Q: iPhone 3GS force boot "low battery"
Ok.
So last year I had this iPhone 3GS that I was trying to get to work. It had some sort of logic board error or something. After hours spent trying over the course of a week or two, I gave up. Since, I've collected 8 others. But today, I decided to give it another shot. It still "won't" charge. I've determined already that there is a hardware issue. I hit it hard enough and it will say it charges for a minute, then stop. Even when it does say it is charging, it won't boot. However, I know it has a charge because when I unplug it, it shows the plug back in low battery symbol. When it does boot, it will either charge up and work for a few days, or instantly shut off because of "low" battery. So, is there a way to force the phone to boot and bypass the low battery auto-shutoff? any help appreciated! Thanks!
iPhone 3GS, iOS 6.1.3, messed up, missing bottom screws
Posted on Jan 16, 2016 6:18 AM
Actually, an unstable charge and the other behavior you describe is exactly the sort of symptoms expected from a Lithium battery that is at deaths door step.
1. It's a 3GS so how old is it now? A lithium cell, at best, might be expected to retain useable charge for about 3 to 5 years
2. It was left in an idle state for a lengthy period, which is definitely not good for the life of a lithium cells. They really only last well with regular discharge/charge partial cycles. Left sitting with no use, they degrade very quickly.
3. It is exhibiting all the signs of a lithium battery that has simply run its course and is no longer able to reliably take or hold a proper charge state.
Posted on Jan 16, 2016 9:33 AM