Unsolved
This post is more than 5 years old
12 Posts
0
41926
Bluetooth 365/370 modules failing-multiple platform,multiple Bluetooth versions
Hello,
I am posting this in an effort (however likely or unlikely) to get Dells attention to a serious matter affecting numerous laptop platforms and multiple Blutooth module versions. In an effort to be fair, I am posting this here first to give Dell an opportunity to address this before I take further action.Here is the issue-
I have need to use Bluetooth stereo audio functionality (A2DP profile) almost exclusively when I use my laptop.
I had owned a M1330 with the Dell 355 Bluetooth Module for several years without issue. Last November, I decided to upgrade and purchased an M15x (laptop #1) with the Dell 370 Bluetooth module included,running Windows 7 x64 Ultimate. Not more than one day out of the box,the 370 module failed while watching a movie. It literally disappeared from device manager and no uninstalling/reinstallation of drivers alleviated the solution. The only way to get the radio to be recognized by the operating system was, and is, to shutdown,reboot into bios,disable the card in bios,reboot into windows,restart,boot into bios,enable the card and then reboot into Windows. The card would then work for awhile but eventually fail again. The module works for short periods of time but if put under an extended load,fails. That and other issues with the M15x caused me to return it. :emotion-6:
Contacted Dell and returned the M15x and bought and built a Studio XPS 1645 (laptop #2) to replace it. Received the unit and literally within the 1st few hours,the 370 module failed exactly like the M15x.I thought o.k. a bad card and had tech support send out a new module for the XPS 1645. Received and installed it and the exact same problem happened. Failed when under an extended load. Again called tech support and was then dispatched an onsite tech to replace the entire motherboard and card. No resolution-card failed again. Spoke with a resolution specialist and returned it and again purchased a M15x (laptop #3-really liked the M15x over the XPS 1645) :emotion-9:
Received the M15x-Bluetooth failure again. At this point, was considering dropping Dell altogether but thought I'd try the Studio1558 (laptop #4) with the Bluetooth 365 module, in order to rule out the 370 card, first. Ordered and was delivered on the 5th of April, same exact issue-failure of card under a load. I am returning this defective Studio 1558 and again getting a M15x (laptop #5). :emotion-12: I realize that the M15x Bluetooth card will fail again-in fact,am 100% sure it will fail,but have bought a Sony Bluetooth transmitter as a workaround.
What appears to be happening is that the card will shutdown when it gets warm.This is either a Broadcom manufacturing defect or a Dell engineering issue. I know now through personal experience that there is a serious issue with Dell Bluetooth cards.
If this was happening with only one laptop, I'd be ok with it but, this is occuring across multiple laptop platforms, with both Broadcom Bluetooth cards that Dell brands and sells.
This is either an oversight by engineering-maybe they didn't test the card under a heavy load, or Dell is knowingly selling defective equipment.
If anyone has a resolution that actually works for this specific situation,please advise.
Alemaker0
12 Posts
0
April 13th, 2010 03:00
bump
Jim Coates
4 Operator
4 Operator
•
13.6K Posts
0
April 13th, 2010 05:00
Try posting your question on the Laptop General Hardware Board for a better chance at getting an answer specific to your situation. You might get an answer here on the Laptop Audio Board but more folks who specialize in hardware will see your post on the other board.
Alemaker0
12 Posts
0
April 13th, 2010 06:00
okey dokey :emotion-5:
znakecharm
2 Posts
0
April 14th, 2010 04:00
have actually reported this issue directly to Dell and provided all possible information along as well.
I haven't heard anything from Dell for a few months now, and I definitely don't think it's because they've solved it :emotion-9:
I find it rather hard to understand why they can't just offer an old (functioning) module in stead
Alemaker0
12 Posts
0
April 14th, 2010 04:00
That's it in a nutshell,getting someone at Dell to listen, isn't it? I've reported this issue to "managers" at customer service, "managers" at tech support ad infinetum and no response. If Dell is selling defective equipment knowingly,then this needs to get escalated past this board.
ziuck
10 Posts
0
April 20th, 2010 06:00
I have had this exact same issue with multiple E6400 and E6500's. I have had about 8 of these since release. I swap my laptop out with a new one often and every one will randomly drop the BT370 module while listening to A2DP audio. I have 3 different sets of BT headphones and they all cause it.
