Replacing the LCD lens cover screen on your sidekick 3 is a fairly straight forward process. There are only 6 screws you need to remove. This repair will require a T6 torx driver and a number 0 Phillips screwdriver.

Buy a replacement Sidekick 3 LCD Glass Lens screen.

1. Power down unit.
2. Remove back cover and take out battery.
3. Flip you sidekick screen halfway to access the two screws that need to be removed. One has already been removed in this picture. Remove the screws using the T6 torx driver.
4. While still holding the screen in the half flipped position, gently lift the screen up and out.

Warning

Be careful not to touch the copper contacts or the connector. The pins on the connector of the base unit are very fragile.

5.  Put the LCD screen assembly upside down on a soft surface (to avoid scratching). There are 4 screws that need to be removed before your can removed the old lcd screen cover. You will need a size 0 Phillips screwdriver for these.

6.   Remove the two screws shown below.

7.  Remove the other two screws shwon below. You will need to rotate the flex cable/spring unit to access one of them.

8. Flip the screen back over and gently pry the two corners on the bottom of the side with the flex cable.

9. Now that both edges are loose, grab the edge and gently lift screen backwards.

10.   Now, install the new LCD screen cover in the reverse order. Start the installation in the position in the photo above.

11.   Once the cover is on, press down firmly on edges to make sure they are snapped into place.

12.   Flip LCD unit over and install 4 screws you removed earlier. Be sure to move flex swivel unit out of the way for the one screw. Once the screws are in, it is time to reassemble phone.

13.  Prepare the LCD screen Assembly for installation. Make sure the spring unit is aligned as shown. Fail to follow this step can cause the screen not to flip properly. If it is not aligned as shown, rotate spring assembly until it is.

14.   Rotate the screen to the half flipped position and install in base unit. See picture in step 4 for the proper angle to install. Once installed, slowly release the screen and allow to flip into position.

15.   Rotate screen to the half flipped position and install the two screws removed in step 3 and tighten them down.

16.   Test the flip action of your phone. It if doesn’t work right, remove screen and go back to step 3.

17.   Once the flip action is working, it is time to reinstall the battery and back cover.

18.   Power up you phone and enjoy your Sidekick 3 in all it’s glory.

Disclaimer: Disassembling your Sidekick 3 will void the warranty. Proceed with the following instructions at you own risk. www.fixmysidekick.com is not liable for any damage that may occur. This website is in no way related to or associated with T-mobile or Danger Inc.

Originally posted 2008-12-21 21:24:49.

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Fix My Sidekick

YOu can do it easily at the following link to SLKthemes.com: http://www.sklxthemes.com/createtheme/

Or if you want to do it the hard way, follow the steps below.  I would recommend downloading this theme pack to use as an Template.  http://www.sklxthemes.com/download.php?theme=8553

1. Plug your USB cable into your computer and Sidekick

2. On the computer browse to the Sidekick drive folders open “My Computer” then select the Sidekick’s drive

3. You will see two folders listed, make a new folder here, name it “themes” (without the quotes)

4. Open that “themes” folder

5. In that folder make another new folder with your new theme name.  This is the name you want to appear on the Sidekick backgrounds menu

6. Open Windows Notepad and paste the following text into it string Name(en_US) themename
bitmap ring-background ring-background.png bitmap ring-folder-background ring-folder-background.png

7. Save this .txt file to your newly named folder as “theme.txt”. There are more things that can be added and modified, but this will make it easy to add your picture.

8. Save the picture you want as the main background in this folder. (ring-background) Make sure the name of the file should match the Notepad text file string and should be in PNG or JPG format sizing for backgrounds is commonly listed as 400×208 pixels, otherwise the image may appear stretched

9. Add the second picture you want for the sub category background. (ring-folder-background) this is the same size as the main background file.

10. The picture file names must match the text file exactly, I sometimes save in jpg format but still leave the .png in the text line and the background will not load.

11. Close the files, unplug your USB cable from the device.

12. On your Sidekick select Menu/Settings/Backgrounds and your new theme name should be listed below the original four. This is the name you set as the folder and in the text file.

13. Select the new theme and it applies.

I hope that helps you all out!

Originally posted 2008-11-24 13:29:49.

