Earpiece/Wired Headset/Speakerphone Not Working

[kathleen08]

Symptons on my Treo 650:

(1) earpiece (built into phone) has stopped working almost all the time
(2) wired headset plugged into jack only works when moved around in the jack to find a "sweet" spot
(3) speakerphone icon has disappeared when placing a call, like the headset is plugged in even though it is not.

I have read about "fixes" that require taking the phone apart, soldering some things, etc., or a software fix (VolumeCare) that might work, but I am wondering if anyone has had similar problem and still been able to use a Bluetooth headset? Any advice or shared experience appreicated!

[Mboy]

I have heard that the plug-in jack for the headset wears out. The metal contacts get dirty or don't make contact. Then the phone always thinks that you have a headset plugged-in. With the plug-in jack damaged, you can't get a good connection with a headset plug either. You can try cleaning the jack but that's not something you can really do without openning the phone up. (all the people at my company have a treo650 - a lot of them that have headsets plugged in all the time have reported trouble).
I just tried something, though: I plugged-in a wired headset and placed a call, then activated a bluetooth headset- the call then goes to the bluetooth headset. So, even though your phone may be stuck in plug-in headset mode, a bluetooth headset will still take over and you will be able to use one.

[carlos64030]

I use my 650 as my MP3 player. I've gone through 4 Treos because of the poorly designed headset jack. The jack really doesn't have enough internal support and loosens pretty easily from the circuit board. Whenever my Treo has a problem, I just take it back to the Sprint store and they give me a new replacement.

[Streaky]

Welcome to Brighthand, kathleen08.

Is the phone still under warranty/guarantee? If so, I'd return it rather than faff around.