.
Sent from my SM-N900A using xda app-developers app
wish i had seen this earlier. I had mine done just like what you did plus the pins from the backside of the motherboard. mine wont lock unless i am outside and had clear view of the sky (no signal if inside the car). and had to conclude that its the hardware and not the software. after doing all of those pins. i got lock in less than 3 secs!
damn note 3.
also, i had to spray those pins with an electronic contact cleaner before I put them back together
jay185 said:
wish i had seen this earlier. I had mine done just like what you did plus the pins from the backside of the motherboard. mine wont lock unless i am outside and had clear view of the sky (no signal if inside the car). and had to conclude that its the hardware and not the software. after doing all of those pins. i got lock in less than 3 secs!
damn note 3.
also, i had to spray those pins with an electronic contact cleaner before I put them back together
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fantastic, glad to hear it worked :good: Thanks for posting your results.
Is there a fix for the compass not working correctly? Sometimes when I'm driving, it makes it look like I'm traveling sideways. This is on GoogleMap. My GPS has been working fine since the first day.
hp79 said:
Is there a fix for the compass not working correctly? Sometimes when I'm driving, it makes it look like I'm traveling sideways. This is on GoogleMap. My GPS has been working fine since the first day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My guess is that this fix should work for any subsystem that uses one of the leaf pins (of course only if said subsystem has a bent leaf pin).
We'd have to determine where the compass is located and if it uses the pins. Otherwise, I'm not aware of a compass fix. Mine has exhibited that behavior too. I'll report back if I find anything.
Sent from my SM-N900A using XDA Free mobile app
Thanks!
I was suffering from little to no GPS fix. Opened it up per your instructions to find that my gps pin wasn't bent, but the terminal to which it contacts was oxidized. I bent the pin up to ensure a tight fit and I marred the terminal with a razor to remove the oxidation. My GPS works flawlessly now.
would anyone know among those pins, where exactly is the gps antenna connected to?
ok nevermind. i figured it out. its the 2 pin at the top right (where the volume keys are)
SchecterRocker said:
For TL;DR - start at [[ WILL THIS HELP YOU? ]]
This ABSOLUTELY fixed my AT&T Note 3's GPS. However:
:::: DISCLAIMER :::: I had an unusual chain of events leading up to this fix. I hope it fixes your Note 3's GPS, but there's really no way to tell - unless you decide to try it. It may not help you at all. So, what have you got to lose? Well, take a look at [[ WILL THIS HELP YOU? ]] and [[ RISKS ]].
[[ INTRO ]]
If you're here, most likely your Note 3's GPS doesn't work, and you're desperate like I was for a fix. Here's the chain of events that led to my fix:
1. Got AT&T Note 3 - **out of the box** it had the 'blurry' camera issue, but outstanding GPS (consistent 3 second satlock).
2. Sent Note 3 in for Samsung Warranty Repair to fix the 'blurry' camera.
3. Samsung fixed the camera.
4. Disappointingly, Samsung broke the GPS (by bending the 'leaf' pin circled RED in my pic below, I assume inadvertently during reassembly).
5. Got Note 3 back - camera fixed, GPS broken by Samsung.
6. After observing an iFixit teardown, I followed this chain of logic: A - Since Samsung replaced my camera, and B - the camera is separate from the main board that the GPS is on, then C - Samsung must have only replaced the camera, and left the GPS alone. D - Therefore, Samsung did not replace my exceptional GPS, that, sadly, is now broken. E - Something else must have broken the GPS. F - I read a thread suggesting that tightening the 12 screws on the back fixes the GPS, then G - I decided it's time to check on the leaf pins after looking at the iFixit teardown. Below is what I found.
[[ WILL THIS HELP YOU? ]]
Hopefully. I have no idea. Maybe. Decide if the [[ RISKS ]] are worth it to find out if one of your 'leaf' pins are bent or damaged (mine was bent by Samsung Warranty Repair, as explained above).
Let's be honest: since Samsung Warranty Repair dislodged my Note 3's leaf pin, isn't it plausible that a maybe even a few Note 3's shipped with bent leaf pins?
