iPhone Screen Repair Issue

[guest_001]

So I basically shattered my almost new iPhone 3GS screen. Apple is (of course) going to charge me 200 dollars to fix it. I can't pay for this so I bought a replacement screen and adhesive (50 bucks). I followed the instructions exactly with no issues and closed up the phone. Everything about the phone still works except the touch is all out of whack. The calibration is all off in the x and y directions and although it picks up everyone on the screen being touched it doesn't press the correct corresponding icon.

I'm a 4th year Computer Science major and have plenty of experience with repairing things like this (although obviously not enough) so feel free to not assume I'm an idiot (or do... maybe I am). I checked and rechecked the cable connections to the motherboard to see if maybe some of the leads weren't completely connected but it appears they're fine. Any ideas?!?!

(Odd side note... the only thing that appears to work completely is the finger slide you have to do to turn off the phone...)

 

[psylichon]

I've never attempted such a repair, but I do know that the iPhone screen often fails in sections... bottom, middle, top. Seems like you got the bottom connection straight but something is amiss with the other connections. Sorry I can't be of more help.

 

[carrera.owner]

Maybe this will help. http://www.ifixit.com/

 

[Kuntry]

Did you only replace the LCD or did you replace the whole front of the phone (LCD/Digitizer/Glass assemnly)? I replaced the LCD on my 3G a month or so ago and didn't have any problems. The only thing I can think of is that when you broke the LCD, you also damaged the digitizer/glass. This is what senses the touch on your screen. As stated before, the bottom section on the screen may register but the other parts might or you may have fractured some of the connections on the digitizer. Your best bet it to order the entire front screen assembly (i think its $150). You will most likely have a heck of a time getting the new LCD unattached from the old glass without breaking it (mine broke really easy and the LCD was in-tact, just not working). So if you spent $50 on the LCD and now you'll spend $150 on the whole assembly, you are out the $200 anyways that Apple was going to charge you.

Hope this helps and Good Luck!

 

[abebob]

I have the same problem

I have the same exact problem right now, did you ever figure it out?

I am desperate to find out what has caused this annoying problem and if you were able to find a fix.

 

[abebob]

iPhone screen repair issue- calibration off- SOLUTION

I figured out what was causing this problem for me- I also ordered a part online (ebay - mine was $30) and after a difficult installation and the pins not seeming to match up (there was a reason for this)- my phone also seemed to not be calibrated correctly.

The problem was that they shipped me a 3G screen instead of a 3GS- I was able to install it somehow, I guess if you push hard enough the connector will snap in, but it was all wonky.
I bought a new part, this time making sure that the part was 3GS and it worked perfectly. Lucky I didn't screw up the connector on the phone.

So moral of the story- make sure the screen you install is the right one. The way you can tell is that the 3GS digitizer connector has a black piece of plastic running the length of the connector. The 3G has tiny metal pins going down the middle.

 

[andrewf]

Here's a great video on how to replace the screen.

 

[Wild_Eep]

Thank you!

I figured out what was causing this problem for me- I also ordered a part online (ebay - mine was $30) and after a difficult installation and the pins not seeming to match up (there was a reason for this)- my phone also seemed to not be calibrated correctly.

The problem was that they shipped me a 3G screen instead of a 3GS- I was able to install it somehow, I guess if you push hard enough the connector will snap in, but it was all wonky.
I bought a new part, this time making sure that the part was 3GS and it worked perfectly. Lucky I didn't screw up the connector on the phone.

So moral of the story- make sure the screen you install is the right one. The way you can tell is that the 3GS digitizer connector has a black piece of plastic running the length of the connector. The 3G has tiny metal pins going down the middle.

I'm repairing an iPhone for a client, and thought I was going crazy. A quick google search led me to your posting, and I sure am glad I found it.

The specifics: I was (without knowing it) trying to install a 3G digitizer/screen on a 3GS. The symptom I experienced was that when I tapped an icon on the screen, the iPhone thought I was tapping one icon to the left. Also, I wasn't able to tap on any of the bottom row of icons.

I've now ordered the proper screen, but thank you again for posting. You've saved me from considerable worry!