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Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to remove or replace the headphone jack on a Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 (15").

What you need

  1. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Prepare your device: step 1, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Prepare your device: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Turn on your laptop and allow the battery to discharge below 25% before starting your repairs, as a charged lithium-ion battery can be dangerous if accidentally punctured.

    • Power down your laptop and unplug any cables.

    • Close the laptop.

    Edit

  2. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Flip the laptop over: step 2, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Flip the laptop over: step 2, image 2 of 2

    • Flip the laptop over and place it on your work surface, feet facing up.

    Edit

  3. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Removal tip: step 3, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Removal tip: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • The feet on the bottom of the laptop are meant to be removed with the pointed end of a spudger.

    • Each foot has a hidden indent that will simplify removal.

    • To make sure the spudger is in the indent, insert it at the nearest long edge, pushing parallel to the short edges of the laptop, as shown.

    • Note that the two feet near the rear (screen) edge are different than the two front feet.

    Edit

  4. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the rear feet: step 4, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the rear feet: step 4, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the rear feet: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Insert the pointed end of a spudger underneath one of the two rear feet, at its rear edge.

    • Push the spudger underneath the foot and pry up to release it.

    • The two rear feet are secured with some light adhesive.

    • Repeat to remove the second rear foot.

    Edit

  5. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the front feet: step 5, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the front feet: step 5, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the front feet: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Insert the pointed end of a spudger underneath one of the two front feet, at its front edge.

    • Push the spudger underneath the foot and pry up to release it.

    • The two front feet are secured with plastic clips as well as light adhesive.

    • Repeat to remove the second front foot.

    Edit

  6. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Reassembly tip: step 6, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Reassembly tip: step 6, image 2 of 2

    • During reassembly:

    • Note that the front and rear feet are different.

    • Note that the front feet are directional and only clip in one way.

    Edit

  7. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Reassembly tip: step 7, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Reassembly tip: step 7, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Reassembly tip: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • In place of reusing old, worn out feet on your device, 8 mm rubber furniture pads can be a good substitute.

    • Peel a pad away from its backing, align it over a foot cavity, and press to secure.

    Edit

  8. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the upper case screws: step 8, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    Magnetic Project Mat
    $19.95
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    • Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the four 3 mm screws in the foot cavities securing the upper case to the device.

    • Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your laptop.

    • During reassembly, don't over-tighten these screws—they strip easily.

    Edit

  9. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Open the display: step 9, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Open the display: step 9, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Open the display: step 9, image 3 of 3

    • Flip the device over.

    • Open the display as far as it will go.

    Edit

  10. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Lift up the upper case: step 10, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Lift up the upper case: step 10, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Lift up the upper case: step 10, image 3 of 3

    • The upper case is secured in place by magnets.

    • Grip the top edge of upper case above the keyboard and lift straight up to release it.

    • Don't try to completely remove the upper case just yet, as it's still connected to the rest of the laptop.

    • Lift the front edge of the upper case up and away from the laptop, taking care to not strain the keyboard and touchpad ribbon cable underneath.

    • During reassembly, lower the upper case onto the lower case until the magnets snap into place and it lays flat.

    • Check that the upper case sits flush around the entire perimeter. Any gaps between the upper and lower case near the display could cause damage to the display as it closes.

    Edit

  11. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Disconnect the ribbon cable: step 11, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Disconnect the ribbon cable: step 11, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Disconnect the ribbon cable: step 11, image 3 of 3

    • The keyboard and touchpad ribbon cable is secured in place by a magnet connector.

    • On some models, this connector is surrounded by black tape.

    • Insert the flat end of a spudger underneath one edge of the ribbon cable connector, and pry up to release it.

    • Remove the ribbon cable from the motherboard.

    Edit

  12. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the upper case: step 12, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the upper case: step 12, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the upper case.

    • Set the upper case onto a clean surface, keyboard-side down.

    • Ensure the ribbon cable lays flat, and isn't twisted or stressed.

