Troubleshooting Kindle Keyboard 3G, typing random stuff automatically

GreekSawdust · 07-20-2025, 09:05 AM

Hey everyone!

Up until yesterday, my 14-year-old Kindle Keyboard 3G, was working flawlessly, the same as when I purchased it. Yesterday, shock. During my evening before-bed reading, the search bar started appearing, random characters were being written, the device layout selector was popping, etc.

I've tried hard resetting the device, but it didn't solve the issue, so today I opened my Kindle to find 3 detached screws on the motherboard. I removed the battery, rescrewed the found screws, checked the keyboard connector's connection and closed the back plate again.

The problem persists.

Has any of you had a similar issue, did the loose screws short something, making it unrepairable?

I really wouldn't want to part with my old buddy. Any input is greatly appreciated.

GreekSawdust · 07-22-2025, 02:15 AM

The issue was solved, for now at least.

I reopened the case and cleaned the motherboard thoroughly. After detaching the keyboard's flex cable, there was a lot of corrosion present. After cleaning the corrosion with a cotton swab and alcohol and putting it back together, the device started to work again.

Photo of corrosion: imgur.com/aTUt5Bu

Moonbase59 · 07-22-2025, 05:03 AM

Congrats on getting it working again! Always nice to see someone not just throwing things away.

GreekSawdust · 07-22-2025, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moonbase59

Congrats on getting it working again! Always nice to see someone not just throwing things away.

❤️. It would be a lie if I said that I didn't do my research for the potential substitute. The lack of physical buttons on the newest Kobo BW Clara made me reopen the case and inspect it again. I'm happy that I did.

07-20-2025, 09:05 AM	#1
GreekSawdust Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2025 Device: Kindle Keyboard 3G	Kindle Keyboard 3G, typing random stuff automatically Hey everyone! Up until yesterday, my 14-year-old Kindle Keyboard 3G, was working flawlessly, the same as when I purchased it. Yesterday, shock. During my evening before-bed reading, the search bar started appearing, random characters were being written, the device layout selector was popping, etc. I've tried hard resetting the device, but it didn't solve the issue, so today I opened my Kindle to find 3 detached screws on the motherboard. I removed the battery, rescrewed the found screws, checked the keyboard connector's connection and closed the back plate again. The problem persists. Has any of you had a similar issue, did the loose screws short something, making it unrepairable? I really wouldn't want to part with my old buddy. Any input is greatly appreciated.

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07-22-2025, 02:15 AM	#2
GreekSawdust Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2025 Device: Kindle Keyboard 3G	The issue was solved, for now at least. I reopened the case and cleaned the motherboard thoroughly. After detaching the keyboard's flex cable, there was a lot of corrosion present. After cleaning the corrosion with a cotton swab and alcohol and putting it back together, the device started to work again. Photo of corrosion: imgur.com/aTUt5Bu

07-22-2025, 05:03 AM	#3
Moonbase59 Groupie Posts: 193 Karma: 1000000 Join Date: Oct 2021 Location: Germany Device: Tolino Vision 5, Tolino Tab 8", Pocketbook Era (16GB)	Congrats on getting it working again! Always nice to see someone not just throwing things away.

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