I'M WILLING TO BET YES. So please reply and let everyone know if this fixes it.
[[ RISKS ]] (Honestly, this is a pretty basic procedure. But here goes)
1. Potentially voiding warranty, though I have no idea how it can be proven (put some new Loctite on the screws afterward if you're paranoid.)
2. (Only a risk for those who are completely careless) Potential damage to internal equipment.
3. Losing 30 minutes of your life. Personally, I love tearing stuff apart whenever I have an excuse, so for me this wasn't a risk.
[[ INSTRUCTIONS ]] (See attached pics for details)
1. See your favorite teardown site for even more details. Remove the back cover, stylus, SIM, and microSD.
2. Remove the 12 Phillips screws on the back. They are sealed with Loctite, so don't damage your phone with too much force.
3. !!!Carefully!!! remove the inner plastic shell (clipped in).
3a. !!!Only lift up!!!, perpendicularly from the screen to avoid damaging the leaf pins.
3b. !!!Take your time!!! Gently open around the edges until all edges and clips are loose.
4. Observe the leaf pin locations shown below.
5. Samsung bent my leaf pin circled in RED below. This one is clearly related to the GPS, because bending it back restored my GPS to perfect functionality.
6. !!!!Extra Carefully!!!! bend the leaf pin back into position, if you find a dislocated leaf pin.
7. Replace the inner plastic shell, making sure to not damage the leaf pins.
8. Replace the 12 screws (with new Loctite, at your discretion).
9. Obviously, replace the SIM, microSD, stylus, and back cover.
10. Fire it up.
11. MOST IMPORTANTLY, reply back if this helps - maybe this is a fix for many of the Note 3's that shipped with terrible GPS reception.
________________________
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you go? To an AT&T store or bestbuy?
My phone had no GPS issues at all until a couple of days ago after I dropped it flat on its back (with a thin cover on it) and picked it up with no scratch on it. Now I have NO GPS at all (I'm not sure it is because of the fall or something else. It fell several times before and it didn't mess my GPS). I tried every single GPS fix app in the Play Store that used to actually solve my GPS issues and nothing. I downgraded from KK to JB thinking it might have been KK that was causing the problem and also nothing. Now when I try to use my GPS, it hangs on "searching for GPS" forever. I'm thinking of re-flashing stock and un-rooting to take It back to them (I need your advice on where I should go, please). I don't want to start disassembling my phone first.
Thanks man.
from my 3rd beast of a phone..!!
I'm genuinely glad to hear this has helped at least 2 or 3 others! It was such an annoying issue for me that I hoped it would help someone else.
evilpotatoman said:
Thanks!
I was suffering from little to no GPS fix. Opened it up per your instructions to find that my gps pin wasn't bent, but the terminal to which it contacts was oxidized. I bent the pin up to ensure a tight fit and I marred the terminal with a razor to remove the oxidation. My GPS works flawlessly now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great news! Let's just say that your MJ5 restoration thread has saved me more than once, so I'm glad if I can pay it forward in any way. :good: I'll modify the instructions to suggest checking for oxidized contacts like yours were. Thanks!
jay185 said:
would anyone know among those pins, where exactly is the gps antenna connected to?
ok nevermind. i figured it out. its the 2 pin at the top right (where the volume keys are)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for reporting this. I actually bent the top left pin (where the power key is) to fix mine, so it would appear that either the top right or left pins could be causing issues for people.
K-Alzwayed said:
Where did you go? To an AT&T store or bestbuy?
My phone had no GPS issues at all until a couple of days ago after I dropped it flat on its back (with a thin cover on it) and picked it up with no scratch on it. Now I have NO GPS at all (I'm not sure it is because of the fall or something else. It fell several times before and it didn't mess my GPS). I tried every single GPS fix app in the Play Store that used to actually solve my GPS issues and nothing. I downgraded from KK to JB thinking it might have been KK that was causing the problem and also nothing. Now when I try to use my GPS, it hangs on "searching for GPS" forever. I'm thinking of re-flashing stock and un-rooting to take It back to them (I need your advice on where I should go, please). I don't want to start disassembling my phone first.
