Is your iPhone 13 overheating and refusing to power on? This issue can be frustrating, especially when the phone appears new with no visible damage. However, internal component issues are often to blame, particularly with the motherboard and specific capacitors. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to troubleshoot and fix an iPhone 13 overheating. From isolating the issue using a thermal camera to safely handling and replacing delicate components, this guide has you covered. Let’s bring your iPhone 13 back to life!
Device Details
Model: iPhone 13
Announced: 2021, September 14
Defect Phenomenon
There are several reasons why the iPhone 13 may overheat, such as accidentally dropping the phone or experiencing an internal malfunction. However, upon disassembly, the phone does not power on as expected.
Testing with DC Power Supply
When connected to a DC power supply and powered on, the phone shows a significant current draw, indicating an abnormal current flow preventing it from turning on.
Troubleshooting
Motherboard Isolation Test
To determine if the issue lies within specific components, we removed the motherboard and attempted to power it up independently.
Thermal Camera Inspection
Observing the motherboard with a thermal camera revealed two areas experiencing excessive heat. The thermal imaging helps quickly identify abnormal hotspots.
Faulty Component Identification
Upon closer inspection, a capacitor located near the NAND chip was short-circuited, which is a common cause of overheating. Using tweezers and a hot air gun, we removed the damaged capacitor.
Board Condition
It was noted that the shielding cover on the board had deformed, likely from previous overheating. After replacing the capacitor, the phone was reassembled for testing.
Testing After Reassembly
After reassembling the iPhone 13, it powered on successfully, but there was no Wi-Fi connectivity or cellular signal.
Signal Board Check
Wi-Fi and Baseband signal issues are often linked to the signal board. Disassembling the motherboard further revealed multiple pads on the middle layer with poor soldering or missing connections. These soldering issues are typically caused by physical impact or dropping of the device.
Pad Repair Process
To restore functionality, the damaged pads were carefully repaired. This involved scratching the pad roots on the PCB and using jump wires or lugs for reconnection.
Final Reassembly and Test
After repairing the pads and recombining the motherboard layers, both Wi-Fi and cellular signals were fully restored.
Conclusion
In summary, iPhone 13 overheating and failure to power on were caused by a shorted capacitor near the NAND chip. By isolating the faulty component and repairing pad connections on the motherboard, we successfully restored the phone’s functionality, including Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity. For technicians and DIY repair enthusiasts, this repair demonstrates the importance of thorough testing, proper isolation, and careful handling of delicate internal components when diagnosing similar issues.
Tools & Parts List
Tools:
- DC power supply
- Thermal imaging camera
- Tweezers
- Hot air gun
- Micro soldering kit (for pad repair)
- PCB scratch pen
Parts:
- Replacement capacitor (if needed)
- Soldering jump wires
