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If your Chromebook’s wireless or cellular connection is patchy, non‑existent, or acting erratically, the culprit may be the internal network card. The Cr‑48 Chromebook shipped with a combined Wi‑Fi and cellular network card that is accessible and replaceable using this guide. The repair is needed when you notice symptoms such as loss of Wi‑Fi, inability to detect networks, intermittent connectivity, or cellular data failure (if your model supports it). It’s also possible the card has become physically loose or was exposed to moisture, which might degrade its connections. Before you begin, it’s important to power down the device completely and remove the battery so you avoid any risk of electrical shorting. While this guide doesn’t require advanced soldering or board‑level work, care is still required: the internal components are compact, and misplacing screws or pulling on the wrong connector can introduce new problems. Once you’ve removed the old network card and installed a compatible replacement, you’ll reassemble the Chromebook in reverse order, restore power, and test the wireless and cellular functions. With patience and careful handling, this repair is a cost‑effective way to restore full network connectivity to your Cr‑48 Chromebook—and avoid needing to replace the entire laptop.
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To take out the battery, slide the switch on the bottom of the laptop.
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The battery should then pop out and you can remove it.
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crwdns2935267:0crwdne2935267:0Tweezers$4.99
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Using a pair of tweezers, remove the two rear rubber feet. You should then see the two screws underneath.
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First, position the computer to have the silver battery compartment closest to you. Then, using a Phillips #00 screwdriver, remove the ten 3 mm screws in the battery compartment.
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Now, using the same screwdriver, remove the two 4.5 mm screws that were underneath the previously removed rubber feet.
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Starting where the body of the laptop and the laptop screen meet, pry apart the lower case from the rest of the laptop.
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With the lower case removed, look for the network card. It’s typically located in the corner near one of the USB ports.
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Use tweezers or forceps to carefully lift off the wire connectors attached to the network card.
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Remove the single 3 mm screw securing the network card to the board.
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Once the screw is out, the card should pivot upward slightly (“pop up”).
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Gently pull the network card out of its socket at an angle and remove it completely.
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Insert the replacement network card into the socket at the same angle it came out.
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Secure it with the 3 mm screw.
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Reconnect the wire leads to the proper terminals.
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Snap the lower case back into place around the perimeter, making sure all clips engage.
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Reinstall the two 4.5 mm screws under where the rubber feet go.
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Reinstall the ten 3 mm screws in the battery compartment.
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Reapply the rear rubber feet.
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Insert the battery back into its slot.
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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order. Take your e-waste to an E-Waste certified recycler.
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order. Take your e-waste to an E-Waste certified recycler.
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CSU Fullerton, Team 2-2, Bruce Fall 2014 crwdns2935289:0CSU Fullerton, Team 2-2, Bruce Fall 2014crwdne2935289:0
CSUF-BRUCE-F14S2G2
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The card identified in the pictures is not a combined Wi-Fi / Cellular card. It is just a 3G cellular card; the WiFi card is the other card tucked under the flat ribbon next to the card pictured in this guide
