Sony Ericsson P910a User manual

Trouble Shooting Guide, Mechanical
4/000 21-1/FEA 209 544/90 A
Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
Trouble Shooting Guide, Mechanical
Applicable for P910a, P910c, and P910i
Contents
1General Information.....................................................................................2
1.1 Liquid Damage ................................................................................2
1.2 Flashing ...........................................................................................2
1.3 Unrepairable at the Mechanical Level.............................................2
2Appearance Problems................................................................................... 3
3Network Problems ........................................................................................5
4On/Off Problems ...........................................................................................6
5Stylus Problems.............................................................................................7
6Audio Problems.............................................................................................8
6.1 Rear Speaker....................................................................................8
6.2 Front Speaker...................................................................................9
6.3 Microphone ...................................................................................10
6.4 Audio Jack..................................................................................... 11
7Key Problems ..............................................................................................12
7.1 Flip Assembly................................................................................ 12
7.2 Camera/Internet Keys....................................................................13
7.3 Jog Dial.......................................................................................... 14
7.4 Power On/Off Key.........................................................................14
8Display Problems ........................................................................................15
9Illumination Problems ................................................................................ 16
10 Charging/Capacity Problems..................................................................... 17
11 Alert Problems ............................................................................................18
12 Camera Problems........................................................................................19
13 IR Problems.................................................................................................21
14 SIM Problems..............................................................................................21
15 Data Communication Problems................................................................. 22
16 Memory Stick Problems ............................................................................. 22
17 Bluetooth Problems.....................................................................................22
18 Revision History.......................................................................................... 22

Trouble Shooting Guide, Mechanical
4/000 21-1/FEA 209 544/90 A
Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
2(22)
1 General Information
The Mechanical Troubleshooting Guide outlines the mechanical repairs that can be made to try
and fix the common failure areas that are seen in the field. The subsections under “General
Information” are steps that apply to all phones that are being looked at for repair at a mechanical
level. To gain a complete understanding of how to test and repair a specific failure, this
document should be used in conjunction with the Test Instructions, Mechanical and the Working
Instructions, Mechanical.
1.1 Liquid Damage
Before any repair is performed, an inspection of the water indicator label should be made. If the
water indicator label is pink, red, or has a reddish tint to it, this is an indication of possible liquid
exposure. If the water indicator label suggests possible liquid exposure, disassemble the unit and
inspect the circuit board and its components for corrosion or oxidation from liquid damage. If
evidence of liquid damage is present, no repair actions should be taken. Please consult your local
company for additional handling instructions.
The following images show the location of the water indicator label and what an activated and
non-activated water indicator label looks like.
Location of Water Indicator
Label
Activated Water Indicator
label
Non-Activated Water
Indicator Label
1.2 Flashing
Before any repair is made, a phone should be flashed to see if that fixes the problem. If the first
attempt at flashing a phone is unsuccessful, check whether the system connector is dirty,
oxidized, or damaged. If the system connector is damaged, handle the unit according to your
local company directives. If the system connector is dirty or oxidized, clean it and try reflashing
the phone. If the second attempt at flashing is not successful, handle the unit according to your
local company directives.
1.3 Unrepairable at the Mechanical Level
If the Mechanical Troubleshooting Guide is exhausted and the cause of the failure was not
determined or the failure cannot be repaired at this level, handle the unit according to your local
company directives.

Trouble Shooting Guide, Mechanical
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2 Appearance Problems
Troubleshooting Steps
NOTE! The flip assembly is considered a user-
removable part and may not be present on a
phone when it comes in for repair. If the
phone is going back to the original customer
and the flip assembly was not present when
the phone came in for repair, the flip
assembly should not be replaced.
Otherwise, if flip assembly is not on a unit,
install one.
1. Check for cosmetic damage on the cosmetic surfaces
of the phone. Make sure that the seams between the
front cover and back cover fit together correctly.
2. Also check for cosmetic damage and fit issues with
the keyboard flip, the keyboard’s flip hinge cover,
and the battery cover. Replace damaged
components as necessary.

Trouble Shooting Guide, Mechanical
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Troubleshooting Steps
3. Check the side keys, the jog dial, the memory stick
cover, the audio jack cover, the RF port cover, the
cosmetic screw covers, the decretive camera
window, and the IR window for damage, marks, and
correct fit. Replace components as necessary.

