An iPhone 13 Pro with a damaged display often won’t turn on after severe drop damage, even when the screen is replaced. This guide offers a step-by-step repair process for iPhone 13 Pro display issue, including diagnostic tips, replacing key components, and safely reassembling the motherboard to restore display functionality and ensure all other features are working. Whether you’re a technician or a DIY enthusiast, follow this guide to effectively resolve display issues caused by drop damage.
Device Details
Model: iPhone 13 Pro
Release: 2021
Defect Phenomenon
This iPhone 13 Pro arrived with a cracked screen and back cover glass after a fall. After testing with a new screen, the display still wouldn’t turn on.
Troubleshooting
Disassemble the Phone
Remove the motherboard to begin testing.
Measure Diode Values
Use a multimeter to check diode values on the display connector, revealing one shorted pin connected to the display PMIC (Power Management Integrated Circuit).
Repair Process
Separate the Motherboard Layers
- Place the motherboard on a heating platform.
- Use a hot air gun to evenly heat the surface while the platform is on. This safely separates the layers.
Remove the Display IC
- Use the hot air gun to detach the display IC from the motherboard.
- After removal, measure the diode values again to check for shorts. The short remains, suggesting another component is damaged.
Locate the Overheated Component
Connect the upper motherboard layer to a DC power supply and observe through a thermal imager. The imager reveals an unusually hot component beneath the shielding cover.
Remove the Shielding Cover
Carefully detach the shielding cover without disturbing the nearby encrypted EEPROM chip.
Recheck with the thermal imager to precisely locate the damaged component.
Replace the Faulty Capacitor
- Identify and remove the faulty capacitor (a common issue in dropped iPhones).
- Install a replacement capacitor with the same specifications to restore proper function.
Reball and Reattach the Display IC
- Prepare the removed display IC by reballing it (reapplying solder balls).
- Carefully solder it back onto the motherboard to ensure proper connections.
Reassemble and Test
After the motherboard cools, attach the screen and boot up the phone to check if the display functions normally. In this case, the display returned to full functionality.
Inspect for Additional Damage
Since drop damage can affect multiple components, thoroughly inspect the motherboard. A few chips on the signal board were loose; carefully resolder these to secure their connections.
Recombine the Motherboard Layers
Finally, reattach the motherboard layers using the heating platform, then reassemble and test the phone. All functions, including Wi-Fi, baseband, cameras, and Face ID, were working correctly.
Summary
This iPhone 13 Pro display issue was resolved by:
- Replacing a damaged capacitor beneath the shielding cover (a common problem after drops).
- Resoldering loose chips on the signal board.
- Recombining the motherboard layers.
This repair process restored the display and other critical functions, fully fixing the phone.
Tools & Parts List
- Tools: Heating platform, hot air gun, multimeter, thermal imager, DC power supply, soldering iron.
- Parts: Display IC, replacement capacitor.
