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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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Not turning on, not charging, can't figure out what's wrong

I have an iPhone 3GS that was dropped (hit the ground face down, flat) and currently it is not working.

However, I can't seem to find exactly what's broken with it. All I know is that the LCD screen isn't cracked, the device is not turning on, and that when I charge it, the screen isn't lighting up or anything but the device is getting hot.

I took the 3GS apart to see if the battery is dead, but it is still reading about 1.7 V, which is what I expected since the phone hasn't been touched since it dropped for several months. Now I'm not entirely sure what specifically should I be looking at next.

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1.7V is pretty much dead. You will need 2.7Volt just to keep it alive. Definitely start with a new battery. Check your cable as well as the dock connector. See what the voltage is on your battery contacts when you plug in your phone.

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7 Comments:

Im experiencing the same problem.

oldturkey, wouldn't the phone turn on when plugged in even with a dead battery?

thanks

by

No it does not. It does need the battery. It will not be registered with a dead battery.

by

If the battery is still reading voltages. That does that really mean its dead? The time frame between when I dropped it and when I measured the voltage with my multimeter was at least four months.

I'm also wondering if the battery itself is dead, or is it the charger portion of the device that is dead. Either way, I'll need several weeks before I can get a new battery.

by

yappers, these batteries are truly "smart batteries" they are not just your old storage device. Best place to really learn about those is at Batteryuniversity.com "Li-ion should never be discharged too low, and there are several safeguards to prevent this from happening. The equipment cuts off when the battery discharges to about 3.0V/cell, stopping the current flow. If the discharge continues to about 2.70V/cell or lower, the battery’s protection circuit puts the battery into a sleep mode. This renders the pack unserviceable and a recharge with most chargers is not possible. To prevent a battery from falling asleep, apply a partial charge before a long storage period." this is what possibly happened to your battery.

by

Now, there is a way you "may" wake it up, but there are no guarantees and it may not necessarily be a great thing. You can use a 9V battery, and connect the positive to the positive pole of the iDevice battery, same with the negative for a few minutes. This may kick-start the battery, and possibly get it out of hibernation. Hope this helps.

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