DIY Asus ZenFone 5 Motherboard Replacement Guide: Step-by-Step

Duration: 45 minutes

Steps: 11 Steps

The motherboard is like the phone’s brain, connecting all the parts together. It’s tricky to tell if the motherboard’s having a bad day, but if something’s not working right, it’s a good idea to check if the motherboard’s feeling okay.

Step 1

Heads up! When you’re warming up that iOpener, make sure to grab it by the sides. We want to keep those fingers safe and sound!

– Pop that iOpener into the microwave for a quick 30 seconds to get it nice and toasty!

Step 2

– Get your trusty iOpener nice and toasty by placing it on the side of your phone for about 10-15 minutes. Let it cool down.

– Now, warm up your iOpener again and give the other side of your phone a little love with some heat.

Step 3

Hey there, cool cat! Metal tools are cool, but they can be a little too cool for your device’s battery. Think of it this way, you wouldn’t want to poke a hole in a balloon, would you? Same goes for your device’s battery, it’s pretty delicate. We recommend using an ESD safe tool instead. It’s like a superhero tool for electronics. Want to know more about those tools? Check out our guide here

There are 6 nifty little tabs on each side of your phone that may require a bit of muscle to pry apart.

– Slide the jimmy along the edges like a pro to loosen that adhesive grip.

– Grab your opening picks and tool, and gently pry that back cover off—no rush, you’ve got this!

– Keep heating and prying until the back cover waves the white flag and comes off completely. If it’s being stubborn, remember, you can always schedule a repair.

Tools Used

Jimmy

Step 4

– Grab your trusty #00 Phillips head screwdriver and get ready to unscrew those six Phillips #00 3.175mm screws holding down the top cover plate.

– Next, take your spudger and gently work it along the edge of the top plate to pop those clasps loose.

Tools Used

Spudger

Step 5

– Gently unplug the press fit connector found near the upper right corner of the battery to free the battery from the motherboard. You’ve got this!

Step 6

– Grab that trusty screwdriver and take out the five phillips #00 3.96mm screws holding the bottom plate in place.

– Now, gently use the spudger to pop off the bottom plate—easy does it!

Tools Used

Spudger

Step 7

– Go ahead and give those two black tabs at the bottom of the battery a little tug until the battery pops free. You’ve got this!

– Now, gently ease the battery out of its cozy little socket. Take your time, and it will come out smoothly!

Step 8

– Alright, time to get that silver tape off the right side of the audio jack – about halfway down, so it’s completely off the silver plate.

– Use your trusty tweezers to disconnect the press fit connector hiding underneath the tape, right above the silver plate.

– Now, carefully lift the camera and connector up – easy does it! You got this.

Step 9

– Just above the battery socket, let’s give a little pop to the press fit connector at the end of that vibrant orange ribbon cable on the right.

– Now, gently pry up the tab of the ZIF connector on the left side to free the locking mechanism.

– With a soft touch, pull out the ribbon cable through the opening you’ve created by lifting that tab.

Step 10

– Gently tug on the tab sitting to the left of the camera button, right next to the volume up button. You’ve got this!

– Carefully pull out the shiny gold-headed coaxial cable found in the bottom right corner of the motherboard. Easy peasy!

– Grab your trusty screwdriver and remove the one Phillips #00 head 3.175mm screw that’s hanging out just to the right of the silver plate. You’re making great progress!