Trouble Shooting Guide, Mechanical
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3 Network Problems
• Perform sections 1.1 (Liquid Damage) and 1.2 (Flashing) before proceeding
Troubleshooting Steps
1. If a network problem exists, check whether the SIM
connector is damaged, dirty, or oxidized. If the SIM
connector is dirty or oxidized, clean it. If the SIM
connector is damaged, send the unit to a location
approved to perform electrical repairs.
2. Check whether the spring fingers of the antenna
contact on the circuit board are damaged, dirty, or
oxidized. If the spring fingers are dirty or oxidized,
clean them. If the antenna contact is damaged, send
the unit to a location approved to perform electrical
repairs.
3. Check whether the contact pad on the antenna is
damaged, dirty, or oxidized. Clean the antenna’s
contact pad or replace the antenna as necessary.
4. Check whether the external RF port is damaged,
dirty, or oxidized. If the RF port is dirty or oxidized,
clean it. If the RF port is damaged, send the unit to a
location approved to perform electrical repairs.
• Refer to section 1.3 (Unrepairable at the Mechanical Level)

Trouble Shooting Guide, Mechanical
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Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
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4 On/Off Problems
• Perform sections 1.1 (Liquid Damage) and 1.2 (Flashing) before proceeding
Troubleshooting Steps
1. If the display is not illuminated and the customer’s
battery is present with the phone, check that the
contact pads on the battery are not damaged, dirty, or
oxidized. Clean the contact pads or replace the
battery as necessary.
2. Check whether the phone’s battery connector is
damaged, dirty, or oxidized. If the battery connector
is dirty or oxidized, clean it. If the battery connector
is damaged, send the unit to a location approved to
perform electrical repairs.
3. Check the tactile response of the power on/off key.
The key should feel like it is clicking when it is
depressed (most likely a click will not be heard). If
the power on/off key does not feel like it is correctly
responding when depressed, disassemble the phone,
pull the power key out of its hole in the frame, and
check for debris around the key (the key can be
pulled back out of its hole, but it cannot be removed
from the back cover). If necessary, clean the key
hole and around the key. If the key is damaged,
replace the back cover.

Trouble Shooting Guide, Mechanical
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7(22)
Troubleshooting Steps
4. Check that the power on/off key’s switch has a
tactile response. The switch should feel like it is
clicking when it is depressed (most likely a click will
not be heard). If the power key does not feel like it
is correctly responding when depressed, clean the
switch and test its responsiveness again. . If the
switch is still not responding correctly or damage to
the switch is visible, send the unit to a location
approved to perform electrical repairs.
• Refer to section 1.3 (Unrepairable at the Mechanical Level)
5 Stylus Problems
• Perform sections 1.1 (Liquid Damage) and 1.2 (Flashing) before proceeding
Troubleshooting Steps
1. Check that the stylus is not damaged and does not
fall out of the stylus holder. Replace the stylus and
the stylus holder as necessary.
Refer to section 1.3 (Unrepairable at the Mechanical Level)

Trouble Shooting Guide, Mechanical
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6 Audio Problems
6.1 Rear Speaker
• Perform sections 1.1 (Liquid Damage) and 1.2 (Flashing) before proceeding
Troubleshooting Steps
1. If an audio problem is determined to be with the rear
speaker, check that the rear speaker’s external port is
not clogged. Clean the port and replace the rear
speaker’s speaker cloth as necessary.
2. Check whether the rear speaker’s holder is damaged.
If damaged, replace the rear speaker’s holder.
3. Check whether the rear speaker is damaged or dirty.
Clean or replace the rear speaker as necessary.
4. Check whether the rear speaker’s board connection
is dirty, oxidized, or damaged. If the connector is
dirty or oxidized, clean it. If the connector is
damaged, send the unit to a location approved to
perform electrical repairs.
• Refer to section 1.3 (Unrepairable at the Mechanical Level)

