I have got my FP3+ for over 4 years, at some point it only charged when the USB-C was plugged in with a specific side up, I also got few random reboots every now and then.
Few days ago it stopped charging at all, if turned off it would start charging but after few seconds it would reboot and then again and again. It eventually run out of battery and it started with the flashing red LED, I left charging overnight and surprisingly I found the orange LED in the morning, I turned it ON and it was indeed at 50% but if plugged it it won’t charge and same reboot cycle if turned OFF.
I have opened it and cleaned all the connectors, the problem persists.
I have opened the My FairPhone app and ran the tests, everything is alright included the battery. I am not sure what part is the faulty one so I am reluctant to spend money and buy spare parts if I am not sure what the problem is.
Any suggestion ? Cheers
Hey there,
from your description I assume that your Bottom Module is the problem. You can try cleaning it, there is a maintenance post about it on the Fairphone homepage. I personally also use a sewing needle to clean compressed debris in the USB-C port (take battery out to avoid shortcuts). This method is a bit controversial though and obviously on your own risk. I would definitely also try a different charger and cable, the problem could be there as well.
There is also a certain chance that (additionally) your battery is in the process of dying, that could explain the random reboots. A quickfix I used once on a battery that hasn’t been charged for too long and therefore had a very low voltage and would make the phone constantly reboot while charging is the following: Enter fasboot mode (Vol down + Power button at the same time) and charge the phone there at least for 30 minutes.
If you have access to another fairphone or an fairphone angel I would definitely try changing the battery and/or bottom module to see where the problem is.
I hope that helps,
Clemens
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In addition to @Clemens suggestion and if you haven’t done so already, try a different USB-C lead. Try a few, borrow a friend’s. I have several leads and only one is truly reliable and fits tightly (made by Anker).
The USB port on the bottom module is probably worn, but you might just get away with a different lead.
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