vB Easy Archive - Blackjacks Recalled ?? 11/2006

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Blackjacks Recalled ?? 11/2006 - 2/2007???
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Posted by: dkhomdds

Anyone see this at AT&T forums???

http://forums.wireless.att.com/cng/...thread.id=44380

What do you think???

Posted by: mattmc

Thanks Just called in and my replacement will be here first thing next week.

Posted by: wtxn

my Blackjack was purchased on 11/15, so the one year warranty period ends shortly.

Is this advisory only for warranted units?

Posted by: LunaC

i did my call earlier, 45min on the phone. At least I now have hope since I lost signal all the time.

Posted by: Nightfall

I had some weird issues with dropped calls as well and getting no service in some areas. Meanwhile, other people I know with different AT&T phones weren't having these problems. I went ahead and called and got my phone exchanged. I just hope it is better than what I have now.

Posted by: Skates

I was having similar issues, I am glad I saw this post...I called phone exchange and should be receiving a new BJ on Friday...

Posted by: kb9nvh

I'm getting mine replaced. My date code was 06.10, october 2006.

No problem except they said that when I send in my old one if it is damaged or shows signs of being wet then I get charged 260 bucks.

Posted by: shizat63

This is a bullsh|t recall. The BlackJack has horrible reception. Period.

Hit *#0011# and watch the RSSI number. The closer to zero the better the reception.

My other GSM phones hold a signal so much better than this piece of sh|t they call a mobile phone.

Posted by: gahbmwm5

Hello,

I too have had some nasty adventures with the 'drop calls', terrible reception and these were mainly in 3G areas....Southeast, and Western parts of the US....so my 3rd refurbed Blackjack showed a 4-digit date/manufacturer code of: 06.11 (Nov. 2006)....so I called Warranty Exchange and they apologized and overnighted me another unit.....(Bare in mind that I very professionally informed the CS rep that this 'Advisory' was issued by Samsung and AT&T) and to please put a note in my account that I would like a unit manufactured after 07.03 (March 2007).....

So FedEx pulls up and and I open up the refurb box.....and see that this unit shows:
07.01 (Jan. 2007)......put my brand new AT&T SIMM card in....make a few local calls, and bang.......bomb......crash, drop calls..........

So I get on the phone with Warranty Exchange (again)......and the CS rep assured me that the next refurb unit coming (being overnighted again @ NC) will have a 4 digit manufacturer date of 07.03 (March 2007) or more recent..............and NOT be in a beat-up condition.......scratches on the casing....etc......

Yikes....lets all hope so.....

Posted by: mdntblu

just called and was on the phone for 12 min. and they are sending out my replacement BJ today. Mine has 07.01 under the battery and a white dot next to the battery contacts which I guess means it's one of the recalled ones.
I have had mine since Mar. 07 and some of the keys have lots of wear so I'm glad I get a new one. Wish it would have WM6 on it but I doubt it.

Posted by: shizat63

White dot (sticker) means you didn't drop your phone in the toilet

Posted by: gahbmwm5

Well just as I suspected.....I tentatively opened my 2nd refurb and it showed a 4-digit code of 06.11 (Nov. 2006) which was manufactured 2 months before my 1st refurb 07. 01 (Jan. 2007).....of course both of these devices are in the faulty parameters.......

So I got on the phone again with Warranty Exchange.......and after chatting with another CS rep,.......(with advice from a supervisor)....they have NO way of determining that the next device will be one manufactured after 07.03 (March 2007)......
Then was transferred to the Escalation Dept.......and same thing here.......the warehouse in TX........has the refurbs all boxed/packaged up......and they might or might NOT even review the notes put in my account.........this was/were the words of wisdom from a Supervisor within the Escalation Division........btw: my 2nd refurb did NOT even have a LDI (Liquid Damage Indicator) round sticker next to the battery electrodes........nice huh.........

Technically, when all these units go back to the AT&T Warranty Exchange warehouse, they are then sent out/back to Samsung for extensive testing.....etc........however, based on my wild, nasty issues with drop calls, poor reception............all of my exchanged units have fallen in the Advisory months of faulty antennae/bad RF manufactured months of Nov. 2006----Feb. 2007...my 3rd (order has already been processed).........may.......more then likely will again fall into this month range........
So according to the Supervisor at Escalation Dept..........keep calling and have them (Warranty Exchange) send another refurbed unit.....until the device shows a 4-digit code of 07.03 (March 2007) or forward.......