Thanks man.
from my 3rd beast of a phone..!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I shipped my Note 3 to be repaired by Samsung Warranty Repair somewhere in Texas (free of charge, since it's still under warranty) (if that's what you're asking - I didn't get it repaired at AT&T or BestBuy). I am by no means an expert on this, but from what you've described my first guess is one of your pins got dislodged somehow (presumably from the fall). Honestly this procedure isn't overly difficult, but I understand if you don't want to crack open your phone. Until I did open my phone though, I was having nearly identical issues as you are (hanging on "searching for GPS" , the GPS Status app could only find 2 or 3 satellites instead of the usual 12-19, etc, etc, etc).
Samsung Warranty Repair bent my GPS pin, causing it to malfunction. While I sincerely want to recommend that you send it to Samsung to fix, just be aware that things can go wrong - I speak from experience.
Thanks again for everyone's responses!
SchecterRocker said:
I'm genuinely glad to hear this has helped at least 2 or 3 others! It was such an annoying issue for me that I hoped it would help someone else.
Great news! Let's just say that your MJ5 restoration thread has saved me more than once, so I'm glad if I can pay it forward in any way. :good: I'll modify the instructions to suggest checking for oxidized contacts like yours were. Thanks!
Thanks for reporting this. I actually bent the top left pin (where the power key is) to fix mine, so it would appear that either the top right or left pins could be causing issues for people.
I shipped my Note 3 to be repaired by Samsung Warranty Repair somewhere in Texas (free of charge, since it's still under warranty) (if that's what you're asking - I didn't get it repaired at AT&T or BestBuy). I am by no means an expert on this, but from what you've described my first guess is one of your pins got dislodged somehow (presumably from the fall). Honestly this procedure isn't overly difficult, but I understand if you don't want to crack open your phone. Until I did open my phone though, I was having nearly identical issues as you are (hanging on "searching for GPS" , the GPS Status app could only find 2 or 3 satellites instead of the usual 12-19, etc, etc, etc).
Samsung Warranty Repair bent my GPS pin, causing it to malfunction. While I sincerely want to recommend that you send it to Samsung to fix, just be aware that things can go wrong - I speak from experience.
Thanks again for everyone's responses!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate it, man. I heard from some friends that it could be this http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/0...-services-are-experiencing-outages-right-now/
So before shipping my phone, I'm going to wait a little bit longer to see if this is the issue. I still have a long while on the warranty
I would like to say this fixed my GPS on my AT&T Note 3.
I didn't have to un-clip the complete back, just the top left section enough to see the two antennas.
Now my GPS works normally.
Funny thing is my Note 1 had the same problem, which I fixed in the same way over 2 years ago..
What I am guessing is that when we put pressure on the phone we squish the antennas down so when the pressure is relieved they are no longer in contact.
Seems to be a design flaw in all generations of the Note phone.
Samsung should change how this connection is made, as the flaw will continue to occur.
thank you for the post!
Itworked but only for a few minutes
SchecterRocker said:
For TL;DR - start at [[ WILL THIS HELP YOU? ]]
This ABSOLUTELY fixed my AT&T Note 3's GPS. However:
....
[[ INSTRUCTIONS ]] (See attached pics for details)
1. See your favorite teardown site for even more details. Remove the back cover, stylus, SIM, and microSD.
2. Remove the 12 Phillips screws on the back. They are sealed with Loctite, so don't damage your phone with too much force.
3. !!!Carefully!!! remove the inner plastic shell (clipped in).
3a. !!!Only lift up!!!, perpendicularly from the screen to avoid damaging the leaf pins.
3b. !!!Take your time!!! Gently open around the edges until all edges and clips are loose.
4. Observe the leaf pin locations shown below.
5. Samsung bent my leaf pin circled in RED below. This one is clearly related to the GPS, because bending it back restored my GPS to perfect functionality.
6. !!!!Extra Carefully!!!! bend the leaf pin back into position, if you find a dislocated leaf pin.
7. Replace the inner plastic shell, making sure to not damage the leaf pins.
8. Replace the 12 screws (with new Loctite, at your discretion).
9. Obviously, replace the SIM, microSD, stylus, and back cover.
10. Fire it up.
11. MOST IMPORTANTLY, reply back if this helps - maybe this is a fix for many of the Note 3's that shipped with terrible GPS reception.
