iPhone 4 recovery error 1604 - clueless

Hi there,

today I got another iPhone 4 with strange issues.

- Precondition: Unknown, reportedly it was working (factory unlocked) and misbehaved after trying to update with iTunes

- When I received it, it was in DFU mode.

- tried to restore (edit: to 5.1.1 regular) several times on my Mac (I have only this one) on different USB ports with different cables (that's working fine on other test phones)

- It started with error 1600, the last 10 times always 1604

- The bottom screws were replaced by Philips type (iPhone liberation kit by iFixit?), opened up the device, looks good, warranty seals in place and water indicators are white.

- Connected a known-as-good battery, 1604

- Strange thing is, it goes through the validating process with Apple, remains quite a long time in "preparing iphone" state before it gives the error.

- One more strange thing is that after this it doesn't recognize the phone anymore, I need to enter DFU again.

I'm running out of ideas, for a damaged dock connector the problem seems too much repeatable to me, maybe somebody can figure out something from the Update Log ?

Thanks and Greetz

Update:

After 17328 tries it finally was able to restore to 5.1.1 but the nightmare isn't over:

It will start up but it looks like springboard can't start. It's stuck on the Apple logo for a while, then comes the wheel and back to the logo. Mysteriously iTunes can connect normal, it can sync, install apps etc.

If anybody can give me a hint PLEASE help.

Greetz

Update #2:

I can use redsn0w to jailbreak, both modes are working. Just the stupid Springboard won't start up.

Update #3:

Mist likely nobody cares but I found the root cause: faulty power / sensor cable.

Is there anyone left on this board?

it displays kernel panic log on the iphone, while trying to restore.. the problem seems similar to yours.. i've changed the battery, yet no success. What could the problem be? little help will be very appreciated..

Error 1604:

This error is often related to USB timing. Try changing USB ports, uninstalling and reinstalling USB ports, and other available USB troubleshooting steps (troubleshooting USB connections, device not recognized properly, computer won't recognize a FireWire or USB device). If you are using a dock, bypass it and connect directly to the white Apple USB dock connector cable. If the issue persists on a known-good computer, the device may need service.
If the issue is not resolved by USB isolation troubleshooting, and another computer is not available, try these steps to resolve the issue:
1. Connect the device to iTunes, confirm that the device is in Recovery Mode. If it's not in Recovery Mode, put it into Recovery Mode.
2. Restore and wait for error 1604.
3. When prompted, click OK.
4. Close and reopen iTunes while iPhone remains connected.
5. iPhone should now be recognized in Recovery Mode again.
6. Try to restore again.
If the steps above do not resolve the issue, try restoring using a known-good USB cable, computer, and network connection.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RockfordFosgate

Update #3:

Mist likely nobody cares but I found the root cause: faulty power / sensor cable.

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What makes you sure it was this that was at fault? I have a similar problem with an ipad 2 and have the only option of changing the dock connector left. I don't really want to as it's gonna lose some value if I decide to sell it for parts so I am looking for any other suggestions than those below which I have already tried.

• different cables
• different computers
• different user accounts
• mac (apple shop also) and windows pc's
• iReb to remove loop
• tiny umbrella to remove loop
• cant see any obvious water damage and doesnt seem to have been opened.
• tried dfu and normal restore mode

All gave me the same error 1604 (occasional 1601). Trusty Apple genius be'atch's only solution was it was a hardware fault that caused data corruption on the update and offered me a exchange for a new one for £200. (I bit my tongue and was proud I didnt hurt him).