Asus MeMO Pad HD 8 ME180A SIM Card Reader Replacement

Rebecca Ellerhorst and 2 other contributors

Last updated on May 7, 2024

20 minutes

Difficult

Introduction

You will learn how to replace the SIM card reader. Review this guide if you are having difficulties with the SIM card reader. In order to replace the SIM card reader, you have to remove the battery. Please use our Asus MeMO Pad HD 8 ME180A Battery Replacement Guide to do so prior to starting.

What you need

Tools

Step 1 Battery

Asus MeMO Pad HD 8 ME180A SIM Card Reader Replacement, Battery: step 1, image 1 of 2

Asus MeMO Pad HD 8 ME180A SIM Card Reader Replacement, Battery: step 1, image 2 of 2

Use a plastic opening tool to separate the back half from the front half.
Pull the back panel away from the device.
The volume buttons can fall out of the case. Be careful not to lose them.

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Step 2

Tool used on this step:

Anti-Static Wrist Strap

$7.95

Add To Cart

Ensure that you are wearing your Anti-Static Wrist Strap.

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Step 3

Asus MeMO Pad HD 8 ME180A SIM Card Reader Replacement: step 3, image 3 of 3

Lift the white bar on the ZIF connector and pull the metal connector out.

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Step 4

Using your spudger, press down on the two spots shown in order to release the cables.
Ensure that the touchscreen cables are fully disconnected.

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Step 5

Using a PH#0 screwdriver, remove the twelve silver 3.2 mm screws.
Pull the battery out.

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Step 6 Motherboard

Asus MeMO Pad HD 8 ME180A SIM Card Reader Replacement, Motherboard: step 6, image 1 of 1

Disconnect GPS Antenna cable.

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Step 7

Flip the latch and pull the ribbon cable to disconnect the ZIF connector.

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Step 8

Flip the latch and pull the ribbon cable to disconnect the ZIF connector.

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Step 9

Use a PH#0 screwdriver to unscrew the six 3.0 mm black screws.
Lift the motherboard straight up to remove.

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Step 10 SIM Card Reader

Asus MeMO Pad HD 8 ME180A SIM Card Reader Replacement, SIM Card Reader: step 10, image 1 of 1

Tool used on this step:

Tweezers

$4.99

Add To Cart

Upon removal of the motherboard, desolder the pins that hold the SIM card reader in place.
Soldering irons tend to get very hot. Be careful not to burn yourself.
Check out iFixit's Soldering Technique Guide to brush up on your soldering skills.
Using a pair of tweezers, if desired, pull the sim card straight out.