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JBL Boombox Battery Replacement

Introduction

This guide will walk you through the steps to remove and replace the battery from your 1st generation JBL Boombox speaker.

It should be noted that there may be some internal wires held to others or the structure of the frame by cable ties. This appears to be inconsistent among devices, but just note that if there are wires in the way you may need to carefully cut the cable ties in order to move them.

What you need

  1. JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Remove the Rings: step 1, image 1 of 2 JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Remove the Rings: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • There rubbery rings on either end are only held in with friction.

    • Stand the speaker up and push down hard, and you can use a counter-clockwise motion to remove the ring.

    • Please note that you have to push down HARD to get the amount of torque needed. Probably harder than you think at first.

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  2. JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Unscrew the Handle: step 2, image 1 of 2 JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Unscrew the Handle: step 2, image 2 of 2

    • Using your Phillips #2 screwdriver, remove the six screws from each side.

    • That is 12 total screws.

    • Keep these screws separate, as they do not match screws used in other steps.

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  3. JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Remove the Handle: step 3, image 1 of 2 JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Remove the Handle: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • Using a steady and firm pressure, pry the handle on one side and it will pull away from the body on the bottom.

    • Once you've flexed the handle far enough, lift it upwards to slip it over the end on one side.

    • With one side removed, the handle should come off with no issue or hesitation.

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  4. JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Alignment for Reassembly: step 4, image 1 of 2 JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Alignment for Reassembly: step 4, image 2 of 2

    • On each side of the handle, there is only one space that has two holes next to eachother.

    • On each side of the body, there is only one screwhole that has a plastic post next to it.

    • These must be lined up properly. The handle can physically fit in either direction, but if you line it up incorrectly the screws will not line up properly and it will not be secure to put back together.

    • Attempting to screw it in on the wrong side or with the plastic alignment post in the wrong position can cause damage to the body of the device.

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  5. JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Loosen the Mesh Cover: step 5, image 1 of 2 JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Loosen the Mesh Cover: step 5, image 2 of 2

    • Using your opening tool, pry into the seam in the mesh cover on the bottom, lifting up the back side.

    • In the absence of an opening tool, a flathead screwdriver, a butter knife, or anything else capable of gentle prying will suffice.

    • Using your Phillips #1 screwdriver, remove these four screws.

    • Keep these screws separate, as they do not match screws used in other steps.

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  6. JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Remove the Mesh Cover - Rear: step 6, image 1 of 2 JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Remove the Mesh Cover - Rear: step 6, image 2 of 2

    • Using your opening tool, pry into the back of the mesh cover where indicated to release the two catches.

    • When both catches are released, the back cover should hinge completely backwards and be completely open.

    • When reassembling, make sure these catches line up properly. Attempting to force them closed if not lined up properly can result in breakage and a loose mesh cover.

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  7. JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Remove the Mesh Cover - Front: step 7, image 1 of 2 JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Remove the Mesh Cover - Front: step 7, image 2 of 2

    • Using your opening tool, pry into the front of the mesh cover where indicated to release the two catches.

    • When both catches are released, the front cover should hinge completely backwards and be completely open.

    • When reassembling, make sure these catches line up properly. Attempting to force them closed if not lined up properly can result in breakage and a loose mesh cover.

    • With both the back and front released, the mesh cover should easily lift away.

    • When reassembling, make sure these posts line up properly, as well. These posts are only on the front and ensure the mesh cover does not physically touch the speakers.

    • Attempting to force them closed if not lined up properly can result in distorted sound or damage to the speakers.

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  8. JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Remove the Tweeter Housing: step 8, image 1 of 2 JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Remove the Tweeter Housing: step 8, image 2 of 2

    • There are six screws surrounding each side of the tweeter housing.

    • Unfortunately, due to the angles involved, it is impossible to take a photo that shows all six. Just know they are relatively evenly spaced out.

    • Remove all six screws from each side, twelve total.

    • Keep these screws separate, as they do not match screws used in other steps.

    • Once the screws are removed, be careful not to pull the housing away. The tweeter speakers are still physically connected to the motherboard, and pulling the housings away can damage these connections or the motherboard.

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  10. JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Disconnect the Tweeters: step 9, image 1 of 2 JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Disconnect the Tweeters: step 9, image 2 of 2

    • After separating the tweeter housing, carefully disconnect the tweeters.

