Console · Nintendo · Wii U Gamepad
Nintendo Wii U Gamepad Fan Replacement
Fan Replacement guide for the Nintendo Wii U Gamepad
Before you begin
Tools
- Tri-point Y0 screwdriver
- Phillips #00 screwdriver
- Precision tweezers
- Spudger
- Anti-static wrist strap
- Clean workspace mat
Parts / materials
- Replacement Wii U Gamepad fan assembly
- Thermal pad
- Isopropyl alcohol (91% or higher)
Safety
- Disconnect the battery before touching internal components to prevent electrical shorts.
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap to avoid damaging delicate microchips with electrostatic discharge.
- Handle ribbon cables gently to prevent tearing delicate copper traces.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Power down the Gamepad
1 minEnsure the Gamepad is completely turned off and disconnected from the charger. Place it screen-down on a soft workspace mat.
- 2
Loosen the battery door screws
1 minUse a Phillips #00 screwdriver to loosen the two captive screws securing the battery door on the back of the device.
- 3
Remove the battery cover
1 minLift the battery door away from the rear casing to expose the battery pack.
- 4
Disconnect the battery cable
1 minGently pull the white battery power connector straight out from its motherboard socket and remove the battery.
- 5
Pry off the screw covers
2 minUse precision tweezers to pry off the rubber screw covers scattered around the perimeter of the rear housing.
- 6
Unscrew the rear housing
3 minRemove the ten Tri-point Y0 screws securing the rear housing to the front assembly frame.
- 7
Separate the rear housing
2 minCarefully lift the rear casing up from the bottom edge, taking care not to strain connected cables.
- 8
Disconnect the rear board cable
1 minUse a spudger to unlock and detach the ribbon cable connecting the rear housing circuit board to the mainboard.
- 9
Remove the rear housing
1 minLift the rear housing completely away from the front chassis and place it aside.
- 10
Unscrew the motherboard shield
2 minRemove the four Phillips #00 screws holding the metal EMI shielding over the mainboard.
- 11
Remove the metal shield
1 minLift the metal EMI shield off the board using your fingers or tweezers.
- 12
Disconnect the fan power connector
1 minUse the edge of a spudger to pry the small fan power plug straight up out of its socket on the motherboard.
- 13
Remove the fan screws
2 minUnscrew the two Phillips #00 screws retaining the internal cooling fan bracket.
- 14
Remove the old fan
1 minLift the faulty fan unit out of the frame and clean away any dust or debris from the surrounding area.
- 15
Install the replacement fan
2 minLower the new fan unit into position, aligning its screw holes with the chassis standoffs.
- 16
Secure the fan screws
1 minReinstall and tighten the two Phillips #00 screws to hold the replacement fan firmly in place.
After your Nintendo Wii U Gamepad fan replacement
Power the Wii U Gamepad 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 Wii U Gamepad 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 Wii U Gamepad repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
