TCL TAB 10L LTE Gen 4 8183A2 Professional Repair Manual

Notice

A. Read the entire manual before any repairs. If you are not comfortable to perform the repairs as instructed in this manual, please do not proceed.

B. All features, functions, specifications, and other product information in this document, including but not limited to the price, components, performance, availability and capacity of the product are subject to change without notice.

C. This repair manual is provided only for out-of-warranty repair. If the product is under warranty, contact customer service before repairing it yourself or ordering a replacement part. Modification, customization or alteration of software or hardware by anyone not authorized by the manufacturer will void the warranty.

D. TCL is not liable for any damage to the product, any injury, or any other product safety issue caused by repair attempt which does not follow the instructions or caused by any misunderstanding or wrong manipulation/utilization of any tools or installations. TCL is not liable for any damage to the product, any injury, or any other product safety issue caused by repair attempt using any tools or installations not supplied or setup by TCL.

Content

The document is structured into the following sections:

• 1 Precautions
• 2 Instructional Icons and Notes
• 3 ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) Safety
• 4 Broken Glass Safety
• 5 Battery Safety (including Best Practices and Handling Thermal Events)
• 6 Factory Reset (including Google Account removal)
• 7 Software Update (FOTA and Mobile Upgrade Tool)
• 8 Function Test with MMI (including MMI Test Guide)
• 9 Basic Troubleshooting
• 10 Contact of TCL hotline and service centers
• 11 Disassembly and Reassembly (Basic Tools, Disassembly Steps, Reassembly Process)
• 12 Explode View
• 13 Electric Diagram Block

1 Precautions

• Use only demagnetized tools designed for small electronic repairs, as parts are sensitive to electromagnetic forces.
• Use high-quality screwdrivers to avoid damaging screw heads.
• Always use genuine spare parts; third-party parts may cause malfunctions or accidents.
• Parts requiring calibration after repair include: Sensors (proximity, fingerprint), rear camera, touch screen module, speaker, motherboard. Contact a TCL authorized Repair Center if calibration is needed.
• Water and dust resistance performance cannot be guaranteed after unqualified repair.
• Repair costs for water/liquid damage may exceed the device's value.
• Be careful not to damage the battery (avoid heating, denting, short circuit, disassembling).
• Backup personal information and important data before any repair.
• An Electrostatic Protected Area (EPA) is required to prevent ESD damage.
• Ensure the device is fully discharged and turned off before repair.
• Wear appropriate safety equipment and ensure the workspace is free from flammable materials, foreign objects, and sharp materials. Have safety equipment like fire extinguishers ready.
• When removing the back cover, be careful not to damage product parts and the battery.
• Before assembly, ensure no screws or foreign objects are inside the device or around the battery.
• Before assembly, check for any abnormalities before reattaching the back cover.
• Product packaging includes user manual, quick guide, and other information. For more details, visit www.tcl.com.

2 Instructional Icons and Notes

Failure to follow instructional notes can result in fire, injury, data loss, or damage to the device, parts, or property.

• ⚠️ Warning: Highlights instructions to reduce risk of safety issues or personal injury. Failure to follow may cause fire, safety issues, or personal injury/death. Always prioritize safety over cost savings. If uncertain, contact TCL at https://www.tcl.com/mobile-support.
• ❗ Caution: Highlights instructions to reduce the risk of data loss or damage to the device or other equipment.
• ℹ️ Notice: Provides other instructional information, tips, and notes for completing procedures.

3 ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) Safety

What is ESD?

ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) is the rapid, spontaneous transfer of current (electrostatic charge) induced by a high electrostatic field. It can damage electronic components, potentially causing latent defects that lead to premature device failure.

How do you prevent electrostatic discharge?

All conductors in the environment, including personnel, must be bonded or electrically connected and attached to a known ground. Using ESD safety equipment such as an anti-static wrist strap, gloves, anti-static tools, and an ESD safe mat can mitigate the risk of ESD events during repair.

4 Broken Glass Safety

The display and middle casing of the device use glass materials that may fracture if subjected to:

• Drops onto hard surfaces
• Crushing, bending, or deformation
• Other types of hard impact

⚠️ Warning: Avoid handling broken glass or sharp glass shards without proper protective equipment (e.g., cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles), as sharp edges pose safety risks.

