Sonos Roam Large Ribbon Replacement

Written By: Lauren Young

Comments: 13

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

40 minutes

Introduction

If your Sonos Roam is unresponsive then try this guide to replace the large ribbon.

The large ribbon connects the inner and outer circuit boards. This allows for it to transmit energy and information throughout the device that allows for it to function properly.

Before using this guide, try rebooting your Sonos Roam.

There are steps that recommend (not require) the use of the iOpener. This will help with carefully removing the adhesive used to keep this device together. Refer to this link on how to properly use the iOpener.

Tools

Step 1

Power off your Sonos Roam before beginning disassembly.
Use the metal spudger to pry the end cap with the buttons.
Pry from all sides to loosen the adhesive.
Use the iOpener, a blowdryer, or a similar heating device to loosen the adhesive if having difficulty.

What about IP67 rating? Am I going to lose the water resistance rating if I do not reapply some glue or additional adhesive when reassembling things back?

Askar -

Step 2

Flip the device to the other end cap.
Use the metal spudger to loosen the adhesive.
Use the iOpener, a blowdryer, or a similar heating device to loosen the adhesive if having difficulty.

Step 3

Flip the device so that the Sonos logo is on the top.
Use the Torx T6 screwdriver to remove the two 6 mm screws.

my sonos roam sl used t7 screws here

Arndt Kurek -

Step 4

Flip the device.
Use the Torx T6 screwdriver to remove the two 6 mm screws.

Step 5

Flip the device so the Sonos logo is on the top.
Use the iFixit opening picks to wedge between the split of the grille and the back of the speaker to pry the grille apart.
Use the iOpener, a blowdryer, or a similar heating device to loosen the adhesive if having difficulty.

Step 6

Use the TR10 Torx screwdriver to remove the six 7 mm screws.

Step 7

Begin to carefully separate the speaker module from the device.
Firmly squeeze the middle of the plug using the tweezers to pull it out of the socket.
Separate the speaker module from the device.

Step 8

Use the TR10 Torx screwdriver to remove the four 7 mm screws.

Step 9

Use the tweezers to flip the latch holding the large ribbon in place.
Grab the large ribbon with the tweezers and pull upwards to remove it.
Use the tweezers to flip the latch holding the small ribbon in place.
Grab the small ribbon with the tweezers and pull upwards to remove it.

A diagram of how the latch works would be helpful as well as the photo

Neil Makaroff -

Step 10

Grab the metal piece sticking out of the outer circuit board.
Pull upwards to remove the outer circuit board.

Step 11

Soldering Iron is very hot and can cause injury if not used properly.
Use a soldering iron to desolder the outer circuit board from the speaker casing.

is it necessary to desolder the board to replace the battery? it appears subsequent steps just push it to the side...

Daniel Rodriguez - 28/03/24

Same here, not sure if that is a necessary step to replace the battery

Askar -

I made the repair without soldering. Works without any problem

Ze si -

Same here. No need to desolder

Neil Makaroff -

Step 12

Use the TR10 Torx screwdriver to remove the four 7 mm screws.

Step 13

Use the tweezers to firmly squeeze the middle of the plug.
Pull the plug out to remove it from its socket.
Remove the battery from the device.

Step 14

Use the iFixit opening tool to pry the battery out of its casing.
Use the iOpener, blowdryer, or a similar heating device to loosen the adhesive if having difficulty.

Step 15

Remove the battery from its casing.

Step 11 is optional. There is no need to unsolder the circuit board to get the battery out, you can pry the cable off and move the board out of the way while it is still attached to the case.

Kristoffer Rydquist -

Agree with prior comment, did not unsolder wire and still completed successful battery change.

FYI, my Sonos battery most probably failed as the charger was not sufficient power. This was not in any literature but Sonos help line stated minimum power needed.

Paul Ukrainetz -

I also agree that step 11 is unnecessary. No need to unsolder anything, just carefully flip the board out of the way. This lead is going to one of the antennas, so I would not want to deal with resoldering this micro-coax. Hardest part is dealing with all the adhesive.

Matt Schirmacher - 25/07/24

Bravo pour les explications très claires, précise et bien illustrées !! Il est vrai que dessouder le fil n'est pas nécessaire .. de si quelqu'un peut dire à SONOS qu'un petit interrupteur à pression serait bien utile pour un hard reset des enceintes plutot que de devoir démonter les batteries :-)

Teran -

Step 16

Use the TR9 Torx screwdriver to remove the two 5 mm screws.

Step 17

Use the tweezers to firmly squeeze the center of the plug.
Pull the plug out to remove it from its socket.
Grab the metal box to remove the inner circuit board.

Step 18

Flip the inner circuit board around so the button and USB-C port are facing upward.
Use the tweezers to flip the large ribbon latch up.
Pull the large ribbon away from the inner circuit board to remove it.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Author

Lauren Young

Member since: 20/09/23

704 Reputation

2 comments

Replace the ribbon or reposition it?

Sabin Oana -

So where do we purchase the Sonos Roam Large Ribbon to replace it?!

MareBear -