Phone · Motorola · Moto G5
Motorola Moto G5 Water Damage Repair
Water Damage Repair guide for the Motorola Moto G5
Before you begin
Tools
- Precision screwdriver set
- Plastic opening tools
- Nylon spudger
- Tweezers
- Soft bristle toothbrush
- Magnifying glass or headlamp
- Anti-static wrist strap
Parts / materials
- 99% Isopropyl alcohol
- Lint-free wipes
- Cotton swabs
- Microfiber cloth
Safety
- Wear safety glasses to protect eyes from alcohol splatters during brushing.
- Work in a well-ventilated area away from open flames when using isopropyl alcohol.
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap to avoid electrostatic discharge on sensitive board components.
- Do not apply direct heat to a wet or liquid-damaged lithium-ion battery.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Remove the back cover
1 minInsert a plastic opening tool or fingernail into the notch at the bottom edge and lift off the rear panel.
- 2
Lift out the battery
1 minPry the removable battery out from the notch at its bottom edge using a plastic opening pick.
- 3
Eject SIM and microSD cards
2 minSlide out the SIM card and microSD card from their respective slots to prevent corrosion buildup inside the sockets.
- 4
Remove midframe screws
5 minUse a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the 18 screws securing the internal plastic frame.
- 5
Detach the plastic midframe
3 minInsert a plastic opening pick along the outer perimeter seam and twist to release the plastic cover from the display assembly.
- 6
Disconnect the display flex cable
2 minUse a nylon spudger to carefully pop the display press-fit connector straight up off the motherboard.
- 7
Disconnect the front camera
2 minPry up the front-facing camera flex connector with a spudger and remove the module with tweezers.
- 8
Remove the rear camera
2 minUnplug the rear camera press-fit connector from the motherboard and lift the camera module out.
- 9
Unseat the motherboard
3 minGently pry under the bottom edge of the motherboard with a spudger and lift it free from the phone housing.
- 10
Remove the loudspeaker module
2 minPry up the bottom speaker assembly from the lower housing and remove it.
- 11
Inspect for mineral deposits
4 minExamine the motherboard and lower sub-board under a magnifying glass to locate liquid residue and corrosion.
- 12
Clean the motherboard with isopropyl alcohol
8 minSubmerge the motherboard in high-concentration isopropyl alcohol and gently scrub all corroded areas with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- 13
Clean cable connectors and contacts
5 minDip cotton swabs into isopropyl alcohol and thoroughly wipe down all flex cable ends and socket contacts.
- 14
Dry all washed components
15 minPlace the cleaned motherboard and components on lint-free wipes and allow them to air dry completely for at least 2 hours.
- 15
Reinstall the motherboard
3 minSet the dried motherboard back into the display chassis, ensuring it sits completely flat.
- 16
Reconnect cameras and display
3 minPress the front camera, rear camera, and main display flex connectors firmly onto their motherboard sockets until they click.
- 17
Reattach the plastic midframe
5 minAlign the plastic midframe over the body, press down along the edges to snap it in place, and reinstall all 18 Phillips screws.
- 18
Insert cards, battery, and cover
2 minReinsert your SIM and microSD cards, drop in a dry battery, and press the back cover firmly until fully sealed.
After your Motorola Moto G5 water damage repair
Power the Moto G5 back on and test the water damage repair function before you put every screw away. Check touch/display response, charging, cameras, buttons, and wireless as relevant to this repair. If something fails after closing the device, reopen carefully and reseat the connectors for this Motorola Moto G5 job before assuming the part is defective. Keep leftover adhesive and screws labeled in case you need a second pass.
Keep learning
Explore more Motorola Moto G5 repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
