NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform the procedures
for removing and replacing parts. The warranty on the computer becomes void
if anyone other than a certified technician performs these procedures.
This section provides instructions for removing and replacing field-
replaceable components, assemblies, and subassemblies in your Dell
computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure in this document
assumes the following conditions:
The computer and any attached peripherals are turned off, and the
peripherals are disconnected from the I/O panel on the back and right
side of the computer.
A part can be replaced by performing the removal procedure in reverse
order unless otherwise noted.
When the display assembly is open nearly 180 degrees, use a book or
something similar to support it. The angle of the display assembly with
respect to the bottom case should never exceed 180 degrees. When
performing the procedures in this manual, the directions relative to the
computer are as shown in the following figure, unless otherwise specified.
NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your
computer. Damage or inoperability due to servicing not authorized by Dell is
not covered by your warranty.
NOTICE: Unless otherwise noted, each procedure in this manual assumes that
a part can be replaced by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before
you begin working inside the computer.
Save any work in progress and close all open programs.
Turn off the computer and any attached peripherals.
NOTICE: Make sure that the computer is turned off and not in hibernate
mode. If you cannot shut down the computer using its operating system, press
the power button for 4 seconds.
Disconnect the computer and any attached peripherals from their
electrical outlets to reduce the potential for personal injury or shock.
Also disconnect any telephone or telecommunications lines from the
computer.
Remove the power cable.
Disconnect all other external cables from the computer.
Remove any installed PC Cards.
NOTICE: Make sure that the work surface is clean to prevent scratching the
computer cover.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main
battery before you service the computer.
Turn the computer over and remove the main battery assembly from
the battery bay. Slide the battery bay latch toward the right side of the
computer to push the back side of the battery up and out of the
battery bay.
Ground yourself by touching the unpainted metal surface of an I/O
connector on the back of the computer.
NOTICE: While you work, periodically touch the I/O panel to dissipate any
static electricity that might harm components.
NOTICE: When reinstalling a screw, you must use a screw of the correct
length. Otherwise, you could damage the hardware. Make sure that the screw
is properly aligned with its corresponding hole, and avoid overtightening.
When you remove and replace components, use the screw placemat as a
tool to lay out and keep track of the component screws.
Some of the computer's interface connectors are ZIF connectors. These
connectors are not removable, but they must be released to disconnect a
cable from them.
NOTICE: The ZIF connectors are fragile. To avoid damage, do not apply too
much pressure to the movable part of the connector.
To disconnect an interface cable from a ZIF connector:
Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver under the movable part of the
connector.
Pull gently upward on the movable part of the connector until it
releases the interface cable.
Grasp the interface cable and pull it out of the connector.
To reconnect an interface cable to a ZIF connector:
Use a small flat-blade screwdriver to open the movable part of the ZIF
connector.
Orient the end of the interface cable with the ZIF connector, and
insert the end of the cable into the connector.
While holding the cable in place, close the ZIF connector.
To ensure a firm connection, make sure the ZIF connector is completely
closed.
NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and any attached devices from electrical
outlets, and remove any installed batteries.
NOTICE: To avoid ESD, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or
by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer.
NOTICE: The hard drive is very sensitive to shock. Handle the assembly by its
edges (do not squeeze the top of the hard drive case), and avoid dropping it.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the microphone, do not put any objects into the
microphone hole.
Place the point of a paper clip, a very small flat-blade screwdriver, or a
tool of similar size in the keyboard bezel release hole and carefully
push down.
While pushing down, slide the keyboard bezel to the left until it
releases.
Remove the two M2 x 5-mm screws at the back of the computer that
secure the display assembly to the bottom case.
Turn the computer upside down on a flat work surface.
Remove the two M2 x 4-mm screws at the bottom of the computer
that secure the display assembly to the bottom case.
Turn the computer right-side up.
Open the display.
Remove the left and right hinge covers.
NOTICE: When replacing the display assembly, the left hinge cover must go
over the left hinge and the right hinge cover must go over the right hinge. They
are not interchangeable. An L is stamped on the bottom of the left hinge cover
and an R is stamped on the bottom of the right hinge cover.
Remove the M2 x 9.5-mm screw that secures the LCD flex-cable hold-
down clip and the LCD flex-cable connector to the system board
assembly.
The M2 x 9.5-mm screw also secures the left side of the modem retainer bracket to the system board assembly.
Carefully disconnect the LCD flex-cable connector from the system
board.
Lift the display assembly from the bottom case assembly.
Place the display assembly on the bottom case assembly.
Insert the left and right hinge posts into the holes at the top of the palm rest.
Carefully connect the LCD flex cable to the connector on the system
board.