    Edit

  13. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the SSD screw: step 13, image 1 of 1

    • Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the 2.7 mm screw securing the SSD.

    • Removing the SSD also functions as a battery disconnect and should be performed before all major repairs.

    Edit

  14. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the SSD: step 14, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the SSD: step 14, image 2 of 2

    • With the SSD screw removed, the SSD will pop up at a shallow angle.

    • Grip the end of the SSD and pull it away from its board connector to remove it.

    • During reassembly, insert the SSD at a shallow angle into its board connector, and secure it back into its horizontal position with the SSD screw.

    Edit

  15. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the tape: step 15, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the tape: step 15, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the tape: step 15, image 3 of 3

    • Use a pair of tweezers to remove the two pieces of black tape covering the bottom left and bottom right corners of the motherboard.

    • During reassembly, if the tape is sticky enough to be reused, reapply it.

    Edit

  17. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the heatsink shield: step 16, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the heatsink shield: step 16, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the heatsink shield: step 16, image 3 of 3

    • Use an opening tool to pry up the front edge of the metal shield covering the heatsink.

    • Try not to deform the shield too much—you'll need to reinstall it during reassembly.

    Edit

  18. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement: step 17, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement: step 17, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement: step 17, image 3 of 3

    • Work your way around the perimeter of the shield, prying up intermittently, until you can remove it completely.

    Edit

  19. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement: step 18, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement: step 18, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the heatsink shield.

    Edit

  20. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Disconnect the cooling fan: step 19, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Disconnect the cooling fan: step 19, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Disconnect the cooling fan: step 19, image 3 of 3

    • Use the pointed end of a spudger to flip up the locking flap on the fan cable's ZIF connector.

    • Use a pair of tweezers to pull the fan cable straight out of the connector.

    Edit

  21. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the heatsink screws: step 20, image 1 of 1

    • Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the ten screws securing the heatsink:

    • Two 2.5 mm screws

    • Three 2.0 mm screws

    • One 3.0 mm screw

    • Two 4.1 mm screws

    • Two 3.4 mm screws

    Edit

  22. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Reassembly tip: step 21, image 1 of 1

    • During reassembly:

    • Align the heatsink with the centering peg on the motherboard.

    • Tighten the four CPU tension screws in an "X" pattern.

    Edit

  23. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Clear the alignment peg: step 22, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Clear the alignment peg: step 22, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Clear the alignment peg: step 22, image 3 of 3

    • Use the tip of your finger to lift the far right edge of the heatsink up and off of the small alignment peg near the right side of the fan on the lower case.

    • Once the heatsink has cleared the peg, lightly pull the right edge towards the front of the device.

    Edit

  24. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the heatsink: step 23, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the heatsink: step 23, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the heatsink: step 23, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the heatsink.

    • If the heatsink feels stuck to the CPU, gently wiggle it side-to-side to separate it from the thermal paste holding it down.

    • Don't pull on the heatsink too hard; the heat pipes are susceptible to creasing.

    Edit

  25. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Reapply thermal paste: step 24, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Reapply thermal paste: step 24, image 2 of 2

    • Before reinstalling the heatsink, follow this guide to clean the heatsink and CPU and reapply thermal paste.

    Edit

  26. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the motherboard shields: step 25, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the motherboard shields: step 25, image 2 of 2

    • Some motherboard screws are located under two of the metal shields, both of which need to be removed.

    • Use an opening tool to pry up an edge of the metal shield covering the right side of the motherboard.

    • Try not to deform the shield too much—you will need to reinstall it during reassembly.

    • Work your way around the perimeter of the shield, prying up intermittently, until you can remove it completely.

    • Remove the shield.

    Edit

  27. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement: step 26, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement: step 26, image 2 of 2

    • Repeat the previous step to remove the second shield from the left side of the motherboard, closest to the CPU.

