Installing iPhone 3G GPS Antenna

  • Author: iRobot
  • Difficulty: Difficult
  • Add Note x
  • x 65

How to replace the GPS antenna.

Image #1

Add Note Edit Step 1 — Battery  ¶ 

  • Remove the two 3.7mm Phillips #00 screws from the dock-connector end of the iPhone.

Image #1

Add Note Edit Step 2  ¶ 

  • Remove the metal handle from the suction cup. It's easier and safer to grip the suction cup's base instead of the metal handle.

  • Be very careful when opening the iPhone so that the cables under the display are not severed.

  • There is a rubber gasket between the silver front bezel and black display assembly. A bit of force is required in this step to separate the iPhone's display assembly. It may help to rock the suction cup back and forth to remove the display assembly.

  • Use a small suction cup near the Home button to gently pull up the bottom portion of the iPhone's display assembly.

  • If the display assembly is too damaged to allow the suction cup to adhere, tape with a strong adhesive such as duct tape or packing tape may be used.

Image #1

Add Note Edit Step 3  ¶ 

  • The display assembly is still connected to the iPhone by several cables, so don't try to remove it entirely just yet.

  • Rotate the display assembly up until it is at an angle of approximately 45 degrees.

Image #1

Add Note Edit Step 4  ¶ 

  • Continue to hold the display assembly with one hand, and use your other hand and a spudger to disconnect the black ribbon cable labeled "1". (Cable 1 is for the display)

    • Be careful to insert the spudger from the left, as shown in the picture (UNDER THE RIBBON). If you try to pry up the ribbon from the right, you could damage the ribbon connector and need to replace the display!

  • All connectors except the ribbon connector mentioned in step 6 release upwards.

Image #1

Add Note Edit Step 5  ¶ 

  • Rotate the display assembly up until it is roughly vertical. This will allow easier access for disconnecting the remaining cables.

  • Use a spudger to disconnect the black ribbon cable labeled "2". (Cable 2 is for the capacitative touch panel)

Image #1

Add Note Edit Step 6  ¶ 

  • Please note: You may find on some non-American (Chinese, European) versions of the 3G that the flip up plastic tab does not exist. In this case you would slide the ribbon cable towards the screen until it is removed. When you assemble it, you would apply pressure to the ribbon to insert it back into the ribbon "socket."

  • Some iPhones may have the connector colors reversed (black plastic tab, white connector) for connector "3". Make sure you're flipping up the tab properly, otherwise you may damage the connector.

  • Use a spudger to flip up the white plastic tab holding the ribbon cable "3" in place. The white tab will rotate up 90 degrees, releasing the ribbon cable.

  • Slide the black ribbon cable out of its connector, and remove the display assembly from the iPhone.

Image #1

Add Note Edit Step 7  ¶ 

  • Insert your SIM eject tool or a paper clip into the hole next to the headphone jack.

  • Press down on the tool until the SIM card tray pops out.

  • Grasp the SIM card tray and slide it out of the iPhone.

Image #1

Add Note Edit Step 8  ¶ 

  • Use a spudger to disconnect the ribbon cable labeled "4."

Next » « Previous

Required Tools

Spudger

$2.95 · 50+ In stock

Phillips #00 Screwdriver

$4.95 · 50+ In stock

Small Suction Cup

$2.95 · 50+ In stock

SIM Card Eject Tool

$2.95 · 50+ In stock

Recommended Tools

Universal Drive Adapter

$29.95 · 50+ In stock

Inspection Scope

$39.95 · 17 In stock

Portable Anti-Static Mat

$24.95 · 10 In stock

Popular Device Products

iPhone 3G Replacement Battery

$14.95 · 50+ In stock

iPhone 3G and 3GS Mute Button

$4.95 · 17 In stock

iPhone 3G and 3GS Power Button

$4.95 · 50+ In stock

iPhone 3G and 3GS Vibrator

$4.95 · 15 In stock

SIM Card Eject Tool

$2.95 · 50+ In stock

Comments Add Note Comments are offturn on