Treo 800w Disassembly Guide

Posted on April 6th, 2009 by Robin

For the Centro and the majority of Treos, a quick trip to YouTube is all you need to do to find disassembly instructions. However, because of the scarcity of replacement parts for the Treo 800w and Treo Pro, no disassembly instructions are available for either device. In this article, we’ll be showing you how to disassemble the Treo 800w!

Before you begin, note that you are performing this repair at your own risk and that the warranty on your device will be voided.

Tools Required

For this disassembly, you will need a Torx T5 screwdriver, Philips screwdriver, and a plastic case opener pick.

The plastic tool is required to remove the back cover with minimal damage to the device. I couldn’t find anything that would work, so I ended up sharpening a plastic rod and sanding it. If damaging the device is not a concern, a flat head screwdriver may be substituted.

Step 1: Preperation

To begin the disassembly, remove the battery cover, battery, and stylus.

Step 2: Remove the back cover

Unfortunately, this step is the most difficult part of the disassembly if you want to avoid damaging the plastics. Removal of the back cover requires releasing tabs in several locations. Here is a reference picture for the location of the tabs:

To begin, lift the right side of the cover off using the side button as leverage.

Once the first tab is released, release the second tab. The second tab is located next to the volume up button. Again, use the button as leverage.

Method A (recommended): Using a small flathead screwdriver, pry up the left side of the back cover from the inner side of the cover. Once that tab is released, release the second tab using the plastic pick.

Method B (original method, not recommended because of potential to damage buttons): The next two tabs will be released together. With the ringer switch in the on position, insert the plastic pick behind the ringer switch and use the ringer switch as leverage. If only one tab releases, use the WiFi button as leverage to release the other tab.

Once the two tabs are released, the back cover can be removed by sliding it to the top (method A) or to the left (method B).

Step 3: Remove the antenna assembly

Using the plastic pick, release the tabs on the sides of the antenna assembly.

Note: There is a rubber ring over the camera lens that may fall out when removing the antenna assembly.

Step 4: Remove the face plate

If you had not already removed the six screws, unscrew them now. Note that four are Torx T5 and two are Philips. Then, using the plastic pick, start at the volume buttons and work you way around the device. Keep the device face-down when removing the face plate as the soft keys, hard buttons, and keypad are not secured in place.

Step 5: Remove the main board

Remove the single Philips screw to the right of the earpiece speaker and lift the main board out of the chassis, top first.

Step 6: Remove the keyboard

Lift the two metal tabs at the top of the keyboard and slide the keyboard down. Lift the keyboard to expose the connector and remove it one side at a time. If necessary, use a small flat head screwdriver to lift the connector.

Step 7: Remove the LCD

Lift the tab at the top of the earpiece, as well as the two on the left side of the LCD. Slide the LCD off from the right side and lift the LCD to expose the connector.