    • The left side has only one connection to disconnect.

    • The right side has two connections to disconnect.

    • There may be some adhesive such as hot glue securing these connections. If so, remove it before disconnecting to avoid damaging the wires.

    • Once both sides are disconnected, you are finished removing the tweeters.

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  11. JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Disconnect the Speakers: step 10, image 1 of 2 JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Disconnect the Speakers: step 10, image 2 of 2

    • Once the tweeters are removed, disconnect the two subwoofer / speakers from the motherboard.

    • There may be some adhesive such as hot glue securing these connections. If so, remove it before disconnecting to avoid damaging the wires.

    • The left speaker is marked in red.

    • The right speaker is marked in black.

    • Make sure during reassembly to get these correct as they will not connect properly if mixed up.

    • If for some reason your speakers are not color coded the same, use the photos in the guide to ensure the plugs are in the correct order and remember that the left speaker has a shorter cable and the right speaker has a longer cable.

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  12. JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Unscrew the Speakers: step 11, image 1 of 2 JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Unscrew the Speakers: step 11, image 2 of 2

    • Using your Phillips #2 screwdriver, remove the 16 screws holding in the speakers.

    • Each speaker has 8 screws holding it in.

    • Keep these screws separate, as they do not match screws used in other steps.

    • Pay attention to the alignment posts only on the top side. These ensure your speakers are oriented correctly when reassembling.

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  13. JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Remove the Speakers: step 12, image 1 of 1

    • With the speakers disconnected and unscrewed, insert a hand in from the side where you removed the tweeter housing and gently push up from inside.

    • Using one hand to hold and lift the speakers, use your second hand inside the body of the Boombox to carefully guide the cable out of the hole, ensuring that it does not get caught and damaged on anything inside as it is removed.

    • Remember, the speaker with the red connection is on the left and the speaker with the black connection is on the right.

    • If for some reason your speakers are not color coded the same, use the photos in the guide to ensure the plugs are in the correct order and remember that the left speaker has a shorter cable and the right speaker has a longer cable.

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  14. JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Remove the Gaskets: step 13, image 1 of 2 JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Remove the Gaskets: step 13, image 2 of 2

    • When removing the speakers, it is likely the gaskets will become dislodged from the frame and the speakers and fall somewhere in between.

    • Make sure you have both gaskets and that neither are torn or otherwise damaged.

    • If any gasket is damaged, it can impact the IP rating of the device as well as the vibration noise generated by the speakers.

    • Pay attention to the alignment posts only on the top side. These ensure your gaskets are oriented correctly when reassembling.

    • When reassembling, make sure the wires on the speaker are towards the bottom to fit smoothly into this cutout without catching and risking any damage to the wires or gaskets.

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  15. JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Disconnect the Motherboard: step 14, image 1 of 2 JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Disconnect the Motherboard: step 14, image 2 of 2

    • After removing the tweeters and the speakers, you are ready to remove the motherboard.

    • There are two JST type connectors connecting the battery. Remove these by pulling firmly.

    • While it is generally advised to not pull on the wires of these types of connectors, the angles for working inside this device make it practically impossible to get a pry tool and remove the connectors in a safer manner.

    • Please take as much care as possible not to damage the wires or remove them from the connector housing.

    • There are four ribbon connectors connecting the various buttons and inputs. Make sure to release the brown locking tabs by pulling up on the sides before gently pulling the ribbon cables out.

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  16. JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Remove the Antenna: step 15, image 1 of 2 JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Remove the Antenna: step 15, image 2 of 2

    • The antenna is adhered to the top of the unit with a double sided adhesive. Gently peel this off to have the antenna dangle loosely by it's attachment to the motherboard.

    • Take care as the antenna is soldered directly to the motherboard and is not to be removed. This connection is delicate and can be broken easily.

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  17. JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Unscrew the Motherboard Top: step 16, image 1 of 2 JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Unscrew the Motherboard Top: step 16, image 2 of 2

    • Using your Phillips #2 screwdriver, remove the three screws holding on the top of the motherboard.

    • Keep these screws separate, as they do not match screws used in other steps.

    • These screws may be at a hard to reach angle. Try using a shorter or longer screwdriver if you are having trouble.

