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Second generation of iPhone. Model A1241 / 8 or 16 GB capacity / black or white plastic back. Repair is more straightforward than the first iPhone. requires screwdrivers, prying, and suction tools.

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Not able to fully insert ribbon cable #3

I disassembled my iphone 3g to fix my power button but now the proximity sensor + speaker above the screen is not working.

I think the problem is in the ribbon cable #3. I've tried multiple times to insert it, I know it isn't supposed to go all the way in but when I insert it as far as I can and close the switch, I can still pull it out of the "dock" (without force).

With these symptoms, could the problem be something else than this connection?

How should I insert the cable?

regards,

gunnar steinn

Update

After multiple tries of installing the cable over the past few days I went to a more experienced iphone repair guy and he replaced it in 5 minutes.

He told me that I had no idea why, but this cable seemed to break every once in a while when disassembling the phone.

So I finally have a working phone :)

thanks

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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hi gunnar,

you are not hte first one with this problem.

you're right, the cable should not go all the way in. the only orientation is the different color of the ribbon cable - the "shiny contacts" have to go all the way in - but if the connector is faulty - it won't hold anything.

the connector can be replaced. but you will need a pretty serious hardware for that - so if you don't have special soldering equipment and the knowledge how to use ths stuff - don't think about replacing the part.

i think there is the possibility to do something experimental with that connector, but i won't try anything with the 2 customer phones i have here at the moment ;-)

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Be careful when testing how well it is seated, by pulling it out of the connector you can damage the ribbon and/or the connector. If your connector needs replacement, let me know. I do these all the time.

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Hello, i just repaced my screen because it was broken and now everything on my phone is working except the earphone. where are you guys located? i am in Canada near Vancouver and i need a iphone repair guy.

thanks Jordan

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hey guys thanks for responding. i took it to someone in my area and got it all fixed. the #3 cable wasnt put in properly but i just didnt want to open the phone again and risk wrecking something else.

thanks alot

take care

Jordan

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Uh... I dont live in the Philippines. I live in California. Jordan, email me.

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sorry... last time i looked at your site I thought you did.

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No worries, I just thought it was funny and random at the same time :)

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ive been given a Iphone 3 with the ribon broken off in the connector3 any ideas on how to remove this ribbon without breaking the connector, cant seem to find anything small enough to get in there!! any help will be greatful :)

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you can just use your fingernail, you need to lift up from the edge closest to the power button (it's a hinged tab not a lift off tab so don't try to pull it off completely)

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Taylor, You either edited or posted the answer below. I have an iphone 3GS that I replaced the battery on last night (or so I thought). I never actually got the phone working again. It will boot but I had no on-line signal from AT&T, plus a have a number of other problems, as follows:

1. Couldn't get an AT&T signal so I took the phone apart again. Cable 7 which think is the GSM antenna would not connect to the connection on the board

2. Cable 3 will not stay in the white connector, and I can't find the black clip (I think that that connector needs to be replaced now).

How might I get those parts fixed and the phone repaired?

Thanks,

Dick Gleason

Answered

Nov 8 2010

11:27 AM

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Be careful when testing how well it is seated, by pulling it out of the connector you can damage the ribbon and/or the connector. If your connector needs replacement, let me know. I do these all the time.

Edited by

Taylor Arnicar Feb 6 @ 10:45 PM

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Dick, carefully observe if the #7 ribbon is actually connected or resting on top of the connector, you have to make sure it is in and secure, if not you may have the reception issues you've noticed.

As for the #3 connector, if you lost the latch, you may be able to reattach a new one, but everytime I try, it either ends up breaking or it doesnt stay on securely. I end up desoldering and replacing with a new one for the customer anyway. It was me that commented btw.

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Taylor,

I've made many phone calls to iphone repair shops and I can find no one willing to replace the white connector that holds cable #3. Also, no one is able or interested in repairing or replacing the on-board connection for cable #7. Can you do these repairs, and if so, how do I get the phone to you?

Thanks,

Dick Gleason

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Dick, Taylor works for ifixit...they don't do repairs. You need to contact Hector Truong. Just click on his name under his comment and it should take you to his profile page..details on email are there. I'd recommend his work definitely, you can read his blog and others recommendations, he fixed a ruined #3 cable for me not so long ago- excellent job!

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I just replaced the screen on my husbands iPhone 3GS and now the screen is white and will not do anything anyone know what I can do to fix it? Thank you

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This usually happens if the phone is on and the screen is removed or installed. Try a hard reset to see if you can get it to go away. If it doesn't after a few tries, replace the LCD. Again, do it while the phone is OFF.

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how to install cable iphone to the internet

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Gunnar Steinn will be eternally grateful.
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