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We will be keeping the tradition of providing repair guides and how to information on Sidekick Repair for free.

If you don’t see the answer to your question or problem then send us note by using our Contact form located here.

Thanks for visiting and we hope to see you soon!

Originally posted 2008-09-03 23:23:54.

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Fix My Sidekick

Then this is the  repair guide for you. This procedure shows how to take apart your sidekick 3 and clean the trackball and the trackball pad.  

Will this fix all of your issues? Probably, It work about 90% of the time.

If you need a new trackball, then click on the following link to see what is available.

T-mobile Sidekick Trackballs for Sale

Items Needed:

T6 Torx Screwdriver (or small flat tip screws that can be inserted into grooves of screw head.

A thin guitar pick (you can also use a small flat tip screwdriver or your fingernail if you prefer)

IPA (rubbing Alcohol) and some q –tips

Directions:

1. Power down unit.
2. Remove back cover and take out battery.
3. Flip you sidekick screen halfway to access the two screws that need to be removed. One has already been removed in this picture. Remove the screws using the T6 torx driver.
4. While still holding the screen in the half flipped position, gently lift the screen up and out.

   Warning

   Be careful not to touch the copper contacts or the connector. The pins on the connector of the base unit are very fragile. 

5. Set the Sidekick 3 LCD screen to the side.
6. Use a guitar pick, small flat tip screwdriver, or your fingernail, pop off the silver covers on the sides of the sidekick.
7. Remove the 2 screws near trackball. These screws need a T6 torx driver or a small flat tip screwdriver.
8. Remove the 2 screws near the d-pad. These screws also need a T6 torx driver or a small flat tip screwdriver.
9. Lift up top cover of Sidekick 3. Lift from the d-pad side.  This makes it easier to get the cover over the USB port.
10. Remove cover over the trackball.
11. Loosen the clips holding the sidekick 3 trackball in place. There is one on each side.
12. Lift the trackball up and off. Take a look and make sure the metal piece on the bottom is still there.  If you can not select with your trackball, that may be the problem.
13. Clean the trackball with IPA (or Rubbing Alchohol) and a q-tip. Make sure to rotate and clean it well.  Take a look and make sure that there is debris inside.  Do not take the trackball apart.  There are sensors in there that are hard to get back together if disassembled.
14. Clean the trackball pad on the main board.  It can get very gunked up.  See the picture below for proof of that. Use alcohol and a q-tip to clean this as well.
15. Install the trackball back on the pad.  The white tab should be toward the outer edge of the phone. Line up the trackball as shown below.  
16. Once the trackball is in place, snap it down until it locks into place.  This may take a few tries.  Don’t give up, it will snap back in.
17. Install the trackball cover back into place. (yes, I flipped the picture from step 10. Thanks for noticing)
18. Install the top cover back down on the sidekick 3.  Start by putting it over the usb porn and snapping down.
19. Install the 4 screws removed in steps 7 and 8.
20. Install the Silver side cover panels removed in step 6.
21. Rotate the LCD screen flip assembly to the half flipped position and install the two screws removed in step 3 and tighten them down.
22. Install the battery and battery cover back on the sidekick 3.
23. Power up you phone and enjoy your Sidekick 3 with its newly cleaned trackball by texting your friends about this site!

If you have questions please leave a comment below.

P.S.  I know some of these photos are from www.repairmysidekick.org. I also run that site so I gave myself permission.  I promise! =)

Disclaimer: Disassembling your Sidekick 3 will void the warranty. Proceed with the preceding instructions at you own risk. www.fixmysidekick.com is not liable for any damage that may occur. This website is in no way related to or associated with T-mobile or Danger Inc.

Originally posted 2008-10-28 21:39:29.

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This procedure will wipe your sidekick 2008 clean.  It will be set to factory default settings so do this only as a last resort.

1. Press @+1+0 at the same time

2. When the screen goes blank, press and hold the letter R

3. Keep the R button pressed down until the 4 symbols appear on the white background

4. Let go of the R button

5. The Sidekick 2008 will power cycle once more and then be done.

This procedure will completely wipe you sidekick clean. If you are at the point where you can’t get it to boot, then it doesn’t make much of  a difference.

Let me know if you have success with this below.

Originally posted 2009-06-17 18:15:06.

