Help Where is the water in my phone?

[volcs0]

My G2 got wet from being in an armband while I was working out. I noticed some water behind the screen along the right side. The screen is not responsive over that area. For instance, I can't scroll by sliding my finger along the right, and I can't use the delete key or other keys on the right side. The phone otherwise functioned fine.

I removed the back and battery and put it in a bag with 20 silica bags for 24 hours, but the problem persisted.

It has now been about two weeks, and I'm getting tired of the lack of functionality.

I used the take-apart guide at repairsuniverse (nice video) to completely disassemble the phone. I cleaned off the digitizer and screen well (not an easy task - smudges galore). I reassembled the phone, and when I turned it on, I could still see the water streaks under the screen. Surprisingly, for awhile the right side of the screen seemed to work. But after about an hour, it stopped again.

I've now disassembled the phone again, and I'm wondering a few things:

1. Could the digitizer just be damaged beyond repair? Can water do that? Should I buy a new one for $50? Is the digitizer piece actually behind a piece of glass (it is, right?)? Is that where the water is? Is there a way to get it dried out - just by drying this piece, say, with a hair dryer on low? Any other ideas?

2. Could it be the LCD screen part?

On neither part can I see the water damage. It is only when the phone is reassembled and powered on that I can see it.

I'm thinking that water got in near the speaker at the top and got between the glass and the digitizer. And I'm wondering if there is a way to fix this.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[beboyle]

1. Yes, it could be damaged beyond repair. But before you give up, try putting just that part in your bag with the dry packs (or in a bag full of rice - some say that works even better.) Also, usually 48-72 hours is recommended, so 24 may not have been long enough.

2. - Maybe, but sounds more like the digitizer from your description.

Stay away from heat - hairdryer or any other form. Done carefully it might work, but it's just too easy to overheat and destroy unknowingly, and heat should not be necessary.

 

[MRguyandhis2]

i would also recommend the bag of rice trick. that usually works for my customers.

 

[jbarile]

I somewhat have the same problem, only I dropped mine in the toilet at work. fell out of my back pocket, it couldn't have been in there for 30 secs? anyway took the battery, Sims, etc.. out of the phone and started to dry it, I took recommendations from everyone in this forum related to water damage and followed directions rice etc.. well the good news after I replaced the battery it started to charge and everything seems to work although I haven't tried the camera but seems to be ok. my Problem that I do see is in the screen, water streaks on the wall paper? looks like water spilled on the wall paper? well I took everything apart battery, Sims etc.. and place it in a airtight container with a couple of packs of digitizer(that comes in packaged electronics that says do not eat?) the question is will this help dry the area that is showing the streaks and is that a permanent marking or is it still wet? the cell phone will start and I have tested it for a call, speaker works volume and call was made, Im just curious if I should keep the phone over night in the airtight container, Im just not sure if it is now a stain or its still wet?

thanks so much!! for any advice

 

[eschnit81]

i would also recommend the bag of rice trick. that usually works for my customers.

+1. Used a bag of rice when my behold 2 went into the drink. Phone was completely unusable, dropped it in a bag of rice for a couple days. Came out working fine.