Introduction
If your second-generation Kindle screen is cracked, not responding to touch, or has a malfunctioning display, it may be time to replace it. Replace the screen on your Kindle 2 with this installation guide.
Kindle (2nd Gen) LCD displays can be purchased on eBay, AliExpress, Amazon, etc.
Tools
-
-
Lay the Kindle face down on a soft cloth to protect its screen.
-
Wedge the plastic opening tool in the small opening between the grey plastic and the metal casing.
-
Move the plastic opening tool across the opening while pressing down to separate the grey plastic from the metal casing.
-
Slide the gray plastic top piece away from the Kindle's metal casing.
-
Once the gray plastic top piece is detached from the metal back cover, remove it.
-
-
-
Use the plastic opening tool to push down and pry towards the metal casing to release each of the three clips that hold the metal case in place.
-
Remove the metal casing.
-
-
-
Pry upward under the black tab with the spudger to dislodge the battery.
-
Use your fingers to lift the battery out of the device.
-
-
-
Use the plastic opening tool to wedge underneath the connection and gently pop off the wire cap.
-
-
-
Use the plastic opening tool to push each side of the crimp away from each other. This will open the crimp holding the wire.
-
Use your fingers to lift the wire out of the crimp when there is enough separation between the sides of the crimp.
-
-
-
Wedge the opening tool underneath the plastic ribbon and gently pull up to lift the brown connector flap.
-
Squeeze the plastic ribbon gently with the tweezers and pull away from the connector to remove it.
-
-
-
Locate the next brown connector three inches to the right of the previous connector and repeat Step 10 to remove the plastic ribbon.
-
-
-
Rotate the device 180 degrees and locate a smaller brown connector on the left side of the device.
-
Repeat Step 10.
-
-
-
Push your finger down on the last plastic ribbon.
-
Slide your finger away from the connector to remove the last ribbon.
-
-
-
Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the four 4 mm screws from the motherboard located around the LAB126 logo.
-
-
-
Flip the motherboard over so the screen is facing up.
-
Using your fingers, gently pull off the plastic header bar located at the top of the screen attached to the motherboard.
-
-
-
Pry underneath all four sides of the device with the plastic opening tool to remove the screen from the motherboard.
-
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
7 comments
Great guide!
My replacement screen came with a spudger like the one shown, but it was pretty mangled by the time I got the back off. I had much better luck with another spudger shaped like a guitar pick.
Yeah, the step to remove the inner plastic protector is missing. It is pretty obvious that it needs to happen, but it would be good to include in the guide.
The ribbon for the screen needs to be pushed in further than the other ribbons, and took a bit of wiggling. FYI for others attempting this!
Hannah -
I followed this guide, but the screen is still on the "Amazon Kindle" screen that was on the replacement when it came in the mail. I opened it to ensure the ribbons are all in place. It's fully charged (green light) and the computer can see it as a hard drive. Calibre can also see all the books are still in place. Any ideas what connection I need to recheck to get the replacement screen working? I'd love to get my old Kindle 2 back in business!
Answering my own question in case it helps anyone. It turns out the ribbon for the screen (the last one removed in Step 14) wasn't far enough in the connector. I was trying it with the line about even with the "39" on the board, which wasn't far enough. After the eBay seller kindly gave me some tips, I was able to manhandle the ribbon closer to the connector, and now the screen works great!
Where can I get one of those replacement screens?
Andie -
I had a heck of time using the spudger. I have found that grabbing the corners and using my thumbs to push the plastic away worked like a champ.
teamhudson -
For anyone still looking for this in 2020, see my comment here for how to properly remove the back.
Kindle 2 Teardown
Dave76 -