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Fourth generation iPhone. Repair is straightforward, but the front glass and LCD must be replaced as a unit. GSM / 8, 16, or 32 GB capacity / Model A1332 / Black and White. This page aims to help users troubleshoot, fix, and seek help for the iPhone 4.

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Vibrate not working after changing digitizer, or with brand new motor.

The vibrate function has stopped working after converting my black iphone to white (I used the iFixit.com guide). I then purchased a brand new vibrate motor and it still doesn't work.

I tried the iBrate app and hitting the phone to dislodge a stuck motor (to no avail), but two different stuck motors is highly unlikely.

I also tried to get it to vibrate with the back glass off, just to make sure the counter-weight was free to turn. I can turn it freely with a toothpick so it's not getting stuck on anything.

The silent toggle switch is registering - when I switch to silent the screen displays the crossed out bell icon, but there is no vibration. Vibrate is definitely on in sound settings.

Does anyone know any other troubleshooting steps? Or perhaps the voltage used to power the vibrate motor - I could measure the output voltage..? Thanks for any help!

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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6 Answers

Chosen Solution

The 2 copper pads that the vibrator motor make contact with are part of the headphone jack flex cable.

This cable is easily damaged when removing / reinstalling the battery.

If this cable is damaged at all then there are a few things hat may not work properly:

>headphone jack

>volume buttons

>mute toggle

>vibrator motor

If the cable is only slightly damaged it may be possible that up to 3 of the above features may work whilst 1 may be faulty.

When replacing the part remember to move the water sensor sticker over from the original to the replacement. This sticker also stops dust getting into the inside of the phone aswell as serve as a water damage indicator.

PART

GUIDE

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3 Comments:

Reekob was right, it was a damaged cable. I couldnt see any damage but the replacement worked perfectly! Finally, after a couple of monthes, I have my vibrate back! Thanks for the help

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Great thanks for the update :)

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Thanks ReekoB that helped me a lot .

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Try cleaning and reconnecting the ribbon cable and socket on Logic Board....worked for me

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I actually had a vibrate motor not working after a screen change. What worked for me was putting the vibrate motor in at about a 30 degree angle, moving in a direction from the "bottom to top" of phone.

If you put the vibrate motor in straight down over slot or angled slightly up on front of motor...the motor contacts will not touch contacts on phone side. Hope that works for you.

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Thanks very much Chuck. Unfortunately this didn't work. Tried my original motor and the brand new one. Fiddled around with different angles etc. I am certain that the contacts are aligning.

While running the iBrate app I am measuring voltage evenly fluctuating between 0 and 0.04 volts. Would be great if someone could verify the voltage output of working vibrate motor terminals!

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Your problem is a slightly different issue - I actually had a small amount of voltage at the boards terminals when running ibrate. Not sure what you can do.. Perhaps disassemble again and carefully reassemble ensuring correct fitment of all components. Following that would be a trip to a repair specialist, though I wouldn't be surprised if they recommended a replacement logic board! Good luck.

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I had a similar problem. Changed the vibrate motor and it didn't make any difference. Used a multimeter and got 0.1v. Removed the connectors and give them a good clean with a glasses cloth. Put everything back bar the vibrate motor and used the multimeter. It measured 3.v. Put the vibrate motor back and everything works fine now.

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I have the same problem but after I changed the headphone jack, it still doesn't work. Any other ideas?

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Jeremy will be eternally grateful.
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