Garmin Vívoactive 4 Motherboard Replacement

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.

What you need

Step 1 Watch Band

Garmin Vívoactive 4 Motherboard Replacement, Watch Band: step 1, image 1 of 1

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

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Step 2 Remove Bands

Garmin Vívoactive 4 Motherboard Replacement, Remove Bands: step 2, image 1 of 3

Garmin Vívoactive 4 Motherboard Replacement, Remove Bands: step 2, image 2 of 3

Garmin Vívoactive 4 Motherboard Replacement, Remove Bands: step 2, image 3 of 3

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.

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Step 3

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

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Step 4 Screen

Garmin Vívoactive 4 Motherboard Replacement, Screen: step 4, image 1 of 1

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.

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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.

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Step 6

Garmin Vívoactive 4 Motherboard Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3

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.

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Step 7

Remove the screen.

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Step 8 Motherboard

Garmin Vívoactive 4 Motherboard Replacement, Motherboard: step 8, image 1 of 1

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

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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.

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