Dell DJ 2nd Generation Disassembly

ID: 135830

Description: Repairing the DJ may seem like a daunting task....

Steps:

1. The lock switch slider can be removed with a small prying tool. Make sure it doesn't go flying across the room!

2. The cover is affixed with adhesive. It can be pried off.
3. Don't start with an opening pick. Instead, use an iFixit Opening Tool and start around the charging port.
4. When it's lifted up far enough, wedge an opening pick between the case and the cover.
5. If necessary, you can use the Jimmy to pry around the edges. Be gentle, as it's very easy to damage the aluminum case.

6. The top cover put up more of a fight. I had to use the Jimmy for this one.
7. Again, use caution to avoid damaging the case. It's also important to avoid bending the top cover sharply.

8. There are eight Philips #00 screws, one on each corner at both ends of the device.
9. I don't recommend using tweezers to remove the plates like I did. You might bend the tips.

10. Be careful to avoid bending the battery. It is very thin and prone to damage.
11. Disconnect the battery connector. Then, gently pull the wires until the battery slides out.
12. If the battery doesn't slide out, use a blunt but thin tool (such as the flat end of an iFixit Spudger) to push the battery from the other end.

13. Try something other than a Jimmy first. It can damage both the encoder's housing and the aluminum case.
14. It may help to push the internals towards the top slightly, but they won't come out yet.

15. The internals should come out easily. If it seems to catch on something, wiggle it around gently.
16. Be careful not to scratch the display.

17. Lift up the tabs on both sides.
18. Lift the left side of the display completely.
19. Don't force the tabs on the right; just unlatch them and push them up slightly so they don't snap back into place.

20. Use your soldering iron to melt the solder holding the metal frame to the board. Use a small tool to gently pry the display up.

21. Push the ends of the brown latch towards the screen, then remove the display.

22. There are four Philips #00 screws holding the hard drive in. They're the same as the eight screws you removed earlier, so don't worry about mixing them up.

23. Peel back the red tape. Then, lift up the latch and pull the cable out.

24. This connector is the same as the one on the mainboard. The latch is beige on this one.

25. Gently push on the label side of the hard drive to remove it from the frame.

26. Push the brown latch towards the keypad, then pull the cable out.
27. The keypad is only held on by a bit of double-sided tape on the RAM chip.