________________________
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately it didn't work... I also found that my note 3 is a little different to your photos where the two leaf-pins are mounted side by side.
I followed your procedure, found what I think must be the same leaf pins you refer to, but they didn't seem to be bent or misshaped. I bent them up slightly anyway,since I'd gone to so much trouble to tear it down, before reassembling the device.
When I first switched it on I thought I'd had a win: Using the 'GPS Status' app I quickly acquired 4/ 23 satellites, where normally I see 0/23 (or 0/xx) the xx number varies.
That soon increased to 11/ 19 and I thought yes its fixed AT LAST!!
For once I was even able to locate my device in Google Android Device Manager too - it rarely ever works. The only one that does is 'Where's My Droid' as it can find it using the WLAN and the mobile phone towers that my SIM is connected to. It appears that Google's ADM MUST use GPS only, because whenever Where's My Droid finds it via GPS (which isn't too often), Android Device Manager also works (finds it ok)... It was this constant failing of ADM which eventually brought me to the conclusion that the problem is to do with GPS (I've tried EVERYTHING to fix this over several months) and how I eventually found your post, which unfortunately doesn't seem to have helped me.
It does seem a bit odd though, that it worked for a few minutes after firing up the phone.
I just wonder if some component is failing once it reaches a certain temperature?
If so, I might was well forget it (warranty void - had to remove a sticker that was over screw # 12) and buy a new phone, but NOT a note 3!
I checked this with the recent gps trouble I've had with my tmobile version. I noticed mine were smashed down as low as they could be. Pulling them back up a bit, my gps does seem to be better now. I was wondering, would sticking some stock paper or anything under them help to keep them raised and connected to the other side?
And thanks so much for this post, I had been working on this problem forever.
ko9pora said:
Unfortunately it didn't work... I also found that my note 3 is a little different to your photos where the two leaf-pins are mounted side by side.
I followed your procedure, found what I think must be the same leaf pins you refer to, but they didn't seem to be bent or misshaped. I bent them up slightly anyway,since I'd gone to so much trouble to tear it down, before reassembling the device.
When I first switched it on I thought I'd had a win: Using the 'GPS Status' app I quickly acquired 4/ 23 satellites, where normally I see 0/23 (or 0/xx) the xx number varies.
That soon increased to 11/ 19 and I thought yes its fixed AT LAST!!
For once I was even able to locate my device in Google Android Device Manager too - it rarely ever works. The only one that does is 'Where's My Droid' as it can find it using the WLAN and the mobile phone towers that my SIM is connected to. It appears that Google's ADM MUST use GPS only, because whenever Where's My Droid finds it via GPS (which isn't too often), Android Device Manager also works (finds it ok)... It was this constant failing of ADM which eventually brought me to the conclusion that the problem is to do with GPS (I've tried EVERYTHING to fix this over several months) and how I eventually found your post, which unfortunately doesn't seem to have helped me.
It does seem a bit odd though, that it worked for a few minutes after firing up the phone.
I just wonder if some component is failing once it reaches a certain temperature?
If so, I might was well forget it (warranty void - had to remove a sticker that was over screw # 12) and buy a new phone, but NOT a note 3!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to take it back... It worked!
When I wrote the above reply, I didn't realize that I was too far inside my house (under it's steel roof). As soon as I went outside or even near a window it all worked great and still does, but I guess no GPS works too well when its effectively shielded under an iron roof...:laugh:
superdookie67 said:
I checked this with the recent gps trouble I've had with my tmobile version. I noticed mine were smashed down as low as they could be. Pulling them back up a bit, my gps does seem to be better now. I was wondering, would sticking some stock paper or anything under them help to keep them raised and connected to the other side?
And thanks so much for this post, I had been working on this problem forever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to hear it worked! I agree, perhaps sticking a little paper under the pin that's causing trouble may help it keep contact. I'll add that suggestion into the original post.
ko9pora said:
I have to take it back... It worked!
