How to replace a broken Wireless MiniPCIe of my Sony Vaio VGN-CR Series Laptop

Dear all,

Unfortunately, my Intel 4965AGN wireless got bricked and it is totally not fixable. I'm planning to replace it with a different after market miniPCIe wireless. I've already replaced a lot of miniPCIe wifi in different laptops but I was surprised with this Sony Laptop. Commonly, other laptops have their miniPCIe in the bottom and just covered. Some of them have their own doors. However, I opened all the bottom doors of my Sony VGN-CR and NO where did I find my MiniPCIe slot.

Now, I know that it is somewhere deeper and thus I have to remove the whole bottom plastic to have access to the miniPCIe slot.

Did anyone tried to replace deeper parts in their Sony Vaio CR series? I have a VGN-CR140E laptop. I already have the replacement miniPCIe at hand and is tempted to open up the thing. I'm just scared that I might break something in the process. I can only see that the processor is the last obstacle (this is where I stopped).

Does anyone have guide with pictures of taking-a-part a Sony Vaio CR series?

If there are no pictures, it is still fine. I just want to make sure from someone who had experience with this that I will not break something important in the process. More importantly, do I really have to remove the cpu/heatsink just to remove the whole bottom plastic?

BTW, I don't want to use USB wireless solution to fix this. I really need to replace the actual intel wireless card.

This would be of great help.

Thank you so much!!!!

EDIT: Do you think that Sony Implements the "white-list" of part replacement. I had experience that in some HP/Compaq laptops, if you replace the miniPCIe, will have POST errors about compatibility. Anyone knows if Sony has the same thing? If yes, I won't bother replacing it at all.

 

It might be under the keyboard.

 

Thank you for your reply.

Yup, I think that too. However, my keyboard (I guess/think) is somewhat fixed and can ONLY be removed from the bottom. I hope I'm wrong. I'm looking at it right now and I don't see anywhere of removing it. Unless there is a trick or hidden screws here. Hmmm, can't really find it though. I'm thinking of Prying it. Can I pry it?

Thank you.

 

UPDATE:

I found it!!! Thanks moral hazard! Since you suggested about the keyboard. I just tried to find a way to remove the keyboard and Viola, there it is!

Only one problem though

The Sony Vaio CR series antenna cables are different from what I got. It has small well made circular clips that are hooked to the 4965AGN (not the screws). My Atheros wireless minipci antennas are placed in the screw itself. Is there a converter? I don't want to skin off the wires just to make it fit.

 

I do not suggest replacing the wireless. Instead I will buy an external USB based dock with wireless in it. You can carry this and plug in when you need! May I suggest something like this:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1191248&CatId=371

 

@nacholambre

Thank you for the reply. Why do you not suggest changing the MiniPCIe? Did you have any bad experience with Sony Vaio CR Series laptops? If yes, could you please share.

I've been replacing miniPCIe all the time but mostly non-Sony laptops. Now, I will try it with Sony and I found out on how to do it!! . It very easy to replace since it looks the same as the others. However, the Sony has different antenna connector pins which is weird, I thought it was standard.

Unfortunately, I'm using a USB Wireless right now and I'm not happy with it. I'm a technician (desktop) and I need the laptop to be handy all the time. I often move from place to place and it is a pain if there is a big dongle dangling around when you walk. Sometimes it hits walls and it falls off.

If anyone knows if there are pin antenna converters, it would be awesome.

Are there 2-pin to 3-pin antenna available?

I'm really sorry bec I don't know much about laptop parts.

Cheers!

 

You would only need to connect two of the antenna, so pick two and connect them.
you should probably tape them on first just to test if you get the correct performence. If it works I would just solder them on, right now I can't think of another way.