Immediate Diagnostic Steps
- Hard Reset Procedure
- Meta Quest: Hold power + volume down for 30 seconds
- HoloLens 2: Power + vol up for 15 seconds
- Valve Index: Disconnect power for 2 minutes
- PSVR2: Hold power + function button for 10 seconds
- Charging Verification
- Try different USB-C PD charger (minimum 18W)
- Check for charging LED indicators
- Measure voltage at port (should be 5V±5%)
- Bootloader Access Attempt
# Common key combos during boot:
# Quest - Vol Down + Power
# Vive Focus - Back + Power
# Pico - Vol Up + Power
Hardware Failure Analysis
Power Circuit Diagnostics
Component | Failure Symptoms | Test Method |
---|---|---|
Battery | Swollen, no charge retention | Thermal camera inspection |
PMIC | No power rail activity | Multimeter check (3.3V, 5V lines) |
USB-C Port | Loose connection, debris | Microscope inspection |
Power Button | No tactile feedback | Continuity test |
Common Failure Points by Model
- Meta Quest: Battery management IC (BQ25895)
- HP Reverb: Power distribution board
- Varjo VR-3: Daughterboard flex cable
- Pico 4: Charging port solder joints
Software Recovery Methods
For Bootloader-Accessible Devices
# Android-based headsets (Quest/Pico)
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot reboot
Factory Reset Options
- Quest: Bootloader → Recovery Mode
- Vive Focus: Power + Vol Down → Wipe Data
- Windows MR: Win+P -> Advanced Startup
**Firmware-Specific Solutions
Meta Quest Brick Recovery
# Requires Qualcomm EDL mode
qfil --port=COM3 --xml=prog_firehose_ddr.elf
SteamVR Lighthouse Units
# Lighthouse revive script
import serial
ser = serial.Serial('/dev/ttyACM0', 115200)
ser.write(b'reset\n')
Thermal Protection Analysis
- Check Thermal History
# Quest log access
adb shell dumpsys thermalservice
- Cooling Procedure
- Place in airflow for 30 minutes
- Check for blocked vents
- Monitor with IR thermometer (should be <45°C)
Component-Level Repair Guide
Battery Replacement
- Heat gun at 80°C to soften adhesive
- Use plastic spudgers for disconnect
- Match connector polarity (check with multimeter)
Power Button Repair
1. Remove facial interface
2. Desolder faulty switch (usually 3x3mm SMD)
3. Replace with compatible tact switch
Manufacturer Service Options
Brand | Warranty Coverage | Out-of-Warranty Cost |
---|---|---|
Meta | 1-2 years | $200-$400 |
Valve | 1 year | $150-$300 |
Sony | 1 year | $250+ |
Pico | 6 months | Varies by region |
Preventative Maintenance Tips
- Charging Best Practices
- Use only certified chargers
- Avoid overnight charging
- Maintain 20-80% charge cycle
- Firmware Management
# Check for updates (Quest)
adb shell pm list packages | grep oculus
- Storage Conditions
- 15-25°C environment
- 40-60% humidity
- No direct sunlight
When to Seek Professional Repair
Consider professional service if:
- You smell ozone/burning
- Battery is swollen
- Liquid damage indicators are triggered
- Multiple components failed simultaneously
Diagnostic Flowchart
graph TD
A[Headset Unresponsive] --> B{LED Activity?}
B -->|Yes| C[Attempt Bootloader]
B -->|No| D[Check Power Supply]
C --> E[Flash Factory Images]
D --> F[Inspect Battery]
E --> G[Functional?]
F --> G
G -->|No| H[Component-Level Repair]
G -->|Yes| I[Preventative Measures]
Expected Repair Timelines
- Battery replacement: 1-2 hours
- Power circuit repair: 3-5 hours
- Mainboard swap: 1 hour (plus parts ordering)