Garmin Vívoactive 4 Motherboard Replacement

Written By: Bryan Chavez

Comments: 1

Garmin Vívoactive 4 Motherboard Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

40 minutes - 1 hour

Introduction

Replacing the motherboard of the Garmin Vívoactive 4 (M/N: 03618) is quite a lengthy process, requiring multiple tools.

There are many reasons why you may want to replace your motherboard. For example, you may be having software issues or the watch may not be turning on at all (see Watch Won't Turn On in the Vívoactive 4 Troubleshooting Guide).

Please note:

Motherboard components are sensitive, so care is required.
This repair requires using a heat gun or hair dryer to loosen the adhesive on the watch face. For information on using a heat gun, take a look at How to Use a Heat Gun to Soften Adhesive for instructions and safety information.

Tools

Parts

Garmin Vivoactive 4 Watch Main Board PCB

Step 1

Flip the watch on its back to reveal the watch band connection pins.

Step 2

Wedge your fingernail or the tip of a spudger underneath the watch band's small metal pin.
Push on the pin to release the strap from it's hinge.
Pull the strap away from the watch to disconnect it.
The strap will not pull away if the pin isn't fully pushed in.

Step 3

With both straps removed, a new replacement watch band may be inserted.

Step 4

Use a heatgun to loosen the adhesive beneath the screen, it should take a 5-10 minutes for adhesive to loosen.
Handle the watch with care to avoid burning yourself after it has been heated. Review the How to Use a Heat Gun to Soften Adhesive guide.

5-10 minutes is too long and too short at the same time. I didn't even heat it for 5 minutes on low and the watch was already too hot to touch. I put on some gloves and tried to wedge my jimmy in between the screen and the case but the seam is much too thin, even when I broke out my knife for it. I thought the glue must not be loose enough yet, so I heated it for a couple more minutes and tried again. Even though I did completely discharge my battery before doing any of this, my battery started to bulge and the back of my watch deformed. I followed these instructions as closely as possible, along with the "how to use a heat gun to soften adhesive" guide, and I never got my screen off and now my watch is beyond reasonable repair. If you decide to try this, I hope you have better luck, but I don't know how you're supposed to be able to get this done.

cram C -

Step 5

Wedge a thin opening tool or your iFixit Jimmy in between the seam where the screen and the watch’s housing connect.
Pry the screen off the device.
There is a cable underneath the screen that needs to be disconnected - be careful not to rip it.
Work quickly so the adhesive doesn’t cool too much.

Step 6

Carefully disconnect both cables from the motherboard by placing the tip of your spudger under the edge of the connector, and prying the connector straight up from its socket.

Step 7

Remove the screen.

Step 8

Carefully peel off the ribbon tape that is holding down the motherboard.

Step 9

Place the tip of your spudger under the edge of the connector, and pry the connector straight up from its socket to disconnect the battery from the motherboard.
Do this carefully to avoid ripping the cable.