Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement

Written By: Alex Diaz-Kokaisl
  • Comments: 0
Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

17

Time Required

10 - 20 minutes

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the Wi-Fi card in your Framework 16" laptop.

The Framework 16" laptop comes with an AMD RZ616 6E Wi-Fi card. This is also the same model sold on their website.

Note: the laptop used in this guide is a generic setup of one US keyboard, one numpad module, and two touchpad spacers. Your setup might vary, but the procedure should remain the same.

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    • Unplug all cables and fully shut down your laptop.

    • If your repair requires a spudger, a T5 Torx, or a Phillips screwdriver, you can use the included Framework screwdriver. Whichever works best for you!

    • Framework recommends that you put your laptop into battery disconnect mode in the BIOS whenever removing the battery. Read how to do that here.

    • To disable this mode, click here.

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    • Use your fingernail to pull out the two Input Module latches and unlock them.

    • The latch will show red if it's unlocked.

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    • Use your fingers to slide the touchpad spacer toward the bottom edge of the laptop and unclip it.

    • If you're having trouble, check if the corresponding Input Module latch is properly unlocked.

    • Lift the touchpad spacer off the laptop and remove it.

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    • Repeat the same procedure for the other touchpad spacer.

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    • Use your fingers to slide the touchpad toward the bottom edge of the laptop and disconnect it.

    • If you're having trouble, check if the Input Module latches are properly unlocked.

    • Lift the touchpad and remove it.

    • During reassembly, perform the following:

    • Place the touchpad flat on its cutout so its clips are properly aligned.

    • Press the touchpad down and slide it into place so it lines up evenly with the bottom edge of the laptop.

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    • The keyboard is held in place with strong magnets. Apply gradually increasing force to avoid having the keyboard violently eject.

    • Grip the two pull tabs along the bottom of the keyboard.

    • Lift the pull tabs until the keyboard magnets release.

    • Remove the keyboard.

    • During reassembly, make sure the keyboard is seated properly on its alignment pegs and sits evenly with the edges of the laptop.

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    • The numpad is held in place with strong magnets. Apply gradually increasing force to avoid having the numpad violently eject.

    • Grip the pull tab at the bottom of the numpad.

    • Lift the pull tab until the numpad magnets release.

    • Remove the numpad.

    • During reassembly, make sure the numpad is seated properly on its alignment pegs and sits flush with the edges of the laptop.

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    • Grip the black pull tab on the midframe cable press connector.

    • Lift up to disconnect the midframe cable.

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    • The midframe screws are ordered from 2–17 (number 1 is the press connector). You don't have to follow the order, but you can use it to help keep track of the screws you've loosened.

    • Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to loosen the 16 captive screws securing the midframe.

    • During reassembly, follow the order (starting with 2) to reinstall the screws across the midframe evenly.

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    • Use your fingernail to lift the bottom edge of the midframe enough to grip it with your fingers.

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    • Lift the midframe off the laptop and remove it.

    • During reassembly, make sure the midframe sits evenly on its alignment pegs before tightening the screws.

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    • Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to loosen the three captive screws securing the battery.

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    • Grip the black pull tab at the top of the battery.

    • Lift the pull tab to disconnect the battery connector.

    • Remove the battery.

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    • Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to loosen the captive screw securing Wi-Fi card.

    • The Wi-Fi card might pop up at a shallow angle when you loosen the screw.

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    • Slide the clear Wi-Fi card cover straight off the card and remove it.

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    • Grip the end of the Wi-Fi card with the screw hole and slide it out of its socket.

    • Don't pull the Wi-Fi card too far from its socket, as it's still connected by two cables.

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    • Insert the flat end of a spudger under one of the coaxial connectors, where the cable meets the metal head.

    • Lift the spudger straight up to disconnect the coaxial cable.

    • Repeat for the other coaxial cable and remove the Wi-Fi card.

    • During reassembly, refer to the arrows on the Wi-Fi card for which cable (black or white) a connector belongs to.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers Community for help.

Author

Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Member since: 16/01/22

117889 Reputation

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