Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Apple iPhone 3GS backlight repair, coil replacement


Okay so this is another common issue people have been dealing with. It just so happens that the LCD backlight on a huge number of 3GS phones have gone dark and never come back. I happened to have the change to replace this on a customer's phone and it worked like gangbusters (like that word? haha). One thing I have to note though, this may not work for all instances since the backlight and the LCD of the phone is controlled by a number of things. However it is worth a shot! Pics of the surgery and stuff! I should have taken more pics, but I was too excited about the repair lol. Lame, I know.

New Coil In Package!

Busted Coil Removed!


New Coil In!


So before I get a million emails in regards to this repair, please know that this may or may not be a definite fix for you. I can do the repair for you, however you must understand that if it comes out to be something else other than the coil, it is out of my hands. I am continually learning about the inner workings of the Apple engineering so bear with me :)

I do not know if this applies to the 3G as well, but if you wanna be a guinea pig, email me, and if you're wondering about the "jumper" trick, I've tried it and it didn't seem to work, more then once by the way, solder points were PERFECT as well. So I don't know.

EDIT: This could also render the phone dead, as I had one that didn't respond well the the repair at all. Very weird, it was one of mine, but it is under warranty :)

Hectordtruong@gmail.com

17 comments:

  1. This was not my repair but I wanted to write a review about Hector. Simply put, he's the best! I contacted him about my wife's 3GS and he agreed to look at it within a day. Since we live close to his work I was able to meet him and drop it off in person. He fixed it perfectly but due to my stupidity I broke it again and he was more than happy to fix it again the next day.

    He's nice, his rates are very fair for the intricate work that is involved, and he's very FAST. I really can't say enough good things about my interaction with Hector and he'll be the first guy I contact when I have any problems in the future.

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  2. Hector,

    I dropped my phone outside after a long night of New Years celebration. I woke up the next morning to find it in a mud puddle. I've dried it out and everything seems to work except for the backlighting. I'm up for an upgrade but would like to salvage the phone if possible.

    Where can I purchase the new coil and what are the steps involved?

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  3. T.Hale, shoot me an email at the address above and we can get started. I'll fill you in once we establish email communication.

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  4. I had the horrible experience of trying to change the battery in my iPhone 3GS...sacrificing the earpiece and proximity sensor. Good battery life, useless as a phone. I found Hector through searching for people who do repairs of the Cable #3 connector (an impossible job without extremely steady hands and a very small soldering iron tip), and I had read how he had completed many repairs with very positive feedback.

    I agree with Johnny; he is very fast, and he does great work. I contacted him the holiday season and he was as prompt as ever. Minus shipping (UPS sucks), everything went smoothly. I had damaged more than I had thought, and the price was adjusted accordingly, but not unfairly.

    I would do business again, but I hope I don't have to!

    Evan

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  5. Hector replaced my #3 connector, my dock connector ribbon as well as the microphone. His shipping was SUPER fast and appreciated. Who wants to be without their phone for long? Thank you, Hector! You're very professional and you know what you're doing!

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  6. hello,

    I have the same problem for my phone. I didnt drop it into water but the backlight stopped working. really weird.
    Can you fix it for me? How much does it cost and how can I send my phone to you?

    Btw I am in TX. How long can you finish fixing it?

    I look forward to hearing from you.

    Thank you very much!

    Sandy

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  7. If I change the LCD, will it help?

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  8. Thanh, please email me and we can talk more.

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  9. Hi,

    My iphone 3gs has a dim screen (very hard to see the icons)... I have ordered a new coil as you have mentioned. How do i replace the old one with the new because the motherboard has a metal on it so how do i fix it.

    Please help : qaisfazelicareers@hotmail.co.uk

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  10. Hi Hector,

    I am replacing my coil too. Is there any tips or anything that i should keep in mind?
    Do you have a few instructions on how to do this. I am quite good with soldering but how hot should i make the iron? will i damage the motherboard? and can you resolder the new coil without adding any solder?

    regard,
    Edward

    email: eddie_d45@hotmail.com

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  11. Masoudfazeli: I emailed you.

    Edward: I don't like giving out details to the install. I perform a lot of these repairs on the side as a business. A lot of these techniques I've developed on my own and they are safer than other means that people try. If you want me to do it for you then I can. Just let me know.

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  12. Hector saved the day again with my 3GS! Fixed the backlight coil and it works perfectly. Thanks Hector!

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  13. I just got my 3GS back from Hector and it works perfectly. I pulled the screen up too quick and ripped out the #3 connector and ribbon. I'm in Myrtle Beach and sent it to Hector because no one around would touch that little tiny connector. Sent it to Cali and had it back within 10 days. Thank you for saving me so much money Mr. Trulong. Ron

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  14. hi, i'm in toronto.. i have a 3gs that's dimmed so i guess the coil has to be replaced.. how much will it cost me? my sister's phone also needs the connector 7 replaced, i may send it at the same time.. can you give me a quote? thanks..

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  15. Erwin, can you email me? We can discuss things through email.

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