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Repair information for Motorola's Moto X line of mid- to high-end smartphones.

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Under water 30 seconds - turns on but screen is not responding

My Moto X was submerged in 1 foot of water for about 30 seconds. Within 2 minutes I had the case opened and cleaned it with isopropyl alcohol and used a blow dryer. I waited a few hours and it would not turn on. I put it in a bag of rice, with opened case.

24 hours later I dropped it off with a "repair" shop and they said there was corrosion and the mobo was short circuited. I think the repair shop may be mistaken because when I brought my Moto X paper weight home I plugged it in to the charger and it turned on. Well, it showed the Motorola Earth and then went to "94% charged" picture. That is all it did. So, I turned it off and then on. It turned all the way on!!! My sim card is not in it and the screen is non-responsive when touching the screen. I'm tempted to put my sim card in it. I connected the Moto X to my computer and I am copying all the files off of the Moto X to my computer now. It does not sound like the mobo is blown. Idea's?

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I was able to use the power and volume buttons to get a factory reset. It power on to "Welcome Choose your language to begin", but the screen still does not work nor do the physical buttons.

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Dough! I'm a noob, but brave. Got recommendations on tools? This forum rocks!

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Must haves for any repair is this toolkit [linked product missing or disabled: IF145-072] it will make things a lot easier. After that a good hot air rework station is definitely needed. I use a Aoyue 850 for my hobby. Once your have that, get a couple of old boards and practice a lot.

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Ed Sailor, do not try to charge, turn-on or use your device just yet. It is possible that you could make a bad situation worse. You would not want to create any more short circuits:-) Remove the battery and dispose of it properly. I make the assumption (and you know what they say about that) that you cleaned the logic board and all its connectors with a high grade of isopropyl alcohol and a soft brush. If you have not, you do want to do that. Rice is great for cooking, but that is about it. Placing a submerged electronic device in rice is the equivalent of doing nothing. So, once the board, connectors and everything else is cleaned and visually inspected, replace the battery and reevaluate. It is possible that you have shorted out the touch controller IC or just the digitizer. Replace the assembly if it does not work on re-evaluation Water damage is the toughest to troubleshoot and to repair, but there is always hope. Nothing to lose. Hope this helps, good luck.

Update

This may be a better way. Purchase the complete assembly from places like this. The images from ifixit.com and techinsights.com show what you are looking at

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If the controller is shorted, do you know where I can buy one? Thanks!

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It's not the buying that is difficult. you will need a complete reball of the IC. Doy you have the skills and the tools to do that? Start of by replacing the display assembly, use this guide Motorola Moto X Display Assembly Replacement It is a lot easier...

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I've never done it before, but I am not afraid. I'll let you know how it goes when able. Ty very much!

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Ed Sailor will be eternally grateful.
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