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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.

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Random shut offs that need charger to turn phone back on

My iphone 3gs started randomly shutting down and could power back up with reset, by holding top and bottom button down. Now its alot worse and the phone will only come back on when I plug into charger after about 60 secs. Battery shows pleny of battery percentage. It's driving me crazy!!

Update

Thank you Phillip and ifixit. Got the battery today and replaced it. Was a bit rough, especially with the small screws. Then I was putting it back together and had all the screws in when I noticed #5 ribbon was under battery. Lol. Took back apart and fixed it. The sticker was hard to get off (came out in small pieces) and putting the small tab in behind the camera screw was a pain with a magnetic screwdriver. But anyway, everything works, and haven"t had a shutoff yet. So I hope all is well!!

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My two guesses are iOS and battery. I would first try to do a restore and see if you can get back to running iOS 4 if you are running iOS 5. I've read that iOS 5 can mess with the 3GS, though this particular error is new to me. It's a quick and easy fix to try at either rate.

If that doesn't work I would say try replacing your battery if it is more than a year old. Lithium-polymers do funny things when they reach the end of their life, like have very sudden voltage drop offs when discharging or very sudden voltage spikes when charging. These phenomena can cause the phone to shut down before it can detect a low battery, and also prevent the battery from taking any charge.

Let us know what you do and the results. Good luck.

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Thank you. I will have to try the battery. I was thinking that might be it, as I just updated to 5.01 because I thought that might help. The phone was out of its 2 yr. warrenty as of Oct. last year. Shortly after warrenty expiration is when it started acting up. I just don't have the cash for a 4 or 4s, although my 2yr term is up. Hoping I can change it with no problems.

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I'm sure you'll have no problem with this and this. Just remember to work slowly and carefully. Good luck!

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Mike will be eternally grateful.
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