When I wrote the above reply, I didn't realize that I was too far inside my house (under it's steel roof). As soon as I went outside or even near a window it all worked great and still does, but I guess no GPS works too well when its effectively shielded under an iron roof...:laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good deal! I'm in the same situation - under a steel roof. Basically, my house similar to a Faraday cage, blocking out almost all radio communication (cell, AM/FM, TV, you name it.)
Sounds good, looks like we've got about 5 successes so far!
YES! I had absolutely no GPS, popped open the phone - the leaf was already bent back as in your "after" picture, but I just propped it up to get better connection, and now I finally have a GPS signal, 13/25 satellites within 30 seconds of my first test. Thank you so much for posting this.
So I have an issue with a 2012 N7, warranty is long gone. I've tried all suggestions from billykxda's thread, but no luck thus far. I've also tried Google's official page on the topic as well.
I've left the device charging for many consecutive hours, both via AC power and USB, and I suspect my issue resides with the LCD screen. Also tried a hard battery pull. It's also important to note that I haven't undertaken any mods on the device at all, i.e. the bootloader is still locked and USB debugging is not enabled yet.
When I plug the device into my PC the Win7 driver notification bubble pops up, usually reporting either an Unknown Device or an "APX drivers not installed" message. I'm unable to get it to boot into Fastboot, Recovery, or Android OS. Plugging/unplugging the device via USB yields these driver messages over and over again, along with the Win7 sound notification, so the device isn't totally dead, but no amount of button combinations or 30-60+ second button holds are getting any response.
Has anyone else experienced these issues before? Do you think my device is totally dead?
AvidPhisherman said:
Has anyone else experienced these issues before?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes; I am also experiencing similar issues. Unfortunately, I have not reached a solution. I just replaced a broken screen for a friend. Once I got the screen in, I tried turning it on but didn't see anything happen. I began to research and thought I had the dead battery issue that most people get when leaving it unplugged for an extended period of time. I plugged it in using the wall adapter for a few hours, used the power+volume buttons and still didn't get any response. Finally, I decided to charge it with my PC. The PC recognized something was plugged in, installed drivers, and now I have a Nexus 7 in my connected devices list. While connected to my PC, I hold power+volume down and hear the USB disconnect, reconnect, and have an unrecognizable device attached. This leads me to believe that the Nexus 7 is working properly and the screen is not working. I have taken the entire device apart to re-seat all connections 3 different times and still cannot get it to work. I hope someone can shed some light on our issues!
Edit: I forgot to mention, I also tested the battery with a digital multimeter. It reads approximately 3.79 volts DC. I thought it may be important to state this in case the issue is battery related. I'm not certain what the correct value should be for it to work properly.
I am currently trying to diagnose this problem. Yesterday, I hopped on Craigslist and bought a working Nexus 7 for 50$. I am currently taking it apart to rob parts from it and figure out where the problem is. So far I have tested the battery. The battery reads approximately 3.78 volts DC so I can probably rule this out as my problem.
Also, I noticed something strange yesterday. I took the broken Nexus with me when I went to meet up with the man selling the used/working Nexus. While I was outside in very bright sunlight, I pushed the power button on the broken Nexus. I noticed that I could actually see the screen doing something. It was all fuzzy and had lines running every where, but you could in fact see it doing something. I think the replacement screen I received is bad, but I won't know until I start swapping parts.
AvidPhisherman, for now maybe try taking your Nexus out in very bright sunlight and see if you can see the screen do anything when you press the power button. Also, I'm not trying to hijack the thread. It seems that we have very similar issues. I hope to find something that fixes both of our problems.
Success.... kinda. I tried combining the broken Nexus 7 motherboard with the working Nexus 7 screen but it wouldn't fit since one is the 3G model, and the other is the Wifi only model. Next, I put everything back together on the broken N7, but this time I used the LCD ribbon cable from the good N7. Success!!! It powered up, and I can see the screen. My problem now, is that the screen is mostly unresponsive and acts like you are touching it in random spots, when you're not touching it at all. I'm taking it apart to re-seat the connections... again.
