Forum Phones & Tablets Repair
Discussion Starter - #1 - 1 week ago

Hi,

I'm hoping you can help me out with my Acer Super ZX. It's started acting up, and I'm looking for a detailed service manual with boardviews and schematics to properly diagnose and repair it. I need to take precise voltage measurements around the board, so having the right documentation would be very helpful.

Thanks in advance for your help.


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I actually found that service manual on a tech Discord server a while back. A really helpful member there shared a direct link to their blog and I've saved it. I'm happy to pass it along here. Hopefully, these boardviews and schematics help you fix your phone, just like they got me through my repair. Looks like we have the same model.



>>>> Acer Super ZX maintenance guide & schematics (pdf + fz)

Good luck

Discussion Starter - #3 - 1 week ago

@Magali

Absolute legend! That's exactly the info I was searching for. This is going to save me so much time probing in the dark. Seriously, thanks a ton for sharing the link!

Hi there,

I also have the Acer Super ZX and just downloaded the manual you shared. I'm pretty new to board-level phone repair, and this is a bit intimidating with all the tiny test points and the schematics. Could you point me in the right direction on how to start troubleshooting this ? Any advice on the first few things I should check would be a massive help.

Thanks so much for your time

General advices: start by checking the voltage at the battery connector on the board. With a known-good battery connected, you should see a steady voltage between 3.7V and 4.2V. After that, a great next step is to check the main power management IC (PMIC) for shorts. Using your multimeter in diode mode, check for shorts on the large input capacitors surrounding the PMIC.

Here are a few useful references for troubleshooting your device:
https://xdaforums.com/t/not-understanding-4g-speeds.948698/
Take a look at comment #108
Also, this : https://xdaforums.com/t/what-will-be-your-next-device.1472153/.
You can also check this video starting from minute 10:


The Acer Super ZX service manual and boardviews from the link above were exactly what I've been searching for. I couldn't find a complete, free copy anywhere else. Seriously, thank you for sharing this you're a lifesaver!

Hi everyone, I'm working on a Acer Super ZX with a no power issue and need some guidance with my measurements.
I'm detecting 3.3V on the VREG_MAIN line (pin 1 of the PMIC), which looks good, but I'm getting 0V on the VDD_CPU line (pin 8) where the schematics indicate I should see about 0.9V.
Since this is a core voltage for the application processor, could this missing rail be why the device shows no signs of life?
What's the best procedure to diagnose this further? Should I check for shorts on the CPU rail first, or look at the PMIC's enable signals?
I've already verified the main 3.3V and 1.8V power rails are present and stable.



emoji scratching head

My Acer Super ZX was working perfectly until yesterday when it suddenly went completely dead. Now it won't respond to the power button, doesn't vibrate, and shows no signs of life even when connected to a charger. I'm worried there might be a serious issue.

I have a decent multimeter, a basic soldering iron, and a healthy dose of patience. While I've successfully replaced iPhone batteries and charging ports, this will be my first attempt at actual diagnosis. The sheer density of BGA chips and microscopic components is honestly a bit overwhelming.

I'm particularly curious about the alcohol trick I've seen online where you apply isopropyl to the board and look for evaporation hotspots to locate shorts. Is this actually a reliable method for beginners, or are there better approaches I should try first with just a multimeter?

I learned this lesson the hard way last month with mine, it was declared "dead" by two different shops. The phone showed absolutely no signs of life - no charging indicator, no vibration, nothing. Before diving into complex board work, I decided to try one more basic test: wireless charging.

To my complete surprise, it actually heated up on the charging pad! This single discovery completely changed my diagnostic path. It turned out the issue wasn't with the main board or processor, but with the notoriously fragile USB-C port that had failed completely. A $15 replacement part and some careful soldering brought it back to life.

The moral? Always exhaust every external testing method before opening the device. Test wireless charging if available, try different charging methods, and don't assume the worst case scenario. Sometimes the most "dead" devices have the simplest solutions hiding in plain sight.

I suspect my issue might be related to that cheap, third-party fast charger I used at the airport last week... Now the device gets extremely hot during charging, the screen flickers at low brightness, and sometimes it randomly shuts down at 30% battery. Could this have damaged the power management IC or battery calibration?

