RT-AC66U LED broken?

[CbIP]

Hello!

Today I received a new Asus RT-AC66U instead of a broken one (warranty replacement), flashed it with the latest MerlinWRT rom and configured it.

I have suddenly noticed that the LED which indicates LAN 2 port status is malfunctioning. The port is working though.

This malfunctioning LED really grinds my gears.

Does anybody know if it could possibly be a software problem? I tried to disable all LEDs (Stealth mode), performed hard reset and gave the router a shake. But nothing seems to be working.

I really don't want to change the new router again - it takes a lot of time and the warranty center is located at the other end of the city.

I appreciate any advice how to fix this.

 

[CbIP]

An answer to myself: http://forums.smallnetbuilder.com/showthread.php?t=8775

Looks like the LED is dead. Is it possible that ASUS sent me a refubriched/rejected router in exchange to the broken one?

 

[damir]

Usually thats how RMA works, they ship out fixed units.

This happens with most of the hardware out there, mobo's, gpu's, etc.

I've RMAd so much stuff in past 5-6 years, and hardly i never got anything "brand new", but, most of the stuff was working perfectly, yours is just bad luck i would say so.

Contact them ASAP, and request another replacement (don't expect brand new unit again)

Good luck

 

[CbIP]

Maybe. But the router looks like new - it was sealed in the box. Also no signs of usgae: scratches, marks, etc. It even s/n label is sealed. But the tape is ripped a little.

I'll contact ASUS and ask for another replacement. I hope they will send full functioning unit this time...

 

[damir]

Well, in that case, it might be a brand new router, with issues, which is possible, happened to me as well before.

Not sure what else to say, but, just contact them, and ask for replacement.
Have them send you pre-paid shipping sticker to send this router back, don't ship it back at your own expense.

 

[CbIP]

Thank you very much for the advice and information about used/refurbished RMA items!

The process is slightly different here. I have to give the unit to an authorized service center. They will perfom examination which takes up to 14 days. After that if a defect is comfirmed they will contact ASUS for a replacement send back/destroy the broken unit, receive a "new" one (delivery takes a week or so) and give it to me.
Thats why I asked if there exists a software solution...

 

[damir]

In that case, maybe, wait before you do anything, maybe somebody with more knowledge then me about this router will respond here, and maybe there is a solution for your problem, expect sending it back.

Just bad situation for you :\\ Good luck man.

 

[RMerlin]

The four LAN LEDs are jointly controlled, so it's most likely a hardware defect rather than anything software-related.

Up to you however to determine if you are willing to wait a month without that router because of what is most likely a badly soldered LED. Might not be so bad if you do have a decent replacement to use while it's way on RMA.

Personally, I would probably just keep the router as it is, especially if you'd have to pay shipping costs to send it to the service center.

EDIT: actually, personally, I would probably disassemble the router, and push a bit on that LED just to see if it was a poor solder job that could be resolved that easily. Not something I would recommend tho if you value the warranty that comes with it and would be voided by opening the router

 

[CbIP]

Thank you very much for your advices!

I decided to keep the router. I disabled all LEDs and put it in Stealth mode. RMerlin, thank you very much for this function and great firmware!

I am thinking about disassembling the router and fixing the LED by myself, but I saw a few latches on a YouTube disassemble manual and afraid of breaking them.

 

[RMerlin]

Thank you very much for your advices!

I decided to keep the router. I disabled all LEDs and put it in Stealth mode. RMerlin, thank you very much for this function and great firmware!

I am thinking about disassembling the router and fixing the LED by myself, but I saw a few latches on a YouTube disassemble manual and afraid of breaking them.

The RT-AC66U isn't so bad to disassemble - certainly easier than the RT-AC56U. You just need to pay attention to the fact that the male part is the bottom, and the female part is the top, so you must pray the bottom away (outward) and the top remains inside.