Chosen Solution
I have tried the two suggestions always given for this issue; using the home and sleep/wake buttoms simultaneously and restoring in iTunes. Neither fixes has worked. Any other suggestiomns would be welcome.
nevermind the rice…just clean and dry the phone as the water/liquid damage guide suggests.Repairing iPhone Liquid Damage
Try holding the power & home buttons at the same time for 30 to 45 seconds.You should then see the apple logo and your phone will turn on.
