Chosen Solution
Hello fixers! I’m looking for options. The front camera of my Mom’s 5C stopped working, apparently with no real reason. The screen is black when switching to front camera in the Camera app, no specific message. Same with FaceTime, where the caller camera would just be empty (see capture)
I’m quite handy and ran some incremental diagnostics: The proximity sensor and the earpiece both work without any issue.I even put a working full display assembly (screen, camera and all) from another working 5C, and it still does not work on my Mom’s phone.Display assembly from her phone onto another 5C has the camera working. Checked the pins where those three cables sit, and they seem alright. So I ruled out the camera, the flex … and things point out to … the logic board? I have not found really similar cases on the forums… Thanks!
Around the screen connectors there is a black protective film that you can remove. Remove that film carefully and inspect the components near the front camera and rear camera connector for any signs of liquid damage. You may see capacitor’s that have one or both sides turned dull black instead of silver meaning it was corroded from liquid damage. There may be also white marks on the board components as well to indicate corrosion. If there is indeed liquid damage it will require micro-soldering to fix the board-level problem, probably not worth it now as it’s an iPhone 5C and doesn’t hold much value versus cost of repair ($80+ estimated)
