Battery problem on imported iPhone 3G, can I get it fixed in the UK?

[deftangel]

I have an imported iPhone 3G from Italy as I needed a legitimately unlocked version. I've had it for about 2 months and up till now really happy using it on T-Mobile UK.

Unfortunately, the battery will now not charge properly. It detects a charger is plugged in but 99% of the time will not charge it. Eventually it goes dead. When plugged in, I get the lighting bolt but it'll sit there for ages. After several goes sometimes I'll get it to boot up and even more rarely get 20%-40% charge out of it but that's as good as it gets.

I've read here that a hard reset / restore can fix the issue so when I've managed to get enough battery I've tried both to no avail. I'd like to take it to the Apple store to see what I say but I'm worried that;-

a) they won't want to know because I didn't buy it in the UK
b) They won't be able to give me a legit unlocked replacement

Anyone have any advice for tackling the problem or dealing with Apple?

Cheers

 

[scouser75]

Dude, I was in the same position as you a few weeks ago.

I tried the Apple UK route, but had no luck what-so-ever.

In the end I had no choice but to send it back to Italy.

Sorry, but you will also have to pay for the delivery to and from Italy.

Let me know how you get along.

 

[deftangel]

Did you do that through Apple UK? My Italian isn't brilliant! If that's the only way to get it fixed I'll do it, not that it's ideal. How much did it cost?

 

[scouser75]

Mate, I'm afraid Apple UK just don't want to know if the phone was not bought in the UK. I went through hell and high water to get them to just send it to Italy for me with ME PAYING for the delivery. But even this they wouldnt do!

The only thing I can recommend is that you email the company you bought the phone from. No doubt someone there will be able to read English and will be able to help you.

The way it works is:

You send it to place of purchase (with receipt).
They send it to repairers.
They either repair or replace.
They send it back to place of purchase.
They send it to you.
You pay for delivery to and from Italy.
Approx time of process = 2 weeks.

There is one place in the UK who repair iPods. They said they were going to begin repairs on iPhones soon too. Try Googling them - they're based in London somewhere I think). Unfortunately I cant remember the name of the place. Sorry

 

[BNZ1]

Mine has done the same thing recently. I have another charger and that works fine. It seemed to be doing this when I use my AV cable to charge it. It also charges fine when plugged into my laptop.