__redfox__ said:
Success.... kinda. I tried combining the broken Nexus 7 motherboard with the working Nexus 7 screen but it wouldn't fit since one is the 3G model, and the other is the Wifi only model. Next, I put everything back together on the broken N7, but this time I used the LCD ribbon cable from the good N7. Success!!! It powered up, and I can see the screen. My problem now, is that the screen is mostly unresponsive and acts like you are touching it in random spots, when you're not touching it at all. I'm taking it apart to re-seat the connections... again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey redfox thanks for taking in interest in this! You're not hijacking the thread, your posts are very helpful. Good to know I'm not the only one experiencing these issues.
I'm just a hobbyist with an interest in fixing things, although I don't have much experience with DIY fixing. I didn't have a chance to try turning the screen on under direct sunlight, but yesterday I took both my non-working Nexus 7s (the first one I mentioned in my OP, the second one just has a bad/hollowed out USB port) in to a repair shop for a free diagnosis. I'm actually a business user, my company owns the tablets but I'm responsible for maintenance/tech troubleshooting.
Please keep me posted with updates as to how your progress is going. I'll post again once I get a report from the repair shop re: my issues.
Hi,
I have been having the same problem,
I bought my wife a used Nexus 7 and it worked just fine for almost a year then all of the sudden the screen would not function
there would be lines going through it but it remain dark.
thank you for researching the matter i will try to buy the part online and see if i can get it to work now!
if i understand it correctly there is no need for a new mother board but just a new LCD ribbon cable?
godnessy said:
Hi,
I have been having the same problem,
I bought my wife a used Nexus 7 and it worked just fine for almost a year then all of the sudden the screen would not function
there would be lines going through it but it remain dark.
thank you for researching the matter i will try to buy the part online and see if i can get it to work now!
if i understand it correctly there is no need for a new mother board but just a new LCD ribbon cable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cannot guarantee that it will fix your screen, but it is possible. When I had this one out in the sun, it did the same thing. The screen was super dark, and I could see crazy lines. Hopefully a new ribbon/cable will fix your problem. They are only a few dollars on Amazon.com
godnessy said:
Hi,
I have been having the same problem,
I bought my wife a used Nexus 7 and it worked just fine for almost a year then all of the sudden the screen would not function
there would be lines going through it but it remain dark.
thank you for researching the matter i will try to buy the part online and see if i can get it to work now!
if i understand it correctly there is no need for a new mother board but just a new LCD ribbon cable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
__redfox__ said:
I cannot guarantee that it will fix your screen, but it is possible. When I had this one out in the sun, it did the same thing. The screen was super dark, and I could see crazy lines. Hopefully a new ribbon/cable will fix your problem. They are only a few dollars on Amazon.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello fellow users! Quick update, I finally heard back from the repair shop.
Bad news - they tried swapping out the screen, then the battery, USB charging port, display cables, etc. etc. and nothing worked. Their diagnosis is that the tablet has a fried motherboard, and they're unable to repair and/or replace it
Good news - it cost me nothing to receive this diagnosis
Hopefully the outlook is not so grim for your respective N7s. Just wanted to post an update as to what I learned from this whole experience.
Hi guys, Reporting in.
Toke a while but i got the part AND found the stupid device!
After ALOT of fiddling, taking apart and putting back again i found out that the problem was the battery!
it looks like it was on its last leg and that caused all the strange screen stuff.
I dont have another battery to replace it so instead i hooked it up straight to a USB cable and into the socket and it works just fine
thanks for the tips and hopefully this helps someone else!
Hi to everyone, i bought from internet second-hand Nexus 4 with 5.0.2 but after a couple of day i got a very strange problem:
The battery % randomly change.
I mean, i am normally (but it happen also in standby) using my N4 when it alert to me that the battery is out.
It pass from 40% (or whatever good %) to 4,5 sometimes 1 and then shut down.
Also, i noticed that sometime i can't find "battery" icon in the option menu.
So i try to rebooth the phone but the touchscreen doesn't work and i need to tap with 2,3 or 4 finger.
When i reboot again, it work but they % keep changing, sometime in a bigger number, sometime in a lower number.
I complete wipe and format my N4 and for 2 days works in the best way, the battery keep the load and so on
but then, here we are again.