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This how to guide is for removing the LCD lens and faceplate from your Sidekick LX and replacing it with a new or different one.

Buy the frames here: Sidekick LX  LCD Frame Lens Kits

Items Needed:

This repair will require a T6 torx driver, a number 0 Phillips screwdriver, and a small flat tip device for prying. I prefer plastic guitar picks.  If you need a T6 torx driver, you can pick one up at your local hardware store for about 5 dollars.  You can use a small flat tip screwdriver if it fits into the Torx screw notches.

Directions:

1.Power down the Sidekick LX.

2. Remove the back cover and take out battery.

3. Flip your sidekick screen halfway to access the two screws that need to be removed. Both have already been removed in this picture.  Remove the screws using the T6 torx driver.

4. While still holding the screen in the half flipped position, gently lift the screen up and out.

Warning

Be careful not to touch the copper contacts of the connector. The pins on the connector of the base unit are very fragile.

5. Put the LCD screen assembly upside down on a soft surface (to avoid scratching).

6. Remove the six screws shown in the locations shown below. You will need a size 0 Phillips screwdriver for these.  Rotate the flex cable/spring unit to access the two screws  in the bottom left hand corner.

7. Flip the screen back over and gently pry the two corners on the bottom of the side with the flex cable.

8.Now that both edges are loose, gently pry along middle of each side to loosen the retaining keys. 

9. Once that is done, grab the edge and gently lift the lx screen frame backwards and up.

10. Now, install the new sidekick lx LCD screen cover in the reverse order.

11. Once the cover is on, press down firmly on edges to make sure they are snapped into place.

12. Flip the LCD unit over and install 6 screws you removed earlier. Be sure to move the flex swivel unit out of the way for the two screws. Once the screws are in, it is time to reassemble the Sidekick LX.

13. Prepare the LCD screen Assembly for installation. Fail to follow this step can cause the screen not to flip properly. If it is not aligned as shown, rotate spring assembly until it is.

14. Rotate the screen to the half flipped position and install in base of the sidekick LX.  Once installed, slowly release the screen and allow to flip into position.

15. Rotate screen to the half flipped position and install the two screws removed in step 3 and tighten them down.

16. Test the flip action of your phone. It if doesn’t work right, remove screen and go back to step 13.

17. Once the flip action is working, it is time to reinstall the battery and back cover.

18. Power up you Sidekick LX and check it out!

Looks good doesn’t? Go show it off to all of your Friends and tell them where you found out how to do it!!

Disclaimer: Disassembling your Sidekick LX will void the warranty. Proceed with the the provided instructions at you own risk. www.fixmysidekick.com is not liable for any damage that may occur. This website is in no way related to or associated with T-mobile or Danger Inc.

Originally posted 2008-11-07 18:54:28.

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Fix My Sidekick

This guide will show you how to remove and replace the sidekick LX middle chrome frame with a new one.

Purchase a replacement: Sidekick LX Silver Chrome Trim

You will need a T6 torx driver for the screws. If you do not have one, a small flat tip screwdriver inserted into the groove can be used.

1. Power down unit.

2. Remove back cover and take out battery.

3. Remove the four T6 screws on the bottom of the Sidekick LX for the trackball side. See picture of Sidekick LX below.

4. Flip the Sidekick LX back over and remove the side piece that has the buttons. See picture below.

5. While you have it apart, go ahead and clean this area out using a q-tip and some IPA alcohol.

6. Remove the 4 screws on the bottom of the sidekick LX for the button panel on the speaker side. See picture below screw locations. Once again these are T6 screws.

 
7. Turn the Sidekick over and remove the button panel near the speaker. See picture below.

  
8.Remove the top piece as shown below.  You may need to release latches on the side.  A guitar pick or a small flat tip screwdriver will work.

9. Flip the the top cover over.

10. Use a guitar pick or your fingernail to loosen the 6 clips of the chrome trim on the side of the top cover. See the locations below

11. Next you need to release the piece circled below.

12. Flip the Sidekick cover over and use a guitar pick or a small flat tip screwdriver to push down on the white piece in the corner as shown below.

13. Gently remove the trim from the top cover.

14. Start the installation of the new sidekick LX silver chrome trim by inserting the white back into the area from step 12.  It needs to go under the black piece  as shown below.