Trouble Shooting Guide, Mechanical
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Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
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6.2 Front Speaker
• Perform sections 1.1 (Liquid Damage) and 1.2 (Flashing) before proceeding
Troubleshooting Steps
1. If an audio problem is determined to be with the
front speaker, check that the front speaker’s external
port is not clogged (The port must be checked from
the inside of the front cover). Replace the front
speaker’s speaker cloth and clean the port as
necessary.
2. Check whether the front speaker’s holder or the
holder’s mating latches on the front cover are
damaged. If the front speaker’s holder or the front
cover is damaged, replace the appropriate part.
3. Check whether the front speaker is damaged or dirty.
Clean or replace the front speaker as necessary.
NOTE! If the front speaker is replaced, the front
speaker audio reset software must be run on
the phone. Instructions for running the front
speaker audio reset can be found in the Test
Instruction, Mechanical.
4. Check whether the front speaker’s board connection
is dirty, oxidized, or damaged. If the connector is
dirty or oxidized, clean it. If the connector is
damaged, the send the unit to a location approved to
perform electrical repairs.
• Refer to section 1.3 (Unrepairable at the Mechanical Level)

Trouble Shooting Guide, Mechanical
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Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
10(22)
6.3 Microphone
• Perform sections 1.1 (Liquid Damage) and 1.2 (Flashing) before proceeding
Troubleshooting Steps
1. If an audio problem is determined to be with the
microphone, check that the microphone’s external
port is not clogged. Clean the port and replace the
microphone cloth as necessary.
2. Check whether the microphone’s board connection
is damaged, dirty, or oxidized. If the connection is
dirty or oxidized, clean it. If damaged, handle
according to local company directives.
3. Check whether the microphone is damaged, dirty, or
oxidized. Replace the microphone assembly as
necessary.
NOTE! If the microphone is replaced, the
microphone audio reset software must be
run on the phone. Instructions for running
the microphone audio reset can be found in
the Test Instruction, Mechanical.
• Refer to section 1.3 (Unrepairable at the Mechanical Level)

Trouble Shooting Guide, Mechanical
4/000 21-1/FEA 209 544/90 A
Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
11(22)
6.4 Audio Jack
• Perform sections 1.1 (Liquid Damage) and 1.2 (Flashing) before proceeding
Troubleshooting Steps
NOTE! Be aware that the device that was connected
could be the cause of the problem.
1. If an audio problem is determined to be with the
audio jack, check that the jack’s external port is not
clogged. Replace the audio jack as necessary.
2. Check whether the audio jack’s board connection or
its isolator tape is damaged, dirty, or oxidized. If the
connection is dirty or oxidized, clean it. If isolator
tape is damaged, replace it. If the any of the board
contacts are damaged, handle according to local
company directives.
3. Check whether the audio jack is damaged, dirty, or
oxidized. Replace the audio jack as necessary.
• Refer to section 1.3 (Unrepairable at the Mechanical Level)

Trouble Shooting Guide, Mechanical
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Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
12(22)
7 Key Problems
7.1 Flip Assembly
• Perform sections 1.1 (Liquid Damage) and 1.2 (Flashing) before proceeding
Troubleshooting Steps
1. If there is an issue with any of the keys on the flip
assembly, check the contact pads on the flip
assembly for damage, dirt, or oxidization. If any of
the contact pads show signs of dirt or oxidization,
clean the contacts. If any of the contact pads are
damaged, replace the flip assembly.
2. Also check the flip assembly’s board connection for
damage, dirt, or oxidization. If the connection
shows signs of dirt or oxidization, clean the
connector. If connector is damaged, send the unit to
a location approved to perform electrical repairs.
3. If the information in the display does not reduce to
the visible display area when the flip assembly is
closed, check the flip switch for dirt, oxidation, or
damage. If the flip switch is dirty or oxidized, clean
it. If the flip switch is damaged, send the unit to a
location approved to perform electrical repairs.
• Refer to section 1.3 (Unrepairable at the Mechanical Level)

Trouble Shooting Guide, Mechanical
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Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
13(22)
7.2 Camera/Internet Keys
• Perform sections 1.1 (Liquid Damage) and 1.2 (Flashing) before proceeding
Troubleshooting Steps
1. If there is an issue with the internet key or the
camera key, pull the key in question out of its hole
in the back cover, and check for debris around the
key (the key can be pulled out of its hole, but it
cannot be removed from the back cover). If
necessary, clean the key hole and around the key. If
the key is damaged, replace the back cover.
2. Check the camera/internet key switch for damage,
dirt, or oxidization. If the switch shows signs of dirt,
oxidization, or damage, replace it.
• Refer to section 1.3 (Unrepairable at the Mechanical Level)

