[Galaxy S III Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] sdw8253:
My phone: SPH-L710 Sprint Galaxy S3

This is what my ODIN says after trying to flash with stock ROM.

<ID:0/003> Added!!

<OSM> Enter CS for MD5..

<OSM> Check MD5.. Do not unplug the cable..

<OSM> Please wait..

<OSM> L710VPUCMK3_L710SPRCMK3_L710VPUCMK3_HOME.tar.md5 is valid.

<OSM> Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..

<OSM> Leave CS..

<ID:0/003> Odin v.3 engine (ID:3)..

<ID:0/003> File analysis..

<ID:0/003> SetupConnection..

<ID:0/003> Initialzation..

<ID:0/003> Get PIT for mapping..

<ID:0/003> Firmware update start..

<ID:0/003> sbl2.mbn

<ID:0/003> NAND Write Start!!

<ID:0/003> sbl3.mbn

<ID:0/003> aboot.mbn

<ID:0/003>

<ID:0/003> Complete(Write) operation failed.

<ID:0/003> Added!!

<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)

This is what is on the top left corner in the DL mode.

"ODIN MODE

PRODUCT NAME: SPH-L710.

CUSTOM BINARY:Custom

SYSTEM STATUS:Custom

QUALCOM SECUREBOOT: ENABLE

Warranty Bit: 1

Bootloader AP SWAEV: 2

SW REV CHECK FAIL : Fused 2 > Binary 1"

Here's my story:

My phone was displaying "No error" in Google Play Store. So I factory reset my phone but it didn't resolve my problem. So I flashed a stock ROM and it failed. My device was 4.4.2 ROOTED before flashing a lower version. (Cannot remember the version number though.) Now it displays, "Firmware upgrade encountered an issue. Please select recovery mode in Kies and try again." My phone, however, DOES go into Download mode but not the recovery mode. I tried to flash multiple times but ODIN kept on failing. I tried multiple USB cables, different USB ports, computers, and reinstalled USB drivers, etc. However ODIN keeps on failing. I tried to recover it through KIES but it will not detect my device. I am thinking about sending this into Mobiletechvideos.com but I heard some devices could not be restored because of EMMC failure. Do you think my device's emmc failed? (I spent 200 bucks on this and do not wanna buy another one :( )

Soooo..

Is there anything I can do before I send it into mobiletechvideos.com for 50 bucks?

I've tried this http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1840030 but it didn't work because I couldn't find Sprint bootchain. Does anyone have one for Sprint? :(

I'm also trying to use this method http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2369125 but do you think it will work? (I don't have a SD card so I can't try just yet.) It was meant for hardbricked people. But mine is not completely bricked. It turns on and goes into DL mode.

** I've just noticed some signs of hardbrick. WITHOUT my battery and I hook my phone up to my PC with a USB cable, it shows that Red LED light and vibrates. Doesn't turn on though. WITH the battery, it turns on and goes into DL mode. Is my phone hard bricked?**

SUMMARIZED QUESTIONS:

1) Is my phone hard bricked?

2) Do you think JTAG can fix my phone? My phone may be in Read only state. Wouldn't that prevent the JTAG method?

3) Will the SD card method work?

4) Does anyone have Sprint bootchain? (I think my phone might be at Read Only state)

5) What are some signs of EMMC failure? I would really hate it if my phone had EMMC failure -_-

6) Did my phone brick because my phone was rooted and I flashed unrooted Sprint Stock ROM?

PLEASE PLEASE help me. Donations will be considered! (Really, I'm desperate to get my phone fixed. T_T )

Thank you alot in advance. Please leave replies if you need more information.