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So I am working on a Series of cell phones right now and I am having a problem with the iPhone 5C, a friend of mine came to me with his phone and informed me that his Wi-Fi signal keeps dropping (GSM Signal works perfect) I Replaced the Wi-Fi Signal Flex Cable but seems to still be dropping, Is there more to this Wi-Fi signal than just that one piece? Link to part I replaced...
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Yes, there's a common problem with the 5C where the wifi chip needs to be reflowed or replaced. Usually this will cause the wifi to be completely greyed out though. Sometimes a software issue can cause this as well. Putting the phone in DFU mode and restoring should solve that problem assuming that's the issue here.
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Thank you for your answer, the Wi-Fi is not greyed out once it comes on it is full bars but seems to have a mind of its own. One moment its on the next its off while trying to load a web page or halfway through loading. I did however notice that Bluetooth does not turn on at all, I asked if he was aware of the Bluetooth not working but he said he's never used Bluetooth and never planned to so it not working didn't matter to him. I just find it odd that the Wi-Fi works (most of the time) but the Bluetooth does not, not even a greyed out icon. Do you or anyone happen to have a picture of the Wi-Fi chip location by any chance? I have also never had to "reflow" a chip before, is there a how to on doing this?
The IC is the big silver one on the bottom side of the logic board, below (as in on the opposite side of the PCB) the LCD connectors.
Reflowing can be done with a reflow oven, a rework station, or some alternate heating sources. It's always a good idea if possible to heat from both sides of the board so that the PCB doesn't warp, although many techs don't bother. Anyway, you heat the chip up (technically you're trying to heat the solder up, so heat the board/chip in that area) following a preset reflow curve as close as you can. A basic curve involves a rapid rise to 150C which should take1 minute or so, a gradual rise to 200C over another 1-2 minutes, then quickly rising to 260C or so in about 20 seconds and holding it there for 30 seconds Then let it cool relatively quickly. You'll never get that perfect curve outside of a reflow oven or rework station, but it gives you an idea of what you ideally are doing. Check YouTube out for videos of 5C wifi IC reflow or replacement to see the process.
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