Samsung i9505 GPS issues

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kiwichris

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

#160472 7-Jan-2015 21:15

Hi all - I'm looking for a bit of GPS-related help please...

I have a Galaxy S4 i9505 that's been working fine for the last year, on a custom 4.4.2 custom rom (I forget the modem baseband), until a few weeks ago when the GPS stopped locking on to any satellites. I then decided it might be a good time to check out an Android 5.0 rom and hopefully restore the GPS functionality.

No luck. If using Google Maps for navigation in the car, it can take some 15 mins before it tentatively locks on to a satellite. But it's next to useless and easily loses the lock. I'm now wondering if it's an issue with my baseband not matching the bootloader, or CFC code? (at this point it begins to go over my head!)

My phone's details:

Bootloader version: I9505XXUDMI1
Baseband version: I9505XXUGNK4
PDA Version: I9505GUEUDNL3
CSC Version: I9505GXARDNL3

Original CSC Code: XAR
Firmware CSC Code: XAR
Active CSC Code: XAR
CSC Country: USA
CSC ISO: US
Product Code: GT-I9505ZWAXAR

Does this make any sense to anyone? Should any of these codes be matching in order for the GPS to function correctly?

Thanks in advance!
Chris.

Stu

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#1210201 7-Jan-2015 21:59

Perhaps see if this helps:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-3/help/n9005-gps-fix-flashing-stock-s5-port-rom-t2827427

People often mistake me for an adult because of my age.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

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Stu

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#1210202 7-Jan-2015 22:00

To add, the above worked a treat with GPS issues in my stock Note 3.

And welcome to Geekzone.

People often mistake me for an adult because of my age.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

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kiwichris

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1210263 7-Jan-2015 23:32

Thanks mate, looks interesting. Now if only my phone would let me run USSD codes, instead of coming back with "unable to process request"... What's up with that? Could it be carrier disabled? (2degrees)

*sigh* one step forwards, two steps backwards!

tanivula

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#1210452 8-Jan-2015 11:14

kiwichris: Thanks mate, looks interesting. Now if only my phone would let me run USSD codes, instead of coming back with "unable to process request"... What's up with that? Could it be carrier disabled? (2degrees)

*sigh* one step forwards, two steps backwards!

USSD codes on lollipop? Are you running GPE or CM? Would go back to a TW ROM and give it a go.

kiwichris

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1210495 8-Jan-2015 12:39

Hi mate, thanks for your reply. I'm running JFLTE-GPE 5.0.1 by Danvdh. Are USSD codes restricted under lollipop? I'm able to do *100# but that's about it!

Okay, so you're suggesting flash something like Omega 4.4.2 (a touchwiz rom), attempt to carry out the GPS-fix via USSD codes, then re-flash lollipop?

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#1210524 8-Jan-2015 13:44

i fixed it by using a very old version of gmaps. it hink 5.6 or something (i no longer use an s4 - it died)

keewee01

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#1210548 8-Jan-2015 14:08

You are going to laugh at this (I did when I first read it as I thought it had to be a joke), but take the back cover off your phone and tighten all the screws in the back.

I have done this with my Galaxy S3 and with my Note 3 when it stops getting GPS lock and as soon as I tighten those screws I get GPS lock straight away again - so it does work.

I think when the phones get dropped or bumped the screws loosen slightly. I find I need to tighten them every 4 to 6 weeks. Usually only 1 or 2 are a little loose.

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kiwichris

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1210552 8-Jan-2015 14:12

I've actually read this before elsewhere! Some people swear by it. I'll give it a go when I get home tonight and have access to the jeweller's screwdriver kit, and will report back!... Cheers.

keewee01

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#1210683 8-Jan-2015 17:00

kiwichris: I've actually read this before elsewhere! Some people swear by it. I'll give it a go when I get home tonight and have access to the jeweller's screwdriver kit, and will report back!... Cheers.

Yeah, the first couple of times I read about it I laughted it off thinking it was some sort of Urban Myth or Joke but then I found more people talking about it so tried it myself with instant success! Good luck - I hope it fixes your issue.

kiwichris

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1210753 8-Jan-2015 18:54

OMFG. I also thought this was some sort of urban myth, but lo and behold, it bloody worked! GPS now locks on to 11 satellites in a matter of seconds. Guess it's improving contact between the GPS antenna and the metal chassis or something?

Anyway, thank God I didn't start messing around with CSC changers, bootloaders and different modems. That would've definitely killed my entire afternoon/evening.

Cheers guys!

keewee01

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#1210816 8-Jan-2015 21:13

kiwichris: OMFG. I also thought this was some sort of urban myth, but lo and behold, it bloody worked! GPS now locks on to 11 satellites in a matter of seconds. Guess it's improving contact between the GPS antenna and the metal chassis or something?

Anyway, thank God I didn't start messing around with CSC changers, bootloaders and different modems. That would've definitely killed my entire afternoon/evening.

Cheers guys!

Like I said - you'll think it's a joke. But tightening the screw is fast and effective - and it works :-)

Glad I could help.