Place the LCD flex-cable hold-down clip over the LCD flex-cable
connector.
The word up is stamped on the top of the clip.
The tab at the left of the clip should go under the palm rest, and the screw hole on the right side of the clip should line up with the holes in the connector ground strip and the threaded hole in the system board.
Reinstall the M2 x 9.5-mm screw that secures the LCD flex-cable
hold-down clip to the system board.
Close the display.
You may have to press down on the back end of the display (above the hinges) while closing the display to get the display to close completely.
Reinstall the two M2 x 4-mm screws that secure the display assembly
to the bottom case.
You may have to squeeze the display assembly and the bottom case assembly together, so the screw holes align in the base assembly and the hinge posts.
Do not completely tighten the screws.
Reinstall the two M2 x 5-mm screws in the back of the computer that
secure the display assembly to the back of the bottom case.
Tighten the two screws that you installed in step 6.
Open the display and reinstall the left and right hinge covers.
An L is stamped on the bottom of the left hinge cover and an R is stamped on the bottom of the right hinge cover.
Use a scribe to carefully pry the six rubber screw covers out of the six
screw holes located along the top and bottom of the bezel on the front
of the display assembly.
Remove the six M2 x 3.5-mm screws located at the top and bottom of
the bezel on the front of the display assembly.
Separate the bezel from the display-assembly top cover.
The bezel is secured by slot openings that snap into the display-assembly top cover. Carefully lift the inside edge of the bezel, working your way around the inside perimeter, to unsnap and remove the bezel from the display assembly.
Carefully place the latch spring over the post on the display-assembly
top cover.
You may need to use a small flat-blade screwdriver to place the spring over the post. Hold the spring on the post with the screwdriver while performing the next step.
Holding the latch, stretch the spring slightly and set the display-
assembly latch in place in the display assembly top cover.
Connect the LCD flex cable to the connector on the back of the LCD
panel.
Reinstall the tape that covers the LCD flex-cable connector on the
back of the LCD panel.
If you are installing a new LCD flex cable, peel off the backing tapes
that are on the LCD flex-cable EMI sponges.
Reinstall the LCD panel in the top cover:
Holding the LCD flex cable against the back of the LCD panel,
insert the right edge of the LCD panel into the right end of the
top cover.
The right edge of the LCD panel should press against the EMI sponge on the right side of the top cover. The LCD panel should not rest on top of the EMI sponge.
Lower the bottom end of the LCD panel into the top cover,
making sure the LCD flex cable lines up with the opening that is
to the right of the left hinge.
Make sure the inverter flex cable is visible at the bottom edge of
the LCD panel.
Press the LCD panel into the top cover.
Connect the inverter flex cable to the ZIF connector on the inverter.
With the component side of the inverter facing up, connect the two-
wire back-light plug to the connector on the right side of the inverter.
When the plug is all the way in the connector, the key slot in the center of the plug should not be visible. If you can see the key slot, the plug is not in the connector correctly. Pull the plug out, turn the plug over, and reinsert it into the connector.
Roll the inverter over (away from you), so that you can view the back
side of the inverter.
Place the inverter into the top cover, aligning the posts in the top cover
with the alignment holes in the inverter.
Holding the inverter in place, reinstall the M2 x 3.5-mm screw that
secures the inverter to the top cover.
Reinstall the four M2 x 3.5-mm screws, in the left and right ends of the
top cover, that secure the LCD panel to the top cover.
Remove the two M2.6 x 4-mm screws that secure the left hinge to the
top cover.
Remove the two M2.6 x 4-mm screws that secure the right hinge to the
top cover.
When replacing the left and right hinges, make sure they are installed
correctly. An L is stamped on the left hinge and an R is stamped on the right
hinge.
Remove the four M2 x 4-mm screws located across the top of the
keyboard assembly.
NOTICE: Five metal tabs retain the bottom of the keyboard in the palm rest
assembly.
Release the keyboard assembly from the palm rest assembly by lifting
the top edge of the keyboard assembly up and sliding it toward the
back of the computer.
Rotate the keyboard up so it is perpendicular to the computer.
Carefully disconnect the keyboard cable from the connector on the
system board.
NOTICE: The keycaps on the keyboard are fragile, easily dislodged, and time-
consuming to replace. Be careful when removing and handling the keyboard.
NOTICE: Position the keyboard cable so it is not twisted when it is connected
to the system board.
Connect the keyboard cable to the connector on the system board.
NOTICE: Five metal tabs retain the bottom of the keyboard in the palm rest
assembly.
Fit the keyboard into place by sliding the five tabs on the bottom of
the keyboard into the palm rest assembly.
