Problem with Kindle 3 sliding switch - Page 4

fantasyfan · 03-18-2011, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by axsdenied

My switch has been sticky since I got the Kindle. I did not know better until few days ago when I used someone else's Kindle.

I have found out that if I switch the Kindle on/off using my nail (without putting any pressure on the switch) it works like it should.

I'm now in contact with Amazon and have arranged for them to call me about the problem and BTW it seems to be a very common problem! I would hope that Amazon will address the difficulty.

In the meantime, I've resorted to the thumbnail method, but am still worried about further deterioration. Besides, after paying for a device, one shouldn't have to compromise like that. It should work properly.

wyndslash · 03-18-2011, 05:57 AM

i wonder why they didn't just put the switch on the top. seems like it'd be more susceptible to dirt when it's on the bottom.

Dasha · 03-18-2011, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brewjono

Mine is getting slower and harder to slide across as well. When I first noticed it I wondered if it had been like that the entire time but my brother just got one and I was playing with his and saw how easy it should be.

Mine is New hardly used my problem is it's sticking and hard to move to the on position

I also have a Problem which is probably Off Topic But why am i getting question Marks ??before and after?? ??sentences? in my Reader Regards Dasha

mldavis2 · 03-18-2011, 08:56 PM

This is a very old thread, also addressed elsewhere. There is a video on YouTube of someone who disassembled the Kindle 3 when looking for the solution to the reset problem with the optional cover. In that video, it is very clear that the switch is a simple plastic switch sliding in a plastic track. Although it is possible that dirt accumulation could cause the switch to drag a bit, it is also clear that the return spring is isolated from the switch such that it is not likely ever to break or lose tension over the life of the Kindle 3.

If the switch drags, use your fingernail to move it sideways, do not press upward while simultaneously trying to move it sideways. It's a simple matter of vectors -- if you want it to go sideways, push it that direction, not upwards at the same time. It is virtually impossible that the switch would wear out or stick if kept clean, and cleaning it should be simple enough with compressed air in extreme cases. If you pour sticky liquids in there, you are at fault -- good luck.

I have two K3's and no problems with either of them when pressing the switch in the intended direction.

Barty · 03-19-2011, 10:08 AM

I don't have a problem with the slider but my volume buttons seem busted. The volume is stuck on maximum. I can click the - key. I feel it go down and feel a click but nothing happens. I rebooted. It does not work whether screen saver is on or off. It's a replacement k3 and I've been very careful with it. No drop, etc.

fantasyfan · 03-21-2011, 01:07 PM

Amazon agreed to replace my Kindle and it's on the way! I'll be extra careful with that power switch!

NdB · 03-22-2011, 05:30 AM

Seriously, are people really disassembling kindles for this? It just needs a touch of lubrication. Surely everyone on this forum has a can of WD-40 somewhere in the house? If not, then you should have. Just a touch and good as new. (And it's safe to use on electronics)

jayupark · 03-24-2011, 04:57 PM

WD-40 is safe for metallic parts, but MELTS certain types of plastics/rubbers! Please use with caution.

I just got off the phone with amazon. They are shipping me a refurbished unit. Once I get the unit, I just have to send my "sticky" unit back.

My button is pretty intermittent. Some days it sticks, other days it's fine.

fantasyfan · 03-24-2011, 07:00 PM

I received my new Kindle and the switch works like a dream. With the help of an Amazon rep, I did have to do a hard boot to get it to recognize my account in the archives, but after that everything worked fine.

wildstar · 03-24-2011, 08:17 PM

My Kindle developed that problem too. I pushed the switch to the right and applied a very small amount of lubricant. It now works perfectly. It must just be a very small buildup of dust or dirt.

Piper_ · 03-25-2011, 12:49 AM

Mine did this for a few weeks right after I got it, but turned out it was just a little off-track - the softer/rubbery stuff was smushed in the channel.

Once I realized what it was doing, I started pushing inward as I moved the switch (instead of flicking it with my nail, which I think lifted that end, making it not a level slide, and was what got it off track).

After about 10 slides that way, it slipped back into place, and has been smooth ever since.

taksina · 03-25-2011, 01:03 AM

I'm the original poster and I'm happy to report that after 2-3 squirts of the air duster five months ago the switch has worked fine since. Never have the need to reapply. What I did was aiming the beak diagonally to one side and I could feel the air coming from the other. Not sure about whether WD-40 would do harm to the plastic pieces so I didn't use it with my beloved Kindle ever again just to be on the safe side.

NdB · 03-25-2011, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayupark

WD-40 is safe for metallic parts, but MELTS certain types of plastics/rubbers! Please use with caution.

Yeah, good point. It did the job though with the tiniest of squirts and the button hasn't fallen off... yet...

I think the guy with the sprayduster probably had the best idea (although they can sometimes just force the dirt further in)

fidjit · 03-27-2011, 06:48 PM

I had exactly the same problem and have had for months however this week it all came good without doing anything ....

jayupark · 03-27-2011, 07:19 PM

I hope yours stays that way though. If it get's stuck again (mine did, after loosening up a few times), try the compressed air. If that does not work, just call amazon. Their customer service for returns is GREAT.
After getting my replacement, I noticed that my first kindle's page turn buttons were a bit wonky too.
I sure hope a new battery is in my replacement too

Good luck!

