Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 tablet - hard bricked? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2017, 01:01:00 am
content: I bought a non working Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 tablet in hopes of fixing it.Specs athttp://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_tab_3_7_0-5422.phpSymptoms- no display on screen- nothing ever shows up on the screen (no text or android symbol/robot)- no sound- backlight is on and stays on- draws about 0.9A when plugged into AC adapter- not recognized as a USB device in Windows or LinuxWhat I have done so far- hard reset (holding power on/off and volume button) does not change behaviour- have removed and reconnected the battery (left it out for several hours)- removed and reseated all cablesMy guess is that is "hard bricked" and requires some sort of jtag programming? If yes, I have no such tools. Anyone else see this or have other ideas?

author: Kennylxix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2017, 04:09:38 am
content: My first suggestion is to take the back cover off and remove the battery. Replace and try again.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2017, 04:53:59 am
content: Quote from: Kennylxix on February 20, 2017, 04:09:38 amThanks for the suggestion. Tried that as well, but forgot to mention initially.

author: imidis
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2017, 08:25:53 am
content: Hmm, only other thing I can think of - have you tried to see if it will go to download mode? Not sure what button combo it is on that device. Though, the back light always being on is troubling. Hmm, I'd check and see what kind of voltages its reading. Sounds like somethings kicked the bucket. Though could be hard bricked. Hmm. I'm not much help am i? >.>Oh, did you try re-seating the display cable?

author: Kennylxix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2017, 10:38:52 am
content: Have you tired holding both volume up and down while powering up?

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2017, 06:04:18 pm
content: Quote from: imidis on February 20, 2017, 08:25:53 amI have been trying with various button combinations to get it into download mode. However, Windows and Linux on different computers cannot see the tablet as an usb device.QuoteThank you for taking the time to read and reply with suggestions.QuoteDid that and no change. I have reseated all the cables, but again forgot to mention that in my initial reply.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2017, 06:08:37 pm
content: Quote from: Kennylxix on February 20, 2017, 10:38:52 amYes, I tried all button combinations, but tried again just now in case I missed your suggestion above and no change. All I get is the backlight on with no text or sound during bootup.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2017, 06:16:53 pm
content: Quote from: imidis on February 20, 2017, 08:25:53 amI have not checked any voltages because the components on the pcb are an order of magnitude smaller than what I'm used to. Unless I get my sharpest probes out, the chance of slippage and causing a short is very high. Even then, there is still a good chance of slippage.Now that I have seen how small these components are first hand, this will be my first and last attempt at buying broken tablets for repair. Unless I get one for free, I don't have the equipment or eyesight to fix these tiny components.

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2017, 06:38:22 pm
content: So you can switch the backlight on and off with a short press of the power button?Did you try holding the power button longer, like 30 seconds or more, when the backlight is on and off? I think my Tab3 once showed the same (backlight on and nothing else) and I 'fixed' it by holding the power button a lot longer.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2017, 06:59:31 pm
content: Quote from: PA0PBZ on February 20, 2017, 06:38:22 pmThanks for replying. If I short/quick press the power the backlight does not go on and off. The backlight just stays on.QuoteIf I hold the power button for more than 30 seconds, the backlight stays on and doesn't go off.While trying all these button combinations, I had the usb cable hooked up to my computer to see if the OS sees it as an usb device and it does not.