It is important that the two tabs on the bottom right edge of the keyboard assembly fit correctly into the slotted holes in the palm rest assembly. To help align the tabs with the slotted holes, you can temporarily insert the hard drive into the hard drive bay before you place the keyboard assembly in the palm rest assembly. By resting the keyboard assembly on the hard drive, the tabs are at the correct height to enter the slotted holes. When the keyboard assembly is seated in the palm rest assembly, remove the hard drive and look through the hard drive bay to make sure the tabs are seated in the slot holes.
Ensure that the top screw-hole tabs rest correctly in the screw slots on
the palm rest assembly.
Verify that the keyboard is correctly installed.
The keys should be flush with the left and right surfaces of the palm rest.
Reinstall the four M2 x 4-mm screws that secure the top of the
keyboard assembly to the bottom case assembly.
Ground yourself by touching the unpainted metal surface of an I/O
connector on the computer's back panel.
To release the memory module from its connector, carefully spread
apart the inner tabs of the memory module connector just far enough
for the memory module to disengage from the connector (it should
pop up slightly).
Align the memory module's edge connector with the slot in the center
of the memory module connector. The memory module is keyed, or
designed to fit into the connector in only one direction. The slot on
the system board is notched so that the memory module can be firmly
seated only one way.
With the module at a 45-degree angle, press the memory module's
edge connector firmly into the memory module connector.
Pivot the memory module down until it clicks into place.
If you do not hear a click as each end of the memory module snaps into the tabs, remove the memory module and reinstall it.
Place the palm rest assembly on the bottom case assembly.
Reinstall the three silver M2 x 6-mm screws in the keyboard-assembly
area that secure the middle of the palm rest assembly to the bottom-
case assembly.
Reinstall the four black M2 x 4-mm screws that secure the top of the
palm rest assembly to the bottom-case assembly.
Connect the touch pad flex cable to the ZIF connector on the system
board.
Connect the status lights flex cable to the ZIF connector on the
system board.
Turn the computer upside down.
Reinstall the six M2.6 x 1.6-mm screws in the battery bay that secure
the bottom of the palm rest assembly to the bottom-case assembly.
The bottom case assembly consists of the following field-replaceable
components:
Reserve battery
RTC battery
Main battery
Modem
Fan
Speaker
System board assembly
Main battery release latch
NOTICE: The reserve battery provides power to the computer's nonvolatile
random-access memory (NVRAM) when the computer is turned off. Removing
the battery causes the computer to lose the parameters set by the user in
NVRAM. If possible, make a copy of this information before you remove the
reserve battery.
NOTICE: Removing the RTC battery causes the computer to lose its date and
time settings, which are used to identify when files are created or modified.
You must enter the date and time settings after you replace the RTC battery.
NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and any attached devices from electrical
outlets, and remove any installed batteries.
NOTICE: To avoid ESD, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or
by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer.
Use a 5-mm socket wrench to remove the four 5-mm socket screws for
the video and parallel connectors located on the back of the bottom
case assembly.
Use a small flat-blade screwdriver to remove the two media bay
connector screws at both ends of the media bay connector located on
the back of the bottom case assembly.
Remove the M2 x 9.5-mm screw that secures the modem retainer
bracket and modem to the system board.
The screw is located by the video connector.
Remove the modem retainer bracket from the system board.
Pull the modem straight up to disconnect it from the system board.
Disconnect the modem cable from the connector on the system board.
NOTICE: To ensure maximum cooling for the microprocessor, do not touch
the glue side of the thermal conductive tape. The oils in your skin reduce the
heat transfer capability on the glue side of the tape.
Peel up the EMI adhesive sponge that connects the audio EMI shield
to the thermal cooling solution.
You only need to peel up the part of the sponge that lays on the thermal cooling solution. The end of the sponge that lays on the audio EMI shield can remain.
NOTICE: The audio EMI shield is attached to the USB connector housing
with two-sided tape. To avoid bending the audio EMI shield, care must be
taken when separating the audio EMI shield from the USB connector housing.
Using a small flat-blade screwdriver, carefully separate the audio EMI
shield away from the USB connector housing.
Place the edge of the screwdriver between the audio EMI shield and the USB connector housing, and slowly pry the two apart.
Carefully disconnect the speaker wire connector from the system
board.
The male connector on the speaker wire is keyed to fit into the female connector one way only.
Remove the two M2 x 5-mm screws that secure the speaker to the
bottom case assembly.
Remove the speaker from the bottom case assembly.
Remove the rubber speaker gasket from the bottom case assembly.
Use a 5-mm socket wrench to remove the four 5-mm socket screws for
the video and parallel connectors located on the back of the bottom
case assembly.
Use a small flat-blade screwdriver to remove the two media bay
connector screws at both ends of the media bay connector located on
the back of the bottom case assembly.
