D pad problem

[nu2it]

Hello,I just bought an N95 second hand all was working fine for a few weeks untill I wanted to search for satellites.I left the slider open to search on a windowsill and forgot about it.I was woken by it repeatedly quietly beeping like a keypress noise.There was a lot of condensation on the window but the phone didn't appear to be wet.Since then the d pad(think thats what it's called,the directional keypad) only works as up and down,none of the other buttons work.So I guess my questons are,could this have been caused by condensation?can I fix it?Would a replacement pad fix it or is it more likely the sensor underneath?Any practical suggestions much appreciated.Thanks
Software v35 if thats at all relevant

[Micky]

Welcome to the forums. It sounds as though condensation has indeed entered the dome connections in the key mat under the dpad. Search the forums for water damage, and you should find some useful tips on drying your N95. failing this, you may need a new flexi ribbon connector.

[nu2it]

Thanks for the reply Mickey.After a hard days googling that's pretty much the conclusion I had come to.I've had it in a bowl of rice overnight to see if that sorts the prob.If it hasn't and looks like i need a new ribbon is this the sort of thing any old mobile phone shop can fix or does it need to be sent away to Nokia?

[Micky]

Nokia won't cover it under warranty seeing as it has water damage, it will have to be DIY fixed now.

[nu2it]

Just taken it out of rice and if anything it's got slightly worse.Yellow pages says nearest mobile phone repair shop 30 mile round trip so I'm off to try market stall.N95 must be very easy to damage with condensation if this is indeed what caused the problem.White thingy behind battery still white.Think that perhaps I just bought an old well used one that was on it's last legs and it limped along for a couple of weeks before going wrong.I will post the outcome of this all in case it saves somebody in the future with a similar problem some time.Once again thankyou for your time.

[nu2it]

Typical,phone was acting perfectly when I got there(good job as the bloke said it was out of his league).That lasted for 5 hours now it's no longer beeping,keeps going to text msgs and unlock button not working.On the plus side the directional has come back as has menu.Should I just take it to a mobile phone chain shop?

[Micky]

You could try repairing it yourself, its not that difficult. If you need any help, I can point you in the right direction through the various steps, including which parts you need to buy.

[nu2it]

Ok Micky your on,lets do it.First step first,what do I need to buy?

[Micky]

Which N95 do you have? N95-1, N95-2 (8GB)? The below are assuming you have the silver N95-1

Ok, first thing you need to invest in, is a good quality T5, and T6 Torx screwdriver set, along with a nylon opening tool.

Tools example...

REPAIR TORX 13 PIECE SET T3,T5,T6,TWEEZERS FOR NOKIA on eBay (end time 08-Feb-10 07:14:54 GMT)

Once you have your tools, to make things easier, and rather than buying just the flexi ribbon connector, and going to the trouble of actually fitting that the the lcd back plate, buy a complete backplate with flexi ribbon already fitted, this will rule out any problems, as the flexi is very delicate, and sometimes, damage can be caused to the secondary camera, and light sensor.

Here are some examples of N95 plate with flexi fitted...

Original Nokia N95 Slide Flex Ribbon Board Cable UK on eBay (end time 01-Feb-10 02:40:48 GMT)

This one comes with tools..

GENUINE NOKIA N95 SLIDE WITH RIBBON/FLEX CABLE + CAMERA on eBay (end time 28-Jan-10 20:56:59 GMT)

Original Nokia N95 Slide Flex Ribbon Board Cable UK on eBay (end time 13-Feb-10 14:31:45 GMT)

You will also need replacement screws for holding on the fascia...

NEW SCREWS FOR NOKIA N95 FRONT FASCIA/COVER (SET OF 12) on eBay (end time 10-Feb-10 00:51:21 GMT)

NOKIA N95 FRONT FASCIA SCREW (SET OF 10) SMALL (SILVER) on eBay (end time 20-Feb-10 16:42:10 GMT)

Once you have all of the above, then we will start with the repair guide.

[nu2it]

Everything ordered,claiming next day delivery so should be here Wednesday.Good job I didn't jump the gun and start ordering bits as I had only seen the ribbons without plates and I wouldnt have known to get screws.Thanks for the help and advice Micky,Will post again when I have everything.