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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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3GS stopped charging, now dead

A couple months ago, my 3GS seemed to be dead. It wouldn't turn on, did nothing when plugged in (either to wall or computer), etc. Apple store said it was dead and they couldn't do anything about it. (I got a 4S, it was time anyway).

Looking back, there is a sequence of events that makes some sense now: That afternoon, while attached to my iTrip, the phone restarted itself randomly. That evening, I happened to look and see dangerously low battery charge, which is strange, since it spends most of the day plugged into something. Finally, at night time, it was dead. My guess is that something in the battery charging department gave out in the afternoon, causing the reboot, and it slowly ran out of battery and died, despite being plugged in. (sort of sad, when you think about it).

I'm hoping to refurbish this one, unlock and sell it. I've replaced the dock connector, and there is still no response. The only glimmers of hope are the fact that my new iPhone now pops up in itunes whenever I plug this one in, and there is an EXTREMELY faint clicking noise in the phone when I plug it into the wall. Fixing this thing is fairly valuable to me, as there were a bunch of pictures and data between the last backup and failure.

Where do I go from here? My next instinct is to replace the battery, but what part controls charging? Is it on the logic board? Is there a way to hook it up to 'external' power, if only to get at the data? Is there a way to get data off a dead phone?

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kylemeidell, given the fact that you do have a new dock connector, there are a few more things you can try and look at. First, it does sound like a Battery problem. replace it. Make sure that you get a 3GS and not a 3G. I am partial to ifixit's batteries, due to a high failure rate from other vendors. I do know that ifixit stands behind their products. Anyhow, once you have the battery replaced, reevaluate the phone. Also, make sure you have good cable. If our battery should still not charge, check the charging fuse and the battery fuse on your logic board. you can check with a multimeter for continuity.

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If those fuses have continuity, then they are okay. From here on, check all the traces on your logic board, measure the voltage on your battery connector with the phone plugged in. If that still wont fix your problem, you may have to take a look at the power management IC. After all this, I think a new battery will completely resolve your issues:-) Hope this helps, good luck.

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New battery now on order. Hopefully I won't have to dig out the multimeter, but that might be fun too. Thanks.

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New battery fixed it. Thanks.

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Congratulations on getting it done. Thanks for accepting my answer, best of luck to you.

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