MICROSOFT SURFACE LAPTOP 3 1868 (01) PDF Document

The following terms are used throughout the service manual for your MICROSOFT SURFACE LAPTOP 3 1868:

ASP – a Microsoft Authorized Service Provider who performs repair services on behalf of Microsoft under an ASP Agreement

Commercial Spares/CRU – Customer Replaceable Units available to commercial customers for repair by a skilled-technician

feet or foot – Non-Skid Foot Pads

C-cover – Keyboard Trackpad Assembly

rSSD – Removable Solid-State Drive

AB-cover – Display Assembly or AB-Cover Display Assembly

BMR – Bare Metal Recovery refers to the clean imaging process.

chassis or D-chassis or D-bucket – Device bottom case

SDT – Surface Diagnostic Toolkit

ESD – Electro-Static Discharge

FPC – Flexible Printed Circuits connections

FRU – Field Replaceable Units are sub-system components such as the C-cover, AB-cover, and rSSD. FRU are available only to ASPs. Some replaceable units will only be available as FRUs and therefore are only supported at an ASP.

IPA – Isopropyl alcohol which should be used to clean adhesive from device as detailed within process steps. Use 70% IPA in all cases.

The following tools are recommended for servicing your MICROSOFT SURFACE LAPTOP 3 1868:

Microsoft Recommended Service Jigs:

ESD-safe battery cover

Standard Service Tools:

Anti-static wrist strap (1 MOhm resistance)

ESD-safe benchtop

Surface Laptop Power Supply

USB hub (3 ports required)

USB keyboard (standard PC keyboard)

USB mouse (standard PC mouse)

Standard PC monitor with HDMI or DVI input

Mini-DP port to HDMI/DVI dongle

Spudger tool

Clamps (2), 50.8mm (2 in) spring

Torx plus drivers 3IP,5IP,6IP

Isopropyl alcohol dispenser bottle (use 70% IPA)

Cleaning swabs

ESD-safe tweezers

Guitar pick opening tool

Heavy duty suction cups (2) – 57.15mm (2.25 in)

Plastic feeler gauge – 0.40mm

Plastic feeler gauge – 0.50mm

Plastic feeler gauge – 0.050mm

Always observe the following general safety precautions when repairing your MICROSOFT SURFACE LAPTOP 3 1868:

Opening and/or repairing any electronic device can present a risk of electric shock, fire, serious personal injury, death, damage to the device or other property, and/or other hazards. Exercise caution when undertaking the repair activities described in this Guide. The repair activities identified in this Guide should only be undertaken by technically inclined individuals with the knowledge, experience, and specialized tools required to repair Microsoft devices.

Improper use or handling of devices or their batteries may result in fire or explosion. Only open the enclosure on a device as outlined in this Guide.

Do not heat, puncture, mutilate, or dispose of devices or their batteries in fire. Do not leave or charge devices in direct sunlight or expose devices or their batteries to temperatures outside the recommended operating range of 0° C to 60° C/32° F to 140° F for an extended period. Doing so can result in battery failure, electric shock, fire, serious personal injury, death, and/or damage to the device or other property.

We recommend wearing protective eyewear and gloves when disassembling/re-assembling a device.

Before starting any repair on your MICROSOFT SURFACE LAPTOP 3 1868, please observe the following precautions:

Before opening a device, ensure it is powered off and disconnected from its power source. Disconnect the device charger or power cord from mains power.

For devices with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that power on, fully discharge the battery before beginning repair. To expedite the battery discharge process: Disconnect the charger from the device, increase display brightness to the highest level, turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, open the Camera app in Windows, and play music or video files from a local drive or streaming service. Operate the device in this mode until the battery is fully discharged and the device powers off.

Ensure your work surface is level/flat and covered with an ESD-safe, soft, non-marring material.

Wear protective eyewear as a safety precaution when disassembling/re-assembling a device.

Clean your work surface regularly to remove debris and abrasive particles.

Before opening a device, always wear an anti-static wrist strap and confirm your work area is properly grounded to protect vulnerable electronics from electrostatic discharge (ESD).

Parts removed from a device should be stored in ESD-safe bags and packaged for return or recycling in the same packaging that the new replacement part came in.

If battery damage (e.g., leaking, expansion, folds, or other) is discovered, DO NOT proceed. Contact Microsoft for proper device disposition.

As you remove each subassembly, place it (and all accompanying screws) away from the work area to prevent damage.