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03-18-2011, 05:57 AM	#47
wyndslash Wizard Posts: 2,951 Karma: 3000001 Join Date: Feb 2011 Device: Kindle 3 wifi, Kindle Fire	i wonder why they didn't just put the switch on the top. seems like it'd be more susceptible to dirt when it's on the bottom.

03-18-2011, 08:56 PM	#49
mldavis2 Coffee Nut Posts: 410 Karma: 298350 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Missouri Device: Kindle 3; K4PC; Calibre	This is a very old thread, also addressed elsewhere. There is a video on YouTube of someone who disassembled the Kindle 3 when looking for the solution to the reset problem with the optional cover. In that video, it is very clear that the switch is a simple plastic switch sliding in a plastic track. Although it is possible that dirt accumulation could cause the switch to drag a bit, it is also clear that the return spring is isolated from the switch such that it is not likely ever to break or lose tension over the life of the Kindle 3. If the switch drags, use your fingernail to move it sideways, do not press upward while simultaneously trying to move it sideways. It's a simple matter of vectors -- if you want it to go sideways, push it that direction, not upwards at the same time. It is virtually impossible that the switch would wear out or stick if kept clean, and cleaning it should be simple enough with compressed air in extreme cases. If you pour sticky liquids in there, you are at fault -- good luck. I have two K3's and no problems with either of them when pressing the switch in the intended direction.

03-19-2011, 10:08 AM	#50
Barty doofus Posts: 2,551 Karma: 13089041 Join Date: Sep 2010 Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kindle Voyage	I don't have a problem with the slider but my volume buttons seem busted. The volume is stuck on maximum. I can click the - key. I feel it go down and feel a click but nothing happens. I rebooted. It does not work whether screen saver is on or off. It's a replacement k3 and I've been very careful with it. No drop, etc.

03-21-2011, 01:07 PM	#51
fantasyfan Wizard Posts: 1,376 Karma: 28116892 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Ireland Device: Kindle Oasis 3, iPad 9th gen. IPhone 11	Amazon agreed to replace my Kindle and it's on the way! I'll be extra careful with that power switch!

03-22-2011, 05:30 AM	#52
NdB Junior Member Posts: 9 Karma: 322 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Bradford, UK Device: Kindle 3g (One for me, One for the missus) and an iPhone each.	Seriously, are people really disassembling kindles for this? It just needs a touch of lubrication. Surely everyone on this forum has a can of WD-40 somewhere in the house? If not, then you should have. Just a touch and good as new. (And it's safe to use on electronics)

03-24-2011, 04:57 PM	#53
jayupark Enthusiast Posts: 37 Karma: 41930 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Arlington, MA Device: Kindle 3G, Kobo wifi	WD-40 is safe for metallic parts, but MELTS certain types of plastics/rubbers! Please use with caution. I just got off the phone with amazon. They are shipping me a refurbished unit. Once I get the unit, I just have to send my "sticky" unit back. My button is pretty intermittent. Some days it sticks, other days it's fine.

03-24-2011, 07:00 PM	#54
fantasyfan Wizard Posts: 1,376 Karma: 28116892 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Ireland Device: Kindle Oasis 3, iPad 9th gen. IPhone 11	I received my new Kindle and the switch works like a dream. With the help of an Amazon rep, I did have to do a hard boot to get it to recognize my account in the archives, but after that everything worked fine.

03-24-2011, 08:17 PM	#55
wildstar Enthusiast Posts: 25 Karma: 631 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Vancouver, Canada Device: Kobo 1, Kindle 3	My Kindle developed that problem too. I pushed the switch to the right and applied a very small amount of lubricant. It now works perfectly. It must just be a very small buildup of dust or dirt.

03-25-2011, 12:49 AM	#56
Piper_ ~~~~~ Posts: 761 Karma: 1278391 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: USA Device: Kindle 3, Sony 350	Mine did this for a few weeks right after I got it, but turned out it was just a little off-track - the softer/rubbery stuff was smushed in the channel. Once I realized what it was doing, I started pushing inward as I moved the switch (instead of flicking it with my nail, which I think lifted that end, making it not a level slide, and was what got it off track). After about 10 slides that way, it slipped back into place, and has been smooth ever since.

03-25-2011, 01:03 AM	#57
taksina Junior Member Posts: 6 Karma: 10 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Bangkok Device: Kindle 3	I'm the original poster and I'm happy to report that after 2-3 squirts of the air duster five months ago the switch has worked fine since. Never have the need to reapply. What I did was aiming the beak diagonally to one side and I could feel the air coming from the other. Not sure about whether WD-40 would do harm to the plastic pieces so I didn't use it with my beloved Kindle ever again just to be on the safe side.

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03-27-2011, 06:48 PM	#59
fidjit Member Posts: 24 Karma: 3458 Join Date: Sep 2010 Device: Kindle 3 3G	I had exactly the same problem and have had for months however this week it all came good without doing anything ....

03-27-2011, 07:19 PM	#60
jayupark Enthusiast Posts: 37 Karma: 41930 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Arlington, MA Device: Kindle 3G, Kobo wifi	I hope yours stays that way though. If it get's stuck again (mine did, after loosening up a few times), try the compressed air. If that does not work, just call amazon. Their customer service for returns is GREAT. After getting my replacement, I noticed that my first kindle's page turn buttons were a bit wonky too. I sure hope a new battery is in my replacement too Good luck!