If your Acer Super ZX starts acting up, random reboots, fast battery drain, or connectivity issues, there are several diagnostic steps you can take before assuming the worst:

  • Check your charging habits: Using poor-quality chargers or wireless pads can gradually damage your battery and charging circuit, leading to unpredictable behavior.
  • Inspect the physical components: A slightly damaged charging port, worn battery, or even accumulated pocket lint can cause issues that seem like major hardware failures.
  • Monitor temperature patterns: If your phone gets unusually hot during specific tasks (like camera use or gaming), it could point to a failing component rather than a software issue.
  • Use diagnostic tools wisely: Ampere for battery health, phone diagnostic codes (*#0*# on many models), and a thermal camera can reveal problems without opening the device.
  • Know when to stop: If you see liquid damage indicators tripped or smell burnt electronics, it's time to consult a professional before causing irreversible damage.

Also visit this link it may help : https://xdaforums.com/t/q-patching-slayhers-cm7-systemui-for-transparent-status-bar-help.1149794/

Here's what I discovered on forums and technical databases:

A faulty memory controller can manifest as boot loops, unrecognized storage, extreme sluggishness, or complete failure to power on. Input Voltage (VIN): Check if the main power rail (VCC_MAIN or similar) is supplying voltage to the input pins of the backlight IC. Apply New Adhesive: If your new housing or screen doesn't have pre-applied adhesive, carefully apply new adhesive strips (or a thin bead of B-7000 glue, allowing it to cure properly) around the perimeter where the screen/back cover will meet the frame. Smartphone adhesives, often a type of acrylic or epoxy, become pliable and less sticky when heated. Fireproof Container: A metal bucket, sand bucket, or lipo-safe bag for immediate storage of the removed battery. With the motherboard disconnected from all power, set the multimeter to continuity or resistance mode. The backlight is responsible for illuminating the LCD or OLED display, allowing the user to see content. This package includes `adb` (Android Debug Bridge) and `fastboot`, which are command-line tools used to communicate with your device in various modes. The new board will allow you to create a new secure folder, but its contents will be empty. If you suspect a motherboard issue, it is highly recommended to seek a professional repair service that specializes in micro-component repairs, as attempting it yourself without the proper tools and expertise can lead to irreparable damage. Software updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements. Faulty Charging Coil (Phone Side): Damage to the phone's receiving coil (e.g., shorted turns, damaged insulation) can cause it to draw excessive current or dissipate more heat. By systematically working through the provided steps, starting with simple settings adjustments and progressing to more advanced software solutions like factory resets or firmware re-flashing, you stand a good chance of rectifying most software-related color issues. If the "Cellular Standby" or "Phone Idle" categories show unusually high consumption, it suggests a hardware issue related to RF. Lift Over Time: This could be due to thermal cycling, a subtly warped frame that wasn't addressed, or a swelling battery. RF Transceiver/Baseband IC: This is the most complex and critical component for cellular communication, located on the main logic board. However, metal housings pose a challenge for radio frequency (RF) signals, as metal can block cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS signals. Introduces Contaminants: Fine dust and starch from the rice can get into charging ports, headphone jacks, speaker grilles, and even under delicate components, causing further problems or interfering with proper cleaning. Organize Screws and Parts: Use your magnetic mat or labeled containers to keep track of every screw and small component. Clean Workspace: Ensure the work area is clean, well-lit, and anti-static. Microscope: For visual inspection of tiny components and solder joints around the PMIC. Test Auto-Brightness: Go to display settings, ensure auto-brightness is enabled. Wireless charging has become an indispensable feature for many smartphone users, offering convenience and reducing wear on physical charging ports. It's typically a thin, metal enclosure or cover placed over sensitive integrated circuits (ICs) that handle wireless communications, such as the Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth, GPS, and most importantly, the cellular baseband processor. Look for signs of liquid damage, which is a primary culprit for grounding failures. Precision screwdriver set (Phillips, Pentalobe, Tri-wing, Torx, depending on device). Hardware Repair: If the problem persists after extensive software troubleshooting, especially if it's accompanied by very weak or inconsistent vibrations, it might indicate a failing haptic motor or driver IC. Setup Device: Once booted, you'll be greeted with the initial setup screen, just like a new phone. Boot into Recovery Mode (usually a combination of Power + Volume Up, or Power + Volume Down + Home button for older Samsung). Operating System Bugs: Display driver issues, conflicts after a software update, or specific OS glitches can manifest as flickering.

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