NOTICE: To ensure maximum cooling for the microprocessor, do not touch
the glue side of the thermal conductive tape. The oils in your skin reduce the
heat transfer capability on the glue side of the tape.
Peel up the thermal conductive tape that connects the audio EMI
shield to the thermal cooling solution.
You only need to peel up the part of the tape that lays on the thermal cooling solution. The end of the tape that lays on the audio EMI shield can remain.
NOTICE: The audio EMI shield is attached to the USB connector housing
with two-sided tape. To avoid bending the audio EMI shield, care must be
taken when separating the audio EMI shield from the USB connector housing.
Using a small flat-blade screwdriver, carefully separate the audio EMI
shield away from the USB connector housing. Place the edge of the
screwdriver between the audio EMI shield and the USB connector
housing, and slowly pry the two apart.
Remove the two M2 x 4-mm screws that secure the audio I/O cover to
the bottom case assembly.
Remove the audio I/O cover.
Remove the six M2 x 3.5-mm screws that secure the system board to
the bottom case assembly. White arrows on the system board assembly
point to the M2 x 3.5-mm screws.
Remove the M2 x 9.5-mm screw that secures the modem retainer
bracket.
Remove the modem retainer bracket from the bottom case assembly.
Disconnect the speaker wire from the connector on the system board
assembly.
Disconnect the fan wire from the connector on the system board
assembly.
Lift the system board assembly out of the bottom case assembly.
Transfer the memory module(s) to the replacement system board
assembly.
Place the new hard drive EMI clip on the system board assembly.
Place the system board assembly in the bottom case assembly.
The I/O ports should protrude comfortably through the openings at the back of the bottom case assembly
Reconnect the fan wire to the connector on the system board assembly.
Reconnect the speaker wire to the connector on the system board
assembly.
Replace the modem retainer bracket around the I/O ports and on top
of the modem.
Reinstall the M2 x 9.5-mm screw on the right side of the modem to
secure the modem retainer bracket to the system board assembly. The
hole for the M2 x 9.5-mm screw is located by the video connector.
Reinstall the six M2 x 3.5-mm screws that secure the system board
assembly to the bottom case assembly. White arrows on the system
board assembly point to the screw holes. One of the M2 x 3.5-mm
screws passes through the hard drive EMI clip.
Reinstall the audio EMI shield:
Carefully position the audio EMI shield so the section with the
two-sided tape is over the USB connector housing.
Press the audio EMI shield down so it attaches to the USB
connector housing.
Reattach the thermal conductive tape across the thermal cooling
solution.
Reinstall the two media bay connector screws at both ends of the
media bay connector located on the back of the bottom case assembly.
Reinstall the four 5-mm socket screws for the video and parallel
connectors located on the back of the bottom case assembly
Replace the audio I/O cover.
Replace the two M2 x 4-mm screws to secure the audio I/O cover to
the bottom case assembly.
NOTICE: The tabs on the release button are plastic. Care should be taken
when squeezing the tabs to avoid breaking them.
Using needle-nose pliers, gently squeeze the two tabs on the back of
the release button together and grasp the top of the battery release
latch and gently pull up to free it from the release button assembly.
To remove the battery release latch, unhook the small tension spring
located on the metal post next to the hard drive.
Carefully insert a small flat-blade screwdriver in the opening between
the door edges and the edge of the door opening on the right side.
There is a small slot at the right edge of the door opening to show where the screwdriver is placed.
Gently push the screwdriver against the right edge of the back door to
cause the door to bow up at the center.
Grasp the back door as it bows up while still pressing the door edge
with the screwdriver.
Carefully slip the right-edge hinge of the back door off its right hinge
pin.
NOTICE: The doors are attached to each other by a tension spring at the left
end of the doors. Do not try to separate the doors from each other. They must
be removed together.
Gently push the screwdriver against the right edge of the front door to
cause the door to bow up at the center.
Grasp the front door as it bows up while still pressing the door edge
with the screwdriver.
Carefully slip the right-edge hinge of the front door off its right hinge
pin.
Grasping both doors together, carefully slip the left side of each door
off their left hinge pins.
NOTICE: On the under side of the doors, a small F is printed on the front door
and a small B is printed on the back door. As you hold the doors for
installation, the front door is near you, the back door is away from you, and the
tension spring is to the left.
Turn the computer upside down.
The docking connector door opening should be at the top.
Holding the two doors together at their right edges, insert the left
hinges of the doors (at the end with the tension spring) onto the left,
front, and back hinge pins.
Carefully bow the doors in the center.
Slip the right hinge of the back door on to the right, back hinge pin.
Slip the right hinge of the front door on to the right, front hinge pin.
