Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Display Replacement
By Erik Snyder • Difficulty: Very difficult
Introduction

Things to know before you dive in:

- This repair is very challenging. Unless you are very confident in your DIY skills, it may be a better option to take it to a professional, or maybe even... Microsoft.

- Be sure to replace the screen with the correct version. Most devices are stock with the V1.1 screen/digitizer. If you are replacing the screen/digitizer with the wrong version, your results may vary.

- It is imperative to make sure the metal casing is not bent. If your metal casing is even slightly bent, your new screen will not fit because the tolerances are very tight. Carefully bend it back or take it to a professional.

Step 1
  • Before you begin, discharge the Surface Pro's battery below 25%. A charged lithium-ion battery can catch fire and/or explode if accidentally damaged during the repair.
  • The display is strongly glued to the frame of the device.
  • To remove the display, first soften the adhesive by applying heat. You can use a heat pad, heat gun, or iOpener. In a pinch, a hair dryer can also work.
  • Be careful when using a heat gun, as too much heat can permanently damage the display and/or battery.
  • Steadily and evenly heat the perimeter of the display until it's too hot to touch, and try to maintain that temperature for several minutes.
Step 2
  • Use a suction cup or an iSclack to pull up on the glass and create a slight gap between the glass and the metal frame.
  • If your display is badly cracked, a suction cup may not adhere. It may help to first cover the display with a layer of packing tape. Alternatively, you can superglue your suction cup to the display.
  • Carefully insert an opening pick into the gap between the screen and the device to cut the adhesive.
  • Slide the pick around the sides and bottom of the display to cut the adhesive. Apply more heat as needed.
  • Work carefully—the glass is thin and will crack easily if you try to force it.
  • The wi-fi antennas are glued under the screen border along the top edge (on either side of the camera), and can be damaged easily. Use extra care when separating the top edge, and apply more heat if necessary.
Step 3
  • Continue to heat sections of the screen with the heat gun.
  • As you make your way around the screen with the heat gun, use the plastic opening tool and the opening picks to pry the screen loose.
  • The screen is extremely thin and very easy to break. Be careful working with broken glass.
Step 4
  • Lift the screen up carefully so that no wires are torn.
Step 5
  • Remove the 3 mm T3 Torx screw securing the battery connector, and disconnect the battery connector.
  • Be careful not lose the small, rectangular bridge connector that lies underneath.
Step 6
  • Remove the single 4 mm T3 Torx screw securing the display cable.
  • Lift the connector to disconnect the cable.
  • Be careful not lose the small, rectangular bridge connector that lies underneath.
Step 7
  • Grasp the orange cable connected to the silver connecter.
  • Carefully lift the orange cable up until the connecter pops off.
  • The screen will now be completely disconnected.
  • The replacement display may not include all the parts needed for installation. Save all the parts from the original display, and transfer them to the new display as needed.
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order. Once reassembled you may be required to do some additional steps such as updating firmware and drivers or even reverting your device to factory reset.