BlackBerry

[mikeo007]

Hey folks, I'm having some unfortunate issues with the GPS on my Bold 9700.  It has worked flawlessly since I got the phone last November, but recently the GPS has stopped working entirely.  The GPS screen under Advanced Options shows "Device GPS" as the data source and "Location On" but whenever I try to "Refresh GPS" it eventually times out, leaving a bunch of 0's for GPS location.  The GPS doesn't work in any applications either, and I've even tried to acquire a lock in a couple of different places, always outside, with no luck.

Any advice, or should I be calling Rogers to get it looked at / replaced?

[JALO · Accepted solution]

First of all, you definetly want to reach Rogers about this issue. Not necessarily to help you troubleshoot but to report a possible issue, and for help troubleshooting if the following does not help. 

GPS on a blackberry is controlled by a separate chip and radio transceiver.

Review the following for full understanding of GPS on BB, this at least covers the "Basics". 

http://www.blackberry.com/btsc/microsites/search.do?cmd=displayKC&docType=kc&externalId=KB11950&slic...

To prove hardware is malfunctioning, software must almost always be re-flashed or reloaded. 

Prior to doing this, further information would be helpful in troubleshooting your issue. 

1: Are you active on a BES server? If unsure, go to Options, Status : Type "BUYR" and it will tell you whether there is an IT Policy on the device. IT policy CAN disable the GPS radio on the handset. 

2: Is there any recent change with your device software? What OS are you running? If unsure, Options, About: 5.0.0.XXX 

If you aren't active on a BES and there are no recent changes to your device troubleshooting is definetly needed. 

I presume you've done a battery pull?

If Rogers recommends an OS reload of your device, certainly accept their help! It is effective troubleshooting and will certainly help you determine whether the hardware is faulty. 

I personally do not know whether it will correct your issue, as I have not encountered this case. Best of luck!

Reply if you want help with an OS reload!

Jalo

[mikeo007]

Thanks for the reply, I will definitely be giving Rogers a call about this, but in the mean time, here are some answers to your questions:

1: No BES server

2: There was no hardware change in relation to the problem starting, however I have upgraded the OS before.  After the problem started, I attempted to upgrade again, to version 5.0.0.8xx.  When that didn't fix the problem, I attempted a downgrade to the original version, 5.0.0.3xx.  Again that didn't fix the problem, and I've once again gone back to version 5.0.0.8xx.

3: Battery pull has been tried, I even kept the battery out for 10+ mins.

Thanks again for the help!

[bubbbab]

I assume that there is no difference in the symptom indoors vs. outdoors?

[mikeo007]

Nope, symptom is the same both indoors and out.  I had the phone with me today while i was golfing and constantly refreshed the GPS, but never got a lock.  Doesn't look promising

[RogersErin]

Thanks JALO!