God damn, what do you know, had this issues for ages, then in the drawer it went, my kids iPad doesnt power on anymore so dug this tablet back from retirement and just remembered why it was there in the first place. Tried this simple method and the sensors came back to life! Kids only watching UA-cam so all good, method still works in 2022!
This is a fairly old video now, but I have just been fixing the sensors on my venerable but still working Nexus 7 2013 for the 2nd time. So, I thought I'd add some comments that might be of help to anyone still doing this. Firstly, I do not think this has anything to do with that ribbon cable moving as such as others have suggested (if it moved, it would probably help, as it would remove corrosion), it is more likely to be the connector at one end or the other. probably the connector bows up slightly in the middle after a period of time and does not maintain even pressure on all the terminals. In fact you can see that the manufacturer realised there was a problem here because of the foam pads on the inner side of the back plate which press on the connectors to help them maintain contact. That is not a normal thing to do - they must have realised those connectors were problematic, but a bit of foam tape is a lot cheaper that reworking boards for a different connector type. The foam probably compresses over time and ceases to maintain pressure. What I have now done is as follows: 1. Carefully remove the ribbon cable as described. 2. Put a VERY small quantity of switchcleaner on the ribbon cable contacts. This is the type that leaves a residue (some are just IPA and don't). The purpose of that is to provide some film over the exposed parts of each terminal to stop corrosion building up. It is not hermetically sealed so unless the contacts are gold plated (and they aren't), they are doing to eventually have a corrosion film build up over time. Be VERY careful, you don't want excess oily switchcleaner floating around inside, I used a tiny paint brush. 3. Put a strip of masking tape to cover each foam pad, ie to just very slightly thicken the pad and provide more pressure. In addition, put a second piece of masking tape (about half the length) in the centre of each pad, so there is more pressure in the centre of the connector than at the edges (on the premise it bows up a bit in the middle). 4. When replacing the ribbon cable, bear in mind it is only just long enough. If you push it right in at one end, the other will barely be seated enough to make contact, which itself might be an issue. So carefully try to get it 'centred'. Reassemble. It is all working OK now (I used the same app to check, and a compass). How long it will last I do not know. I have to admit I am not confident of a long term repair, as it is a fundamental hardware design flaw, really. On the other hand, it is 6 years old now, so I guess I cannot complain. Incidently, its predecessor (a 7/2012) had a similar problem on a different internal connector.
It's old, but I still get occasional views and the odd "thanks". Ironically, I don't even own the tablet any more -- I gave it to my ex, and one of her cats knocked it on the floor and broke it. A very nice and thorough description of the problem and a more permanent solution. I agree that it's probably oxidation causing the problem and that movement of the contact surfaces is actually a remedy, not a cause. In fact, it's almost certainly the entire reason why the advice in this video works: pulling the cable out and re-inserting it scrapes the surfaces of the contacts, temporarily removing the oxidation that acts as an electrical barrier. Thanks for taking the time to explain all this! I hope the viewers find it useful.
@@jjnonken Glad you found it helpful, as I did with your video. I doubt it is more than a temporary fix as it points to a fundamental connector issue, really.
@jjnonken - Thank you for keeping this video up. I had been having trouble with my rotation sensor, but lived with the problem. Some apps would open in Landscape, and some apps would open in Portrait - so I worked around the problem. Since the screen DID rotate per app (just not automatically), I thought it was a software problem. Another video talked about "Google Now", but I had never heard of that software, and do not have it installed. I opened my device - the cables appeard to be connected evenly, and did not move. I did apply some gentle pressure with my finger, just to try to "form" the cable into place. When I replaced the cover and turned the device on - it worked. I was pleasantly surprised! @Nick W I think you're 100% correct in your assessment, and solution. The connectors on both ends of my cable appeared secure, but the cable itself had a little extra space, so maybe the angle or pressure has something to do with it. If the problem persists, I will continue with layers of tape, and maybe even rectangles of copy paper... similar to layering a bandage to apply pressure to a wound. Thanks and Cheers to you both!
I had the issue as well and ended up "bricking" my tablet lol. Reminds me why I should not try to fix delegate electricity myself. Me connector only barely needed to be touched to just completely separate from the board. Like before I even "unseated" the cable. So the suggestion that the original design allowed bowing looks like it was extreme in my case. Anyway, it doesn't look like there is any easy fix for my situation and it won't even power on now, but appreciate the tips regardless. I've definitely gotten my money out of this little tablet and actually considering buying a refurb/used one even how old they are. I absolutely love the form factor and the power generally covers my needs. Thanks for the tips and ideas even if I screwed mine up lol.
