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.
Make sure that the work surface is clean to prevent scratching the
computer cover.
Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
HINT: Make sure the
computer is turned off and
not in standby or
hibernate mode. If you
cannot shut down the
computer using the
computer's operating
system, press and hold the
power button for 4
seconds.
Turn off the computer and all attached devices.
Make sure the computer is undocked.
Disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet.
To avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 10 to 20 seconds
and then disconnect any attached devices.
Disconnect all other external cables from the computer.
Remove any installed PC Cards or plastic blanks from the PC Card
slot.
Close the display and turn the computer upside down on a flat work
surface.
Remove the primary battery from the battery bay and the secondary
battery from the modular bay, if a secondary battery is in use.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main
battery and secondary battery (if present) before you service the computer.
Remove any installed device in the modular bay.
To dissipate any static electricity while you work, periodically touch an
unpainted metal surface on the computer, such as the I/O panel on the
back of the computer chassis.
Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the
components or contacts on a card. Hold a card by it edges or by its
metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a microprocessor
by its edges, not by its pins.
The procedures in this manual require the following tools:
#1 magnetized Phillips screwdriver
Small flat-blade screwdriver
Small plastic scribe
Microprocessor extractor
Flash BIOS update program floppy disk or CD (required only when
upgrading the microprocessor, replacing the reserve battery, or
replacing the system board)
When you are removing and replacing components, photocopy the screw
placemat as a tool to lay out and keep track of the component screws. The
placemat provides the number of screws and the sizes.
NOTICE: When reinstalling a screw, you must use a screw of the correct
diameter and length. Make sure that the screw is properly aligned with its
corresponding hole, and avoid over tightening.
Screw Placement
Hard Drive Door Security:
M3 x 5 (1 each)
Keyboard to Bottom Case Assembly:
M2.5 x 12 (5 each)
LCD Display Bezel:
M2.5 x 5 (4 each)
Rubber Screw Covers (4 each)
LCD Hinge Bracket to Bottom Case Assembly:
M2.5 x 5 (5 each)
14.1-Inch LCD Display Assembly and Flex-Cable Retention Bracket to Top Cover:
Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and shut down
the computer.
If the computer is connected (docked) to an advanced port replicator
(APR), undock it.
Keep the display open and tilt the computer back so that you can
access the bottom of the computer.
Slide and hold the latch release on the left side, and remove any device
installed in the modular bay.
Slide and hold the latch release on the right side, and remove any
battery installed in the battery bay.
Locate the orange palm rest removal buttons. Firmly press the buttons
with the eraser end of a pencil (or a dull utensil smaller than your
finger) to release the palm rests.
Remove the palm rests.
To replace the palm rests, insert the tabs on the inside edge of the
palm rest into the slots on the computer. Then press along the outside
edges of the palm rest until it snaps into place.
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.
HINT: The screw labeled
with the "circle K" in the
middle of the memory
module cover secures the
keyboard assembly and
does not secure the
memory module cover.
Use a coin or flat-blade screwdriver to release the two captive
screws that secure the memory module cover.
Place your finger under the cover at the indentation and lift and
slide the cover open.
NOTICE: Handle memory modules with care. Do not touch the components on
a module. Hold the module by its edges.
To release a memory module from its connector, spread apart the inner
tabs of the memory module connector just far enough for the memory
module to disengage from the connector. The module should pop up
slightly.
If you only have one memory module, install it in the connector
labeled "JDIM1." If you have two memory modules, install the second
module in the connector labeled "JDIM2."
HINT: Memory modules
are keyed, or designed to
fit into their connectors,
in only one direction.
Align the memory module's edge connector with the slot in the center
of the memory module connector. 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, remove the memory module and reinstall it.
Insert the tabs on the memory module cover into the bottom case
assembly. Rotate the memory module cover down and tighten the two
captive screws.
NOTICE: The only time you should ever access the inside of your computer is
when you are installing memory modules or a Mini PCI card.
The optional Mini PCI card assembly may contain either a modem, network
adapter, or combination of both. You must remove the Mini PCI card
subassembly before the system board assembly can be removed. The Mini
PCI card subassembly must be connected to the internal antenna for proper
operation.
To release a Mini PCI card subassembly from its connector, spread
apart the inner tabs of the connector just far enough for the Mini PCI
card assembly to disengage from the connector. The module should
pop up slightly from the interface connector.
Lift the Mini PCI card subassembly out of its connector and
disconnect any attached cables.
Turn the computer bottom-side up, and remove the five screws labeled
with a "circle K."
Turn the computer right-side up and open the display.
NOTICE: The key caps on the keyboard are fragile, easily dislodged, and
time-consuming to replace. Be careful when removing and handling the
keyboard.
Insert a small, flat-blade screwdriver or plastic scribe into the scalloped
edge next to the right <Shift> key, and release the keyboard from the
palm rest assembly.
Lift the keyboard straight up until it clears the keyboard boss support
in the bottom case assembly.
Rotate the keyboard forward toward the front of the computer.
Rest the key face of the keyboard on the palm rest.
Disconnect the keyboard flex cable from the interface connector on the
system board assembly by pulling up on the connector.
Remove the keyboard assembly from the bottom case assembly.
Place the keyboard on the palm rest at the front of the computer with
the keys facing down and the connector toward the back of the
computer.
Connect the keyboard flex cable to the interface connector on the
system board assembly.
NOTICE: Position the keyboard cable so that it does not pinch when you
replace the keyboard in the bottom case assembly.
Carefully turn the keyboard over and fit the keyboard into place.
Check that the keyboard is correctly installed. The keys should be flush
with the left and right surfaces of the palm rest.
NOTICE: Make sure that the keyboard is aligned correctly to avoid stripping
the screws the next time they are removed.