5 Battery Safety

⚠️ Warning: This device contains a built-in lithium-ion battery with soft battery cells. Battery safety is a primary concern during repair.

Only technicians with appropriate knowledge, experience, and specialized tools should attempt to replace or repair built-in lithium-ion batteries. Only install new, genuine batteries. Used batteries may be damaged during removal, increasing hazardous event risks. DO NOT attempt to reuse batteries. Improper handling can lead to overheating, swelling, venting, leaking, fire, injury, death, data loss, or damage to the device and surrounding property.

5.1 Best Practices to handle batteries

⚠️ Warning: To prevent harmful incidents when handling batteries, adhere to safety guidelines and maintain a safety-focused workspace.

• Workspace Safety: Ensure the workspace is free from flammable materials, foreign objects, and sharp materials. Equip the area with necessary safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and protective gear.
• Avoid Physical Damage: Be careful when using sharp tools near the battery. Do not throw, drop, puncture, crush, or damage battery cells to prevent thermal events or release of noxious fumes.
• Prevent Short Circuits: Do not use tools that conduct electricity and ensure battery terminals do not contact metal objects or conductive surfaces.
• Temperature Control: Keep ambient temperature within the battery's operating range and provide adequate ventilation to prevent overheating.
• Assembly Precautions: Do not leave abnormal objects (e.g., debris, loose screws) inside the device before reassembling.
• Proper Disposal: Dispose of or recycle waste batteries in accordance with local environmental laws and guidelines.

5.2 How to handle a battery thermal event?

⚠️ Warning: A battery thermal event is a sudden chemical reaction inside a lithium-ion battery that releases stored energy rapidly, potentially causing outgassing and fire. This can result from physical damage, improper handling, or exposure to extreme temperatures.

Act immediately when you notice any signs of a battery thermal event to ensure personal and environmental safety.

Signs of a Battery Thermal Event:

1. Smoking, sparking, or soot emission from the battery or device.
2. The battery pouch rapidly swelling or puffing out.
3. Hissing or popping sounds emanating from the battery or device.

Immediate Actions to Take:

1. Smother the Fire: Quickly cover the battery or device with plenty of clean, dry sand to contain the reaction.
2. Contact Authorities: Call local fire services for additional assistance.
3. Evacuate and Ventilate: Leave the area for 30 minutes to allow smoke to dissipate and ensure the environment is safe.
4. Handle with Protection: After 30 minutes, wear heat-resistant gloves and safety glasses with side shields before removing the device from the sand.
5. Clean the Area: First wipe the affected area with water, then use an ESD-safe cleaning solution to ensure safety.
6. Proper Disposal: Dispose of the damaged battery or device and any debris in accordance with local environmental laws and guidelines.

6 Factory Reset

❗ Caution: Factory reset will format the device to restore it to its factory default settings, erasing all user data, files, and downloaded apps. Before performing a factory reset, back up all important data. TCL is not responsible for data loss.

6.1 Remove Google account before doing factory reset

If you need to set up the device with another Google account after a factory reset, you must remove the previous Google account first. Follow these steps:

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Go to Accounts.
3. Tap on the Google account.
4. Select 'Remove account' and confirm.

6.2 Factory Reset

To perform a factory reset on a powered-on phone:

1. Go to Main Menu -> Settings.
2. Navigate to System -> Reset options.
3. Select 'Erase all data (factory reset)'.
4. Touch 'Erase all data' in the confirmation window, then confirm again.

7 Software Update

It is suggested to upgrade the handset software to the latest version for better performance. Before upgrading, back up your data and ensure the phone is fully charged.

7.1 Software update by FOTA

Firmware-Over-The-Air ('FOTA') is a wireless update method. Launch the device's Settings app, then tap System -> System Update -> CHECK FOR UPDATES.

7.2 Software update by Mobile Upgrade tool

1. Download the corresponding Mobile Upgrade tool from the TCL website (https://www.tcl.com/mobile-support). Select your product and click Download.
2. Read and agree to the terms and conditions, and follow on-screen instructions to install the tool on your computer.
3. Restart your computer after installation.
4. Launch the tool and select your device model from the dropdown list.
5. Follow on-screen instructions, clicking 'Start' -> 'Next' -> 'Yes'.
6. Power off the device and connect it to the computer via USB cable.
7. The software update will begin.
8. Click 'OK' and disconnect the USB cable when prompted to proceed.
9. Click 'Upgrade device' and connect your powered-off device to the computer, waiting for the upgrade.

