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General discussion

Panasonic Cordless Phone Problems?

Sep 22, 2008 1:20AM PDT

I work at a small law office that purchased and used a Panasonic cordless phone system. The problem was that the #1 button stopped working shortly after purchase. I have talked with a number of other people that had the same problem. I am thinking of bringing a class action lawsuit against Panasonic as I and others I spoke with were very upset about this problem. Has anybody else had the same problem?

Discussion is locked

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panasonic # 1 not working
Dec 4, 2008 11:35PM PST

I have the same problem! Have six cordless phones and similar problem on most of them.

Allan Levine
allevine@comcast.net

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(NT) Warranty?
Dec 5, 2008 12:52AM PST
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Why the keypad fails
Aug 17, 2013 3:05AM PDT

I know this is an old post but it came up in google search so I'm hoping this will help other people that stumble along.

You didn't mention the model number but I'm certain it was the KX-TGA400b or 2-line version KX-TGA200b.
The reason the keypads break is because the silicone rubber pad was not baked enough during manufacture at the factory. This leaves behind oily deposits that will seep slowly out of the keypad every time a button is pressed. This is more common than not and very difficult to identify in R&D for product development or in quality control because it takes time (not just force) to move the oil out of the rubber pad.

The 400b / 200b models had large thick rubber buttons with plenty of oil... but that's not the only problem. The circuit board contact pattern requires a 6mm diameter conductive pad but the keypad was made with only 4mm pads. Even when new the conductive contacts were only a hair's width from not working at all! It was a poor design and I'm not sure how or why it passed unnoticed at Panasonic.

Why the #1 key and not so much the others? Turns out it is the way most people hold the phone and dial using their thumb. They have to reach farther with the finger to dial other buttons but the #1 is right there and maximum pressure is applied to that button. More pressure (even slightly) means more oil over time!

The other Panasonic models since then (such as the KX-TGA450b that replaced the 400b) have used thin rubber pads with a plastic key cap. This reduces the oil problem... but not ALL the buttons used this technique. In the 450b now it's the TALK and OFF buttons that stop working eventually. But it does take longer than 6 months because the circuit board contacts were designed correctly in the 450b.

I have been repairing Panasonic cordless phones and designing keypad repair kits for many years. I probably personally repaired over 3000 of just the 200b/400b models..... and still counting up, just slower now.

I have a web site with detailed info and help about this problem as well as offering DIY repair kits and repair service for those who do not wish to tackle it on their own. You can find me at http://p1repair.com or at Panasonic KX-TGA450b Repair

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Panasonic Cordless Phone Problems
Nov 30, 2015 4:01AM PST

Don't be in haste. It will be better to bring the complaint before the head of the Panasonic office in your nearby area. Still if they do not heard you then in that case you can take legal action against them.

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Keypad repairing
Jul 22, 2016 7:04AM PDT

There is no backing problem of keypad and it is not oil on pcb or keypad.It is sweating of user hand and moisture goes inside and condense and get accumulated . You can clean it with IP or any surface cleaner.

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Panasonic Cordless Phone Problems
Jul 22, 2016 7:14AM PDT

It is sweating of user hand and moisture goes inside and condense and get accumulated . You can clean it with IP (isopropyl Alcohol ) or any surface ( Colin) cleaner.

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It's not sweat
Nov 27, 2016 2:49PM PST

The problem is not sweat. It is from oils left over from manufacturing. I have taken brand new rubber keypads right out of the plastic bag from the factory and crushed them in a 12 ton press between sheets of paper. Oil squished out leaving large blots on the paper.