Device not charging -- is there a HW fix?

Savior1024 · 06-13-2015, 05:01 PM

Hi guys,

both me & my wife have had a Kindle 3 (keyboard) for about 4 years. All was fine until suddenly both devices stopped charging; the two events happened six months apart, but the symptoms are the same: when we plug in the USB cable, the orange light lights up for about 10 seconds, then goes out. My device shows a very dim version of the Kindle loading screen, while my wife's stopped working while booting up (loading screen + a gauge at the bottom).

We even ordered a replacement battery, but it did not solve the problem. If I had to hazard a guess, I would say that the charging circuit is to blame, or maybe the USB port? Is there a way to find out where the fault lies, and to find a replacement for the part in question?

Thanks!

JSWolf · 06-13-2015, 05:34 PM

The replacement part would be a new Kindle.All you are doing is throwing good money out the Window. A new Kindle will have a better screen, a touch screen, and a front light.

Savior1024 · 06-15-2015, 02:04 PM

That is the obvious B-plan. I was just curious if there was a less wasteful option.

nick-tech · 06-16-2015, 10:23 AM

Well, you could charge your battery outside of the kindle with a LiIon-Charger.

Or you could build your own charger thats small enough to fit into your kindle. You can power it in various ways, either via 5V from USB or via a solar cell as I did it:

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=182872

HarryT · 06-16-2015, 10:25 AM

You've presumably tried using a different USB cable and charger to eliminate that as the cause?

Savior1024 · 06-16-2015, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nick-tech

Well, you could charge your battery outside of the kindle with a LiIon-Charger.

Or you could build your own charger thats small enough to fit into your kindle. You can power it in various ways, either via 5V from USB or via a solar cell as I did it:

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=182872

That looks awesome! Even if a bit daunting. Still, I might give it a try.

Savior1024 · 06-16-2015, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

You've presumably tried using a different USB cable and charger to eliminate that as the cause?

Yeah, we used two different chargers to begin with... We have already ruled that option ou... I mean, exterminated that option.

Ian.M · 06-18-2015, 06:33 AM

Broken screen Kindle 3s are reasonably common and cheap on EBAY. Buy one and transplant the main board into your unit.

Savior1024 · 06-18-2015, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian.M

Broken screen Kindle 3s are reasonably common and cheap on EBAY. Buy one and transplant the main board into your unit.

Good idea, thanks! I had one myself too, but I sent it back. Do you have a link that describes how to do it, by any chance?

Also, if I just switch the MB, wouldn't I end up with a Kindle that is not mine (i.e. linked with the previous owner's account)?

JSWolf · 06-18-2015, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Savior1024

Good idea, thanks! I had one myself too, but I sent it back. Do you have a link that describes how to do it, by any chance?

Also, if I just switch the MB, wouldn't I end up with a Kindle that is not mine (i.e. linked with the previous owner's account)?

One major issue you could run into is getting a Kindle that's blacklisted. So once you replace the mainboard, your Kindle could then not be able to be registered with Amazon. It's a risk you take. To me, it's not worth the risk. (IMHO) if you can afford it, order a New Kindle Paperwite and enjoy it once it arrives.

knc1 · 06-18-2015, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Savior1024

- - - -
If I just switch the MB, wouldn't I end up with a Kindle that is not mine (i.e. linked with the previous owner's account)?

Yes, that could happen.
But if it is registered, just un-register it and then re-register it with your account.

75 75 <- neat

06-13-2015, 05:01 PM	#1
Savior1024 Junior Member Posts: 5 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jun 2015 Device: Kindle 3	Device not charging -- is there a HW fix? Hi guys, both me & my wife have had a Kindle 3 (keyboard) for about 4 years. All was fine until suddenly both devices stopped charging; the two events happened six months apart, but the symptoms are the same: when we plug in the USB cable, the orange light lights up for about 10 seconds, then goes out. My device shows a very dim version of the Kindle loading screen, while my wife's stopped working while booting up (loading screen + a gauge at the bottom). We even ordered a replacement battery, but it did not solve the problem. If I had to hazard a guess, I would say that the charging circuit is to blame, or maybe the USB port? Is there a way to find out where the fault lies, and to find a replacement for the part in question? Thanks!

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06-13-2015, 05:34 PM	#2
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 79,657 Karma: 145864619 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	The replacement part would be a new Kindle.All you are doing is throwing good money out the Window. A new Kindle will have a better screen, a touch screen, and a front light.

06-15-2015, 02:04 PM	#3
Savior1024 Junior Member Posts: 5 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jun 2015 Device: Kindle 3	That is the obvious B-plan. I was just curious if there was a less wasteful option.

06-16-2015, 10:23 AM	#4
nick-tech Enthusiast Posts: 46 Karma: 97694 Join Date: Feb 2012 Device: kindle touch	Well, you could charge your battery outside of the kindle with a LiIon-Charger. Or you could build your own charger thats small enough to fit into your kindle. You can power it in various ways, either via 5V from USB or via a solar cell as I did it: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=182872

06-16-2015, 10:25 AM	#5
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	You've presumably tried using a different USB cable and charger to eliminate that as the cause?

06-18-2015, 06:33 AM	#8
Ian.M Connoisseur Posts: 71 Karma: 57134 Join Date: Aug 2013 Device: Kindle 3 GB 3G	Broken screen Kindle 3s are reasonably common and cheap on EBAY. Buy one and transplant the main board into your unit.

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