[Q] Probably proximity sensor damage

[peppepeppino]

Hi my problem is strange. After a fall mi phone HTC GRATIA is similar HTC Aria have a problem during the call. Sometimes the display became black similar a stand by and not answer to the all impulse. If i want stop the call i have to do remove the battery.....
Have you any help for me ?
thank you

 

[CaptainMaki]

I've got a similar problem. I've replaced my digitizer and done everything by the instructions I've found. However the proximity sensor doesn't work and disable the screen when calls are answered.

I've got the rubber gasket on the light sensor, didn't lost it, and the light sensor works OK. I've tried prying very gently in between the digitizer and the housing, and while I do that sometimes the proximity sensor will show a value of 3.5in, and not 0 as always. I'm using AndroSensor.

I don't mind disassembling the phone again, but I don't know what I need to fix it.
I've searched all the forum posts about it, but either people disabled it somehow, and others just say they fix it but didn't mention how.

Any help on this?

 

[drumist]

I've got a similar problem. I've replaced my digitizer and done everything by the instructions I've found. However the proximity sensor doesn't work and disable the screen when calls are answered.

I've got the rubber gasket on the light sensor, didn't lost it, and the light sensor works OK. I've tried prying very gently in between the digitizer and the housing, and while I do that sometimes the proximity sensor will show a value of 3.5in, and not 0 as always. I'm using AndroSensor.

I don't mind disassembling the phone again, but I don't know what I need to fix it.
I've searched all the forum posts about it, but either people disabled it somehow, and others just say they fix it but didn't mention how.

Any help on this?

You need to get the light sensor, gasket, and the small window in the digitizer all lined up perfectly so that the light sensor is not being blocked by anything. Not as easy as it sounds.

 

[CaptainMaki]

thanks for the explanation, but is the best way to do this?
and why the light sensor shouldn't be blocked? it seems by AndroSensor that it works fine, the problem is with the proximity sensor.

These phones where manufactured by the thousands per day in some factory, there sure is a way to assemble them precisely somehow.

 

[Theonew]

why the light sensor shouldn't be blocked?

If it is blocked, then it will not be able to sense anything (It's like you (the light sensor in this case) are trying to through a wall (whatever's blocking it)).

These phones where manufactured by the thousands per day in some factory, there sure is a way to assemble them precisely somehow.

Special machines used to place them accurately.

 

[CaptainMaki]

I meant that the light sensor is "blocked" by the rubber gasket and seems to works fine.

by the way, as far as I know, most electronics are assembled by hand. laptops, iphones and ipads are, so I don't think that Aria is any different.

If anyone has any tips on how to do this, since I'm sure I someone has managed to replace the digitizer on this phone? how do they do this in repair shops or AT&T store?

 

[drumist]

I meant that the light sensor is "blocked" by the rubber gasket and seems to works fine.

by the way, as far as I know, most electronics are assembled by hand. laptops, iphones and ipads are, so I don't think that Aria is any different.

If anyone has any tips on how to do this, since I'm sure I someone has managed to replace the digitizer on this phone? how do they do this in repair shops or AT&T store?

The ambient light sensor and the proximity sensor are two separate things, though they are right next to each other on the Aria. The proximity sensor is MUCH more sensitive to being precisely aligned.

I incorrectly used the term "light sensor" in my earlier post. The proximity sensor, NOT the ambient light sensor, is responsible for turning the screen off during calls.

 

[Theonew]

I incorrectly used the term "light sensor" in my earlier post. The proximity sensor, NOT the ambient light sensor

That's what I assumed you were talking about.

 

[CaptainMaki]

As I've said the proximity sensor is the right sensor and the ambient light is the left sensor that is covered with the rubber gasket.

The light sensor works perfectly as I've said. In AndroSensor at least it jumps between 33 LUX when covered and 77 LUX and 220 LUX when placed directly under a desk lamp.

But the proximity sensor doesn't seem to respond at all. What perfectly aligned means, that the sensor is right below the "hole" in the digitizer plastic? if I place the digitizer and it falls into the place, how come it isn't aligned? it's not like the digitizer has where to move in the frame.

 

[drumist]

The light sensor works perfectly as I've said. In AndroSensor at least it jumps between 33 LUX when covered and 77 LUX and 220 LUX when placed directly under a desk lamp.

I have two Arias and they both max out at 698 lux. If you can't get it to go above 220, it might be partially obstructed.

But the proximity sensor doesn't seem to respond at all. What perfectly aligned means, that the sensor is right below the "hole" in the digitizer plastic? if I place the digitizer and it falls into the place, how come it isn't aligned? it's not like the digitizer has where to move in the frame.

Do you notice a gap between the LCD and digitizer that is larger than it was from the factory? I wonder if it might just be related to the digitizer sitting too far from the proximity sensor. If you press down on the top right corner of the digitizer while in a call (without covering the sensor itself), will the screen turn back on?

 

[Erbid]

Possibly unrelated, but similar.

I have an identical issue with the DroidX.

It needs a "gasket" over its proximity "light source" to keep light from reaching the proximity light sensor when there is nothing in front to reflect it back.

Looks like the light source had a rubber hood over it with a pinhole directed straight out, away from the sensor adjacent to it. Thus keeping stray light from triggering the sensor.

AAARGH. To have that little rubber piece.

Erbid

 

[CaptainMaki]

after replacing another screen and this time I've done it right, this is what I've learned.
I've assembled the phone with androsensor turned on and tested the sensors all the time. It seems that they should be perfectly clean (some air spray will do just fine), perfectly aligned with the holes in the digitizer and don't have to much distance between the digitizer and the sensors.

It's seems like a hassle but actually it's not, since if you put the right tape and put the keep it all clean, it can work with no problems at all. Make sure you test everything before you close the phone completely.