❗ Caution: Do not disconnect the device from the computer during the upgrade process unless prompted by the tool.

10. When the upgrade is complete, a message window will appear stating 'Elapsed time: XX:XX:XX. Thanks for using Mobile Upgrade tool. Your device has been successfully upgraded.'

8 Function Test with MMI

To enter MMI test mode:

1. Go to Settings -> Wi-Fi -> Wi-Fi preferences.
2. Touch 'Device Wi-Fi MAC address' more than 8 times. A password window will pop up.
3. Enter the password '8257253' and click 'OK'.
4. Select 'MANU' to perform MMI tests manually.
5. For general test item instructions, refer to the < MMI_Test Guide>.
6. Follow on-screen instructions to complete all test items.

< MMI_Test Guide>

Basic tool preparation:

Headset, data cable, original charger, SIM-eject Pin, SD card, and magnet.

MMI test items:

• Bluetooth test: Searches for Bluetooth signals and displays results. 'Pass' button available if functional.
• WIFI 2.4G test: Searches for 2.4G Wi-Fi hotspots and displays results. 'Pass' button available if functional.
• WIFI 5G test: Searches for 5G Wi-Fi hotspots and displays results. 'Pass' button available if functional.
• Touch Panel Horizontal test: Draw a line in the yellow area; results are judged automatically.
• Touch Panel Vertical test: Draw a line in the yellow area; results are judged automatically.
• Touch Panel Cross test: Draw a line in the yellow area; results are judged automatically.
• TP Lock test: Press the power key. 'Pass' button available if functional.
• LCD RGB/ LCD Black/ LCD Grey/ LCD GrayLevel/ LCD White tests: Checks primary colors (RED, GREEN, BLUE), black screen, grey screen, grayscale transition, and white screen. Ensure no spots, lines, light leakage, or dead pixels. The test result buttons 'PASS' or 'FAIL' are at the bottom of the screen.
• Keyboard test: Press 'volume up', 'volume down', and 'power' keys. 'Pass' button available if all keys function well.
• LCD Backlight test: LCD backlight flashes if functional. Long bright or long dark without alternation indicates a fault.
• Front Camera test: Fixed focal. Preview screen should be clear, with no mirror dust.
• Main Camera test: Auto focal. Preview screen should be clear, with no mirror dust.
• Camera OTP test: Information check item. Touch 'Pass' if all camera items are 'OK'.
• Hall test: Place a magnet in the indicated red box area. Response should be 'HALL 1/2 CLOSE: OK; HALL1/2 OPEN: OK' if functional. Magnet recommendation: N35, 10.5-11.5kOe. 'Pass' option available if hall sensors function well.
• Main Speaker-2 test: Listen for a voice prompt and check for clear audio. Select the number (0-5) heard at the end of the voice. 'Pass' button available if correct selection.
• Main Mic Record test: Make noise near the MIC; listen for it from the speaker if functional.
• USB 2.0 test: Connect device to PC via USB cable, disconnect, then reconnect. 'Pass' button available if functional.
• Charger test: Connect the original TCL charger. Wait for current to raise to 2500mA-4500mA. 'Pass' button available if functional.
• Memory card test: Insert SD card; device detects it if functional.
• SIM card test: Insert SIM card; device detects it if functional.
• Headset-2 test: Insert headset.
  • a) Listen for voice prompt through left headset, check for noise/volume. Select number (0-5) heard. 'Pass' button available if correct.
  • b) Listen for voice prompt through right headset, check for noise/volume. Select number (0-5) heard. 'Pass' button available if correct.
  • c) Make noise near headset MIC; listen from headset if functional.
• FM test: Insert headset; listen for FM playback if functional.
• G-Sensor test: Position device as instructed (up, left, right, down, face down, face up). Instruction disappears if functional.
• Light Sensor test: Cover light sensor (near front camera). Ambient light value and 'dark/bright OK' displayed if functional.
• Proximity Sensor test: Cover proximity sensor (near front camera). 'near/far' value changes if functional.
• Battery Temperature test: View battery temperature, voltage, etc.
• GPS test: Runs GPS, searches for satellites, displays satellite number, PRN, and SNR. 'Pass' button available if functional. Note: Perform in an open area.
• EXIT: Touch to exit MMI test.

