Introduction
The guide will help take apart the Nintendo 3DS XL to uncover the motherboard, then identify the IR Board in order to be replaced.
Step 1 Battery
The screws have locking washers that prevent the screws from falling off of the back cover. Leave these locking washers on the screws, it is not necessary to remove the washers for this repair guide.
Unscrew the two 4.2 mm screws that are located at the top of the cover.
The screws have locking washers that prevent the screws from falling off of the back cover. Leave these locking washers on the screws, it is not necessary to remove the washers for this repair guide.
Step 2
Using a plastic opening tool, pry off the cover starting at the top right corner.
Hold the device so that the cover is facing up.
Using a plastic opening tool, pry off the cover starting at the top right corner.
Hold the edge of the cover to ensure it does not reattach.
Look for the small section below the stylus compartment. Pry off the cover at that point if it is still attached.
Take off the cover of the device and set aside.
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Step 3
Pry off the battery from the lower casing.
Insert the plastic opening tool into the opening located on the right side of the battery.
Pry off the battery from the lower casing.
Lift the battery out of the case and set aside.
Step 4 Circle Pad Joystick
Using tweezers pull out the rubber bumpers that are located at the top of the device on either side of the game cartridge compartment.
Step 5
Remove the six 6.2 mm screws using a Phillips #00 screwdriver
Step 6
Remove the 2.3 mm screw located above the game cartridge slot with a Phillips #00 screwdriver.
Step 7
Two ribbon cables connect the case to the circuit board. Be careful to not pull the case too hard and rip the ribbon cables.
With a plastic opening tool pry off the lower case starting at the bottom edge and working around the perimeter.
Two ribbon cables connect the case to the circuit board. Be careful to not pull the case too hard and rip the ribbon cables.
Step 8
Completely remove the lower case from the rest of the device and set aside.
Remove the ribbon cables located underneath the left and right bumpers by prying up the base of the cables with a plastic opening tool.
Completely remove the lower case from the rest of the device and set aside.
Step 9
Locate the circle pad on the right side of the device.
Position the device such that the game cartridge slot is located at the top.
Locate the circle pad on the right side of the device.
Remove the two 7.5 mm screws on the upper left and the bottom right corners.
Step 10
Do not use excessive force with the plastic opening tool. There is a ribbon attaching the circle pad joystick to the motherboard that will remain attached.
Using a plastic opening tool pop off the circle pad joystick.
Do not use excessive force with the plastic opening tool. There is a ribbon attaching the circle pad joystick to the motherboard that will remain attached.
There is a loose washer located in between the circle pad joystick and the circle pad. Use caution and do not lose this piece.
Step 11
Remove the ribbon and circle pad joystick.
Using the flat head side of the spudger carefully lift up the retaining flap that attaches the circle pad ribbon to the motherboard.
Remove the ribbon and circle pad joystick.
Step 12 IR Board
Locate the IR board located on the upper right side of the motherboard.
Position the device such that the game cartridge slot is located at the top.
Locate the IR board located on the upper right side of the motherboard.
The IR board is installed upside-down in these photos by mistake. Installing it this way will result in your DS failing to start. Note the orientation of your IR board before you remove it, and reinstall it the same way.
Remove the IR board with a plastic opening tool by inserting the tool below the IR board and gently prying up.
Author
Charlene Donlon
Member since: 04/08/2014
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8 Guides authored
