Introduction
Use this guide to replace the power button board in your Kobo Clara BW (P365 model) eReader.
Important: There are two Clara BW versions: N365 and P365. Check your eReader's model number (printed near the bottom of the rear case) before starting this guide. This guide is for the P365 model. Click here for the N365 model guide instead.
If your power button isn't working, but all other functions are working properly, you may need to replace the power button board.
Following this guide will remove your eReader's IP (Ingress Protection) rating, making it susceptible to water damage.
If your battery is swollen, take appropriate precautions.
Kobo supports their eReaders with a warranty. If your device is still under warranty, Kobo may be able to help. Before starting a repair, review your warranty information or check support documentation.
Note: Some photos used in this guide are of different Kobo Clara models. Any slight visual discrepancies won't affect the guide procedure.
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Lay your eReader down so the back cover is facing up.
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Insert the flat edge of an opening pick between the frame and the bottom left corner of the back cover.
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Push the pick downwards at a slight angle until it slides under the back cover.
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Remove the pick and reinsert it under the bottom left corner.
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Angle the pick flat under the back cover and rotate it around the bottom left corner to release its clips.
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Grip the left edge of the back cover and lift it away from the eReader to release the remaining clips.
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Remove the back cover.
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The coating is brittle and can flake into many small pieces. Heating the coating helps, but working with it is still a time-consuming process.
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The ZIF connector locking tabs are coated in a gel that can jam the hinge and keep the locking tab from completely unlocking. Make sure the tabs are completely upright before disconnecting any cables.
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Depending on your repair, you might have to remove the coating completely from the connectors and their cables.
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If at any point the coating becomes too difficult to work with, heat it for 90 seconds with an iOpener or a hair dryer.
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Use a clean fingernail or the flat end of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the battery press connector.
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Use the point of a spudger to lift up the locking tab on the power button cable ZIF connector.
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Use a pair of blunt nose tweezers to grip the cable close to the head and pull it away from its ZIF connector slowly and steadily to separate the coating.
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Inspect the head of the cable and the ZIF connector for any remaining coating that could prevent a good connection.
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Peel off the coating—heating the cable and the ZIF connector when the coating becomes too brittle.
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Insert an arm of a pair of sharp tweezers under the edge of the power button board.
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Slide the arm along the edge of the board to separate enough adhesive to fit an opening pick under the board.
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Insert the tip of an opening pick underneath the power button board.
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Slide the pick along the edge of the power button board to separate the adhesive.
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Gently twist the pick to separate the adhesive on both sides.
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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
Remember: after repairs, your eReader is no longer IPX8 waterproof.
Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before you install it.
Make sure each of your device's main functions still work, e.g., LED backlight, touch, Wi-Fi, etc.
Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.
Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers Community for help.