    Edit

  28. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Disconnect the right speaker: step 27, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Disconnect the right speaker: step 27, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Disconnect the right speaker: step 27, image 3 of 3

    • Use the pointed end of a spudger to lift and disconnect the right speaker wire from its connector on the motherboard.

    Edit

  29. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Disconnect the Surface Connect port: step 28, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Disconnect the Surface Connect port: step 28, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Disconnect the Surface Connect port: step 28, image 3 of 3

    • Use an opening tool to flip open the gold locking arm on the Surface Connect port's motherboard connector.

    Edit

  30. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement: step 29, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement: step 29, image 2 of 2

    • Grip the Surface Connect port cable and pull it away from its connector to remove it.

    Edit

  31. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Disconnect the left speaker: step 30, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Disconnect the left speaker: step 30, image 2 of 2

    • Use the pointed end of a spudger to lift and disconnect the left speaker wire from its connector on the motherboard.

    Edit

  32. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the display connector shields: step 31, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the display connector shields: step 31, image 2 of 2

    • Use an opening tool to pry up the black shield covering the right bank of display connectors.

    • Try not to deform the shield too much—you will need to reinstall it during reassembly.

    • Repeat at different points around the shield until it becomes loose.

    • Remove the shield.

    Edit

  33. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement: step 32, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement: step 32, image 2 of 2

    • Repeat the previous step to remove the remaining shield from the left bank of display connectors.

    Edit

  34. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Disconnect the display cables: step 33, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Disconnect the display cables: step 33, image 2 of 2

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the first display cable up and out of its socket on the motherboard to disconnect it.

    Edit

  35. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement: step 34, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement: step 34, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement: step 34, image 3 of 3

    • Disconnect the three remaining display connectors.

    Edit

  36. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Reassembly tip: step 35, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Reassembly tip: step 35, image 2 of 2

    • During reassembly, use the flat end of a spudger to gently push the display cables back into their cavity in the lower case.

    Edit

  37. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Disconnect the antenna cable: step 36, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Disconnect the antenna cable: step 36, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Disconnect the antenna cable: step 36, image 3 of 3

    • Use a pair of tweezers to grip the antenna cable close to its base.

    • Pull straight up to disconnect the cable.

    Edit

  38. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the motherboard bracket: step 37, image 1 of 1

    • Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 3 mm screws securing the motherboard bracket.

    Edit

  39. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement: step 38, image 1 of 2 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement: step 38, image 2 of 2

    • Use a pair of tweezers to remove the motherboard bracket.

    Edit

  40. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the motherboard screws: step 39, image 1 of 1

    • Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the six 2 mm screws securing the motherboard.

    Edit

  41. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the motherboard: step 40, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the motherboard: step 40, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the motherboard: step 40, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingers to lift and remove the motherboard.

    • If the motherboard feels stuck, slide the motherboard to the right so the I/O ports clear their cutouts on the chassis.

    • Ensure the two screwpost braces underneath the motherboard don't get lost during removal.

    Edit

  42. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Check cables during reassembly: step 41, image 1 of 1

    • When you reinstall the motherboard, verify that no cables get trapped under the board as you lower it into place. Check each of the five locations carefully:

    • Four display cables

    • Antenna cable

    • Left speaker cable

    • Surface Connect cable

    • Right speaker cable

    Edit

  43. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the headphone jack screw: step 42, image 1 of 1

    • Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the 2.6 mm screw securing the headphone jack.

    Edit

  44. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the headphone jack: step 43, image 1 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the headphone jack: step 43, image 2 of 3 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15" Headphone Jack Replacement, Remove the headphone jack: step 43, image 3 of 3

    • Use a pair of tweezers to lift the headphone jack up and over its screw peg.

    • Pull the headphone jack away from the edge of the chassis to remove it.

    Edit
Conclusion

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before installing.

To reassemble your device, follow the above steps in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting or search our Answers community for help.

Author

Carsten Frauenheim

Member since: 03/10/20

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