TicWatch S2 Vibration Motor Repair
Complete guide to TicWatch S2 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 TicWatch S2. 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: Power down your watch
Before starting repairs, take your watch off the charger and power it down.
Remove the watch band.
Step 2: Loosen the adhesive
Apply a [link|https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iOpener+Instructions/11677|new_window=true|heated iOpener] to the rear side of the watch for 5 minutes to loosen the adhesive underneath.
A hair dryer, [link|https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+Use+a+Heat+Gun+to+Soften+Adhesive/151116|new_window=true|heat gun], or hot plate may also be used, but be careful not to overheat the device.
Step 3: Insert an opening pick
Insert an opening pick into the recess between the watch frame and the top edge of the back cover.
Push the opening pick to create a gap between the back cover and the watch frame.
Step 4: Pry up the back cover assembly
Twist the opening pick to widen the gap between the back cover assembly and the watch frame.
Pry upward to loosen the back cover assembly.
Don't try to remove the back cover assembly all the way yet. It's still connected to the motherboard.
Step 5: Free the back cover assembly
Carefully lift up the bottom edge of the back cover assembly to make sure it isn't adhered to the watch frame anymore.
Avoid straining or tearing the sensor or battery cables.
Step 6: Open the watch
Grab the back cover assembly and carefully bring it into an upright position next to the watch housing.
Step 7: Disconnect the battery cable
Use a spudger to disconnect the battery cable by prying the connector straight up from its socket.
To re-attach [https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Recognizing+&+Disconnecting+Cable+Connectors/25629#s70308|press connectors|new_window=true] like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Do not press down on the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend, causing permanent damage.
Step 8: Disconnect the sensor cable
Use a spudger to disconnect the sensor cable by prying the connector straight up from its socket.
Step 9: Remove the back cover assembly
Remove the back cover assembly.
Step 10: Disconnect the display cables
Use a spudger to disconnect the right display cable by prying the connector straight up from its socket.
Step 11:
Use a spudger to disconnect the left display cable by prying the connector straight up from its socket.
Step 12: Free the display cable
Carefully slide an opening pick underneath the display cable to separate it from the motherboard.
Use your opening pick to fold the display cable in an upright position.
Step 13: Unfasten the motherboard screws
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the four 4.1 mm-long screws securing the motherboard.
Step 14: Pry up the motherboard
Insert a spudger underneath the edge of the motherboard opposite to the watch buttons.
Pry up to loosen the motherboard.
Step 15: Remove the motherboard
Use a pair of [product|IF145-020|tweezers] to remove the motherboard.
Step 16: Loosen the display adhesive
Apply a heated iOpener to the screen for 5 minutes to loosen the adhesive underneath.
A hair dryer, [link|https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+Use+a+Heat+Gun+to+Soften+Adhesive/151116|new_window=true|heat gun], or hot plate may also be used, but be careful not to overheat the device.
Step 17: Insert an iFlex
Insert an iFlex into the gap between the watch frame and the screen.
Step 18: Separate the screen
Slide the iFlex around the screen to cut through the display adhesive.
Step 19: Pry up the screen
Twist the iFlex to pry up the screen and to separate it from the watch housing.
Step 20: Remove the screen
Remove the screen.
📖 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 TicWatch S2 instead of replacing it, you're preventing approximately 29 kg of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new TicWatch S2 generates 31 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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