HTC Vive Sensor Array Replacement

Written By: Adam O'Camb

Comments: 8

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

10 - 40 minutes

Introduction

Use this guide to remove and replace the sensor array in an HTC Vive.

You'll need a narrow, long-shaft driver to reach some of the screws in this guide.

Tools

Parts

HTC Vive Headset Sensor Array

Step 1

Be sure to power down and disconnect your Vive before beginning.
Place a finger on the top edge of the compartment cover assembly and slide the assembly toward the front of the Vive until it comes loose from the headset.
Lift the cover away from the headset and slide it up the cables until it's out of the way.

Step 2

Lift the HDMI cable straight up to unplug it from the headset.

Step 3

Repeat the lifting and unplugging process with the remaining USB, power, and audio cables.

Step 4

Be sure to power down and disconnect your Vive before beginning.
Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the two 12 mm-long screws securing the head strap mounts on either side of the headset.
For some devices, a T6 Torx driver may work better.
The mounts may fall off when the screws are removed, so be careful not to lose any parts.

Helaas blijkt de T5 Torx schroevendraaier aan de schroeven van de bevestigingsbeugels geen grip te krijgen. Wat dan gedaan?

Immanuel Van Meirhaeghe -

It was a T6 that fit perfectly in mine, T5 didn't cut it. Maybe it's a revision thing? Mine was an early model from 2016.
Edit: Edited guide to say T6.

Tim T - 02/02/23

Step 6

Slide the facerest straight away from the headset to remove it.

Step 7

Use tweezers to remove the small stickers over the four screws securing the outer shell.
Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the four 3.4 mm-long screws securing the outer shell.

Step 8

Grasp the top edge of the right half of the outer shell, behind the component cover and near the seam in the center. Pull it to the right and upward, away from the headset to release the clip securing that part of the shell.

Step 9

Grasp the right half the outer shell and pull it to the right and toward the front of the headset in a twisting motion until you feel the clips on the front of the cover release.

Step 10

Slide the right side of the outer shell to the right and off of the headset.

Step 11

Repeat the last three steps for the left side of the outer shell and remove it.

Step 12

Use tweezers to remove the clear tape over all four of the sensor array cable connectors.

During this step, there should be a picture of the flip side showing 4 more Philips screws hidden deep inside the headset. Removing those additional 4 screws is critical to getting the headset opened and continuing to the next step.

Jeff - 08/10/19

Step 13

Use the pointed end of a spudger to flip up the small locking flap on one of the sensor array ZIF connectors.
Slide the cable straight out of its socket on the motherboard.

This guide is grossly incomplete. Do NOT try to pull up the sensor array after taking these five screws off. There are 8 more screws that have to be removed, as well as 2 tabs that need to be pushed before the sensor array comes off.

-Two screws on the bottom (by the camera) to each side. There are four screws here, but only the outermost two need to be taken off. See the two sensors on the bottom? The screws under the outside corner of each sensor are the ones you remove.

-Two screws on the top, to the right and left of the cable opening.

-Four screws on the back, to the left and right of the lenses. Turn the Vive around, the screws are deep inside four holes.

-Finally, two tabs on the bottom by the camera. If you look closely you will see them!

Dan OST - 13/05/19

Step 14

Repeat the previous step for the remaining three sensor array cables to disconnect the remaining cables.

Sure, but how do you get a replacement array?

TheGreatYogurt - 07/01/18

It starts with “lift the sensor array" but how am I supposed to do that? Its not just lifting off after unscrewing & disconnecting. What am I missing here?

Daniel Connelly - 04/01/19

Step 15

Use tweezers or a spudger to pry up the camera cable cover and remove it.

Step 16

Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the camera cable connector straight up from its socket on the motherboard.

Step 17

Use a PH000 driver to remove the five 3.9 mm screws securing the sensor array.

Step 18

Use a PH000 driver to remove the four 3.9 mm screws securing the sensor array.

On my 2016 headset, I had to remove two additional Phillips screws at the top (appear in picture) and two more at the bottom (which are not present in the headset pictured here, must be a different revision) before the sensor array comes off.

Tim T -

Step 19

Use a PH000 driver to remove the four 3.9 mm screws securing the sensor array.
You'll need a narrow, long-shaft driver to reach these screws.

Step 20

Lift the sensor array away from the headset to remove it.

Conclusion

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 installing.

To reassemble your device, follow the above steps in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Check out our Answers community for troubleshooting help.

Author

Adam O'Camb

Member since: 11/04/15

206065 Reputation

One comment

Herzlichen Dank für diese ausführliche Anleitung! Sie war sehr hilfreich und hat mir vermutlich eine Menge Zeit erspart!

Holger -