Will only charge when iPhone is powered ON?

Hello community,

I am stumped on this one. Find lots of links of iPhones that will not charge when powered ON but none that will not charge when powered off.

Got this phone to repair a few hours ago. It was deader than a brick. Connected a new dock connector, would not charge (phone is off). Popped in a new battery (with a charge) with old dock connector connected, powered on but would not charge. Connected a new dock connected with the new battery, powered on and would charge but ONLY when the phone was turned on with the lock button first. Tried many times but the phone would not charge when it was powered off. It is the strangest thing I have ever seen and am stumped for ideas. I have fully installed the new dock connector to avoid any other issues and still the same results.

Any ideas?

Thank you thank you