During all activities, check to ensure that no loose articles are on the back cover or remain inside the device before reassembling it.

Remove the rSSD (removable Solid-State Drive) whenever the C-cover is removed from the device for safety purposes.

Powering on the device requires that the rSSD and C-cover are installed if the rSSD has been removed.

Your MICROSOFT SURFACE LAPTOP 3 1868 contains a built-in, lithium-ion rechargeable battery. Follow these best practices when handling the battery:

Always fully discharge batteries by running an application such as video playback with the device unplugged. If the device does not function while unplugged, you may leave out this step.

Do not puncture, impact, strike, bend, or crush the battery or a device containing a battery.

Keep your workspace clear of debris, extra tools, and sharp objects.

Exercise caution when using sharp tools near the battery to avoid impacting or poking the battery.

Don’t leave loose screws or small parts inside the device.

Avoid using tools that conduct electricity.

Do not drop or throw a lithium-ion battery.

Do not expose the battery to excessive heat, sunlight, or temperatures outside the battery’s normal operating range (0°C to 60°C)/(32°F to 140°F).

Ensure you handle, recycle, and/or dispose of used or damaged batteries in accordance with local laws and regulations.

If device repair cannot be completed immediately and needs to be stored: Select a storage location that follows battery safety precautions, avoid exposing the device to conditions that could damage the battery pack, and reinspect the battery pack before restarting the repair.

Upon opening your MICROSOFT SURFACE LAPTOP 3 1868, visually inspect the battery for signs of damage. Factors to consider include:

Evidence of leaking or venting.

Visible signs of physical or mechanical damage, such as:

Expansion or swelling. The soft pouch encasing the cell pulls away from the inner material and appears baggy, loose, or puffy.

Discoloration of the battery casing.

Odor, smell, or visible corrosion. Leaked battery electrolyte smells like nail polish remover (acetone).

Dents along the battery cell edges or on the top surface.

Surface scratches that have exposed the aluminum beneath the black coating layer on the battery.

Loose or damaged wires.

Known misuse or abuse.

Any battery exhibiting these signs must be replaced.

DO NOT dispose of used lithium-ion batteries, whether damaged or not, in household or commercial garbage or recycling bins.

WARNING: DO NOT SHIP DAMAGED OR DEFECTIVE BATTERIES ALONE OR INSIDE DEVICES. Damaged or defective batteries and devices containing them require special packaging and handling. Prior to transport:

Follow all instructions provided by your local e-waste recycling or household hazardous waste collection provider.

Place the device or battery in an individual, non-metallic inner packaging, such as a zip-to-close plastic bag, that completely encloses it.

Surround the inner packaging with non-combustible, electrically non-conductive, absorbent cushioning material.

Each damaged battery or device containing a damaged battery should be packed individually in its own carton, and that carton should be clearly marked as containing a damaged battery.

A thermal event is a rapid chemical chain reaction inside a battery cell. Act immediately if you see any of the following symptoms:

Smoke, soot, sparks, or flame emitted from the battery or device.

The battery pouch suddenly expands in size.

A popping or hissing noise from the battery or device.

Actions to take:

DO NOT use water. Immediately smother the battery or device with clean, dry sand, a fire blanket, or an appropriate (Class B) fire extinguisher. If using sand, dump it all at once until the device is completely covered.

Contact local fire authorities if further assistance is needed.

Exit the work area and ventilate it until it is clear of smoke.

Wait at least 2 hours before attempting to touch the device.

Dispose of the damaged battery or device in accordance with local environmental or e-waste laws and guidelines.

If your MICROSOFT SURFACE LAPTOP 3 1868 visually exhibits any of the following symptoms, cease all further repair efforts and contact Microsoft Surface Customer Support:

Any burned or melted components, traces, or plastic parts on the outside of the device, or which otherwise exhibits heat damage, including charring seen in charging and other ports.

Any burned or melted components, traces, or plastic parts on the inside of the device, or which otherwise exhibits heat damage.

Any accessories exhibiting melting or heat damage that are included with the device, such as power supplies, keyboards, mice, cables, charging connectors, etc.

Any devices that exhibit a case that has separated apart or opened for reasons other than impact damage from dropping, evidence of tampering, or separation caused by a malfunctioning battery.

Any other finding that may constitute a safety hazard to the user, such as sharp edges on plastics.

The following approach should be taken when troubleshooting your MICROSOFT SURFACE LAPTOP 3 1868:

1. Update the device to the latest OS/FW versions using the SDT tool. Device updates are required as a prerequisite to all hardware repairs.

