Help Droid 3 screen problem

[inormous]

Hi,

I have the following problem on my Droid 3.
When i start the device, it doesnt respond to anything, no sound only colored snowy screen see photo in next post

hard reset doesnt work
power button doesnt work
only way to shut it down is by removing battery.

since i have a kit of Torx screwdrivers and two hands i've taken apart the device and checked all the connections - everything is connected and looks okay.

Any idea what can cause this problem?

Best Regards,
O.

 

[inormous]

photo
http://img.ctrlv.in/img/52fe163ec95b7.jpg

 

[doogald]

Whenever I hear about display problems like that, it always sounds like it's a faulty flex cable. It sees to be a common problem.

The parts for the phone are here: Motorola Droid 3 Original Replacement Parts & Accessories

There is a repair guide on the forum here as well, though you've already disassembled it, so I suppose you're all set with that.

 

[BRAINZ2013]

Hi,

I have the following problem on my Droid 3.
When i start the device, it doesnt respond to anything, no sound only colored snowy screen see photo in next post

hard reset doesnt work
power button doesnt work
only way to shut it down is by removing battery.

since i have a kit of Torx screwdrivers and two hands i've taken apart the device and checked all the connections - everything is connected and looks okay.

Any idea what can cause this problem?

Best Regards,
O.

Have u rooted it looks like a ribbon wire from the digitalizer came a lose if not try a unbrick with the correct drivers

 

[inormous]

hi
thanks for the input
please provide more information

can you expand on what does "a ribbon from the digitizer" means?
i know there's a flex cable going through all of the phone, but havn't seen a digitizer since its usually touch screen related.

moreover, what are the 'correct drivers' for unbricking, can you link me please?

Thanks.
O.

 

[inormous]

Whenever I hear about display problems like that, it always sounds like it's a faulty flex cable. It sees to be a common problem.

The parts for the phone are here: Motorola Droid 3 Original Replacement Parts & Accessories

There is a repair guide on the forum here as well, though you've already disassembled it, so I suppose you're all set with that.

Hi,

I have to say that i've already replaced a Flex cable once at this phone (was done at a repair lab)
Had some other screen problem - light wouldn't turn on etc.
after the replacement flex cable was replaced it lasted about 2 weeks before this new problem appeared.

all of that was a long time ago since then the phone was out of order, now i feel like repairing it again.

can it really be that a flex cable goes bad after 2 weeks of use?

 

[Thom]

Didn't the "repair lab" guarantee their work? Why aren't you talking to them about this failure?

If I have a hardware problem I talk to Verizon/Motorola and have them fix/replace it.

... Thom

 

[inormous]

Didn't the "repair lab" guarantee their work? Why aren't you talking to them about this failure?

If I have a hardware problem I talk to Verizon/Motorola and have them fix/replace it.

... Thom

I provided the Flex Cable which i ordered from eBay, they just installed it.

O.

 

[doogald]

can it really be that a flex cable goes bad after 2 weeks of use?

It's happened before: http://androidforums.com/motorola-droid-3/648828-droid-3-screen-issue.html#post5212697

This Ribbon aka Flex cable, what ever you want to call it, seems to be a great bug. All around forums i have seen posts people claiming about it. I have replaced mine 2 weeks ago, worked for 1.5 week than same! Cable damaged. ( screen was going black when slide out ) and doesnt return, while phone stays on thats a typical flex cable issue

However, yours doesn't seem to be the same problem - the flex cable usually has problems when you slide the keyboard. (Not always, though.)

The flex cable is a cheaper fix than the LCD. Maybe try repairing the flex cable and then the LCD if it's not the flex cable...

(Or buy another phone...)

 

[inormous]

It's happened before: http://androidforums.com/motorola-droid-3/648828-droid-3-screen-issue.html#post5212697



However, yours doesn't seem to be the same problem - the flex cable usually has problems when you slide the keyboard. (Not always, though.)

The flex cable is a cheaper fix than the LCD. Maybe try repairing the flex cable and then the LCD if it's not the flex cable...

(Or buy another phone...)

1) good to know it happened before
2) this is a long forgotten phone i found in my closet, i now have a new LG nexus but would still like to fix it in order to give it to my mom (physical keyboard helps)
3) if i remember correctly before this problem appeared the black screen happened with the replacement Flex cable.

point is, if its the flex (which it might just be) what's the point in replacing it for it to break again after 2 weeks...?

 

[inormous]

i've taken apart the phone again to try and see if i can spot any tears
please have a look at these photos
let me know if that wrinkle can cause this problem in your opinion

 

[themib]

I provided the Flex Cable which i ordered from eBay, they just installed it.

O.

Was it a new flex cable?

 

[inormous]

Was it a new flex cable?

yep
ordered it from ebay, cost me a small fortune back in the day (incl fast shipment)

 

[BRAINZ2013]

Now somethings u get from eBay may not be new was this used or new I would check and send back if u have to

 

[inormous]

Now somethings u get from eBay may not be new was this used or new I would check and send back if u have to

it was brand new, or at least looked like it
but nevermind that now

please look at the photos and give your opinion if it might be the Flex cable again

 

[BRAINZ2013]

Love looking at photos that's why they have a Kodak moments. And as the old saying take a picture it will last longer. Not being funny a photo only show that what it show I need to see it . remember that photo is showing the ribbon cable and how easy is it to wipe it and say its new . as I said you may want to send it back cause the phone maybe telling you its not working . do u have a working device to test it on . waisting time will cause you to lose that time window to send back .

 

[inormous]

Quick update

Sure was the flex cable.

Replacement arrived 5 mins ago

Replaced it, now the phone starts and screen works.

Lets see how long it takes for this Flex Cable to stop working.

Will update when it will.

 

[themib]

Good, It should last for a couple of years, guessing last one was installed incorrect, flawed and/or used.

 

[BRAINZ2013]

Lovely and glad to see you up and working again and I hope that you Dont need to replace for another 4 years :what:

 

[doogald]

I have two Droid 3s, over 30 months old, with original flex cables. Hopefully you'll be fine.