How I fixed my {{MODEL}} on my own

MISC / DIY & Tools

D. Brooks

After a sudden power surge, my {{MODEL}} stopped working. The repair shop diagnosed the issue as a failed motherboard and quoted me $679 (!!!) for the repair. I found the price excessive and the idea of discarding a whole motherboard insane. So, I decided to fix it myself. Here's how I did it, and what I learned along the way.

The tools I used
Nothing fancy really, just a basic repair kit. The most important tools you'll need are a multimeter, tiny screwdrivers, and a soldering iron (preferably with flux to remove the component more easily, but not mandatory).

Repair tools

Luckily, a friend of mine who works at the company shared the service manual with me (see below), complete with schematics. The troubleshooting guide outlined a clear five-step process for identifying the faulty components. It involved removing a few screws, disconnecting some connectors, and separating specific parts. Everything was well explained in the manual. Using a multimeter, I tested several components according to the measurement points indicated in the guide. At the end the schematics were very helpful in pinpointing the exact part that needed replacement.

I'm sharing this repair manual for free. I just ask that you complete a short offer, it helps me keep the blog going. Thanks!

Manual guide
Download {{MODEL}} repair manual

Please leave a comment after downloading, it's always a pleasure to know my work has helped someone!

Last Comments

(You'll be able to see all comments and post one after downloading the manual)



How I brought it back to life

This beginner-friendly video was a huge help when I first started soldering!

Video Thumbnail

  • Extracting the Motherboard (page 29 in the manual above) - Using the service manual, I carefully followed the step-by-step guide to remove the motherboard, ensuring all screws, connectors, and attached components were properly handled.
  • Diagnosing the Issue - With a multimeter, I tested various components at the designated measure points, including VIN, VCC, GND, and MOSFET drain-source junctions, to locate the faulty part.
  • Identifying the Failed Component - The schematics helped me trace the issue to a specific power regulation component that had burned out due to the reversed polarity.
  • Replacing the Faulty Component - I sourced a replacement component online for just a few dollars, desoldered the damaged part, and carefully soldered the new one in place.
  • Reassembly & Testing - After putting everything back together, I powered the device on and success! It worked perfectly, saving me hundreds of dollars.

Update: 6 Months Later

It's been six months since I repaired my motherboard, and everything is still working flawlessly! No overheating, no instability just a fully functional device. This repair turned out to be a great success, and I'm even more confident in tackling future hardware fixes on my own.