2. Verify any suspected hardware failures by setting the device in a known OS/FW version state and running SDT to verify the fault:

a. Replace the device’s internal rSSD with a BMR imaged rSSD containing the latest OS and FW updates (not supplied – must be created as a fault verification jig/tool).

b. Run SDT and verify if the condition persists or if it is resolved with the use of the BMR imaged drive.

i. If the problem is resolved, then re-image the original rSSD or replace the original rSSD and image.

ii. If the problem persists, then replace the suspected hardware FRU related to the problem by following the detailed replacement procedures.

3. SDT must be run following all hardware repairs where a FRU was replaced to further verify that the problem was resolved by the repair action taken.

Required Tools and Components:

Plastic tweezers / spudger

Isopropyl Alcohol Dispenser Bottle (use only 70% IPA)

Cleaning swabs

Clamps (2), 2″ Irwin spring or 4.5″ Fastpro

Plastic feeler gauge – 0.050mm

New Feet

Prerequisite Steps:

Power off the device and disconnect it from the power supply.

Follow general safety and ESD compliance steps.

Flip the device over onto a clean, debris-free surface with the bottom facing up.

Procedure – Removal (Non-Skid Foot Pad)

1. Front foot removal: Insert the pointed end of a plastic Spudger tool from the long side of the device under the foot, at the designed gap in the center of the outside edge. Push in towards the middle of the device at a low angle. Use tweezers or the spudger to lift one edge, then grasp and pull the foot from the D-bucket.

2. Rear foot removal: Perform the same steps as for the front feet, but from the back side of the device along the long edge.

3. Adhesive removal: Remove any adhesive liners in the foot pockets. Use IPA and cotton wipes to clean off all adhesive residue. Inspect the area carefully to ensure no clear liner remains.

Procedure – Installation (Non-Skid Feet)

1. Prepare new front feet: Remove the protective sheet to expose the adhesive. Align the 3 posts with their pockets on the bottom of the unit and hand press the foot in until it sits flat. Repeat for the other front foot.

2. Clamp replaced feet: Align and center the press head of a clamp onto the front feet. Clamp both front feet for 4 minutes.

3. Inspect for anomalies: Check for cosmetic damage or gaps between the feet and the D-bucket. If a gap exists, use a feeler gauge to verify it is smaller than 0.05 mm. If larger, replace the foot.

4. Prepare new back feet: Remove the protective sheet to expose the adhesive. Insert the foot into the pocket on the bottom side of the unit and hand press until it sits flat.

5. Clamp replaced feet: Align and center the press head of the clamp onto the rear feet. Clamp both rear feet for 4 minutes.

6. Inspect for anomalies: Check for damage or gaps. If a gap exists, verify it is smaller than 0.05 mm with a feeler gauge.

7. Run SDT: Run the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit to ensure all device features function as expected. Before transporting, it is recommended to let the device sit feet-down on a tabletop for at least 12 hours.

Yes, if clamps are not available, you can use the following alternate procedure for installing non-skid feet on your MICROSOFT SURFACE LAPTOP 3 1868.

1. Prepare new front feet: To reassemble the front foot, remove the protective sheet to expose the adhesive. Align the 3 posts with their respective pockets on the bottom side of the unit and hand press the foot in until it sits flat. Complete these steps for the other front foot.

2. Pinch replaced feet: Placing the keyboard and foot between your thumb and index finger as shown, pinch the foot tightly with your thumb and hold for 20 seconds.

3. Inspect for anomalies: Inspect the feet after pinching to ensure no cosmetic damage or gaps between the foot and the chassis exist. If a gap exists, use a feeler gauge to verify it is smaller than 0.05 mm. If it is larger, replace the foot.

4. Prepare new back feet: To reassemble the back feet, remove the protective sheet to expose the adhesive on the foot. Insert the foot into the pocket on the bottom side of the unit and hand press the foot in until it sits flat.

5. Pinch replaced feet: Placing the keyboard and foot between your thumb and index finger, pinch the foot tightly with your thumb and hold for 20 seconds.

6. Inspect for anomalies: Check for cosmetic damage or gaps. If a gap exists, verify it is smaller than 0.05 mm.

7. Run SDT: Run the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit to ensure all device features function as expected. Before transporting, it is recommended to let the device sit feet-down on a tabletop for at least 12 hours.

