How to Check for Phone Shorts Using a Multimeter | Checking the Half-Short and Full-Short of a Mobile Phone PCB with a Multimeter

 

Here, we will learn how to use a multimeter to check for phone shorts. I'll describe how to use a digital multimeter to check for half-shorting and full-shorting of a mobile phone's PCB in very simple and understandable terms. These solutions work with the Apple iPhone, Android smartphones, and regular feature phones.

 

                                           

 

Understanding Battery Connectors and Connectors for Mobile Phones

 

Take a look at the figure below, where I have very clearly defined each connector's meaning and abbreviation.

 

In a mobile phone PCB, what do "half short" and "full short" mean?

 

Half shorting (shorting in half)

 

The condition known as "half-shorting" of a mobile phone PCB occurs when the phone turns on and functions, but the battery drains quickly. This indicates that the phone's PCB has some dry solder on it or that a minor component, such as an SMD capacitor, is defective and needs to be taken out and replaced.

 

 

Complete Shorting

 

A mobile phone's full short or full shorting When a phone cannot be switched on and is dead, the condition is known as "PCB." This indicates that one or more major electronic components are defective, and the board needs to be properly evaluated to address the issue.

 

 

How to Check for Shorts in a Mobile Phone Using a Multimeter 

 

• In Buzzer Mode, keep the digital multimeter.

 

• Examine the phone's battery connector in the forward direction (red probe on positive, black probe on negative). If the multimeter's value is 1, the PCB is in good shape and there is no shorting.

 

• If the value in the forward check is 25, then there is a half-short.

 

• Check the Battery Connector in Reverse (Red Probe Negative and Black Probe Negative). There is no shorting, and the PCB is in good condition if the multimeter reading is between 350 and 650.

 

• If Value is SAME in Both Forward and Reverse Checking then there is Half Short.

 

 

Methods for Verifying Full Shorting

 

• A full short is present if there is a beep sound during both forward and reverse checking.

 

• If the amp starts to drop without turning on the phone when the positive (+) and negative (-) sides of the battery connector are connected to a DC power supply machine, there is full shorting in the phone's PCB.

 

 

How to Fix a Mobile Phone's Shorting

• Disassembling the phone, thoroughly cleaning the PCB with IPA solution, and then applying heat all over the board using a hot air blower machine are the first steps in fixing half shorting.

• Assembly Restart the phone to see if the issue has been resolved.

 

• Most of the time, the issue is resolved. However, if the half-shorting persists, look for tiny SMD capacitors next to the battery connector. Take the false one away.

 

• Connect the positive (+) and negative (-) sides of the battery connector to a DC power supply device in the event of full shorting. Even without turning on the phone, the amp will begin to drop. This indicates that the phone's PCB has full shorting. The defective component will heat up. With your fingers, you may feel the faulty component's heat. It is necessary to replace this component.

 

 

Conclusion

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