Now what? Replacing broken iPhone 6 screen reveals moisture damage?!
A friend asked me to replace the broken screen on her iPhone 6. As I'd done similar repairs on her daughter's phones (and various other friends and neighbor's iPhones) I agreed. My friend ordered a replacement screen and brought it to me along with her damage iPhone.
Upon opening the iPhone case, I noticed what I presume are signs of moisture damage. (See annotated photo.) I pointed these areas out to my friend who explaned that she had no knowledge of any water damage incidents. The screen had cracked only a few days prior and had been stored in a zip-lock plastic bag between the time the screen was cracked and it was brought to me).
I started to proceed with the repair (wondering how concerned I should be about the presumed moisture damage. Then I ran into a problem removing one of the screws on the front panel assembly. In the process of figuring out solutions, I talked with my friend who revealed that too often, the screen goes black. Often this occurs while in the processing composing a text/(i)message. When she turned the phone back on the message would be gone and she'd have to start over. She also reported that "calling or answering has been a problem".
What do you all think about my plan:
1. Advise my friend to return the screen assembly she'd initially ordered (which doesn't have the front panel assembly); I'll instead install an ifixit LED screen and front digitizer assembly part that will have no front panel parts where there's visible moisture damage.
2. Use a cotton swab and alcohol to carefully clean the area over the rear-facing camera.
Meanwhile, How does one assess if the battery should be replaced, too? Should I try to take the whole thing apart to inspect/clean? (How do you weigh the risk/benefit?)
Thanks in advance for sharing your response(s)!