Unable to Place Call? Look Here First

[redtop91]

This is a step by Step guide on how to fix the infamous "Unable to Place Call" Error on the Moto Q. Unlike other Sprint phones, the Q will seldom actually give you a specific network error code like 67 or 1012 or 2048 or 3000 etc. etc. Basically unable to place call is one of these network errors and should be troubleshot as such. However, I do understand that Customer Service and Tier 1 tech support can do more harm than good at times. To bypass the wait time for Tier 2 and fix this yourself you will first need your MSL. Any Sprint rep can give you this but some people might say no. Just tell them you can't make or receive calls. They will tell you to press ##(your MSL)# The fix for this error is 99.9999999% to follow these steps EXACTLY:

1. Powercycle

2. Once the phone comes back on enter ##3282# and press the Green phone button.

3. This will take you to a ##DATA programming screen with the option for restore at the bottom right side. Click restore

NOTE: This will NOT erase any of your personal data. However because of the ever present possibility of device failure proceed at your own risk.

4. It will ask for some form of code (The jargon is different on every Q I've encountered) MSL, Unlock Code, Master Subsidy Lock, Service Programming Code, etc. etc. Enter your MSL you got from customer service and click OK.

5. The Device will turn off and then back on\

6. Once the phone is back on go to Internet Explorer and click a link or enter a web page in the address bar.

7. The phone will display Unable to Place call again.

8. Click the center silver button and the phone will display "trying to reconnect with the network"

9. Enjoy your newly fixed web and no hold music

Feel free to post any questions about this process or if by some miracle this does not work for you.

[rudeboy]

thanks for this most likely useful post...

[redtop91]

Not a problem. Besides, the way I figure the more self service people can do, the less calls I have to take ;)

[geoff101]

Originally Posted by redtop91

Not a problem. Besides, the way I figure the more self service people can do, the less calls I have to take ;)

not to burst your bubble or anything, but the latest motorola update fixes this issue....
prior to the update, there were actually a few different fixes, none consistant. ##data# restore, rtn'ing it, reprogramming it, I had several phone that the only fix was to reprovision thier data services on the sprint side...ie: you could enter someone else's username and password into the phone and data services worked just fine...but then put thier info back in thier and "unable to place call" popped up...

if someone gets this error, the best suggestion, rather than running through troubleshooting would be to suggest the update from motorola....it'll fix it

[YamahaBlue]

not burst your bubble but MOL3 and this fix from the original poster still do not fix the error. i have done both and get "unable to place call" at random times while on the phone or not. grrrrr this phone makes me so mad =)

[geoff101]

Originally Posted by YamahaBlue

not burst your bubble but MOL3 and this fix from the original poster still do not fix the error. i have done both and get "unable to place call" at random times while on the phone or not. grrrrr this phone makes me so mad =)

are you in an evdo area?

[redtop91]

No bubble bursting done. I'd like to point out that although that update is supposed to fix it, I wonder why I still get 3-4 calls daily on it. And this thread still gets views. Like any other update, supposed to doesn't always mean it does. Linking to the directions or the update itself might have been more constructive yes?

Edit: YamahaBlue, once I get back from class today I will post exactly how to fix Unable to place call. It will involve a combination of tech support help and phone navigation and what to tell a technician in order to get them to fix it. Is your account in Premiere/P2K or Ensemble?

[geoff101]

Originally Posted by redtop91

No bubble bursting done. I'd like to point out that although that update is supposed to fix it, I wonder why I still get 3-4 calls daily on it. And this thread still gets views. Like any other update, supposed to doesn't always mean it does. Linking to the directions or the update itself might have been more constructive yes?

Edit: YamahaBlue, once I get back from class today I will post exactly how to fix Unable to place call. It will involve a combination of tech support help and phone navigation and what to tell a technician in order to get them to fix it. Is your account in Premiere/P2K or Ensemble?

Im tellin ya...there isnt one inparticular fix for it...there are several different fixes....all depending on what is throwing that error

[YamahaBlue]

i am definately within evdo coverage. i wish i could get sprint to just exchange my phone under warranty. i have tep but would rather not have to use it for a warranty issue. still keeping my fingers crossed on some sort of buy back when the q9 drops. or if could just get them to cancel my current 2 year contract and start another 2 year i would be happy with that also. i just dont want this particular q anymore. it drives me crazy with all its bugs.

[geoff101]

Originally Posted by YamahaBlue

i am definately within evdo coverage. i wish i could get sprint to just exchange my phone under warranty. i have tep but would rather not have to use it for a warranty issue. still keeping my fingers crossed on some sort of buy back when the q9 drops. or if could just get them to cancel my current 2 year contract and start another 2 year i would be happy with that also. i just dont want this particular q anymore. it drives me crazy with all its bugs.

ok...when you get this error, does it fix itself? walk me through what you are doing when it pops up?