9 Basic Troubleshooting

Refer to the TCL official website for troubleshooting common issues:

1. Visit https://www.tcl.com/mobile-support.
2. Scroll down to the 'Troubleshooting' section and click 'View more'.
3. Select your product type and follow the step-by-step questions and options.

ℹ️ Notice: If the above options do not help, contact TCL's hotline or repair center for professional technical assistance. Find contact information on the TCL website.

10 Contact of TCL hotline and service centers

For official professional repair from TCL, visit HOTLINE & SERVICE CENTERS to find contact information for your country/region.

11 Disassembly and reassembly

11.1 Basic tools

⚠️ Warning: Wear proper protective equipment for your safety when repairing devices. Additional tools may be required for specific steps.

11.2 Disassembly for replacement

Before disassembling:

1. Back up the device's data.
2. Discharge the battery fully.
3. Turn off the device.
4. Disconnect all cables.
5. Remove all cases and covers.
6. Clear and clean your workspace.
7. Put on an ESD wrist strap and attach it to a properly grounded ESD mat.
8. The product's composition may vary depending on the country, region, or carrier.

For all cases of broken glass:

Please refer to "4 Broken Glass Safety" first. To prevent broken glass scattering, attach an acrylic protective cover to the screen. Screen glass cannot be separated alone from the screen module. If the glass is broken, the whole screen module must be replaced. If you are having difficulty doing the repair, take the device to a TCL authorized repair center for help.

SIM Tray and Memory Card Tray:

To pop out the SIM tray, insert a SIM-eject pin into the hole beside the tray. Push in towards the device, but do not force it.

Image Description: Two images show the side of the tablet. The first image highlights the SIM tray slot. An arrow indicates inserting a SIM eject pin into the hole. The second image shows the SIM tray partially ejected, with a SIM card and memory card inserted.

Display Assembly:

Remove SIM Tray and Memory Card Tray before you begin.

Image Description: The back of the tablet is shown being heated with a heat gun along the edges. Text indicates a heating temperature of 75°C for 5-8 minutes.

Image Description: A red suction cup is attached to the bottom edge of the screen. A red plastic plectrum is being inserted into the gap between the screen and the frame to begin separation.

Diagram Description: The tablet screen is shown with green arrows indicating the path to slide a plastic plectrum along the edge to separate the screen assembly. A red circle highlights a caution area.

Image Description: The tablet is shown with the screen assembly being lifted from the USB port side. A yellow arrow indicates the direction of lift. A red circle highlights a caution area.

Image Description: The tablet is shown with the screen assembly partially lifted, revealing internal components and cables. A yellow arrow points to the LCD BTB (Board-to-Board) connector.

Image Description: A small metal bracket labeled 'LCD BTB Fix STEEL' is shown with three small screws. Text indicates part number BMA1421252C3, quantity 3, and torque 0.8kgf.cm.

Image Description: The internal components of the tablet are shown. Red circles highlight screw locations. A separate image shows the 'LCD BTB Fix STEEL' bracket.

Diagram Description: The motherboard is shown with numbered connectors. Arrow 1 points to the battery connector, labeled '(must be disconnected first)'. Arrow 2 points to the display connector.

Image Description: The tablet is shown with the LCD and Touch Panel assembly removed, revealing the battery and other internal components.

Image Description: The LCD connector is shown with a blue rectangle highlighting the Mylar protective film to be removed.

Image Description: Two images show the LCM FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) connector being disconnected. The first image shows the connector latch, and the second shows the FPC removed.

Image Description: The back of the tablet is shown with the display assembly removed. Text 'Display assembly' is overlaid on the screen area.

Battery:

Remove the following parts before you begin: SIM Tray and Memory Card Tray.

Image Description: The top part of the disassembled tablet is shown. Blue rectangles highlight the Front Camera Rubber Cover and P-Sensor Rubber Cover to be removed.

Image Description: Two images show the front camera connector being disconnected. The first shows the connector location, and the second shows the connector unplugged.

Image Description: The Furnished Middle Casing is shown placed on a heating platform with the battery facing up. Text indicates heating at 75°C for 5 minutes.

Image Description: The internal view of the tablet is shown with the battery in place. Red boxes highlight the adhesive strips securing the battery. A yellow arrow indicates inserting a plastic scraper along the gap to separate the battery.

