Apple wont repair hardware failure due to minor dent damage.

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Level 1

1 points

Apple wont repair hardware failure due to minor dent damage.

So I bought an Ipad 3rd Generation 4 months ago. Just lately the sound stopped working through the internal speakers. Ive read forums and ive done the whole mute/unmute suggestions. When I double tap the home button and go to where the volume bar should be, there is no volume bar. The speakers acutally work for the first minute or so, and I still get notifcation sounds but no in-app sounds or anything. No keyclicks. I even restored it to factory default several times. It works fine when headphones are plugged in. I read that this is a hardware failuire and that if i send it in I will be covered by the warrenty.

The day after I shipped it out, I got an email saying that they would not repair this due to dents on the aluminum case.

I know first hand that these dents are very minor. I always kept this ipad in a leather case, never dropped it, it may have fell off of the couch a few times.

They havent sent it back yet, and ive tried calling them but they are not open yet. Im hoping I can cope with whoever it is I speak to or there supervisor and get atleast the hardware fixed on this issue.

Any suggestions? does anyone else think this is a bit rediculous? If it is a hardware failiure on there end, shouldnt they fix it?

iPad (3rd gen) Wi-Fi, iOS 6.1.4

Posted on Jul 19, 2013 8:54 AM

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Answer 1

pvonk

Level 6

13,851 points

Jul 19, 2013 8:58 AM in response to Robevitts

This is common, any damage to the case and the device is not included under warrenty. You can try making your argument, and sometimes I've read about some posted successes - it may depend on the damage.

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Answer 2

Robevitts Author

Level 1

1 points

Jul 19, 2013 9:05 AM in response to pvonk

I understand that minor dent damage is damage none the less, however I strongly do not believe this is what caused the sound problem I am having. And the sound problem is, however, included in the warranty. I dont care if I get it back with the dents. All I ask is that the sound issue I am having gets fixed.

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Answer 3

Axeman1020

Level 6

15,132 points

Jul 19, 2013 9:06 AM in response to Robevitts

I assume they are saying that the hardware failure may have been occured because of the drop that caused the damage. I personally have never had this problem with Apple. I brought back my iPhone that with internal speaker problems and they replaced, cracked screen and all but I was able to actually go into the store as opposed to having to mail it.

Before you sent it back, did you try doing a reset?

(Holding Sleep/Wake & Home buttons until the Apple logo appears)

That often times fixing glitchy problems like that.

If nothing else it is something to try if they won't fix it.

If are unable to get it repaired you can also try this:

Erase all content and settings and set it up as a new iPad. If it doesn't fix it you can always go through the procss again and restore from your iCloud backup.

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Answer 4

Robevitts Author

Level 1

1 points

Jul 19, 2013 9:10 AM in response to Axeman1020

Ive done all the above. I reset the OS, ive also erased all content. The funny thing is, is that all sounds will work until I start an app. When I start an App there is no volume, and the volume bar (when double tapping the home button) disappears. Ive muted, Unmuted, this is defintelty a hardware issue.

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Answer 5

deggie

Level 10

167,183 points

Jul 19, 2013 9:10 AM in response to Robevitts

But actually a fall could cause the damage you are referring to as it may have damaged an internal connection. This is actually fairly common with small electronics. And to have the dents it had to be dropped at some time.

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Answer 6

Robevitts Author

Level 1

1 points

Jul 19, 2013 9:12 AM in response to deggie

I agree to this coimpletely, however if it was an internal connection, the sound wouldnt work at all. If I get a message or mess with the notification sounds, they work clear as day at all times. But in-app volume sounds do not work after the first minute after boot.

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Answer 7

deggie

Level 10

167,183 points

Jul 19, 2013 9:15 AM in response to Robevitts

Actually your logic would tend to point to a software problem, not a hardware problem.

Is this happening on all of your apps or just one?

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Answer 8

Robevitts Author

Level 1

1 points

Jul 19, 2013 9:19 AM in response to deggie

All apps, Also if this was a software issue, wouldnt a factory reset fix this? beause ive done a factory reset twice before I sent it in. Also alot of sounds (keyboard clicks, swipe sounds, etc....) do not work, but at all times notifications sounds are loud, work greeat and are clear as day.

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Answer 9

Axeman1020

Level 6

15,132 points

Jul 19, 2013 9:19 AM in response to Robevitts

I agree with deggie.

If you wipe the iPad and restore from a backup you may be bringing the problem right back.

As I suggested, if you set it up as a new iPad you eliminate the possibility of it being software.

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Answer 10

Robevitts Author

Level 1

1 points

Jul 19, 2013 9:21 AM in response to Axeman1020

I did set up as a new Ipad. I do have my stuff backed up, but I was thinking the same thing. And the sound worked for a good 3 minutes before stopping. But as I said up above ^ all notification sounds work at ALL times making me think that this eliminates any internal damage.

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Answer 11

deggie

Level 10

167,183 points

Jul 19, 2013 9:23 AM in response to Robevitts

So if there is not internal damage there is nothing that Apple can fix.

What happens if you set it up as a new iPad and load just one app with sound? Same thing?

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Answer 12

Robevitts Author

Level 1

1 points

Jul 19, 2013 9:26 AM in response to deggie

Last time I reset and set up as a new ipad, first thing I did was watched a youtube video to confirm sound was working, and it was, and in the middle of the video it just quit. Volume bar disappeared and everything. And if they can't fix it then they should replace it, right?

And thank you guys for your help and suggestions, sorrry if I seem a bit frustrated.

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Answer 13

deggie

Level 10

167,183 points

Jul 19, 2013 9:29 AM in response to Robevitts

That sounds like a loose connection on the logic board that is it heats up it separates the connection. The type of disconnection caused by dropping the device. If you send it to them and agree to pay the out-of-warranty replacement fee then they will send you a service replacement unit.

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Answer 14

Demo

Level 10

166,500 points

Jul 19, 2013 9:32 AM in response to Robevitts

As odd as this might sound, when you do get the iPad back, try cleaning the dock connector opening with a soft brush and just a little bit of rubbing alcohol. I have seen other users talk about this, recommended it a few times myself, and have seen it work successfully a number of times as well.

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Answer 15

Robevitts Author

Level 1

1 points

Jul 19, 2013 9:41 AM in response to deggie

Then why would the notifications sounds work? I can change ringtones ans get messages and they are loud and clear as day, just nothing else?

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