[wteaocb]

Hello,

I recently took my iPhone 3G to the gym, and while I was there, did something terrible to it. It was either the sweat or it smacking forcefully into a dumbell but now the backlight is no longer working.

I looked through forums and used google to try to solve my problem- leaving it in a bag of rice and silica for a couple of days, before finally cracking the little SOB apart.

I checked the cable connections and put the phone back together. Still no backlight. Then I separated the LCD from the glass. Looking at the LCD, I see that there is a rainbow spot with what looks to be a crack down the middle (see attached photo).

At this juncture, I'm led to believe that the damage to my phone was caused by impact... And not water... Whatever the case may be, what do you kids think out there?

EDIT: I should also note the the phone gets pretty warm when I charge it... Not any warmer than usual though, really...

[IUiPodRepair]

From what you describe it definitely seems like the backlight issue was caused by the impact. Just to be safe I would check the water damage indicators (headphone jack, dock connector, two dots on the logicboard). If none of those are triggered I think you are safe to replace the LCD which should completely solve your problem.

[wteaocb]

Now, after putting the phone back together, I can definitely see the damage to the lcd, and the screen is missing lots of pixels and is distorted.

The funny thing about the water damage sensors, I cannot seem to see them at all. The phone was not submerged though...

It's too bad my warranty ran out a month ago, and I decided not to spend $50 to insure it because "It wasn't worth it". I'm definitely kicking myself now..square in the chestnuts...with hobnail boots.

I've decided to spend the scratch on a new phone, as well as a airtight/crushproof case for the thing in addition to insurance...

I guess I can try to sell the broken one on Ebay? I've seen some posted that fetch a pretty good amount... Or fix it and sell it as used and unlocked? I'm sure I could make all of my money back then?

[IUiPodRepair]

A replacement LCD runs about $20-$25 on eBay. Given the fact that you have already opened up the phone, it seems like you should have no issue replacing the LCD. You will definitely get more out of the phone then selling it with the broken LCD.

If you don't feel like fixing it, feel free to shoot me a PM, I would be willing to buy it off you.