Speaking from my manufacturing and engineering experience standpoint, the normal reason for these foam pads is to help ensure connectors stay closed during drop testing. The wedging effect of the connector onto the contacts is independent of connector length -- the center ones press just as securely as the end ones. I've done the re-seat experiment on mine, which routinely loses connection with the accelerometer despite being handled only quite gently. I also added two layers of vinyl tape across each of the two connectors. If this doesn't resolve the issue, I'll report back with additional experiments and their results.
yep, same with me, but far more often (fail), just because use some non-factory charge overnight, the problem occur. but the solution is far simpler, just restart it, then the accelerator work again (after using your fix tough), sound stupid, but that's what happening to me. but thank you, my accelerator sensor work again. I already fix it for several week (using this technique).
I have a problem with touch. It do not repsonds. But when is play with the touch connector those 2 chords below the sensor cable, a lot of touches happens at once on screen and when i set it up again no response. Now i am wondering is it the cable or the touch is faulty. Either the touch cable is faulty or the motherboard pins are. What do u think about it ?
I had to to use Rotating App for it to work than the free trial ran out and yea my sensors were showing now movement signs at all but I also tried turning off N7 and face it down on a flat surface and with my fingers I pressed hard on N & S on the Nexus letter on the back and turn it back on it works but it's probably temp fix but this video is full fix for that problem
I think the one I linked to is free. I personally would consider it worth a dollar or two. Technically mine is a temporary fix too, otherwise I wouldn't have to open up my tablet every few months and fix it again. :) Hopefully the N+S fix will continue to work for you.
God damn, what do you know, had this issues for ages, then in the drawer it went, my kids iPad doesnt power on anymore so dug this tablet back from retirement and just remembered why it was there in the first place.
Tried this simple method and the sensors came back to life! Kids only watching UA-cam so all good, method still works in 2022!
It worked for me! Thank you! I've been living w/ that issue for sooo long. Feels great to finally fix it.
in 2022, with LinageOS 19.1, still a cool table. Thank you for this, it worked for me as well.
and i noticed, this also fixed the notification LED. :D ... double nice!!
It worked !!! Thank You!!!! Now I can enjoy my nexus 7 again!
You're welcome!
YEEEEESSS ! it works :-) !!! I had to redo 3 times and use a contact cleaner (Kontakt 60) I'm super happy, thank you so much 🙂
Thank you!! I bought a refurbished unit from amazon and rotation didn’t work. Reseated the cable and boom it’s perfect now!
This does it. Eternal gratitude!
This is a fairly old video now, but I have just been fixing the sensors on my venerable but still working Nexus 7 2013 for the 2nd time. So, I thought I'd add some comments that might be of help to anyone still doing this.
Firstly, I do not think this has anything to do with that ribbon cable moving as such as others have suggested (if it moved, it would probably help, as it would remove corrosion), it is more likely to be the connector at one end or the other. probably the connector bows up slightly in the middle after a period of time and does not maintain even pressure on all the terminals.
In fact you can see that the manufacturer realised there was a problem here because of the foam pads on the inner side of the back plate which press on the connectors to help them maintain contact. That is not a normal thing to do - they must have realised those connectors were problematic, but a bit of foam tape is a lot cheaper that reworking boards for a different connector type.
The foam probably compresses over time and ceases to maintain pressure. What I have now done is as follows:
1. Carefully remove the ribbon cable as described.
2. Put a VERY small quantity of switchcleaner on the ribbon cable contacts. This is the type that leaves a residue (some are just IPA and don't). The purpose of that is to provide some film over the exposed parts of each terminal to stop corrosion building up. It is not hermetically sealed so unless the contacts are gold plated (and they aren't), they are doing to eventually have a corrosion film build up over time. Be VERY careful, you don't want excess oily switchcleaner floating around inside, I used a tiny paint brush.
3. Put a strip of masking tape to cover each foam pad, ie to just very slightly thicken the pad and provide more pressure. In addition, put a second piece of masking tape (about half the length) in the centre of each pad, so there is more pressure in the centre of the connector than at the edges (on the premise it bows up a bit in the middle).
4. When replacing the ribbon cable, bear in mind it is only just long enough. If you push it right in at one end, the other will barely be seated enough to make contact, which itself might be an issue. So carefully try to get it 'centred'.
Reassemble.
It is all working OK now (I used the same app to check, and a compass). How long it will last I do not know. I have to admit I am not confident of a long term repair, as it is a fundamental hardware design flaw, really. On the other hand, it is 6 years old now, so I guess I cannot complain.
Incidently, its predecessor (a 7/2012) had a similar problem on a different internal connector.
