The iPhone 12 is a widely acclaimed model. However, some users may encounter Error 4013 when replacing the screen or flashing the device. This is a common fault code that usually indicates a data communication issue between the device and a computer, or a fault with an internal hardware module. This type of failure can involve various hardware components. Phonefix will guide you through each stage of the troubleshooting and formal repair process, so you can quickly find and solve the problem.
I. Understanding Error 4013's Meaning and Key Characteristics
Understanding the error is necessary for repairs:
1. Basic Definition of Error 4013
Error 4013 on an iPhone 12 is essentially feedback indicating an interruption in data transmission between the device and the computer, or a communication anomaly in a hardware module.
2. Typical Symptoms of Error 4013
· The flashing process suddenly stops, and iTunes or Finder displays an “Error 4013” message.
· The device enters a boot loop, displaying the Apple logo before restarting.
· The device can boot normally, and the flashing process proceeds without error when the iPhone screen flex cable is disconnected.
3. Common Causes of Error 4013
· The display flex cable connector is scratched or bent during removal and installation, or is not fully seated.
· ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) or tool impact causes a cold solder joint or pin oxidation on the display driver IC.
· The display flex cable connector's solder pads are loose, or surrounding the iPhone components have fallen off, causing a communication interruption between the display circuit and the motherboard.
II. Initial Troubleshooting
Before checking the hardware, first rule out any software and connection issues.
1. Check Computer and Software Versions
· Mac: Go to “System Preferences > Software Update” to ensure macOS is the latest version.
· Windows: Open iTunes and check for updates to prevent data transmission issues caused by software incompatibility.
2. Verify Cable and Connection Stability
· Use an original iPhone Charging Cable or an MFi-certified cable to prevent issues caused by an unstable power supply from a low-quality cable.
· Switch USB ports on your computer. Prioritize USB 3.0 or higher ports, or connect directly to the rear ports of the host to mitigate issues from insufficient power on front ports.
III. Repair Preparation: Essential Tools and Pre-Repair Protection
1. Core Tools
· Precision Screwdriver Set: Includes the pentalobe and tri-point (Y-shaped) screwdrivers specific to the iPhone 12.
· Suction Cup and Plastic Pry Tools: Used to safely separate components and avoid scratching the motherboard.
· Constant Temperature Soldering Iron: With a 0.5mm fine tip, suitable for delicate soldering operations.
· Heat tools: Both the hot Air gun and the heating station will do. This tool is for chip removal and soldering.
· Flux and Low-Temperature Solder Wire: Solder wire with a melting point of 183°C can effectively protect the motherboard.
· Display IC Reballing Stencil: An BGA Reballing Stencil is required for high-precision repairs.
· Digital Multimeter: Used to measure voltage and circuit continuity.
2. Pre-Disassembly Protection
· Discharge the device’s battery to below 30% and remove the SIM card tray after powering it off.
· Wear an anti-static wrist strap and ensure it is grounded. Place an anti-static mat on your workbench and organize all tools neatly. Use a multimeter to confirm there is no residual voltage on the motherboard flex cable connectors before proceeding.
IV. Core Repair Process: From Disassembly to IC Replacement
Having completed the preliminary preparations, we will now proceed to the hands-on disassembly phase.
Step 1. Separating the Screen and Motherboard
a. Remove Bottom Screws: Use a pentalobe screwdriver to unscrew the 2 bottom screws and place them in the corresponding slots of a screw organizer.
b. Separate the Screen Assembly: Attach the Suction Cup to the bottom of the screen. Gently pull until a gap appears, then insert a pry tool. Slowly slide it along the screen’s edge to cut the adhesive.
c. Disconnect Flex Cables: Lift the screen to a 45° angle, being careful not to open it completely and tear the flex cables. Use a tri-point screwdriver to remove the flex cable bracket screws. With tweezers, gently disconnect the display, touch, and Face ID cables in sequence.
d. Remove the Motherboard: To prevent a short circuit, disconnect the battery flex cable. Next, unscrew the motherboard, taking care to mark and sort the 6 screws, which have 3 different specifications. Then, use a pry tool to gently lift the motherboard and place it on an anti-static mat.
Step 2. Display Driver IC Location and Testing
a. Locate the IC: The iPhone 12’s display driver IC is located on the upper-middle part of the motherboard, to the right of the display flex cable connector. It is a black, square component, approximately 5mm x 5mm, with a circular pin layout.
b. Check the IC Status: Use a magnifier to check for bulging or burn marks on the chip’s surface, or for oxidation or cold solder joints on its pins. Use a Digital Multimeter to measure the chip’s power pins, selecting the 3rd and 5th pins near the flex cable connector. If the voltage is 0V or infinite, the chip is confirmed to be damaged.
Step 3. Display IC Removal and Pad Cleaning
a. Apply Flux: Apply a thin, even layer of flux to the display IC surface and surrounding pins. Avoid applying too much, which could flow into the motherboard’s gaps. The flux lowers the solder’s melting point and prevents the pads from peeling off during desoldering.
b. Remove the Old Chip: Heat the old chip with a hot air gun set to 360°C and airflow at level 3. Focus on the center after heating the perimeter for 10 seconds. Once the solder melts, use tweezers to gently lift the chip from a corner.
c. Clean the Pads: For pad cleaning, set a BGA Soldering Station to 320°C. Use flux to scrape off remaining solder, or use solder wick to flatten stubborn solder balls. Finally, wipe the pads clean and check for any missing ones.
Step 4. Reballing and Soldering the New IC
a. Prepare for Reballing: Place the new display IC face down and align it perfectly with the reballing stencil’s holes. Gently press the chip with your finger to hold it in place. Apply a suitable amount of solder paste onto the stencil, ensuring it’s a non-sticky paste. Use a scraper to slowly spread the paste, filling all the holes.
b. Heat for Reballing: Place the stencil and chip together on a heating platform. Set the temperature to 180°C. Once the paste melts into uniform solder balls, turn off the heating platform. After 30 seconds of cooling, remove the stencil and check if the solder balls on the chip’s pins are uniform and if there are any missing.
c. Solder the New Chip: Apply a thin layer of flux and align the reballed chip to the motherboard pads, making sure to match the corner dots. Using a Hot Air Gun at 340°C , heat the chip until you see it slightly sink, which confirms the solder balls have melted. Do not touch the chip for one minute while it cools to prevent displacement.
Step 5. Reassembly and Flashing Test
a. Assemble: Reinstall the motherboard, securing it with the correct screws in their designated positions to prevent deformation. Connect the battery, display, and touch cables in the proper sequence, and then secure their brackets.
b. Power-On Test: Connect power and press the power button for 5 seconds. If the screen lights up and displays the Apple logo without restarting, the chip soldering is successful.
V. Repair Advice and Daily Usage Tips
The iPhone 4013 error can have several causes, and the solution depends on the root problem.
· If the error is software or connection-related, you can fix it by updating your computer, using an original data cable, or cleaning the ports.
· If it’s a hardware fault, such as a damaged display flex cable, it requires professional repair, including chip desoldering and replacement.
To reduce the risk of hardware damage, avoid frequently disassembling the screen or forcing a power cut. When repairing, we recommend using professional iPhone repair tools from China Phonefix to ensure precise and safe operations.
