Chosen Solution
I went through the battery replacement process on my 5s, most of the phone functions are fine, however, none of the external buttons (power, mute switch, volume) do anything, and the vibrator no longer vibrates - is there anything common to all of them? Any ideas? Many thanks Justin
Hi Justin, All the functions that stopped working are due to one single cable, the PMV flat cable, or “upper component cable.” Here’s the iFixit guide that shows you how to replace it. It also has the link to the needed replacement flat cable. That’s in case you tore the cable. However, use it first to see where this cable is plugged onto the board, and try disconnecting it then reseating it. Be careful and very gentle otherwise you may break the connector on the board or something around it. This particular cable is a PIA to plug back in, which is why you may have done it improperly during the initial repair.
It sounds like you tore the flex cable underneath the battery, which is responsible for all of those. It is a bit difficult to replace, I don’t believe iFixit has a guide but you can look it up on Youtube. Most suppliers sell it as the “power/volume flex.”
Check the flex cable, does it look damaged? The battery is glued over the flex cable and it can be damaged, although i’ve never seen that happen before. I’d try another flex cable, test it before installing to confirm the problem. Then you’ve just got to remove the logic board to get access to the screws for the flex cable. It’s not difficult to install if you’ve repaired phones before. Also, does your home button still work? If your home button does not work as well I suspect you have damaged the logic board from prying the battery.
I’d bet the volume/lock flex is damaged, that is common among those parts, try plugging a new one in before installing it and see if that fixes the problem. They’re kind of a bear to get the lock button right the first time you do one.
