Smok G320 Dead screen after 2 days...

[DarrellG]

I saw the other 'dead screen' thread, but figured I'd start a new thread specific to this device.
I've had the thing 2 days. No leaking juice into the mod, was only running it at 60 watts, no drops, bumps, or any form of abuse. Suddenly the screen is just black. It still fires.

I watched some vids so I could navigate the menu blind and play with display/stealth settings. Nothing. I reinstalled the latest firmware and an earlier version. Nothing.

Pretty sure I know the answer, but as a Hail Mary attempt...
Any thoughts on what else I could try?

I'm not even going to try to deal with a Chinese company to resolve this. My time, sanity, and blood pressure is more important to me. I'll take the loss if that's how it has to play out.

Honestly, it's still set at the watts I normally build/vape at, so I can continue to use it. I just can't see the battery levels. I was getting over 24 hrs of use with freshly charged vtc5a's. I'm really thinking of just winging it blind. I actually really dig the mod. The form factor for a 3 battery mod is just what I was looking for.

 

[kiba]

Are you sure no moisture got into the screen, or board?

 

[SteveS45]

Before condemning dealing with a Chinese vendor I would suggest communications first. I had a minor cosmetic only and not functionality issue with a MOD so I contacted the company. They requested a video after I had sent a picture which for me was no big deal so I did it. After receiving salutatory emails from Quality Control and Customer Service they sent a replacement in less than 3 days and did not want to other one back. Never hurts to communicate.

 

[DarrellG]

@kiba About as sure as I can be. I only used it indoors, nothing unusual. No visible signs of moisture. I was really babying the thing.

Hey @SteveS45 I hear ya, man. I'm just in a mood; anticipating worst case scenarios and headaches. I just had a feeling something like this would happen, and here it is... Ugh....

Cooler heads will probably prevail when I get home from work. Thanks.

 

[SteveS45]

@DarrellG all I was doing was reporting a quality control issue which they were very concerned about since it was a new release. Sometimes they appreciate things like that! I posted all over about how fast they handled such a minor issue which they also appreciated.

 

[Anthony_Vapes]

Smok warranties are handled by madvapes in the US now
I'd give them a call and see what they can do

 

[DarrellG]

Thanks for the tip, @Anthony_Vapes !

 

[mongo74]

Get in touch with madvapes before you fling it across the room. If they can't do anything for you, then maybe open it up and check for a loose connection or to see if anything got in there.

 

[kiba]

@kiba About as sure as I can be. I only used it indoors, nothing unusual. No visible signs of moisture. I was really babying the thing.

Hey @SteveS45 I hear ya, man. I'm just in a mood; anticipating worst case scenarios and headaches. I just had a feeling something like this would happen, and here it is... Ugh....

Cooler heads will probably prevail when I get home from work. Thanks.

Well, if there's no moisture... do you know how to disassemble it? I'd check the solder for the screen wires, might just be one came loose or something.

 

[DarrellG]

Right on. It seems simple enough to disassemble. I think I'm gonna wait to hear what Mad Vapes has to say before I do open it up to have a look, just in case I mess something up.

 

[DarrellG]

Mad Vapes already replied and laid out what I need to do.
I'll be shipping it to them tomorrow.
Fingers crossed for no surprises.

I was in such a miserable mood over this, I really wasn't gonna bother at all.
Thanks for support, guys.

 

[Anthony_Vapes]

Mad Vapes already replied and laid out what I need to do.
I'll be shipping it to them tomorrow.
Fingers crossed for no surprises.

I was in such a miserable mood over this, I really wasn't gonna bother at all.
Thanks for support, guys.

glad it worked out!
and props to smok for getting a US warranty center going

 

[Eskie]

Please keep us updated on how warranty service was with madvapes, and how long the turn around time is.

 

[DarrellG]

Absolutely.

 

[daviedog]

As a warning,,Don't ever open an electronic device with a valid warranty. Many have seals & you will void it.
After the warranty? By all means, gouge it, rip it, & dissect it. All in the name of science..

 

[mongo74]

Yes! Yes! Feel the science flow through you!

 

[DarrellG]

Yes! Yes! Feel the science flow through you!

And the award for lead actor in my nightmare goes to...

 

[mongo74]

If it was Nic Cage...

 

[DarrellG]

Somewhat of an update on the return process:

The device arrived in Mooresville NC this morning, so MV should have it today.
I paid priority shipping to them. They will pay for shipping of the replacement device.

I called them today because I noticed my ticket had already been closed and, not knowing the normal procedure, that made me a bit concerned. The person I spoke with didn't share my concern, and he wasn't sure why it had been closed. That combination didn't leave me feeling very assured. He said he'd look into it. I didn't press for answers on how the process typically works. I should have had my morning coffee before making the call... They'll have all the necessary paperwork/info to handle the claim in the package I sent them, so it might not be an issue, but I'm keeping my eye on this.

3FVAPE didn't include an invoice with the initial shipment so I included email printouts of order and payment confirmation, along with screen-caps of tracking details. The guy I spoke with today said that those documents would be fine to verify proof of purchase.

He did tell me that they're currently working on returns that they received from mid January, and that I should expect a couple weeks to pass before they begin to process my warranty. I'm not sure how that compares to typical turn around times for this scenario, but given that they're the only joint handling Smok warranties in the US, the timeline seems reasonable to me. In my specific case they don't have the G320's in stock until March, so I'll be waiting a bit anyway.

I should add that the initial ticket response I received from Mad Vapes was very detailed and clearly written, leaving no questions on how to get the ball rolling.

That's all I've got for now. I'll post the end result as soon as I get there.

 

[mongo74]

Well that's a step in the right direction. Good to hear.