Palm TX Buttons and Connector Assembly Replacement

Written By: Spencer Lewson

Comments: 2

Palm TX Buttons and Connector Assembly Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

10 - 15 minutes

Introduction

Tools

Step 1

Orient the device so that the display faces forward.
Remove the stylus from the right side.

Step 2

Turn over the device so that the back panel faces forward.
Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to remove the four 6.35mm corner screws.

Step 3

Rotate the device so that the display faces forward.
Insert a plastic opening tool with the angled tip pointing downward into the crevice on the left side of the device.
Pry along the crevice to loosen the back panel.
Repeat this process for the right side.

Step 4

Carefully pry the back panel to open the device.
Be careful not to break the wire that connects the battery pack to the motherboard.
When reassembling, snap the back panel back into place and then insert the top cover.

Step 5

Use a plastic opening tool to peel the battery pack from the back panel.
The battery pack is glued to the back panel so removing it may require considerable effort.

Step 6

Use a soldering iron to disconnect the battery wires from the motherboard.
For soldering instructions, you can view the Soldering Guide.

Step 7

Pull straight up on the ribbon cables located on the bottom right of the motherboard to disconnect them.

Step 8

Lift the mother board out of the device.
A weak adhesive attaches the motherboard to the device.
The red wire in the picture will not be attached to your device at this point.

Step 9

Orient the device sideways, as shown in the picture.
Lightly push the front of the display to separate it from the front panel.
The battery in the picture will not be attached to the device at this point.

Oh yes… that battery “certainly” won’t be attached at this point... *wink* - I understand the logic of disconnecting the battery from the motherboard, but most electronics these days have batteries with connectors. For such a simple process, as long as you’re careful with the motherboard and the battery, leave it soldered on. You don’t want to risk damaging the motherboard with excessive heat, especially if you are intermediate in the art of soldering.

Grant Bewick -