I got a couple of screenshot of the battery icon missing in the option, of the % changing but it is very hard make a video of this becouse it happen randomly.
Android is 5.0.2 stock, no root, no bootloader
Ofc the guy that sell to me said the phone was perfect, no problem and all the stuff works good.
it the first time it happen to me..
Please help me if you can becouse i really don't know how to behave.
Many many many thanks, Federico.
Is there any noticeable bulge to the battery on the rear of the unit? It sounds like a hardware battery issue.
So, it can be a hardware problem?
Yesterday my battery long last For about 24h...
Maybe a problem in the socket.
I should open the phone (battery is not removibile, so i dont know if there is any bulge)
I dont nave many experience with hardware problemi so i cannot spot them.
I Also should take a look in the hidden menu and take note of the mV.
Sorry for my english..
I try to find the mini torx and open my phone asap.
Thank you!
I replaced my battery the other day while replacing the power button. I didn't have an issue with the battery but figured it couldn't hurt. Turns out the replacement brand new OEM battery built 3 months ago is lasting exactly the same as the original 2 year old battery.
The battery is a really easy job to do though. You could try removing the screw's holding the connector on. They've been known to cause problems for some people.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app
Big Edit!
i finally open the device ( i missing the TR5 Torx!) and i come across in some funny surprise!
First of all, the battery was covered by paper label
Then you can see the antistatic blue tap broken
No glue is present between battery and device
The two little screw on the connector is missing <- may be the major cause?
For sure, the battery was tampered and that may be the cause of my problem.
Just one question: there is a way to understand if the battery is original ?
Special thanks to:
added info
Ah, it does indeed seem like it was tampered with, especially with the defects in the top right corner and such. Unfortunately I don't think there is a way to see whether it is original or not, but now I definitely recommend purchasing a new battery, as well as some of the extra components that seem to be missing.
Thank you for support.
By the way, i found in my office two screw that fit in the hole so i am ok, i can use a little drop of a glue or a particular biadhesive tap for block the battery in the status.. other stuff seems to be ok.
Alright, sounds good.
It looks identical to the original and the oem replacement I put in. Judging by the date it is probably not the original.
Hopefully mine doesn't act up because of leaving the screws out. I only did it because of the number of people claiming it was a fix.
I didn't put any paper on top of mine however. That makes me think the previous owner had an issue they were trying to fix with it.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app
I searched the internet images and looks very similar to the original , in fact when don't show this defect has a great autonomy !
The label,i think it's been done by the past owner to obtain a thickness and hold down the battery in position , you can since it lacks the glue on the back .
The real problem is : may be due to the fact that the missing screws let "move" the connector and generate the defect ?
Moreover, the battery sends a lot of information on the phone , not only the + and - .
even just a little contact property can generate defects .
I Really hope.
I order a new battery and i have some screws taken from old laptops, mobile, maybe i can fit two of them (the first i found was too long)
The boy agreed only to refund the value of the battery ( claimed to know nothing , honestly , I do not believe but that's another story)
Sorry but i don't understand this phrase:
"Hopefully mine doesn't act up because of leaving the screws out. I only did it because of the number of people claiming it was a fix. "
You meant some people leaving the screws away from connector ?
Many thanks to all, Federico.
I mean that when I replaced the battery while I was replacing the power button, I left out the screws because so many people claimed they were too tight and caused the red light of death problem. Since I didn't want that to happen to me I left them out. I did keep them in case I had a problem so o can put them back in but so far everything is working fine.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app
That doesnt sound good for me
Maybe try putting some in again but not too tight.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app
I just pur two screw and hold the battery.
Same behavour.. Hoping is a sort of bug in the battery
Must be. My 2 year old battery lasted just as well as the new one. Held up really well.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app
I hope man next week should be to my home!
Exactly same Problem!
Facing the same problem here. phone blanks off at 40%. Could be because of 5.0.2 as problem appeared around the time I upgraded to 5.0.2. Could be a hardware issue too as I changed the battery myself.
Edit- Loose connector is not a problem as battery charges from 0% after the phone switches off. It is either a problem with the battery or with the battery status sensor.
where is locate the battery status sensor ? in the battery or on the phone ? i try to find something on internet but...
