Console · Nintendo · 3DS
Nintendo 3DS Fan Replacement
Fan Replacement guide for the Nintendo 3DS
Before you begin
Tools
- Phillips #00 Screwdriver
- Plastic Spudger
- Precision Tweezers
- Plastic Opening Picks
- Anti-static Wrist Strap
Parts / materials
- Replacement Cooling Fan Assembly
- Isopropyl Alcohol (90%+)
- Lint-free Wipe
Safety
- Power off the console completely and disconnect the AC charger before starting.
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap to prevent ESD damage to delicate circuits.
- Handle ribbon cables with extreme care to avoid tearing or damaging the ZIF connectors.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Power Off the Console
1 minTurn off your Nintendo 3DS completely and remove any SD card or game cartridge from their slots.
- 2
Unscrew Battery Cover
2 minUse a Phillips #00 screwdriver to loosen the two captive screws on the upper back cover.
- 3
Pry Off Battery Cover
2 minInsert a plastic opening pick into the pry notches near the top corners to lift away the outer cover.
- 4
Remove the Battery
1 minUse a plastic spudger to pry the battery out of its recess from the bottom edge.
- 5
Remove Lower Housing Screws
4 minRemove the four Phillips #00 screws inside the battery bay and the six surrounding the perimeter.
- 6
Lift Lower Housing
3 minGently tilt up the lower casing from the top edge, being careful not to strain the shoulder button ribbon cables.
- 7
Detach Shoulder Button Ribbons
2 minUse precision tweezers to lift the left and right shoulder button ribbon connectors straight up from the motherboard.
- 8
Disconnect Wi-Fi Module
2 minUnclip the antenna cable from the Wi-Fi board and lift the board off its socket.
- 9
Unplug Fan Ribbon Cable
2 minUse a spudger to flip up the small locking lever on the fan ZIF connector and pull the cable out.
- 10
Unscrew Fan Module
2 minRemove the two Phillips #00 screws securing the fan assembly to the inner frame.
- 11
Remove Old Cooling Fan
1 minLift the fan module out of the lower chassis using precision tweezers.
- 12
Seat New Cooling Fan
2 minPosition the replacement fan into the frame alignment posts and reinstall the two mounting screws.
- 13
Secure Fan Ribbon Cable
2 minSlide the fan ribbon cable into the ZIF connector and press down the locking latch to lock it in place.
- 14
Reassemble Rear Shell
5 minReconnect the shoulder button cables, snap the lower shell into place, and secure all exterior screws.
After your Nintendo 3DS fan replacement
Power the 3DS back on and test the fan replacement function before you put every screw away. Check touch/display response, charging, cameras, buttons, and wireless as relevant to this repair. If something fails after closing the device, reopen carefully and reseat the connectors for this Nintendo 3DS job before assuming the part is defective. Keep leftover adhesive and screws labeled in case you need a second pass.
Keep learning
Explore more Nintendo 3DS repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
