GE 7-4836B Alarm Clock AM-FM Radio LCD Panel Replacement
This guide details the process of detaching the LCD panel from the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) for replacement.
Written By: Dominick Giguere
Introduction
This guide involves further disassembly of the clock radio and requires several tools and techniques, including the use of a soldering iron. For assistance with soldering, consult the iFixit guide: How To Solder and Desolder Connections.
Tools Required:
- Phillips #00 Screwdriver (1)
- Phillips #0 Screwdriver (1)
- Tweezers (1)
- High Content Rubbing Alcohol (1)
- Cotton Swabs (1)
- Portable Soldering Iron (1)
- Flush Wire Cutters (1)
Step 1: Battery Compartment Cover
Locate the battery compartment on the bottom of the clock radio. Use your thumb to push the compartment cover latch towards the battery. With the latch engaged, pull the compartment cover upward to remove it.
Step 2: Battery
Lift the battery from the compartment. Pull the battery upwards and gently disconnect it from the battery connector.
Step 3: Screws
Using a Phillips #00 Screwdriver, unscrew the six 12mm screws located around the bottom of the clock radio.
Step 4: LCD Cover
Gently pull the liquid crystal display (LCD) cover off the clock radio.
Step 5: Clock Radio
Lift the top section of the clock radio. Be aware that two gray, plastic internal pieces may fall out during this step; set them aside.
Step 6: Battery Wires Wire Tie
Using the wire cutters, carefully cut the plastic wire tie securing the battery wires.
Step 7: Hot Melt Glue
Follow the wires to their connection points on the printed circuit board (PCB). Identify the two spots marked "DC+" and "DC-". Apply rubbing alcohol to the end of a cotton swab. Rub the alcohol-moistened swab onto the hot melt glue for 30 seconds, then reapply alcohol to the glue. Use tweezers to grasp the softened hot melt glue and pull it off the clock radio.
Step 8: Speaker
Grip the speaker. Lift the speaker from its holder.
Step 9: Two Screws
Locate the two 6mm screws on the PCB. Using a Phillips #0 Screwdriver, unscrew these two screws from the PCB.
Step 10: LCD Connection to PCB
Carefully raise the PCB. Locate the LCD connection to the PCB.
Step 11: Hot Melt Glue
Apply rubbing alcohol to the cotton swab end. Rub the swab on the hot melt glue and wait for 30 seconds, then apply alcohol again. Using tweezers, pull the hot melt glue from the LCD connector.
Step 12: Heated Soldering Iron
Carefully apply the heated soldering iron to each of the 17 ribbon cable pin solders, starting with the first one shown. Continue this process until the ribbon cable is detached.
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
