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Revamped version of the iPhone 3G with faster processing speeds. Repair of this device is similar to the 3G, and requires simple screwdrivers and prying tools. Model A1303 / 8, 16 or 32 GB capacity / black or white plastic back.

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Can a phone with a wifi hardward problem/failure (genius) be fixed?

I have not been able to receive wireless on my iPhone 3GS. I have done all the troubleshooting I could find on the Internet, worked with Apple support via phone and finally visited a store and a Genius checked out the phone. He said it was a hardware failure problem and that I would need to pay $199 to replace the phone. A tech savvy friend pointed me to this site. What a find.

Anyway, 1. Is there a definitive way to test to see if there's a hardware problem and 2. If there is a hardware problem is it something I may be able to fix myself? Thx a million!!

Update

It seems that your response was cut off (...Proper hot-air rework station and liquid flux) or I don't understand what 'proper hot-air rework tation and liqid flux' means. Will you respond to this? Is it somethin I should/could do?

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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Joe McKenna, just a few quick questions. Is it an original or is it jailbroken and unlocked? Did anything happen to the phone , like did it get dropped or exposed to any water or anything? did it just stop working or was there anything that preceded this? The more detail we have the more help you can expect :)

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Google iphone wifi repair and you'll find often it's the wifi area of the PCB in need of reflowing as the solder has developed micro-fractures (a result of lead-free solder and its lack of malleability). Some put the board in an oven to reflow the solder, but I wouldn't do that. Proper hot-air rework station and liquid flux.

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It seems that your response was cut off (...Proper hot-air rework station and liquid flux) or I don't understand what 'proper hot-air rework tation and liqid flux' means. Will you respond to this.

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if you have very good soldering skills you could do what chappers suggests --- resolder with a hot air solder station and liquid flux.(his answer wasn't cut off) or you could take it to the local phone repairman and ask him to do the work. the wifi chip is the large silver rectangle on the back right of motherboard in pictures. iPhone 3GS Teardown (step 12 it is the long rectangle on top edge of this picture)

you can also find this part for sale on ebay.

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+ pollytintop knows iPhones :-) @Joe McKenna to replace the SMD on the logic board in a proper manner one would need 'proper hot-air rework station and liquid flux' which most of us won't have at home:-)

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Joe McKenna will be eternally grateful.
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