Nice huh.....kind-of-like.......luck-of--the-draw here.......they offered to exchange the Blackjack for another comparable device....if I was still un-satisfied......

Posted by: sb0611

Quote:

Originally Posted by wtxn

my Blackjack was purchased on 11/15, so the one year warranty period ends shortly.

Is this advisory only for warranted units?

My warranty runs out on 11/15/07 as well and I was already on a (working) Refurb with and 06/12 sticker for the last two months. At a local device support center I asked the CSR exactly your question and he confirmed to me that the warranty date is the key for any replacement units. I think this is a terrible policy, but what else is new from AT&T. An advisory or recall should always survive a warranty expiration date. And, who knows if this CSR knew exactly what he was talking about.
In any case I had the BJ replaced with a 07.03 version.

Posted by: mattmc

Ok just got my replacement and it says 06.12 great my other one said 07.01 so im going backwards. My question is though the back looks different instead of the round whit sticker on the inside by the connectors i have a squaer white one above them in a little sqaure indentation. Could the older refurbs have been updated? Or should i call and complain as well?

Posted by: mattmc

Okay according to the rep, they are repairing all the older phones and then reshipping them out. Not sure if it was bs or not but she seemed very aware of the problem and said my phone had been repaired after checking the imei # and also noted in my account if i did have any problems to call back in and they would overnight a new phone no charge. Gonna go with the hope that they are trying to do the right thing and i will give this one a spin and hopefully no problems :-)

Posted by: gahbmwm5

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattmc

Okay according to the rep, they are repairing all the older phones and then reshipping them out. Not sure if it was bs or not but she seemed very aware of the problem and said my phone had been repaired after checking the imei # and also noted in my account if i did have any problems to call back in and they would overnight a new phone no charge. Gonna go with the hope that they are trying to do the right thing and i will give this one a spin and hopefully no problems :-)

Interesting mattmc to say the least......as my 2nd refurb....did NOT have the original LDI (Liquid Damage Indicator-round one)........or the newly implemented small square one........if I knew that I would not have my past drop call, poor reception issues, then I would go forward, but that has not been the case.....my original warranty expires......Jan. 15, 2007....
So I am going to return every single unit that they send/ship back to moi that has a 4-digit manufactured code within the faulty dates.......

Posted by: mattford11

Just called one in, no problems.

Posted by: chudy2

just got my replacement...

build date of.....06.11 wtf?! they better have fixed the issues!

the phone does look like new though, which is weird..; shell, data port, screen dont show any signs of wear...but judging by the sticker at the bottom it's a refurb

Posted by: kb9nvh

I got my replacement today also. date 7 10 so I'm a happy camper.

Looks like I got brand new, not refurb

Posted by: chudy2

Quote:

Originally Posted by chudy2

just got my replacement...

build date of.....06.11 wtf?! they better have fixed the issues!

the phone does look like new though, which is weird..; shell, data port, screen dont show any signs of wear...but judging by the sticker at the bottom it's a refurb

well this is f'ing annoying!! my replacement phone has a broken earpiece speaker....it's dead jim...dead!!!!!

Posted by: Quake97

I tried to get my Blackjack replaced at the repair center around here and they said they have to find a problem with the phone before replacing it. The guy tested it and said it's not dropping calls. The person I called on the phone at exchange by mail was going to replace it for me , but I figured it'd be faster/easier to do it in a repair center. Guess I won't be doing that again.

Joe

Posted by: Skates

I also receive an older refurb than my original phone, I immediately called warranty service again and a second phone is on the way....

Posted by: player911

Yea I would. No way am I accepting an OLDER phone then what I got.

Posted by: vin

I purchased my Blackjack about 5 months ago on ebay and the date on the phone was 0701. I called and they said we will send one right out. Got it yesterday, looks new but the barcode sticker on the back still says 0701 but its not the original. Its smaller and doesnt have the Samsung logo, i guess they fix them and put the original date back on it.
When i have both phones side by side the new one always stayed in 3G while the other stayed in E or G. I'll give it a test drive and see

Posted by: player911

Mines 7.05

Posted by: RSutton1223

same problem....

The replacement they sent me was a November '06...another new one on the way...

Posted by: bluedevil

I called AT&T and they directed me to a Service Center here in town that replaced my phone with no questions asked. Got a brand new one with a 07.10 date on it. Thanks for the heads up!