Required Tools and Components:

Software Tool – SDT

Isopropyl Alcohol Dispenser (use only 70% IPA)

5IP (Torx plus) driver

Anti-static wrist strap (1M Ohm resistance)

Recommended: ESD-safe battery cover

New C-cover with 4 new 5IP screws

Prerequisite Steps:

Power off and unplug the device.

Follow general safety and ESD guidelines.

Remove the non-skid feet and ensure all foot adhesive is removed from the screw sockets.

Procedure – Removal (Metal Type)

1. Remove C-cover screws: Using a 5IP (Torx plus) driver, uninstall 1 screw from each of the four foot sockets. Ensure the driver is seated correctly to avoid stripping the screw heads.

2. Separate C-cover from device: Turn the device over and open the display. Grab the C-cover edge closest to the display and slowly remove the C-cover at an angle. Do not pull the C-cover apart beyond 45 degrees to avoid damaging the FPC.

3. Position C-cover for FPC removal: After lifting the C-cover from the magnets, angle and hover it so the antenna side is facing down and the C-cover FPC is accessible.

4. Disconnect FPCs: While hovering the C-cover, disconnect the FPC from the main board by pulling up on the metal head vertically. Place the C-cover in a safe place with the key and trackpad side down. It is recommended to place an ESD-safe battery cover over the device’s battery.

Procedure – Installation (Metal Type)

1. Pre-installation Device Inspection: Verify the battery’s condition and check the Liquid Damage Indicator (LDI) inside the audio jack. If issues are found, the unit may require replacement.

2. Check for unexpected items: Check the C-cover and device enclosure for any loose articles or foreign objects, especially around the magnets and battery.

3. Install rSSD: Follow the rSSD installation procedure.

4. Remove tape: Remove the shipping tape from the new C-cover FPC.

5. Connect C-cover FPC: Remove the battery cover. Hover the C-cover over the device and connect the FPC to the main board by pressing the connection with your finger.

6. Align the C-cover: Properly align the cover using the front edge alignment posts. Carefully place the C-cover back onto the unit and shift until it snaps into place.

7. Install C-cover Screws: Close the display. Turn the unit over and use a 5IP screwdriver to install the 4 new screws. Install until just snug, then turn another 45 degrees (1/8 turn).

8. Run SDT: Run the diagnostic tool to ensure all functions operate as expected.

9. Install Feet: If tests pass, follow the procedure for installing the non-skid feet.

Required Tools and Components:

Software Tool – SDT

Isopropyl Alcohol Dispenser (use only 70% IPA)

5IP (Torx plus) driver

Anti-static wrist strap

Recommended: ESD-safe battery cover

New rSSD and a new 5IP screw

Prerequisite Steps:

Power off and unplug the device.

Follow general safety and ESD guidelines.

Remove the non-skid feet.

Remove the C-cover.

Procedure – Removal (rSSD)

1. Remove rSSD Screw: Use a 5IP (Torx-Plus) driver to remove the screw securing the rSSD. Be very careful to position the screwdriver directly over the screw and avoid slipping towards the battery.

2. Remove rSSD: The rSSD should lift upwards to a ~15 degree tilt after the screw is removed. Carefully grab the sides of the rSSD case and pull it out of the main board socket at the same ~15 degree angle. Confirm the condition of the thermal pillow beneath the rSSD; it should be intact.

Procedure – Installation (rSSD)

1. Insert rSSD: Insert the connector end of the rSSD into the SSD connector on the Mainboard at a ~15 degree angle. Only a Microsoft rSSD of like capacity should be used.

2. Install new rSSD screw: Use a 5IP screwdriver to install a new rSSD screw until it is just snug, then turn it another 45 degrees (1/8 turn) until fully fastened.

3. Install C-cover: Follow the steps for C-cover Keyboard Assembly installation.

4. Imaging new rSSD: Power on the device. Apply a new image to the rSSD using a BMR Imaging key specific to the device model.

5. Run SDT: Run the diagnostic tool to ensure all device features and functions operate as expected.

6. Install Feet: If SDT tests pass, follow the steps for non-skid feet installation.

The following tables list the service parts for the MICROSOFT SURFACE LAPTOP 3 1868 and other compatible models. Note that service part availability is segmented into FRUs (for Authorized Service Providers) and CRUs/Spares (for skilled technicians).

(1) Non-Skid Feet

(2) C-cover Keyboard Assembly (Metal)

(3) Removable Solid-State Drive (rSSD)

(4) AB-cover Display Assembly