Keyboard backlight never ever turns on

SC_BB · Thread Author #1 05-30-2011, 10:21 PM

Okay. First thing: I searched and searched the forums. I sent a private msg to someone with a similar problem but I am not finding a solution.

I just bought a Verizon bold on craigslist. Everything looks great however I noticed the keyboard backlight never ever turns on.

I ran the TEST from the status menu and the light sensor works but the keyboard backlight test fails, it doesn't turn off. Yes I was covering the light sensor/LED.

Has anyone had this problem. I've taken apart a Tour before so I can fix something internal. The problem is I only find keyboards online which looks like don't have the LEDs on them.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Bobby

SC_BB · Thread Author #2 06-02-2011, 04:30 PM

No one has had this happen before?

SC_BB · Thread Author #3 06-05-2011, 10:21 PM

Looks like this never happened to anyone.

I took apart the bold and it looks like there is some kind of stain on the keypad. I am not sure if this is indicative of water damage but I am going to assume it is. I ordered a new keypad with flex cable online and I am going to replace it and see if that fixes it. I will update this post when I receive and install the new keypad in case this posting helps anyone in the future.

- Bobby

lax42 · #4 06-06-2011, 12:18 AM

Did you try calling verizon? If you tell them whats wrong they would probably send you another one

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

SC_BB · Thread Author #5 06-06-2011, 12:40 AM

I bought it on craigslist, so Verizon won't do anything.

jaydee5799 · #6 06-06-2011, 06:21 AM

Unfortunately, sounds like you're stuck with a non-working backlight unless you can replace the parts yourself.

middbrew · #7 06-06-2011, 10:44 AM

I think you have hit the problem right on the head, water damage. Hopefully your replacing the the keypad will solve your problem. Good luck and post your results.

SC_BB · Thread Author #8 06-08-2011, 11:25 PM

Okay Folks. Here is some info for future crackberryers that run into this problem.

I ordered the keypad flex cable replacement from repairuniverse.com. Here is the link:

Blackberry Bold 9650 Keyboard Flex Cable Replacement

Looks like the keypad in my 9650 had coffee or something. Once I replaced the keypad and the leds fired right up. One very, very important thing I want to mention. The new keypad/flex cable does not come with the little push thingies that are for the volume rocker and the left convenience key. Three total. They're these little bumps (don't know the technical term) that are on the current flex cable. They are taped on. You have to peel them off and put them on the new flex cable. I figured this out after I put everything back together. Duh!.

I hope this helps someone. I spent hours searching the web for info on this.

Cheers,

Bobby

Underway99 · #9 06-09-2011, 12:57 AM

Thanks for the info. That's what this place is all about.

middbrew · #10 06-09-2011, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SC_BB

Okay Folks. Here is some info for future crackberryers that run into this problem.

I ordered the keypad flex cable replacement from repairuniverse.com. Here is the link:

Blackberry Bold 9650 Keyboard Flex Cable Replacement

Looks like the keypad in my 9650 had coffee or something. Once I replaced the keypad and the leds fired right up. One very, very important thing I want to mention. The new keypad/flex cable does not come with the little push thingies that are for the volume rocker and the left convenience key. Three total. They're these little bumps (don't know the technical term) that are on the current flex cable. They are taped on. You have to peel them off and put them on the new flex cable. I figured this out after I put everything back together. Duh!.

I hope this helps someone. I spent hours searching the web for info on this.

Cheers,

Bobby

Thanks Bobby. Great post and info, hope it can help other that have to replace the keypad.

jaydee5799 · #11 06-09-2011, 06:13 AM

Well, you're very brave! Glad that it's working. Nice job and info for everyone else.

pcgizmo · #12 06-09-2011, 07:08 AM

This is first worthwhile thread in this forum in a long time. Great post!

John Yester · #13 06-09-2011, 07:48 AM

Awesome repair!!! Glad it was nothing to technical. Did you take pictures?

SC_BB · Thread Author #14 06-09-2011, 09:46 PM

I took a couple of pictures. Not sure if it's worth uploading though. But the secret to taking a bold 9650 apart is that there aren't many videos of the process. But there are some great Tour 9630 videos and it is the same process. Previously, I fixed the trackball on the Tour and it was the same body.

So if you plan on taking apart the Bold, look at the great Tour videos on youtube first.

Bobby