[SOLVED] I'm looking for LAVA NKS 101 repair guide or schematics (free) - Phones & Tablets Forum

Hi,

I'm hoping you can help me out with my LAVA NKS 101. 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.

Selected Answer

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.

@Kara

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 LAVA NKS 101 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://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/830053/Keyboard+++mouse+connectors+problem
Take a look at comment #1236
Also, this : https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/892318/Why+isn't+my+car+accelerating.
You can also check this video starting from minute 10:

The LAVA NKS 101 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 LAVA NKS 101 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.

My LAVA NKS 101 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 LAVA NKS 101 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-agps-cant-use.798420/

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

Clearly outline the specific repairs to be performed (e.g., "Screen Replacement," "Charging Port Repair," "Battery Swap"). What it backs up: Contacts, Calendar, Wi-Fi networks and passwords, App data (some apps), Device settings, Call history, SMS messages (on some versions). If software troubleshooting and external component checks fail, persistent inaccuracies often point to a degrading battery that requires replacement. Soldering Iron: A fine-tip soldering iron (e.g., JBC, Hakko) is useful for applying fresh solder to assist with desoldering or for minor pad rework. While keeping the two test points shorted with metal tweezers, connect the USB cable to the PC. If only one type of signal is affected, it helps narrow down the potential sources of interference. Note any screws or adhesive holding the module in place and remove them. For anyone involved in smartphone repair, whether as a hobbyist, a professional technician, or simply someone who likes to keep old devices for parts, properly storing spare smartphone components is crucial. Carefully position the new trigger assembly into its designated slot in the phone's frame. This state usually arises from software corruption , often a failed firmware update, an interrupted rooting attempt, or a corrupted operating system (OS) file. Visible Moisture/Corrosion: Check speaker grilles, charging port, and screen edges for any signs of water ingress. This makes it an excellent first step for resolving minor software anomalies before resorting to more drastic measures. Excess Dye Removal: After a set penetration time, any excess dye on the surface of the motherboard is carefully cleaned away. However, this level of diagnosis is almost exclusively performed in a repair shop environment and is beyond the scope of a typical user's troubleshooting. Proximity Sensor: Uses infrared light to detect objects close to the screen. Pay attention to the small passive components (resistors, capacitors, inductors) surrounding the codec. Keep track of all screws and components (a magnetic mat is highly recommended). Power Management and Efficiency: With displays being one of the most power-hungry components of a smartphone, the DDI also incorporates sophisticated power management algorithms. This is a critical safety step to prevent short circuits while working inside the phone. It will first turn liquid, then reflow, pulling the connector down onto the pads. Risk of Damage: There is a significant risk of permanently damaging the phone if the repair is not performed correctly. Proper recycling allows for the recovery of these finite resources, reducing the need for new mining and its associated environmental impact. Do NOT Bend or Puncture: Under no circumstances should you bend, fold, or puncture the swollen battery. Fine-Tipped Tweezers: For handling the tiny chip and other components. Press Firmly: Gently press the shielding into place, ensuring any adhesive backing adheres securely. Nandroid Backup (Requires Custom Recovery & Root): For advanced users with rooted phones and a custom recovery (like TWRP), a Nandroid backup creates a complete snapshot of your entire system, including the operating system, apps, and all data. This usually means the storage chip itself or surrounding power management components are failing. Heat the Display Edges: Apply gentle, even heat to the perimeter of the screen to soften the adhesive that secures the display to the frame. Physical Swelling: Inspect the phone for a bulging back cover or screen separation. Specialty adhesives play an indispensable role in maintaining the structural and electrical integrity of a repaired smartphone.

@Ester, Not sure what you're trying to say but ok :)