Dismantling the Nüvi 3xx series.

(You may like to also check this web site, for an alternative approach.)

 

Two ‘special’ tools are required.

 

• T6 Torx screwdriver
• Mobile phone opening tool.

 

The ‘mobile phone opening tool’ is made of softer plastic than the Nüvi case and helps prevent marking it. There are many suppliers of these tools to be found on Ebay.  You will also need a Philips screwdriver, and something ‘long and pointy’ (I have small screwdriver, filed to a point that came in handy).

 

Before opening the case itself, the flip-out Aerial assembly has to be opened and removed. There are two obvious Torx screws holding it together, and once removed, two more screws will be found underneath, that hold the top of the case together.

 

This is how the Aerial assembly is constructed. There are three plastic pieces and one spring.

 

 

 

To remove the Aerial assembly, remove the two Torx screws holding it together, and then open it as far as possible. Insert a sharp pointed object and push the spring-loaded pin to the right, so that it disengages from the Nüvi case. At this point, the shell can be separated and removed, leaving the actual Aerial still connected by its ribbon cable. Do not lose the Pin and the spring!

 

 

 

Now the two Torx screws that hold the case together are revealed and can be removed.

 

 

The case can now be slowly prised apart, using the ‘Mobile phone opening tool’. Start at the bottom of the Nüvi (somewhere near the headphone jack seems a good point).

 

 

 

Work around the case, until it is all separated (doing the lower edge first, seemed easiest).

 

 

 

Once it is all separated, the case can be carefully opened, starting at the top surface.

 

NOTE: At this point, it will appear to be hinged at its bottom surface. This is because of the ribbon cables that connect to the LCD screen. There are two of these. The larger is for the screen itself and the small one is for the touch-sensitive function. The trick is, to open the case just far enough to give access to the Philips screw that holds the PCB in place. If you open the case too far, then these cables can easily pop out of their connectors. (Guess how I know this! L  )

 

The ribbon cable for the Aerial does have to be disconnected, to allow the PCB assembly to be separated from the rear case.

 

 

 

Once the Philips screw is removed, the PCB can be folded back on top of the LCD screen and the rear case separated. This reveals the battery, which is held in place by adhesive tape!!

 

 

If required, the back case section can be completely removed, by disconnecting the speaker and battery leads.

 

The battery is marked “1A1A613F1”, Garmin Part No. 361-00019-02. It is manufactured by Samsung and is a Lithium-ion item, rated at 3.7V 1250mA.Hr