Posted by: mouthbreather

Quick question...

I have a 07.01 and it's dropping calls and I want to exchange it. However, there's a small crack in the screen(not the LCD.. the plastic cover). Would they accept the phone?

Posted by: Seltzer

Haha...gotta love corporate America. Now that the cost of the BJ has dropped due to the release of the BJII, THEN they decide to do the recall. How long did it take them to test the batch of phones? Almost a whole year?

Posted by: kasios

I've just bought a blackjack on eBay, does anyone know if I can still exchange this? I'm in Canada/

Posted by: slim724

just got off the phone with CS, I have 3 choices, ATT can send me a replacement and take my chances, go to a service depot in my city and exchange in person, or call Samsung give them my IMIE and date code etc.. and they will repair my phone and send it back, seeing as my BJ is completely customized and hacked with I think damn near every available hack for WM5 I'm pretty reluctant to send back to ATT, plus all the time it would take just to setup a stock device doesn't sound fun at all, according to CS Samsung only repairs the antenna and doesn't mess with anything else on the phone, so it would return with all your programs/hacks intact so I may go that route, but I wouldn't mind a replacement BJ though, since mine is so beat after 11.5 months of hard use, is there a way to set it back to stock and remove all programs/hacks so that it's clean for replacement, the thought of starting fresh with a replacement is pretty tempting, decisions, decisions....

Posted by: vin

Well i used my replacement for almost 1 week and i see a big difference. Not a dropped call yet and the internet always stays in 3G (before it would go to E or G, lots of lag). I'm happy with it

Posted by: IndyMCSE

I just got a replacement because my internet stopped working. I hadn't even seen this thread yet. The date code on my "new" refurb is 07.04 so I guess it's a newer one. It has the small square LDI.

Posted by: gahbmwm5

Quote:

Originally Posted by slim724

is there a way to set it back to stock and remove all programs/hacks so that it's clean for replacement, the thought of starting fresh with a replacement is pretty tempting, decisions, decisions....

Yes indeed.....Hard reset your unit and this procedure will set it back to 'original factory settings'...

One way is:

To reset the handset's factory settings follow the steps below:

Caution: This Reset will Delete ALL added Data from the Handsets Memory

While in standby mode, press the left soft key for Start
Select Settings
Select More (7) to display more settings
Select Security (1)
Select More (7) to display more security settings
Select Reset (1)
Enter the reset password, using the keypad (the default password is 0000)
Press the left soft key for Done to set the reset
Press the left soft key for Yes to confirm the reset
Note: If the default password (above) fails, try the last 4 digits of your phone number

-OR-

(With the device turned off).....hold UP on the D-pad and then power on....It then tells you to press 1 to reformat and reboot, or press any other key to skip.

Posted by: slim724

Quote:

Originally Posted by gahbmwm5

and this will also set the registry back to original? if so, a big thanks! I think I want a replacement mainly because I enjoy the phone so much, and don't know how much longer my tired old unit will last

Posted by: gahbmwm5

Yes, a 'hard reset' by either of the above directions will format your present device back to the 'original factory setings'.....(registry too)

You are very welcome and good luck with your next refurbed unit...

Posted by: toanv

What number do y'all call for a replacement? Thanks.

Posted by: gahbmwm5

Quote:

Originally Posted by toanv

What number do y'all call for a replacement? Thanks.

Hello,

The Warranty Exchange number is: 1-800-801-1101

All the CS reps (that I have talked with) have all been aware of this advisory.....and were very easy to work with in getting a replacement unit.....Hopefully you be lucky and receive a refurb that is manufactured after the 'troubled units'.......(Nov. 06-Jan. 07)

Posted by: toanv

Thank you.

Posted by: sb0611

Quote:

Originally Posted by gahbmwm5

It's Nov. 06 - Feb. 07!

Posted by: gahbmwm5

Quote:

Originally Posted by sb0611

It's Nov. 06 - Feb. 07!

Yes, you are correct as I have had numerous chats with the Warranty Exchange personnel...CS reps, Supervisors, and even was forwarded up to their 'Troubled/Escalation' Division....so my mistake...he-he

Posted by: toanv

I just replace my 07.01 Blackjack with 07.05 one at my local service center. So far so good. One question if you guys can show me or point me to the thread to configure the internet sharing as I forgot how. Thanks.

