I've traveled down most if not all of the fixes that don't involve replacing hardware. For me the successful repair was to replace the image sensor. The last no h/w attempt was cleaning the original image sensor connector and the camera connector with electronics cleaner. I didn't want to use any cpu paste. It got better but would still freeze after 20-50ish time-lapsed photos. I got a used sensor from ifixit for about half the ~$60 new price. Replacement took about 10 minutes (see various youtube) and I let the camera do time lapse every 30 seconds for about 10 hours. I did this test 3 days in a row. Haven't done the test yet today but I thought I'd post my findings so far. The lifetime warranty is icing...
While I was figuring out a fix, I had to buy another camera and got a gopro refurbished H4B $289 with 1 year warranty. This unit has functioned flawlessly for 5 months. I got the first H4B via me posting a WTB on craigslist. I contacted the seller and he denied there was any freezing problem. If I could do the first time over again, I'd just buy gopro refurbished.
While I was figuring out a fix, I had to buy another camera and got a gopro refurbished H4B $289 with 1 year warranty. This unit has functioned flawlessly for 5 months. I got the first H4B via me posting a WTB on craigslist. I contacted the seller and he denied there was any freezing problem. If I could do the first time over again, I'd just buy gopro refurbished.