It's old, but I still get occasional views and the odd "thanks". Ironically, I don't even own the tablet any more -- I gave it to my ex, and one of her cats knocked it on the floor and broke it.
A very nice and thorough description of the problem and a more permanent solution. I agree that it's probably oxidation causing the problem and that movement of the contact surfaces is actually a remedy, not a cause. In fact, it's almost certainly the entire reason why the advice in this video works: pulling the cable out and re-inserting it scrapes the surfaces of the contacts, temporarily removing the oxidation that acts as an electrical barrier.
Thanks for taking the time to explain all this! I hope the viewers find it useful.
@@jjnonken Glad you found it helpful, as I did with your video. I doubt it is more than a temporary fix as it points to a fundamental connector issue, really.
@jjnonken - Thank you for keeping this video up. I had been having trouble with my rotation sensor, but lived with the problem. Some apps would open in Landscape, and some apps would open in Portrait - so I worked around the problem. Since the screen DID rotate per app (just not automatically), I thought it was a software problem. Another video talked about "Google Now", but I had never heard of that software, and do not have it installed. I opened my device - the cables appeard to be connected evenly, and did not move. I did apply some gentle pressure with my finger, just to try to "form" the cable into place. When I replaced the cover and turned the device on - it worked. I was pleasantly surprised!
@Nick W I think you're 100% correct in your assessment, and solution. The connectors on both ends of my cable appeared secure, but the cable itself had a little extra space, so maybe the angle or pressure has something to do with it. If the problem persists, I will continue with layers of tape, and maybe even rectangles of copy paper... similar to layering a bandage to apply pressure to a wound.
Thanks and Cheers to you both!
I had the issue as well and ended up "bricking" my tablet lol. Reminds me why I should not try to fix delegate electricity myself. Me connector only barely needed to be touched to just completely separate from the board. Like before I even "unseated" the cable. So the suggestion that the original design allowed bowing looks like it was extreme in my case.
Anyway, it doesn't look like there is any easy fix for my situation and it won't even power on now, but appreciate the tips regardless. I've definitely gotten my money out of this little tablet and actually considering buying a refurb/used one even how old they are. I absolutely love the form factor and the power generally covers my needs.
Thanks for the tips and ideas even if I screwed mine up lol.
Speaking from my manufacturing and engineering experience standpoint, the normal reason for these foam pads is to help ensure connectors stay closed during drop testing. The wedging effect of the connector onto the contacts is independent of connector length -- the center ones press just as securely as the end ones.
I've done the re-seat experiment on mine, which routinely loses connection with the accelerometer despite being handled only quite gently. I also added two layers of vinyl tape across each of the two connectors. If this doesn't resolve the issue, I'll report back with additional experiments and their results.
This is the most common problem with Nexus 7,I thought it was only my N7 that had this problem than I looked on so many people had the same problem
Awesome, my Nexus now works! Thanks for the video!
Thanks, worked like a charm.
Thank you. Regards from Ecuador
Thank you so much it did the trick.
thank you. this worked!
This works well . Thanks
Yeah thx man, that was the trick!
wow, its really helped!
thank you very much
Good job! Thank!
Welcome!
worked (y) .. for now
thanks for solution, but sometimes, after charging, the problem appear again. just for some info, maybe it's minor electrical faulty.
No guarantees that it's a permanent solution. Mine would fail every few months.
yep, same with me, but far more often (fail), just because use some non-factory charge overnight, the problem occur. but the solution is far simpler, just restart it, then the accelerator work again (after using your fix tough), sound stupid, but that's what happening to me. but thank you, my accelerator sensor work again. I already fix it for several week (using this technique).
You beauty!
I have a problem with touch. It do not repsonds. But when is play with the touch connector those 2 chords below the sensor cable, a lot of touches happens at once on screen and when i set it up again no response. Now i am wondering is it the cable or the touch is faulty. Either the touch cable is faulty or the motherboard pins are. What do u think about it ?
I'm not an expert on the product, but I'm pretty sure it's a different cable. Do a web search, and best luck!
I had to to use Rotating App for it to work than the free trial ran out and yea my sensors were showing now movement signs at all but I also tried turning off N7 and face it down on a flat surface and with my fingers I pressed hard on N & S on the Nexus letter on the back and turn it back on it works but it's probably temp fix but this video is full fix for that problem
I think the one I linked to is free. I personally would consider it worth a dollar or two. Technically mine is a temporary fix too, otherwise I wouldn't have to open up my tablet every few months and fix it again. :) Hopefully the N+S fix will continue to work for you.
Thx this worked.
🥰🤩😍