Thread: Track ball malfunctioning on Bold

I dropped my Bold a few days ago from about 2ft on a carpeted floor and the track ball started to malfunction. It will only move vertical, and horizontal if I push down on the portion of the pad below it hard enough. I also lifted up the panel around the track ball slightyl and pushed down on the cradle the ball sits in and it worked in all directions for a while but with a lag then stopped. I ordered a new track ball and cradle as well. Is this a problem with the track ball mechanism, or could it possibly be the circuitry for the track ball?

Originally Posted by MASERATIGUY

I dropped my Bold a few days ago from about 2ft on a carpeted floor and the track ball started to malfunction. It will only move vertical, and horizontal if I push down on the portion of the pad below it hard enough. I also lifted up the panel around the track ball slightyl and pushed down on the cradle the ball sits in and it worked in all directions for a while but with a lag then stopped. I ordered a new track ball and cradle as well. Is this a problem with the track ball mechanism, or could it possibly be the circuitry for the track ball?

The trackball does get contaminated and occasionally the trackball will quit working. If you have an Air Can ( what is used to remove dust from your pc) you can blow out around the trackball and it should start to work. The malfunction is usually the trackball and not a circuitry problem.

Tried that and still nothing, the track ball doesn't even light up when moved, and only when I push down on the panel just below it.

Originally Posted by MASERATIGUY

Tried that and still nothing, the track ball doesn't even light up when moved, and only when I push down on the panel just below it.

It may be the trackball cradle not making contact in the device. Didnt you say you ordered another one. If so, it may take care of the issue. If youre up to it, you can disassemble the Bold and clean the contact area with a q-tip and alcohol. Dont soak it, just enough to clean it. If not you will have to wait for the new one

Originally Posted by MASERATIGUY

Tried that and still nothing, the track ball doesn't even light up when moved, and only when I push down on the panel just below it.

Using a can of compressed air or what ever will not work on the 9000. The TB itself sits in a housing surrounded on all sides. I doubt very seriously you broke anything, I just think it's not making proper contact.
In order to change the TB on the Bold, you must preform surgery. You must take the entire device apart to get to it. It's rather easy as long as you take your time. All you need is a T5 Torx drive. Check Sears or your local hardware store. You can find a disassembly video at the link below. Just be sure to take your time.--> BlackBerry 81xx/83xx/88xx/9000 OEM trackball- Microsoft, Tools, Nokia, Mobiado, Panasonic, Apple, Samsung, Acer, SonyEricsson,

Select video.

Originally Posted by Crucial

Using a can of compressed air or what ever will not work on the 9000. The TB itself sits in a housing surrounded on all sides. I doubt very seriously you broke anything, I just think it's not making proper contact.
In order to change the TB on the Bold, you must preform surgery. You must take the entire device apart to get to it. It's rather easy as long as you take your time. All you need is a T5 Torx drive. Check Sears or your local hardware store. You can find a disassembly video at the link below. Just be sure to take your time.--> BlackBerry 81xx/83xx/88xx/9000 OEM trackball- Microsoft, Tools, Nokia, Mobiado, Panasonic, Apple, Samsung, Acer, SonyEricsson,

Select video.

Thanks Crucial, learn new things everyday! Mind if I post the vid in the How To forum?

Originally Posted by bbcrackman

Thanks Crucial, learn new things everyday! Mind if I post the vid in the How To forum?

Not at all although it's not mine. It's a very helpful video. Especially those concerned with preforming surgery on their 9000. lol. It can be overwhelming for the new user. As long as they take their time and are gentle, it's smooth sailing.

I like my solution when something on the phone does not work. Throw it at the wall.

I have this morning dismantled my Bold in order to clean around and under the trackball mechanism due to issues with it stopping working occasionally. Plenty of crud was removed. It is easy if you take your time, just like Crucial says :cool2:

Trackball is still working as sweet as 'brand new'. Obviously now I've said that it'll be me taking it apart again tomorrow!

Originally Posted by Crucial

BlackBerry 81xx/83xx/88xx/9000 OEM trackball- Microsoft, Tools, Nokia, Mobiado, Panasonic, Apple, Samsung, Acer, SonyEricsson,

Select video.

they must of removed the video.

Originally Posted by wickedways

they must of removed the video.

try this one

Video

Haven't seen it all the way through but looks like it might work for ya

Originally Posted by wickedways

they must of removed the video.

If you go to YouTube and search for "blackberry trackball replace" or something similar, you will find a bunch of videos on replacing the trackball in a Blackberry device.

Two things...first if it doesnt show damage they will replace it, second there is a place and I dont remember where you can order the whole trackball assembly for like 3 bucks