Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Linksys WRT54GS bad caps ?

Collapse
X
Collapse
 
  • Page of 1
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous template Next
    #1

    Linksys WRT54GS bad caps ?

    Hi,

    I have a WRT54GS router showing signs of failure, and I'm wondering if it could be a bad cap...
    The symptoms I have are:
    - The Wifi signals disappears few minutes after the boot.
    - The router makes a strange buzz noise (it sounds like an old fan full of dust)

    Looking closely the board, I didn't notice anything obvious, but one of the two caps could be a little bulged.
    Moreover the sound seems to come from there.

    The "failing cap" is HERMEI 220uF 25V 105°C HT
    diameter: 8mm
    Lead space: 3.5 mm

    Can you confirm it is a bad cap problem ?
    and if so, which cap should I order for replacement ?

    I'm currently in Switzerland so if you could also point me to a good and cheap reseller, it would be great.

    Thanks.
    Tags: None
    #2
    Re: Linksys WRT54GS bad caps ?

    Originally posted by mouskouyouss View Post
    Hi,

    I have a WRT54GS router showing signs of failure, and I'm wondering if it could be a bad cap...
    The symptoms I have are:
    - The Wifi signals disappears few minutes after the boot.
    - The router makes a strange buzz noise (it sounds like an old fan full of dust)

    Looking closely the board, I didn't notice anything obvious, but one of the two caps could be a little bulged.
    Moreover the sound seems to come from there.

    The "failing cap" is HERMEI 220uF 25V 105°C HT
    diameter: 8mm
    Lead space: 3.5 mm

    Can you confirm it is a bad cap problem ?
    and if so, which cap should I order for replacement ?

    I'm currently in Switzerland so if you could also point me to a good and cheap reseller, it would be great.

    Thanks.
    We have installed hundreds of these routers in the past and they are usually pretty good. Has your problems occured just recently?

    The wireless problem could be interference. You could try a different wireless channel to see if this is the cause.

    The only time we have seen bad caps on these units is when the psu is starting to fail. Ours were the brick type 12v 1.5A brick type psu. When the smoothing cap fails on these it eventually damages the router.

    If the cap in the router is bulging i would get that replaced and then also get your PSU checked or replaced.

    I am sure one of the regulars will come along to advise further

    Kind Regards
    bp1

    Comment

      #3
      Re: Linksys WRT54GS bad caps ?

      Use a Panasonic FM series cap, if you need to replace them.
      Mouser: 667-EEU-FM1E221

      A very common issue with these routers. It seems like the best bet to get them to stop doing this is to update the firmware & the OS. I bricked mine, so do be careful if you try it. There are several sites out there that deal with these and firmware updates. The best I've found is:
      http://www.dd-wrt.com/

      VERY comprehensive ---> but you must take your time and read carefully.

      Things to know going in-
      What VERSION of the router do you have?
      What CHIP does the router use? (you have to open it)

      Sometimes a hard reset will fix the issue -BUT- you have to be aware of the version of the router. Some will brick, even if you do the hard reset correctly.

      Toast
      veritas odium parit

      Comment

        #4
        Re: Linksys WRT54GS bad caps ?

        The router was already running the dd-wrt firmware for several years.

        and it only failed recently, with this strange noise as it gets warm.

        the mouser site seems pretty exhaustive, but the delivery cost to Switzerland are way to high !

        thanks anyway.

        Comment

          #5
          Re: Linksys WRT54GS bad caps ?

          I'm sure you can find a local parts distributor. Popular here in Romania (and AFAIK in most of Europe) are Farnell and TME.
          Originally posted by PeteS in CA
          Remember that by the time consequences of a short-sighted decision are experienced, the idiot who made the bad decision may have already been promoted or moved on to a better job at another company.
          A working TV? How boring!

          Comment

            #6
            Re: Linksys WRT54GS bad caps ?

            Originally posted by mouskouyouss View Post
            The router was already running the dd-wrt firmware for several years.

            and it only failed recently, with this strange noise as it gets warm.

            the mouser site seems pretty exhaustive, but the delivery cost to Switzerland are way to high !

            thanks anyway.
            https://www.badcaps.net/store/produc...roducts_id=100

            That will work fine. used it in plenty of routers and access points.
            <--- Badcaps.net Founder

            Badcaps.net Services:

            Motherboard Repair Services
            ----------------------------------------------
            Badcaps.net Forum Members Folding Team
            http://folding.stanford.edu/
            Team : 49813
            Join in!!
            Team Stats

            Comment

              #7
              Re: Linksys WRT54GS bad caps ?

              I should have check the shop here, 8$ for international delivery is much more reasonable. I might go this way, then...

              Otherwise, searching the forum, I read that one could use cap with different characteristics, what is the rule of thumb here ?
              Can we use cap with greater uF ?
              and what about the degree °C tolerance, is 85°C ok ?

              If there is already a thread about this topic, a pointer would be greatly appreciated...

              Thanks.

              Comment

                #8
                Re: Linksys WRT54GS bad caps ?

                higher voltage (within reason) is ok (16v for 6.3 is ok)

                try to match the capacitance as much as you can, but don't go too high, and don't go ANY lower

                same or higher heat tolorence
                Cap Datasheet Depot: http://www.paullinebarger.net/DS/
                ^If you have datasheets not listed PM me

                Comment

                  #9
                  Re: Linksys WRT54GS bad caps ?

                  https://www.badcaps.net/store/produc...products_id=78
                  +12 input cap.
                  https://www.badcaps.net/store/produc...products_id=79
                  +3.3 vrm output.
                  do the brick too if its one of those lightweight bathtub things.
                  this is a time tested recipie here.
                  ddwrt or tomato is the final step.follow instructions to the letter though.but even if you brick it it can be recovered.
                  most bricked routers are the result of trying to flash it while it is sick from bad caps.the rest from stupidity.

                  Comment

                    #10
                    Re: Linksys WRT54GS bad caps ?

                    another alternative (in switzerland at least)

                    12V in
                    http://cgi.ebay.ch/260753116784
                    3,3V out
                    http://cgi.ebay.ch/260753124940

                    or if you can fit them in there
                    http://cgi.ebay.ch/260749668754

                    Comment

                    Previous template Next
                    Working...
                    X