I do not have to go in the BIOS and disable BT to get it working again. I have to completely power down the laptop and restart.
If I plug in a BT USB dongle everything picks right up where it left off and never drops like the BT370 module.
Someone at Dell needs to fix this!
cruisetown
19 Posts
0
April 27th, 2010 03:00
I have a very similar problem. I use a Precision M4400 with the 370 module. I don't normally use the BT function but I leave it on anyway. It didnt bother me until this recently. The module would connect and then disconnect suggesting some kind of hardware failure. Even reinstalling the drivers do not help. Currently I am running w/o the drivers and there is a very noticeable lag when typing or using the mouse etc. This is happens when the bluetooth light comes on. The only way to get rid of the lag is to go into the BIOS and DISABLE the bluetooth module. So it's definitely the module in my view, not the drivers. Of course switching it off would defeat the purpose of having it.
I would suggest Dell users to stay away from the internal module and if it is a must, they should consider other brands.
Chartreuse
1 Message
0
August 8th, 2010 03:00
Hello,
I'm also facing the same issue with an M11x laptop.
I'm using it only for a mouse, but since few day, when I was playing, I was facing a lot of lags.
Now since few hours; the module is not anymore in the device manager, and I've try to do your methode (first post) but it's not working for me.
I have 365 module.
Did some body have some news?
Sorry for my bad english (french guy spoted!!)
billchang66
1 Message
0
August 18th, 2010 22:00
I have the same exactly the same problem with CHARTREUSE
My laptop is studio 1558 & 365 module, too.
Almost the same...
Using mouse for 1hr-->a lot of lags ,and also can't detect another bluetooth device --> the mouse can only click but can't move--> checkoccur device manager and find error alert --> reboot -->still occur error alert in device manager
I doubt this is hardware malfunction but not driver problem.
Did anyone face the same problem and solve it?
Pls tell me how.
atlanticR
1 Message
1
August 26th, 2010 06:00
Have similar problem with Studio 1747. 64 bit ................original windows 7.....
Dell has attempted to resolve this problem, but to no avail.
Dell "blames" it on the Windows 7 updates and their inability to keep up with these changes. While there is some truth in this, they have not been
forthcoming on these issues.
Sorry.
Cherry.King
9 Posts
0
November 25th, 2010 16:00
Can you share the link with us? Did you repost it? Thanks very much!
japettle
18 Posts
0
May 4th, 2011 14:00
Bumping this old thread in hopes someone has a fix. I have a year old AW m11x with a 365 module that crapped out on me 2 months ago. I've been living without it but it would be awesome to be able to use my much more responsive (and expensive) BT mouse rather than this wireless USB.
Yes I've been through the support forums and ran through all of the troubleshooting advice. I can't seem to get any farther than that through the various channels. I agree that it seems to be a Windows 7 support issue since the failure seemed to nicely coincide with 7 service pack 1 install. Anyone have any advice?
Thanks!
Jim Coates
4 Operator
4 Operator
•
13.6K Posts
0
May 4th, 2011 15:00
I know I suggested before for folks to post on the Laptop General Hardware forum, but now my suggestion is to post on the Networking/Internet/Wireless Board. There are a couple of regulars there who know more about Bluetooth connectivity.
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/network-internet-wireless/f/3324.aspx
Foxfan100
31 Posts
0
May 8th, 2011 08:00
I know this is the laptop forum, but I can tell you that this BT problem is endemic with any machine the things are installed in.
I have recently (2 weeks ago) had a Dell XPS 8300 desktop delivered with the 365 BT card. This lasted all of 2 days before it bombed out, and no amount of fiddling with it will make it work.
I'll have to sort this out under warranty, but I think in future something USB pluggable and cheap will probably do the job as well if not better than this unreliable Broadcomm thing.
Nowein
13 Posts
0
May 10th, 2011 23:00
My Vostro V13 has the same issues.. I tried the newest drivers from different sources. Updated the firmware of BT. Still sometimes it works for 3mins, sometimes 30mins. Then disappears from Device Manager. Sometimes comes back on after a restart. I cannot say. But the BT led stays on always. If i turn the wireless (Fn+F7) off and then back on, it may show up sometimes. My A2DP stereo headset is laughing at me....