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  18. JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Unscrew the Motherboard Sides: step 17, image 1 of 2 JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Unscrew the Motherboard Sides: step 17, image 2 of 2

    • On either side of the motherboard on the bottom, there is a single screw with a large white plastic washer.

    • Using your Phillips #2 Screwdriver, remove both of these screws.

    • Keep these screws separate, as they do not match screws used in other steps.

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  19. JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Remove the Motherboard: step 18, image 1 of 2 JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Remove the Motherboard: step 18, image 2 of 2

    • With all cables disconnected and all 5 screws removed, you are ready to remove the motherboard.

    • Using both hands, reach inside the frame from either side where the tweeter housing was. Gently but firmly grasp the motherboard on both sides and tilt it forward.

    • There is a notch in the PCB where the motherboard slots into a rib of the frame of the housing. The motherboard must be carefully tilted forward past this notch.

    • Once it is tilted forward far enough, the motherboard can be removed by lifting upwards.

    • If it is not wanting to budge, focusing your efforts on one side at a time in a gentle rocking rhythm can help loosen the friction holding the motherboard in place.

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  20. JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Remove the four Front Screws: step 19, image 1 of 2 JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Remove the four Front Screws: step 19, image 2 of 2

    • With the motherboard removed, you are finally ready to remove the battery compartment and change the battery.

    • Using your Phillips #2 screwdriver, remove the four front screws.

    • Keep these screws separate, as they do not match screws used in other steps. However, all 10 screws securing the battery compartment can be freely mixed and matched as they are identical.

    • The front screws are very near edges and, depending on the thickness and length of your screwdriver, might not be accessible with a conventional screwdriver.

    • If you are having trouble with a conventional screwdriver, use your right angle screwdriver. It takes longer and is more difficult, but if you strip these screws, you could be locked out of the battery compartment forever. You do not have the angles or leverage to use proper screw extractors.

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  21. JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Remove the two Center Screws: step 20, image 1 of 2 JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Remove the two Center Screws: step 20, image 2 of 2

    • Using your Phillips #2 screwdriver, remove the two center screws.

    • Keep these screws separate, as they do not match screws used in other steps. However, all 10 screws securing the battery compartment can be freely mixed and matched as they are identical.

    • The center screws have very little vertical clearance; depending on the length of your screwdriver, they might not be accessible.

    • If you are having trouble with a conventional screwdriver, use your right angle screwdriver. It takes longer and is more difficult, but if you strip these screws, you could be locked out of the battery compartment forever. You do not have the angles or leverage to use proper screw extractors.

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  22. JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Remove the four Rear Screws: step 21, image 1 of 3 JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Remove the four Rear Screws: step 21, image 2 of 3 JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Remove the four Rear Screws: step 21, image 3 of 3

    • Using your right angle screwdriver, remove the 4 rear screws.

    • Keep these screws separate, as they do not match screws used in other steps. However, all 10 screws securing the battery compartment can be freely mixed and matched as they are identical.

    • The rear screws are very near edges and will, without question, not be accessible with a conventional screwdriver. You MUST use a right angle screwdriver to avoid stripping these screws.

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  23. JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Open the Battery Compartment: step 22, image 1 of 2 JBL Boombox Battery Replacement, Open the Battery Compartment: step 22, image 2 of 2

    • Once all 10 screws holding the battery compartment in place are removed, you are ready to access the battery.

    • Slowly and carefully, keeping an eye on all the cables inside the housing to make sure nothing gets caught and damaged, keep the bottom of the battery compartment flat on the work surface and tilt the housing backwards.

    • It should tilt and the cables should all go out through their respective holes. Make sure to completely remove the battery cable. All other cables should be safe to remain partially through their holes and the device will rest as pictured.

    • When reassembling, make sure to pull as much slack from the cables through the holes as possible. Not doing so can result in cables too short to reach the proper spot on the motherboard, or potentially damaged cables.

    • At this point, the battery is only held in by friction. Simply lift it out and you are ready to install your new one!

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Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Take extra care to not get any cables caught behind the motherboard.

Take extra care that all cables from the battery compartment are pulled into the main housing fully before screwing shut.

One other person completed this guide.

Author

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Justin Castle

Member since: 11/05/20

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