iPhone 4S Vibrator Replacement - iPhone 4s

Step 1 | Rear Panel

To start, ensure the iPhone's battery is depleted to less than 25% capacity; a fully charged lithium-ion battery presents a fire and/or explosion hazard if damaged.
To prevent electrical shock or damage, ensure the iPhone is completely de-energized prior to starting the repair process.
Using a Pentalobe P2 screwdriver, detach the two screws measuring 3.6 mm located adjacent to the dock connector.
To prevent damage, ensure the driver is fully engaged with each Pentalobe screw before turning, as these screws are prone to stripping.

Step 2

Apply pressure to the back cover, directing it upwards against the device's upper boundary.
Expect a displacement of approximately 2 millimeters.

Step 3

Carefully detach the rear panel from the iPhone's back casing, taking precautions to avoid breaking the plastic clips affixed to the rear panel.
Carefully detach the iPhone's back cover.

Step 4 | Battery

Using appropriate tools, detach the battery connector from the logic board by unscrewing the screws listed below.
Use a PH00 Phillips screwdriver to loosen and remove a 1.7-millimeter screw.
Utilize a PH00 Phillips screwdriver to loosen and remove a 1.5 mm screw.

Step 5

Gently disengage the pressure contact from the battery connector by sliding it clear of its retaining location.
Carefully detach the pressure contact.

Step 6

Carefully disconnect the battery connector from its location on the logic board by leveraging a plastic opening tool.
Using the tool, gently pry up the connector's lower edge by inserting the tip into the gap between the loudspeaker housing and its metal cover.
To detach the battery connector, move it straight up away from the logic board; avoid any lateral pressure.
Avoid applying force directly to the battery connector's socket to prevent separation from the logic board, as it is secured by four tiny solder joints.

Step 7 | Reassembly tip

Ensure the pressure contact is correctly situated during reassembly, resting atop the designated Philips screw post and orienting the gold contact so it faces the battery connector.
To prevent wireless interference caused by oils from handling, thoroughly wipe the pressure contact using a cleaning agent like Windex or isopropyl alcohol.

Step 8

Using a plastic opening tool, gently wedge the tip into the gap separating the battery from the iPhone's outer casing, positioning the tool close to the device's lower edge.
Using the plastic opening tool, carefully work along the right side of the battery, lifting slightly at multiple locations to release the adhesive that holds it in place within the outer case, ensuring complete separation.
To loosen a firmly bonded battery, carefully introduce a small amount of isopropyl alcohol with a concentration exceeding 90% beneath its perimeter.
Allow approximately 60 seconds for the isopropyl alcohol to reduce the bond strength of the adhesive.
Carefully raise the battery using the flat, plastic tip of a specialized opening tool.
To avoid damage, do not use excessive force when removing the battery. Should the battery remain difficult to dislodge, add additional alcohol drops to dissolve the adhesive. Ensure the pry tool does not create any dents or holes in the battery casing during the separation process.
To prevent damage, ensure all traces of the alcohol solution are removed by wiping with a clean cloth or by permitting complete evaporation before proceeding with the new battery installation.

Step 9

Gently lift the battery away from its adhesive backing by grasping the visible, transparent plastic tab.
Exercise caution when drawing back the plastic tab, as it is susceptible to tearing if excessive force is applied.
Disconnect the power source by extracting the battery.
Carefully discard the protective plastic packaging that accompanied the new battery by gently separating it from the ribbon cable.
Prior to phone installation, ensure the new battery's attached cable is formed into the correct contour.
To confirm correct positioning during battery replacement, briefly attach the battery connector to the device; after securing the battery with adhesive, detach the connector.
Following reassembly, execute a factory reset to mitigate potential problems and streamline any subsequent diagnostic procedures.

Step 10 | Dock Connector Cable

Using a Phillips #00 screwdriver, detach the cover protecting the dock connector cable by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw with a 1.5 mm head.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to tighten a 1.2-millimeter screw.
Carefully detach the metal cover protecting the dock connector cable.

Step 11

Carefully lift the dock cable connector from its corresponding socket on the logic board using the flat edge of a plastic opening tool.

Step 12

Carefully detach the dock connector cable from its adhesive attachment points – both where it adheres to the logic board and along the speaker enclosure’s side.

Step 13

Carefully lift the cellular antenna cable connector from its corresponding socket on the logic board, utilizing the flat edge of a plastic opening tool.
Carefully maneuver the cellular antenna cable, freeing it from the metal finger retainers secured to the logic board.

Step 14 | Rear Camera

Exercise caution when working near the rear camera's flash unit, as the plastic ring positioned above it is prone to accidental movement and should be carefully detached during the disassembly process.
Employing tweezers, a plastic pry tool, or a spudger, carefully detach the surrounding plastic ring.

