Garmin Forerunner 255 Vibration Motor Repair
Complete guide to Garmin Forerunner 255 vibration motor repair. Cost estimates, difficulty level, time required, and environmental impact.
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💰 Cost Breakdown
💡 Tip: Costs vary by location and repair shop. Authorized service centers typically charge more than independent repair shops.
🔧 Repair Overview
Vibration Motor Repair is one of the most common repairs for Garmin Forerunner 255. This repair involves replacing the damaged haptic component with a new or refurbished part. The process typically takes 30 min - 1 hour and requires easy skill level.
🔧 Required Tools
What You'll Need
- Replacement haptic part (OEM or aftermarket)
- Precision screwdriver set (Phillips #000 or pentalobe)
- Opening tools (plastic spudger, suction cup)
- Adhesive strips or glue
- Clean workspace with good lighting
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Remove bands
Remove bands from the watch., they will be annoying later in the process.
Step 2: Heating the watch
Heat the watch using a heat gun. I tried using iOpener, didn't work. Heat the watch along the yellow strip, that's where the watch is glued together.
Step 3:
Wedge the iFixit Opening Tool between the display part and the rest of the body. The strip around the watch (yellow in my case) is on the screen part of the case, so try to put the tool underneath it. If you can't put the tool between, try pulling on the screen part like in the picture. That worked best for me.
Reheat the watch whenever it feels cold.
Step 4: The screen
When the screen is relatively loose, use iFixit Opening Pick to remove it completely. Circle around the watch with the tool and it'll come loose. The watch doesn't need to be very hot in this step - the screen doesn't hold very well anymore.
Be careful while removing the screen not to damage the flexible cable that connects the screen.
Step 5: The motherboard
Remove the screen cable, and the heart rate sensor.
Unscrew 4 screws.
Step 6: Buttons
I had a malfunctioning button. Actually it tore apart from the PCB. Mine was still working, but in case anyone needs to replace theirs, it's the Panasonic EVPAEBB2A. Other EVPAE models have different pressure force, but should work too. Except for EVPAE_E2A, those have different terminal shapes. You can check the [link|https://api.pim.na.industrial.panasonic.com/file_stream/main/fileversion/275745|datasheet|new_window=true]
📖 Repair guide provided by iFixit - The free repair manual. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.
iFixit Difficulty: Moderate | Time: NaNh NaNm
DIY vs Professional Repair
✋ DIY Repair
- ✅ Lower cost (parts only: $24-$66)
- ✅ Learn new skills
- ❌ Risk of further damage
- ❌ No warranty
- ❌ Requires tools and time
🔧 Professional Repair
- ✅ Expert installation
- ✅ Warranty included
- ✅ Faster turnaround
- ❌ Higher cost ($40-$110)
- ❌ Need to find reputable shop
Environmental Impact
By choosing to repair your Garmin Forerunner 255 instead of replacing it, you're preventing approximately 32 kg of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new Garmin Forerunner 255 generates 34 kg of CO₂, while this repair only produces about 2 kg of CO₂. That's a 94% reduction in carbon emissions!
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