Posted by: toanv

Never mind. i figure it out.

Posted by: mantici

Here's a good note to know. . . i bought my blackjack on ebay. . .have one of the "defective units -- 12.06" . . . called ATT. . . they won't honor the recall since they did not sell it to me. . .NICE.

So i cracked open the blackjack and fixed the damn thing myself. . . to be honest, it's easy (and totally reversable). . .just a couple pieces of tin foil and some scotch tape does the trick.

It seems the problem is that there's a pressure point that holds the antenna connection on the mainboard to the antenna itself, that pressure loostens up over time and you get intermittent signal problems. . .i just put a tin foil "shim" (a small piece of tin foil folded in quarters) in between the connections and taped it down (making sure the tape doesn't insulate the connection). VIOLA .. . receiption as good as when i got it!! (follow the white wire, i did this on both ends of the white wire)

If anyone want's to know the more deets of how to do it. . . gimmie a shout. . . i'll put together a little instruction sheet

Posted by: dkhomdds

I figured it was that easy. I too did not get my Bjs from cingular, but from compusa liquidation sale. anyways i am not in need of a fix yet. but when i do, the shim that you used was it between the ant and motherboard, to make a connection. or did you use the shim between the cover/case to apply pressure to the ant. which then made contact to the motherboard. the video i saw on youtube shows that the ant. snaps on the motherboard like a jacket.

good to know i rather fix this myself when i have to over sending back for a refurbished one even if they allowed the exchange for me.

Posted by: mantici

For all who want's to know where the shim goes. . . i've taken some pics (but in aint takin it apart agian lol).

I hope this works for you, worked great for me

first. . .fashion 2 shims. . .they should be about 1/4" square. . . take a piece of tin foil 1/2" square and fold it in half. . .then put the piece of tape covering half the rectangle and fold the it into it's final size. . . if you can't imagine what i mean by my horrible description, then i'm sorry, i can't help you. . .but basically you should wind up with a piece of tape that has a 1/4" piece of tin foil on the end of it. . . so the current will flow from one side to the other -- the tape is sandwiched between the foil as to not insulate the contact.

next . . follow the instuctions on youtube to open the unit. . . (http://youtube.com/watch?v=TvpWPrHRNK8) follow the instructions until about 1 min 14 seconds into the video. . .then stop, that's as far as you need to go.

You'll may need to loosten (or remove) the mainboard screw (marked in blue in my pics) to slip the shim under the contact point. notice there's no screw near the contact point --- thus the design flaw.

slip the shim under the contact point (marked in red). . . tape it down so it won't move on you later.

repeat with the other end of the white wire and put your blackjack back together. don't forget to re-attach the speaker ribbon when putting the back on.

Enjoy the reception you had when she was new!
I wanted nice big pics for you guys, so i posted them on my website instead of here. . .they're about 500K each. . . good zooming!

http://www.antici.com/main_lead.jpg
http://www.antici.com/secondary_lead.jpg

Posted by: akessler

excellent mantici, got it done. reception seems to be better (its so awful at my house it is sometimes hard to tell)

the toughest part is getting the 6 screws out.

also, be careful as there are 3 black buttons that can fall off the case, the back button under the thumbwheel, the power button and the earpiece volume up/down button. no problem getting them back in

quite an easy fix. my phone unreturnable as it got wet

now the BJ with latest WM6 is a keeper

Posted by: hidden2u

Ok, I guess ATT/Samsung has extended the warranty 6 months because of this issue. I just got an ATT rep calling me on the phone to offer a replacement. I found it hard to resist a new phone so I said yes.

Now I am freaking out! I did the hack above and cracked open the case to put the shims in. If they think I violated the warranty the rep said they will charge me $250! Can they tell if you've opened it up just from looking at the screws? I guess I could call back and say nevermind.

I wasn't sure if I fixed the problem, thats why I took the offer of the new one.

Also, if you want to exchange yours even though its been a year, now you can.

Posted by: mySRT8U

when you guys recieve your blackjacks do a *2767*3855# to reinitialize it. it works much better and faster after that, i dont know why it just does.

****WARNING****
THIS CODE IS A ROM FORMAT/MASTER CLEAR Code. Please do not expect any data to be retained.

Posted by: vin

Has anyone recently did this ? I have another BJ with a date code of 0702, wouldn't mind getting a refurb back