[arazu]

Forgine me if this is a double post. I think I messed up on the former. Anyhow, the trackball suddenly stopped scrolling down. It works fine up and sideways. Thoughts on a self fix?

[John Clark]

Yup. Put the device in standby by pushing and holding the mute key on the top.

Then push the trackball and roll it around in all directions. That should free up whatever is stuck in there (lint, dust, etc.)

Then tap the mute key again to bring it back out of standby.

[arazu]

Thanks John but it didn't fix it. I guess I either have to take it apart or send it in for repair.

[John Clark]

It's rare that it doesn't fix it. Did you push down fairly hard and roll it?

[arazu]

I did push hard. I just tried again and still no fix.

[John Clark]

Does the ball roll in that direction? Usually, the ball will roll in three directions but you can feel that it doesn't roll in the fourth direction.

[arazu]

No resistance downward. It feels normal. Just no movement.

I'm not up for a discounted phone till March otherwise I'd buy a new one.

I guess I'll take it apart and see if cleaning it helps.

Now that I look at it there is a light from the bottom of the wheel.

[John Clark]

The plastic chrome ring just pops off. It has tabs at 3, 6 and 9oclock. Just pop it off and then the trackball assembly will fall out. You may be able to get rid of the dust/lint that way.

[arazu]

It rolls fine down. It feels normal.

Now I see a light behind the trackball. It might be a small piece of glass (how that would have gotten in there I don't know) or a freaked out light. I'm going with glass. It isn't coming out so I guess I have to take it apart. BTW thanks fir the link to the 8830 guide.

[John Clark]

There is always a light behind the trackball. It's in the lower right corner and it's the white led.

[rramirez26]

Hello everyone,

I recently inherited a beat-up, old Blackberry and the ball stopped scrolling up for me. I was following the steps to take it apart as described in the forum, but got stuck when it came to taking out the "screws" on my 8100. After no avail I called a nearby T-Mobile Store and they said to take an alcohol wipe and clean the ball because there is dirt that gets stuck underneath. She said taking apart the phone was a very bad thing to do, so I took her advice and sure enough the ball started working again like a charm! Needless to say that all those who have problems with the scrolling can avoid the hassle of taking it apart and try this first.

On a side note, she did say that they have extra balls and you could go to the store and they would replace it for free. I am not sure if it has to be under warranty, but it is worth a shot even if you are past the warranty. This is only for T-Mobile stores as far as I know. I have no knowledge regarding other carriers.

Hope this helps others in the future.

[Knyte77]

Originally Posted by rramirez26

Hello everyone,

I recently inherited a beat-up, old Blackberry and the ball stopped scrolling up for me. I was following the steps to take it apart as described in the forum, but got stuck when it came to taking out the "screws" on my 8100. After no avail I called a nearby T-Mobile Store and they said to take an alcohol wipe and clean the ball because there is dirt that gets stuck underneath. She said taking apart the phone was a very bad thing to do, so I took her advice and sure enough the ball started working again like a charm! Needless to say that all those who have problems with the scrolling can avoid the hassle of taking it apart and try this first.

On a side note, she did say that they have extra balls and you could go to the store and they would replace it for free. I am not sure if it has to be under warranty, but it is worth a shot even if you are past the warranty. This is only for T-Mobile stores as far as I know. I have no knowledge regarding other carriers.

Hope this helps others in the future.

This was amazing advice and worked like a charm. Ladies & Gents, I must say....DO THIS before taking apart your BB. I took mine apart, but to no avail. Then found this post and tried it with nail polish remover on a q-tip. As soon as it dried, my trackball was back.

GOD BLESS the Internet and the altruism it makes possible!!!

(FYI, my trackball would not move right....but it does now!)

I also recommend using those rubber sleeves. This only happened once I stopped having my phone wear it. Needless to say, the sleeve is going back on!

[Helomaniac]

I suggest trying John Clark's method first, the alcohol wipe if that doesn't work and lastly the disassembly. I did the disassembly once and had lots of trouble getting the magnetized parts back together but it did work. My latest curve started the same non-movement hijinks so I tried John's method and it worked like a charm, so easy.

[vietdh]

I think your trackball is dirty, You can to put it and to clean. good luck.

[naraiz]

Have you considered visiting Cellular Nationwide Networks Cellular Accessories - Apple, Sony, Mobiado, Panasonic, NEC, LG, Samsung, Microsoft, Tools, Acer, Motor for a replacement? I purchased the entire housing I.e. Front plate, backplate, and side rails for $40.00. I also purchased the keybaord for $14.00 dollars. My BB8830 works and looks like it did the day I purchased it minus the Sprint logo. I made a choice not to purchase a housing with the carrier logo. The video's they have take you step-by-step through the process. I am absolutely glad I went this route.

[jscully]

Popping the crome off, taking the ball out and cleaning behind there solved the problem.
That's the solution I'd recommend!

[Ben_L.]

John. My trackball did not allow me to scroll down. I have followed your advice, performed the "Stand-by and dislodge" ritual...and it worked. Thanks.

[the lbg]

My trackball on my 8320 stop moving down last night and I didn't know what to do. I tried the Mute method and it worked like a charm! Thank you!