Step 15

Using appropriate tools, detach the cable cover from the logic board by unscrewing the four fasteners holding it in place.
Utilize a Phillips screwdriver with a 2.7 mm tip.
Utilize a Phillips screwdriver, size 2.6 mm, to proceed.
Employ a Phillips screwdriver with a 1.3 mm tip.
Employ a Phillips screwdriver, size 1.2 millimeters.

Step 16

Carefully insert the edge of a plastic opening tool between the cable cover and the EMI shield on the logic board to release the tabs securing the cover.
Carefully detach the cable cover by gently prying upwards from the side closest to the uppermost edge, then separate it from the iPhone.

Step 17

Carefully lift the rear camera connector away from its socket on the logic board using the tip of a plastic opening tool.
Exercise caution to avoid damaging adjacent parts while lifting.
Carefully detach the rear camera assembly from the iPhone.
Before reassembling, verify the tiny rubber gasket positioned beneath the rear camera is correctly aligned.

Step 18 | SIM Card

Employing either a SIM eject tool or a straightened paperclip, release the SIM card and its associated tray.
Applying considerable pressure might be necessary.
Carefully extract the SIM card and its associated tray.

Step 19 | Logic Board

Disconnect the five connectors located at the logic board's upper edge, proceeding in the specified sequence.

The flexible cable connecting the headphone jack and volume controls.
Connect the flexible ribbon cable that provides video input from the front-facing camera.
The flexible ribbon cable connecting the display's touch sensor to the mainboard is referred to as the digitizer cable.
Connect the display data cable.
Refer to the second image to identify the power button cable; it's situated directly below the headphone jack/volume button cable.

Employing a plastic opening tool, carefully pry the connectors of the cables upward from their sockets on the logic board.
Exercise caution to avoid damaging the tiny, sensitive surface mount components while disconnecting the cables.

Step 20

Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the grounding clip from the logic board by unscrewing the 1.5 mm screw located close to the headphone jack.

Step 21

Carefully lift the small grounding clip from the logic board using the pointed end of a spudger.
Detach the grounding clip from the iPhone by holding it firmly.
To prevent grounding problems, thoroughly clean all metal surfaces where the grounding clip makes contact—excluding the connector halves—using a solvent like Windex or isopropyl alcohol; this removes oils transferred from handling.

Step 22

Using the appropriate tool, detach the 4.8 mm standoff screw located close to the headphone jack.
To detach standoff screws, utilize a standoff screwdriver or a compatible bit.
If a dedicated tool isn't available, a small flathead screwdriver can be carefully substituted; however, exercise heightened awareness to prevent slippage and potential harm to nearby parts.

Step 23

Carefully separate the Wi-Fi antenna connector from the logic board using the thin edge of a plastic opening tool.

Step 24

Carefully remove the black tape that secures the screw located close to the power button, if it is present.
Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the logic board by unscrewing the 2.6 mm screw located close to the power button.
Exercise care while extracting the screw, as it secures the power contact, which is prone to detachment during removal.
During disassembly, be aware that a tiny rubber bumper is located beneath the screen and digitizer cables, specifically near the area where they are disconnected above the Q-code. This component is prone to detaching from the logic board during removal or may become adhered to the cables and subsequently fall off.

Step 25

Using the appropriate screwdriver, detach the logic board from the enclosure by unscrewing all screws that hold it in place.
Locate and remove the 2.5 mm Phillips screw positioned close to the vibrator motor.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw with a 2.4 mm head.
Locate a 3.6 mm standoff positioned on the logic board's edge, closest to where the battery is situated.
Employ a standoff driver bit, attached to a driver handle, to unscrew and detach the 3.6 mm standoff screw.
If a dedicated tool isn't available, a small flathead screwdriver can be carefully employed; however, exercise heightened vigilance to prevent slippage and potential harm to nearby parts.

Step 26

Gently raise the logic board, beginning at the speaker enclosure end, and move it horizontally away from the iPhone's top edge.
Carefully detach the logic board, ensuring all connections are disengaged and avoiding any stress on the component.
To prevent grounding problems, thoroughly clean all metal surfaces where the logic board makes contact with itself, excluding connector pins, using a solvent like Windex or isopropyl alcohol. Fingerprints can introduce oils that interfere with electrical grounding.
A tiny rubber bumper, positioned along the logic board's upper edge at the point where the digitizer and screen cables exit the case, safeguards those cables from damage due to bending. This component may adhere to the cables or detach from the logic board during disassembly; refer to step 22 for additional information.

Step 27

The grounding finger, a small component located close to the power button and the rear camera, must be kept secure; it attaches to the printed circuit board via a screw and is held in place by black adhesive plastic tape.

Step 28 | Vibrator

Carefully insert the plastic opening tool into the gap separating the vibrator motor from the iPhone's side casing.
Using a prying tool, carefully lift the vibrator to detach it from the adhesive that holds it in place on the iPhone.
Detach the vibrator assembly.