15. Gently snap the locks down on the top cover that were loosened in step 10.

16.  Now that the new chrome trim is back in place, it is time to put the Sidekick LX back together.

17. Install the top cover back on.

18. Install the trackball back into place.

19. Reinstall the side button panels that were removed in steps 3-7

20. Check to make sure all the screws are back in place and the cover seem to fit ok.

21. Install the battery back into the sidekick LX and put battery cover back on.

22. Power up and test out the functionality. Reseat as necessary.

23. Enjoy the fully functioning Sidekick LX with a new and shiny silver chrome trim.

Disclaimer: Disassembling your Sidekick LX will void the warranty. Proceed with the following instructions at you own risk. www.fixmysidekick.com is not liable for any damage that may occur. This website is in no way related to or associated with T-mobile or Danger Inc.

Originally posted 2008-09-14 13:22:27.

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Fix My Sidekick

This screen will give you the option to select a language and to reboot the sidekick 2008. If rebooting it just keeps bringing you back to the same screen, follow the procedure below to help recover it.  As with anything, there is no guarantee that this is always work.

To resolve this issue follow the steps listed below:

1. Remove the battery and the SIM card from the Sidekick 2008

2. Let the phone sit for 30 minutes without the battery and SIM card

3. Reinsert the battery and the SIM card and power the Sidekick on.

4. If issue still remains try it one more time but let the battery sit out for 2 hours (overnight is better)

If the above procedure does not work then you can perform a Sidekick 2008 Master Reset.

If the Master Reset and the above procedure do not fix your problem, you will need to call the T-mobile Customer Care number at 1-877-453-1304.

Originally posted 2009-06-18 06:20:34.

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Keep in mind, by “training the battery,” I mean recalibrating the battery meter of your Sidekick:

1. The initial charge out of the box is crucial. The instructions state you should charge the device 6-8 hours upon initial start up. People get so excited by getting the sidekick that they yank it off the charger 3-4 hours later so they can go show their friends!  This is a BIG mistake. Despite every urge to do so, let it charge at least 6 hours out the box.

2. For the next couple of days try and let your sidekick drain it’s battery completely before you charge it again.  When you charge it, make sure it charges 4-5 hours minimum before you take it off the charger. Leaving it plugged in overnight is usually the best option.

After a few days, you’ll begin to notice an improvement in your battery life.  The Sidekick now had a baseline for a fully charged battery and an empty battery.

Do this for 4 or 5 days and you will be set.

Here are some other tips to help get better battery life from your Sidekick:

1. Turn your LCD brightness down as low as you can tolerate.
2. Try and avoid being on all 3 IM clients at the same time for any extended period.
3. The music player is the second biggest battery drainer next to making phone calls. If you use the music player more than a few hours a day, you might want to consider a separate MP3 player. 
4.  Make sure to close out of the photo application when done. If you just “Jump” out, the device still keeps the camera rolling, draining more of the battery.  Make sure you “Done” out of the camera app to be sure.
5. When charging, keep the phone on a surface that allows it to dissipate the heat. A desk top or table is good.  On a pillow or a bed is bad! The hotter the battery gets over time, the less use you will be able to get out of it.

What if your Sidekick is not new and you want to get better battery life and this doesn’t help.  You can get a new battery for your phone and do this procedure.  New Sidekick batteries are about 10 dollars on eBay.  Don’t pay 40-60 dollars for a new one from T-mobile

Here are some links to new Sidekick batteries:

Replacement Sidekick LX Battery  Replacement Sidekick 3 Battery    Replacement Sidekick Slide Battery  Replacement Sidekick ID Battery

Originally posted 2008-10-18 18:47:52.

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 how do i get my sidekick 2008 to vibrate when i get a text?

i just bought a sidekick 2008 and i cant get it to vibrate when i receive a text. all that happens is an icon shows up in the corner? and suggestions?
Thanks

Here is the  Answer I gave:

You need to have the data plan otherwise it doesn’t vibrate or ring when you first get a text. Try setting your pending message alert to 2 minutes under sound settings so 2 minutes after you get the text it vibrates or rings.

I didn’t know that but know I do.  I hope that it helps you out.

Originally posted 2008-11-22 11:28:40.

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