⚠️ Warning: Please be careful not to press or squeeze on the battery by force. If you're having difficulty doing the repair, take your device to a TCL authorized repair center for help.

❗ Caution: Do not damage the front camera.

⚠️ Warning: 1. Please use new battery and battery adhesive for re-assembly. Battery PN: CAC5820009C5. Battery adhesive PN: BPA76P0003C0. 2. Do not disassemble the battery unless necessary; it cannot be reused once disassembled.

Cameras, Speakers, Audio Jack, Type C Connector, MIC, Keys:

Remove the following parts before you begin.

Image Description: The internal components of the tablet are shown. Red circles highlight screw locations. Text indicates screws are part number BMA1421252C3 (Qty: 2, Torque: 0.8kgf.cm) and BMA1430252C3 (Qty: 8, Torque: 0.8kgf.cm).

Image Description: Four ZIF-Cont Mylar connectors are highlighted with blue rectangles.

Image Description: The DIV Antenna Bracket Assembly is shown. A yellow arrow indicates disconnecting a cable. A red exclamation mark highlights the buckle position.

Image Description: The Main Antenna Bracket Assembly is shown being removed. A blue arrow indicates the direction of removal.

Image Description: The speaker box area is shown with screws highlighted by red circles. Text indicates screws are part number BMA1421252C3 (Qty: 8, Torque: 0.8kgf.cm).

Image Description: Two images show the speaker boxes and cables being separated from the Furnished Middle Casing. Yellow arrows indicate the separation points.

Image Description: The PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) with speaker box is shown being removed from the Furnished Middle Casing. A yellow arrow indicates the removal path.

Image Description: The removed PCBA with speaker box is shown.

Image Description: The main camera module is shown being removed. A yellow arrow indicates the connector.

Image Description: Two images show the front camera module being removed.

Image Description: Two images show the Speaker BOX -R and Speaker BOX-left being removed with a solder iron.

Image Description: The earphone seal rubber and USB seal rubber components are shown being removed.

Image Description: The motherboard is shown with numbered components to be removed using a hot air gun: 1) Audio Jack, 2) Type C Connector, 3) MIC.

Image Description: The side of the tablet is shown with volume and power keys being removed.

11.3 Reassembly process.

To reassemble the device, follow the disassembly instructions in reverse order. Note the following:

1. Double-side sponge tape and adhesives on the battery or cover must be replaced with new ones. Conductive tapes and copper tapes are selectively replaced based on condition.
2. Pay attention to the direction of Speaker BOX -R and Speaker BOX-left, and the '+' & '-' polarities when assembling.
3. There are two kinds of screws; pay attention to their position and torque. Screws can be reused.
4. For battery re-assembly, follow these steps carefully:

⚠️ Warning: Please read the 5 Battery Safety section first. If you are having difficulty, take the device to a TCL authorized repair center for help.

Image Description: The internal view of the tablet is shown. Blue rectangles highlight the remaining battery adhesive. A yellow arrow indicates cleaning the adhesive thoroughly.

Image Description: New battery adhesive is shown being applied to the Furnished Middle Casing. A second image shows the new battery aligned and firmly attached to the casing.

⚠️ Warning: Do not leave any abnormal objects (e.g., debris, loose screws, extra screws, etc.) inside the device before re-assembling.

Image Description: The PCBA is shown being reconnected to the battery connector.

Image Description: An example of a battery's QR code and S/N information is displayed. Instructions are provided to scan the QR code or manually input the battery S/N via Settings -> Wi-Fi -> Device Wi-Fi MAC address (tap 8 times) -> enter 6273 -> scan QR code or input S/N.

Connect the tablet to network, then go to Settings -> Smart Manager -> Battery -> Battery health to check the 'Manufacture date' and confirm successful save of new battery information.

Image Description: A TP press adapter with a platform and clamp mechanism is shown. Text indicates KGF= 80.4N; Time=15s.

12 Explode View

The following table lists the components shown in the exploded view diagram:

13 Electric Diagram Block

Block diagram illustrating the electrical connections and major components of the TCL TAB 10L LTE Gen 4. It shows the main processor (MT8786) connected to various modules including memory (LPDDR4X, eMMC), SIM card, WiFi/BT/GPS, audio, charging IC, sensors (ALS/P, Hall, G-Sensor, etc.), cameras (Main, Front), display (MIPI_DSI), and USB Type-C.