All-out Assault

My Problem

Cracked screen, and what the heck, I might as well replace the battery while I have it apart....

Not my first rodeo. Have replaced iPad 2 screens several times.

My Fix

First attempt: I got about halfway through removing all the internal subassemblies per the battery replacement guide befoir realizing that it wasn't necessary: you can simply remove the battery with heat and lift the othermboard enough to slip the battery connector off the post. EASY! However, the replacement screen was erratic afterward. I assumed I had cooked or cracked the motherboard, but I ordered a new screen anyway. This one worked, and I now have a fully refurbished iPad.

My Advice

Battery replacement is easy with a little applied gentleness.

I found the iOpener to be useful only as supplemental heat. Use a hair dryer. Carefully.

Clean old adhesive with Xylol.

Augment adhesives during reassembly with Pliobond thinned about 5:1 with Zylol. You will need about four drops.

Use compressed CO2 duster spray to blow out the inevitable tiny glass shards from the innards before reassembly.

Wear latex or vinyl gloves! Please don't contaminate the connectors with your skin oils.