Nintendo Switch Lite Fan Replacement Guide | Step-by-Step
Duration: 45 minutes
Steps: 20 Steps
Get ready to swap out that pesky fan in your Nintendo Switch Lite! While the Switch Lite is all about those JIS screws, a Phillips screwdriver will do the trick if you’re in a bind. Just be gentle with those screws—nobody likes a stripped screw! Our Phillips bits are made to work seamlessly with JIS-style screws. Remember, this adventure involves removing the shield plate and heat sink, so you’ll need to clean off the thermal paste from both components and the CPU before putting everything back together. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair.
Step 1
Before you dive in, be sure to power down the device completely.
While tackling this repair, make sure to keep track of every screw and put it back exactly where it belongs. Keep your screws and your sanity in check!
– Grab your trusty Y00 screwdriver and unscrew those four 6.3 mm-long screws holding the back panel in place. Easy peasy, right?
Step 2
When dealing with those stubborn screws, apply firm downward pressure, take it slow, and if needed, switch to another screwdriver. Patience is key!
– Grab your trusty JIS 000 driver or the official iFixit PH 000 driver and get ready to tackle those screws holding the back panel in place:
– You’ll find two 3.6 mm-long screws sitting pretty at the top of the device.
– And don’t forget the two 3.6 mm-long screws hanging out at the bottom of the device.
Step 3
Keep that opening tool close to the surface—don’t go too deep! We want to prevent any accidental damage to the speaker module. You’re doing great, so just take it easy and stay focused!
– Pop your opening tool into the left speaker grille at the bottom of your device.
– Give it a twist to free up the clips holding the back panel.
Step 4
– Gently glide the opening tool around the bottom-left corner to pop those clips loose on the left side of your device. You’ve got this!
Step 5
Be careful not to push the opening tool too far in—you don’t want to mess up the speaker module. Just go as far as you need!
– Slide an opening tool into the right speaker grille at the bottom of your device.
– Give the tool a twist to pop those clips free!
Step 6
– Take your trusty opening tool and work it around the bottom-right corner of the device. Gently slide and pry to pop those clips on the right side loose—easy does it!
Step 7
– Keep cruising along the gap at the top of the device with your trusty opening tool, gently sliding and wiggling it to pop those clips loose. You’re doing great!
Step 8
– Gently lift the bottom edge of the back panel, just like you’re opening a book to your favorite page.
– Carefully take off the back panel and set it aside.
Step 9
– Grab a trusty JIS 000 driver or an awesome PH 000 driver, and let’s take out these four screws with style:
– Three snug 3.1 mm screws
– One bold 4.5 mm screw
Step 10
You might notice a little pushback here, and that’s totally cool! The shield plate is just a bit snug against the heat sink thanks to some thermal paste bonding them together.
– Grab your trusty spudger or just your fingers to gently lift that shield plate up and out of your device. You’ve got this!
– Now, let’s say goodbye to that shield plate. Remove it with confidence!
– Time for a little clean-up! Use isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth to wipe away the old thermal paste from both the shield plate and the heat sink. Once that’s done, spread some fresh thermal paste on the heat sink before we reassemble everything. You’re on the right track!
Tools Used
Step 11
– Grab an opening tool or use your fingernail to pop up the tiny, hinged locking flap on the ZIF connector for the motherboard interconnect cable.
Step 12
Steer clear of metal tweezers! Some folks believe that using metallic tweezers might lead to a short circuit in the ribbon cable or connector. Playing it safe? Opt for nylon-tipped or ceramic-tipped tweezers instead!
– Grab a trusty pair of tweezers and gently wiggle that interconnect cable out of its cozy connector on the motherboard. You’ve got this!
Step 13
– Gently grab a spudger and use its tip to lift the battery connector straight up and out of its socket on the motherboard—easy does it!
Tools Used
Step 14
Gently peel back the foam just enough to make way for the fan—no need to go overboard!
– Gently lift the foam off the fan using the flat end of a spudger or your fingers. It’s stuck just a little, so take it slow and steady.
Tools Used
Step 15
– Grab a JIS 000 driver or your official PH 000 driver to pop out the three 3mm screws holding the heat sink onto the motherboard.
Step 16
You might notice a little pushback here, and that’s totally cool! It’s just the heat sink giving a gentle hug to the CPU thanks to some thermal paste. No worries, you’re doing great!
– Grab a spudger or just use your fingers to gently lift that heatsink right off the motherboard. It’s like a little workout for your hands!
– Time to tidy up! Use some isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth to wipe away all that old thermal paste from both the heatsink and CPU. Once it’s all clean, don’t forget to apply a fresh layer of thermal paste to the CPU before putting everything back together!
Tools Used
Step 17
– Grab your trusty opening tool or just your fingernail, and gently lift that little hinged locking flap on the fan cable’s ZIF connector. You’ve got this!
Step 18
– Grab a pair of tweezers and carefully slide the fan cable out of its connector on the motherboard. Take your time, and be gentle—you’re almost there!
Step 19
– Grab your JIS 000 driver or trusty PH 000 driver and unscrew the three 4.8 mm screws holding the fan in place. You’re doing awesome—keep it up!
Step 20
Be super careful not to snag the fan cable on the motherboard when you’re removing the fan.
– Now it’s time to put your device back together—just retrace your steps like a pro!
– Got some old tech lying around? Make sure to drop it off at an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.
– If things didn’t go as smoothly as you hoped, don’t sweat it! Give some basic troubleshooting a shot, or swing by our Nintendo Switch Lite Answers community for a helping hand.
– Remember, you’re not alone in this journey!
Success!
