Write Guide Introductions

Now that you’ve finished your guides, you’ll need to fill out the “Introduction” sections. Guide introductions should contain any background information a reader would need before they begin the repair.

To access the “Introduction” field, click on the Introduction tab at the top of your guide’s Edit screen. Then scroll down to find the “Introduction” field (it’s below the video camera icon and just above the “Flags” section).

basic information

All guide introductions should include the following information:

• Full device name and model number

• Alternate names and model numbers (if applicable)

• What is being accomplished by the guide

• Any important information about the part being replaced including an explanation of what the part does

• A description of the device’s symptoms with links to relevant section(s) in the device’s iFixit troubleshooting page (if applicable)

• Any tips or warnings related to swollen batteries, shattered glass displays, damaged waterproofing, removing power/disconnecting batteries, hard drive backups, ESD-safe tools, proper device disposal, and anything that could be potentially harmful

• Links to outside resources or articles where relevant

Special Skills

Some replacement guides require special skills. Here are some examples of special information to include in the introduction. Make sure to link to any applicable guides in your introduction and any relevant guide step(s).

• Soldering/desoldering connections

• Using an iOpener

• Discharging capacitors

• Stripping wire

• Applying thermal paste

• Using heat shrink tubing

• How to use your anti-static wristband and mat

What not to include in your introduction

• Warnings about voiding warranties

• Telling users to “Keep track of screws” or “Keep screws in a safe place”

• Listing information already in the “Details” section, such as parts, tools (unless they require special expertise like the tools listed above), time required, and prerequisites

Examples

Wondering what a good introduction looks like? Here’s an example of a solid introduction:

• If your ZTE Tempo smartphone (model 9131) isn’t producing clear audio—distorted, intermittent, or no sound—through headphones or auxiliary speakers, use this guide to replace the headphone port (also known as a jack).

  The headphone port transmits audio to external speakers through an auxiliary cord. A faulty headphone port will transmit distorted audio or no audio at all.

  Before using this guide, inspect the headphone port for debris that may be interfering with sound quality. Typically, a small buildup of dust can be removed using an ESD-safe brush or small dust blower. Be sure to test a few sets of headphones or auxiliary cords with your device to confirm that the faulty part is coming from the ZTE Tempo’s headphone port.

  Step 5 requires you to remove the circuit board from the device. From there, you will need to desolder the surface-mounted headphone jack and solder a new one in place.

  Before beginning, make sure to power off your phone completely and disconnect from any external power source.

  
  

Check out the guide introductions from these past projects for more good examples:

• Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E420s Hard Drive Replacement

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 Display Replacement

• Dell XPS 13 9350 Battery Replacement