Do I need a new dock connector?

Question

iPhone 3GS

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.

1502 Questions View all

Matt @matt21606

Rep: 1

1

Posted: Jan 30, 2011

Options

Do I need a new dock connector?

I left my iPhone 3GS on a table in my outside patio and it started to rain. It wasn't directly rained on or completely submerged but did get moderately wet. After finding it, I immediately dried it off with my shirt and tried to dry out all the openings with compressed air. Unfortunately, I did not turn my phone off (I didn't think water had gotten inside). Just after a couple minutes, it started complaining about having an incompatible device plugged it. Then it started randomly restarting so I put it next to a fan. I also noticed that the power button seemed somewhat unresponsive (didn't work for a couple of pushes). The next time I checked on it, it was powered off and it would not power back on. I put it in a bag of rice for 2 days and it still did not power on. I took it apart according to the tear down article here and I did not find any water inside. The headphone and logic board water indicators are still white but the dock connector is pink. I gave the logic board, power button, and dock connector a cleaning with 91% isopropyl alcohol, let dry for a day, and reassembled. It still does not turn on. It is not recognized by my computer when plugged in. There is a local iPhone fix it place where I can buy a new dock connector for $35. I would like to fix this myself but I don't want to waste money on parts that I don't need.

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Yes No

Score -1

3 Comments

@pollytintop, thanks for your advice! I will try the wall charger for a day. Would you recommend soaking the dock connector in alcohol for a couple hours? Also, is it safe to check the battery with a voltmeter? Is there any way I can tell if the LCD is bad?

Jan 31, 2011 by Matt

Update: I've unplugged it as the phone was getting VERY warm.

Jan 31, 2011 by Matt

Not a good sign. something is shorting- either debris or damaged component. Where was the phone getting hot? This could give you a clue...Was it the dock? I'm not sure a good soaking is going to do any better than cleaning with brush which will loosen and move any corrosion shorting the dock.

Measure the battery at terminals should be around 3.5mah

Jan 31, 2011 by pollytintop

Add a comment

1 Answer

Chosen Solution

pollytintop @pollytintop

Rep: 77.1k

337

105

145

Posted: Jan 31, 2011

Options

the most common things needing to be replaced are battery, LCD and dock. It's possible that the battery is unharmed and it's just the dock.

Are you charging from the wall or USB?? Wall outlet for 24 hours and then recheck. I'd also reclean the dock etc- several times I've managed to get water damaged parts working just by cleaning, cleaning and cleaning. It saves money!

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No

Score 2

Add a comment

@pollytintop, thanks for your advice! I will try the wall charger for a day. Would you recommend soaking the dock connector in alcohol for a couple hours? Also, is it safe to check the battery with a voltmeter? Is there any way I can tell if the LCD is bad? — Matt
Update: I've unplugged it as the phone was getting VERY warm. — Matt
Not a good sign. something is shorting- either debris or damaged component. Where was the phone getting hot? This could give you a clue...Was it the dock? I'm not sure a good soaking is going to do any better than cleaning with brush which will loosen and move any corrosion shorting the dock.

Measure the battery at terminals should be around 3.5mah — pollytintop

iPhone 3GS

Do I need a new dock connector?

1 Answer

Add your answer