TicWatch Pro 3 GPS Motherboard Replacement

Written By: Dominik Schnabelrauch

Comments: 3

TicWatch Pro 3 GPS Motherboard Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

45 minutes - 1 hour

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the motherboard in your TicWatch Pro 3 GPS.

Replacing the motherboard in the TicWatch Pro 3 GPS requires you to remove the battery. Do not reuse the battery if it has been deformed or damaged, as doing so is a potential safety hazard. Replace it with a new battery.

For your safety, discharge the battery below 25% before disassembling your watch. This reduces the risk of fire if the battery is accidentally damaged during the repair. If your battery is swollen, take appropriate precautions.

You’ll need replacement adhesive when reassembling the device. Your device will function normally, but will lose its IP (Ingress Protection) rating.

Tools

Step 1

Before starting repairs, take your watch off the charger and power it down.
Remove the watch band.

Step 2

Use a Torx T3 screwdriver to remove the four 4.1 mm-long screws securing the back cover.

Step 3

Apply a heated iOpener to the rear side of the watch for 5 minutes to loosen the adhesive underneath.
A hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate may also be used, but be careful not to overheat the device.

Step 4

Insert the flat end of a spudger into the microphone opening at the top edge of the back cover.
Pry upwards to loosen the back cover assembly. This may require some force.
Don't try to remove the back cover assembly all the way yet. It's still connected to the daughterboard.
Swing the back cover assembly open by 45 degrees to gain access to the sensor assembly cable.

Step 5

Use a spudger to disconnect the sensor assembly cable by prying the connector straight up from its socket.
To re-attach press connectors like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Do not press down on the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend, causing permanent damage.

Step 6

Remove the back cover assembly.

Step 7

Use a spudger to disconnect the microphone cable by prying the connector straight up from its socket.

Step 8

Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the three 4.1 mm-long screws securing the core assembly.

Step 9

Insert the point of a spudger between the right edge of the core assembly and the watch frame.
Pry upwards to loosen the core assembly.
Don't try to remove the core assembly all the way yet. It's still connected to the screen.

Step 10

Carefully swing open the core assembly like the front cover of a book.
Avoid straining or tearing the display cables at the bottom of the core assembly.

Step 11

Use a spudger to disconnect the screen and the digitizer cables by prying the connectors straight up from their sockets.

Step 12

Remove the core assembly.

Step 13

Use a spudger to disconnect the interconnect cable by prying the connector straight up from its socket.

Step 14

Use a pair of tweezers to remove the daughterboard.

Step 15

The battery is held in place by mild adhesive.
Insert the flat end of a spudger between the bottom edge of the battery and the midframe.
Take care not to puncture or bend the battery with your tool—a punctured or bent battery may leak dangerous chemicals or cause a fire.
Pry upwards to loosen the battery.
If you're struggling to pry up the battery, place a heated iOpener onto the motherboard to loosen the adhesive underneath. Don't apply the iOpener directly onto the battery.
Don't try to remove the battery all the way yet. It's still connected to the motherboard.

Step 16

Carefully fold the battery over to gain access to the battery cable connector.
Avoid straining or tearing the battery cable.

Step 17

Use a spudger to disconnect the battery cable by prying the connector straight up from its socket.

Step 18

Remove the battery.
Do not reinstall a damaged or deformed battery, as doing so is a potential safety hazard.
Secure the new battery with pre-cut adhesive or double-sided adhesive tape. In order to position it correctly, apply the new adhesive into the device at the places where the old adhesive was located, not directly onto the battery. Press the new battery firmly into place.

Battery : pls advise the exact dimensions of the battery? And or provide a weblink?

Thanks,

AjTic -

Step 19

Use a spudger to disconnect the interconnect cable by prying the connector straight up from its socket.
Remove the interconnect cable.

Step 20

Insert the point of a spudger between the midframe and the motherboard.
Pry upwards to loosen the motherboard.

Step 21

Remove the motherboard.

Conclusion

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before you install it.

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

During reassembly, apply new adhesive where it's necessary after cleaning the relevant areas with isopropyl alcohol (>90%).

For optimal performance, calibrate your newly installed battery after completing this guide.

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 TicWatch Pro 3 answers community for help.

Author

Dominik Schnabelrauch

Member since: 23/11/16

201162 Reputation

2 comments

Hi there , just disassembled the motherboard no issues, i wanted to see what was wrong with the watch and its atleast from what i can tell water damage to the motherboard, can anyone help me find a replacement ? I'm struggling with that

iballisticgiannakos -

Hi, have you found a replacement? The second display is the one that is failing for me. Thank you.

Walter Guerrero -