Trouble Shooting Guide, Mechanical
4/000 21-1/FEA 209 544/90 A
Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
14(22)
7.3 Jog Dial
• Perform sections 1.1 (Liquid Damage) and 1.2 (Flashing) before proceeding
Troubleshooting Steps
1. If there is an issue with the jog dial, inspect the
connection between the jog dial and the circuit board
for damage, dirt, or oxidation. If there are signs of
dirt or oxidization on either half of the connection,
clean both parts. If the part of the connector that is
on the jog dial’s flex film is damaged, replace the
jog dial. If the part of the connection that is on the
circuit board is damaged, send the unit to a location
approved to perform electrical repairs.
2. If there is an issue with the jog dial when it is pushed
backward, inward or rotated up or down, replace the
jog dial.
3. If there is an issue with the jog dial when it is pulled
forward, inspect the jog dial’s switch on the circuit
board for damage, dirt, or oxidation. If the switch
shows signs of dirt or oxidization, clean it. If the
switch is damaged, send the unit to a location
approved to perform electrical repairs.
• Refer to section 1.3 (Unrepairable at the Mechanical Level)
7.4 Power On/Off Key
If a problem is suspected with the power on/off key, refer to the “On/Off Problems” section for
instructions on evaluating the power on/off key and other possible causes of a unit not powering
on or off.

Trouble Shooting Guide, Mechanical
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Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
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8 Display Problems
• Perform sections 1.1 (Liquid Damage) and 1.2 (Flashing) before proceeding
Troubleshooting Steps
1. If the information in the display does not reduce to
the visible display area when the flip is closed, check
the flip switch for dirt, oxidation, or damage. If the
flip switch is dirty or oxidized, clean it. If the flip
switch is damaged, send the unit to a location
approved to perform electrical repairs.
2. If the area indicated on the display does not
correspond to the location touched on the display,
calibrate the touch screen.
3. If the area indicated on the display still does not
correspond to the location touched on the display,
replace the display.
4. If the display is not functioning properly, check
whether the display is properly connected to the
circuit board. Also inspect the connection between
the display and the circuit board for damage, dirt, or
oxidation. If there are signs of dirt or oxidization on
either half of the connection, clean both parts. If the
part of the connector that is on the display’s flex film
is damaged, replace the display. If the part of the
connection that is on the circuit board is damaged,
send the unit to a location approved to perform
electrical repairs.
5. If there are no signs of damage and the display still is
not functioning properly after the connection has
been cleaned, try replacing the display if it has not
already been replaced.
• Refer to section 1.3 (Unrepairable at the Mechanical Level)

Trouble Shooting Guide, Mechanical
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Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
16(22)
9 Illumination Problems
• Perform sections 1.1 (Liquid Damage) and 1.2 (Flashing) before proceeding
Troubleshooting Steps
1. If the display is not illuminating properly, check
whether the display is properly connected to the
circuit board. Also inspect the connection between
the display and the circuit board for damage, dirt, or
oxidation. If there are signs of dirt or oxidization on
either half of the connection, clean both parts. If the
part of the connector that is on the display’s flex film
is damaged, replace the display. If the part of the
connection that is on the circuit board is damaged,
send the unit to a location approved to perform
electrical repairs.
2. If there are no signs of damage and the display still is
not illuminating properly after the connection has
been cleaned, try replacing the display if it has not
already been replaced.
3. If the display illuminates, but the flip assembly does
not or if the flip assembly only partially illuminates,
check the contact pads on the flip assembly for
damage, dirt, or oxidization. If any of the contact
pads show signs of dirt or oxidization, clean the
contacts. If any of the contact pads are damaged,
replace the flip assembly.
4. Also check the flip assembly’s board connection for
damage, dirt, or oxidization. If the connection shows
signs of dirt or oxidization, clean the connector. If
the connector is damaged, send the unit to a location
approved to perform electrical repairs.
5. If there are no signs of damage and the flip assembly
still is not illuminating properly after the connection
has been cleaned, try replacing the flip if it has not
already been replaced.
• Refer to section 1.3 (Unrepairable at the Mechanical Level)

