Fixed my Vboost module

02GF74 · Apr 8, 2020

A crack in PCB track is listed as a common cause for VBoost module failure.

I cleaned up the connectors and checked that 12V was reaching the backside of the module connector, it was so the problem is inside.

The plastic case is held together by tabs to and easily sprung apart. The PCB is covered in what appears to be a silicone sealant type coating that was a PITA to remove from the underside, I started on the top but gave up.

I then went over some of the joints with solder and lo and behold it worked ….. but the joy was short lived.

So I plugged the bare board and tapped it and it started to work = conclusion a break in a track or joint that was making contact when the board flexed. Getting out a magnifying glass, I saw one of the joints I hadn't gone over had a fracture all the way round - to the left of the blue dot.

A quick going over with the soldering iron fixed it.

To say I am happy is an understatement.

I see what's happened, photo is hosted on another site, need to locate the original......

Orange arrow points to the fractured joint, you can see the circular crack.

Orange circle on top of the crack.

Fire-medic · Apr 8, 2020

Congratulations. Feels good, eh? VBoost is one of life's simple pleasures. Your persistence and exam paid-off. Hope others decide to follow your lead, and spend the time looking at their circuit boards. Knowing what to look-for, helps. That's one reason I have a bench-mounted magnifying lamp on my workbench.

indifferent · Oct 16, 2021

02GF74 said:
A crack in PCB track is listed as a common cause for VBoost module failure.

I cleaned up the connectors and checked that 12V was reaching the backside of the module connector, it was so the problem is inside.

The plastic case is held together by tabs to and easily sprung apart. The PCB is covered in what appears to be a silicone sealant type coating that was a PITA to remove from the underside, I started on the top but gave up.

I then went over some of the joints with solder and lo and behold it worked ….. but the joy was short lived.

So I plugged the bare board and tapped it and it started to work = conclusion a break in a track or joint that was making contact when the board flexed. Getting out a magnifying glass, I saw one of the joints I hadn't gone over had a fracture all the way round - to the left of the blue dot.

A quick going over with the soldering iron fixed it.

To say I am happy is an understatement.

wow...thanks.....ill look at that...!...

Fire-medic · Oct 16, 2021

Perhaps the OP would re-introduce the pic of his repair? It isn't visible now.

02GF74 · Oct 17, 2021

I see what's happened, photo is hosted on another site, need to locate the original......

Fixed original post.

BTW someone had similar issue but with the soldered joint for one of the wires.

Fire-medic · Oct 17, 2021

Thanks, that pair of pics should help.

Another place where a re-solder may fix things is for the ignition box, and the socket for its connector attachments to the circuit board.