Keyboard malfunction - Treo Forums

vaillaw · 08-31-2007, 10:10 AM

I have a Treo 650. For no apparent reason my keyboard only has limited functionality now. My touch secreen works so I can dial a call from the touch screen. I have done soft reset and hard reset.

The red phone key will turn the screen back on if it goes black but it will not turn the phone on or off.

The center of the 4 way key works but none of the 4 way directions work except if I do a hard reset and I am asked to confirm that I want to delete all data on the phone as a result of the hard reset, the up direction works to confirm I want to delete all data. After the hard reset, the 4 way key will not work except for the center. The keyboard lites up when I reset.

None of the other keys on the keyboard have any functionality.

I have opened the case and removed and reinserted the ribbon cable for the keyboard several times.

Palm support tells me it is a hardware issue. To me it seems like a software issue. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks

stevetaz · 08-31-2007, 10:39 AM

Have you checked to see if any of the keys might be stuck/pressed in? You should feel each key depress slightly when pressed.

Stuck keys is not unheard of. It is odd that the red phone key will reactivate the screen, but if it is pressed and held it is strange that it will not turn the Treo off and on.

My first reaction is also a hardware issue, but who knows? Do you have a warranty?

SteveTaz

vaillaw · 08-31-2007, 10:49 AM

Steve

One of the up keys does not move when pressed. I will take it apart tonight and see what is up. thanks for the help.

stevetaz · 08-31-2007, 11:27 AM

Let us know how that goes, and if you will have the case open you may want to double-check that the ribbon connector is properly (completely and evenly) seated. If slightly off that could certainly cause odd problems.

Good luck and please post what you find.

SteveTaz

vaillaw · 09-01-2007, 10:44 AM

Steve

I opened it and examined the key that appears to be stuck. It seemed fine. All of the keys except this one move and have a click when you push them. After reassembly, the problem key still does not move. Do you know if the indvidual keys can "wear out" so that they do not move?

I checked the ribbon connector as well. I had done this several times a couple of nights ago.

thanks

stevetaz · 09-05-2007, 11:12 AM

Hi:

Sorry for the delayed response. I have been away.

At this time it would appear to me to be a hardware issue, but I have been wrong before. It sure sounds like you have one key not working properly. Does that key actually work when you are typing and give you the expected result when pressed other than no obvious click when pressed?

I would suggest you seek services that perform repairs to solicit opinions and prices. There is a guy on eBay I have heard good things about, but I have never used him personally. His name is Chris Short and I believe he is from Minnesota or out there somewhere.

SteveTaz