Trouble Shooting Guide, Mechanical
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10 Charging/Capacity Problems
• Perform sections 1.1 (Liquid Damage) and 1.2 (Flashing) before proceeding
Troubleshooting Steps
NOTE! Some features will noticeably reduce the
standby time of this product if they are
turned on. Some examples are the back
light (when on all the time), Bluetooth, and
infrared.
1. If the phone will not charge and the customer’s
battery is present with the phone, check that the
contact pads on the battery are not damaged, dirty, or
oxidized. Clean the contact pads or replace the
battery as necessary.
2. Also, check whether the phone’s battery connector is
damaged, dirty, or oxidized. If the battery connector
is dirty or oxidized, clean it. If damaged, send the
unit to a location approved to perform electrical
repairs.
3. Check whether the system connector is damaged,
dirty, or oxidized. If the system connector is dirty or
oxidized, clean it. If the system connector is
damaged, send the unit to a location approved to
perform electrical repairs.
• Refer to section 1.3 (Unrepairable at the Mechanical Level)

Trouble Shooting Guide, Mechanical
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11 Alert Problems
• Perform sections 1.1 (Liquid Damage) and 1.2 (Flashing) before proceeding
Troubleshooting Steps
1. If the phone will not vibrate, disassemble the phone
and check whether the vibrator contact pads on the
circuit board are damaged, dirty, or oxidized. Clean
the pads if necessary.
2. Also, check whether the contacts on the vibrator are
damaged, dirty, or oxidized. Replace the vibrator if
necessary.
NOTE! If the ringer on a phone is not working,
make sure the speaker is not set to silent
mode.
3. If the phone is not in silent mode and will not ring,
check that the rear speaker’s external port is not
clogged. Clean the port and replace the rear
speaker’s speaker cloth as necessary.
4. Check whether the rear speaker’s holder is damaged.
If damaged, replace the rear speaker’s holder.
5. Check whether the rear speaker is damaged or dirty.
Clean or replace the rear speaker as necessary.

Trouble Shooting Guide, Mechanical
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Troubleshooting Steps
6. Check whether the rear speaker’s board connection
is dirty, oxidized, or damaged. If the connector is
dirty or oxidized, clean it. If the connector is
damaged, send the unit to a location approved to
perform electrical repairs.
• Refer to section 1.3 (Unrepairable at the Mechanical Level)
12 Camera Problems
• Perform sections 1.1 (Liquid Damage) and 1.2 (Flashing) before proceeding
Troubleshooting Steps
1. If a phone is having issues with lines or marks on
pictures, check the camera window for dirt or
scratches. Clean the camera window or replace it as
necessary.
2. Disassemble the phone, check the positioning of the
camera gasket, and inspect it for damage.
Reposition or replace the camera gasket as
necessary.

Trouble Shooting Guide, Mechanical
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Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
20(22)
Troubleshooting Steps
3. If a phone will not capture an image, pull the camera
key out of its hole in the frame and check for debris
around the key (the key can be pulled out of its hole,
but it cannot be removed from the back cover). If
necessary, clean the key hole and around the key. If
the key is damaged, replace the back cover.
4. Check the camera/internet key switch for damage,
dirt, or oxidization. If the switch shows signs of dirt,
oxidization, or damage, replace it.
5. If the camera is not functioning properly or is still
having issues with lines or marks on pictures,
disassemble the phone and check whether the camera
assembly is properly seated in the camera connector.
6. Check the connections on the camera assembly and
the mating connector on the board for damage, dirt,
or oxidization. If either of the components shows
signs of dirt or oxidation, clean both components. If
damage is detected to any of the connections on the
camera assembly, replace it. If the camera’s mating
connector on the board is damaged, send the unit to a
location approved to perform electrical repairs.
7. If no issues with the connections on the camera
assembly and the mating connector are observed and
the camera assembly has not been replaced, try
replacing the camera assembly to solve the issue.
• Refer to section 1.3 (Unrepairable at the Mechanical Level)