Tablet · Samsung · Tab 3 Lite
Samsung Tab 3 Lite Water Damage Repair
Water Damage Repair guide for the Samsung Tab 3 Lite
Before you begin
Tools
- Precision Phillips #00 screwdriver
- Plastic opening tools
- Spudger
- Tweezers
- Magnifying glass or headlamp
- Soft nylon brush
Parts / materials
- 99% Isopropyl alcohol
- Lint-free microfiber cloth
- Cotton swabs
Safety
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap to protect sensitive components from electrostatic discharge.
- Do not attempt to charge or power on a wet device until all parts are thoroughly cleaned and dry.
- Work in a well-ventilated area when using high-concentration isopropyl alcohol.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Eject the microSD card
1 minRemove the microSD card and open the slot cover on the side of the tablet.
- 2
Unclip the rear panel
3 minInsert a plastic opening tool into the seam between the display bezel and the back cover to disengage the plastic clips.
- 3
Remove the rear case
2 minWork the plastic tool around all edges of the tablet until the back cover frees completely.
- 4
Disconnect the battery
2 minUse a plastic tool to pry the battery connector straight up from the motherboard to stop power flow.
- 5
Unscrew the battery
2 minRemove the Phillips screws securing the battery housing to the frame.
- 6
Remove the battery
1 minLift the battery out of the chassis and set it aside in a safe, dry location.
- 7
Disconnect the display cable
2 minFlip up the locking flap on the ZIF connector and slide the LCD flex cable out.
- 8
Disconnect remaining ribbon cables
3 minDetach the digitizer, speaker, and side button ribbon cables from the motherboard.
- 9
Unscrew the motherboard
2 minRemove the Phillips screws holding the motherboard onto the front housing.
- 10
Remove the motherboard
2 minGently lift the motherboard out of the tablet frame without snagging any loose ribbon cables.
- 11
Inspect for corrosion
4 minExamine both sides of the motherboard under a magnifying glass to identify liquid damage and mineral build-up.
- 12
Scrub the motherboard with isopropyl alcohol
8 minApply high-purity isopropyl alcohol to the board and gently scrub away corrosion with a soft nylon brush.
- 13
Dry the motherboard
15 minWipe the board with a lint-free cloth and let it dry completely in a well-ventilated area.
- 14
Clean internal chassis contacts
5 minClean all cable ends, internal metal shields, and outer port openings using alcohol and a swab.
- 15
Reinstall the motherboard
3 minSet the dry motherboard back into the front frame and secure it with the retaining screws.
- 16
Reconnect all internal cables
4 minPlug the digitizer, LCD, and speaker ribbon cables back into their motherboard connectors.
- 17
Reinstall and reconnect the battery
3 minPlace the battery in its bay, tighten the mounting screws, and snap the battery connector into place.
- 18
Snap on the rear case
2 minAlign the rear case over the tablet and press firmly along the perimeter until all clips lock in.
After your Samsung Tab 3 Lite water damage repair
Power the Tab 3 Lite back on and test the water damage repair 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 Samsung Tab 3 Lite job before assuming the part is defective. Keep leftover adhesive and screws labeled in case you need a second pass.
Keep learning
Explore more Samsung Tab 3 Lite repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