Edit:
Just noticed that my n4 is not complete clear. Files from twrp are inside. I need to totally clear my n4 before keep testing
Well, today update:
First of all, i tried to turn on a lot of "nerdy" stats using the developer menù in order to understand if something of strange happening,but nothing of strange attract my attention.
I also turn on the thing that you can see your tap on display in order to understand is just a software problem, but actually when touchscreen does not respond, doenst respond.
Then i totally wipe my N4 (following a tutorial found on XDA) flashing kernel, radio, bootloader and stock 4.4.4 and that is what i can say:
1. "Battery" in "Options - Device" isnt shown.
Very strtange imho but that make me hopefully, maybe the origin of the problems is located on battery according with what you say.
2. I am unable to boot my N4 pressing Power button! (Actually that happen also with lollipop).
I need to turn on the device passing through fastboot menù, not a big problem but a little bit annoying .
3. Touchscreen seems to work.
Nothing to say
I will test the phone today and tomorrow.
As ever, thank you for all and the support!!
Federico.
EDIT of EDIT
1A. Rotating the device and switching from landscape to portrait battery icon shown in options.
That can be an hardware problem.
It is very hard to replicate but....
---
That must be an hardware issue, becouse tilting my device battery icon (and the orignal problem) shown.
Now i hope that is locate in the battery connector instead of device connector...
Hello. I want to start off and say that even tho i used a lot of phones Samsung fits me bets. With that in mind i want to tell the story of my broken s4 i9505. I bought it new and used it about 2 years until i got and iphone 5s. The phone remaind in a drawer with the intention of selling some time but forgot about it, then i used the phone once a week or so paired with moto 360 because iphone could not connect and used the watch only for time .(bluetooth worked fine remember this). Anyway i decided to sell it and i had all my apps and accounts in there so i thought the fastest way was to factory reset it and make it fresh so i can sell it (rom was not stock at the moment, i have no ideea what rom it was). I sold it to a friend that told me he wanted to pair something with it thru bluetooth and bluetooth didnt work...i sayd that it wasnt possible because all i did was a factory reset and that couldn't damage anything. Things got worse as the phone was charging very very slow and if it got over 90% baterry would not respond to anything (red led at 90% and got to green when full but still no response from phone) and the only thing to do is to remove battery. Then i took the phone back, got it a new battery but that didn't changed anything, took it to some repairs shops that didn't ever hear about this problem, i had it chance the software but that didn't do anything. The problem i suspect it is and i saw a few other posts online was the bluetooth module would stop working for some reason and do this to the phone. Currently i don't know what to do with it and i don't want to sell it just for part for 50 euros or so. Also i read that the bluetooth module can't really be changed as a spare part because it's part of the motherboard and that means almost all the phone. Phone is in mint condition, i didn't damage it before the sell , the buyer didn't damage it or messed with the rom...Another thing i noticed is that in settings under bluetooth address says unavailable. Can someone please help me ? I can provide more information about serials and stuff if needed. Also wi-fi doesn't work now.
Mine also show unavailable under Bluetooth address, but it works.
Are you currently on the stock rom?
Yes is stock. Android version 5.0.1 I9505XXUHOJ2. If i toggle bluetooth on says starting bluetooth then after 5 seconds it disables. I guess the problem is from hardware not software. So fast battery drain is not normal something is using a lot of energy.
As far as I know, the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules are in the same physical chip, therefore something might be physically broken. Here's a clip I came across while trying to fix my phone's Wi-Fi and I think it's exactly what might fix yours. (Should be very cheap to do too.) I think basically what he's doing is putting some flux on the board then reflowing it with the hot air gun.
Before taking that step, be sure to exhaust the possible software fixes. I'm not sure, but updating the bootloader and modem MIGHT fix it.
My wi-fi started working again it just took a while but the bluetooth does exactly the same as in the clip so maybe that's the problem. I don't understand why does so glue over it make it work...also for me it's hard to turn the phone off because the screen goes black but the blue led still stays on and the only way to turn it off completly is to take out battery. Maybe this will solve the battery problem aswell ?