Reinstall the five M2.5 x 12-mm screws in the holes labeled "circle K."
NOTICE: You must remove the display assembly before you remove the palm
rest assembly; the display assembly hinges pass through the back of the palm
rest assembly.
Use a scribe to lift the right edge of the center control cover and
pry it loose from the bottom case assembly.
Lift the center control cover up and away from the bottom case
assembly.
Close the display. From the back of the computer, remove the five
screws labeled with the "circle D." There are two screws on the right
hinge and three screws on the left hinge.
Open the display assembly approximately 90 degrees, and support the
display assembly so that it does not open past this position.
Remove the two M2 x 3-mm screws that secure the EMI shield bracket
(metal) to the system board assembly.
Remove the flex cable EMI shield retention bracket that covers the
display flex cable connector on the system board.
Pull straight up on the loop attached to the interface cable connector
to disconnect the display flex cable from the system board.
Lift the display assembly from the bottom case assembly.
HINT: The right plastic
hinge cover is labeled "R"
and the left plastic hinge
cover is labeled "L."
Remove the right and left plastic hinge covers from the hinges.
NOTICE: When reconnecting the display-feed cable connector to the system
board, push down on the top left and right ends of the connector. Pressing on
the center of the connector might damage resistors and compromise EMI
protection in the computer.
Use the scribe to pry the four rubber screw covers out of the screw
holes located at the four corners of the bezel on the front of the display
assembly.
Remove the four M2.5 x 5-mm screws located at the corners of the
bezel on the front of the display assembly.
NOTICE: Some of the bezel snaps may be difficult to remove, so be careful
when separating the bezel from the display assembly.
Use a plastic scribe and separate the bezel from the display-assembly
top cover.
Be careful not to lose the display magnet on the right side of the back
cover. The polarity of the magnet is marked with a minus "–" sign and
oriented toward the bottom of the display. Make sure to replace the
magnet in the same orientation when you reassemble the display.
HINT: Use a magnetic
screwdriver to reassemble
the LCD panel in the
display, and secure the
right side first. Make sure
to replace the magnet
with the minus sign
toward the bottom of the
display.
Place the bottom edge of the LCD panel in the bottom of the top
cover, and elevate the top of the panel with your hand.
Lay the LCD panel in the top cover.
Reinstall the five M2 x 4-mm screws securing the LCD panel to the
top cover.
NOTICE: You must remove the display assembly before you remove the palm
rest assembly; the display assembly hinges pass through the back of the palm
rest assembly.
Turn the computer right-side up on the work surface, and remove the
display hinge cover and display assembly.
Turn the computer over and remove the three M2.5 x 12-mm screws
labeled with a "circle P."
Remove the five M2 x 3-mm screws that secure the palm rest to the
bottom case assembly:
Remove the two M2 x 3-mm screws located in the hard drive bay
door and labeled with a "circle P."
Remove the remaining two M2 x 3-mm screws located on the back
edge of the bottom case assembly, underneath the display
assembly.
Turn the bottom case assembly over. Remove the M2 x 3-mm
screw located underneath the keyboard, on the right side of the
bottom case assembly, next to the microprocessor thermal cooling
assembly.
Pull up on the loop attached to the palm rest flex cable connector to
remove it from the interface connector on the system board assembly.
Using the plastic scribe along the edge of the plastic, remove the palm
rest assembly from the bottom case assembly.
NOTICE: To ensure maximum cooling for the microprocessor, do not touch
the heat transfer areas on the thermal cooling assembly. The oils in your skin
reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal pads.
NOTICE: When removing the microprocessor module, pull the module
straight up. Be careful not to bend the pins on the microprocessor module.
Remove the microprocessor module:
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the microprocessor while removing the cam
screw, hold the screwdriver so that it is perpendicular to the microprocessor.
Use a small flat-head screwdriver and rotate the ZIF socket cam
screw 180 degrees to loosen the ZIF socket.
The ZIF socket cam screw secures the microprocessor assembly to the system board assembly. Take note of the arrow on the ZIF socket cam screw points to the front of the computer when engaged.
Use a microprocessor extraction tool to remove the microprocessor
module.
HINT: To update or
reflash the BIOS, see the
Dell Portable Computer
BIOS Update Guide for
instructions.
NOTICE: After replacing the microprocessor module, update the BIOS using
a flash BIOS update program floppy disk or CD.
NOTICE: Seating the microprocessor module properly in the ZIF socket does
not require force.
NOTICE: A microprocessor module that is not properly seated can result in
an intermittent connection or permanent damage to the microprocessor and
ZIF socket.
Align the pin-1 corner of the microprocessor module with the pin-1
corner of the microprocessor socket on the system board and insert the
microprocessor module.
NOTICE: You must position the microprocessor module correctly in the ZIF
socket to avoid permanent damage to the module and the socket.
When the microprocessor module is correctly seated, all four corners are aligned to the same height. If one or more corners of the module are higher than the others, the module is not seated correctly.
NOTICE: Hold the microprocessor down while turning the cam screw to
prevent intermittent contact between the cam screw and microprocessor.
Tighten the ZIF socket cam screw to secure the microprocessor
module to the system board assembly.
NOTICE: The reserve battery provides power to the computer's RTC and
NVRAM when the computer is turned off. Removing the battery causes the
computer to lose the date and time information as well as all user-specified
parameters in the BIOS. If possible, make a copy of this information before
you remove the reserve battery.
HINT: To update or
reflash the BIOS, see the
Dell Portable Computer
BIOS Update Guide for
instructions.
The system speakers are located on the front left and right sides of the
bottom case assembly. Each speaker assembly is marked with a right and left
label. Take note of the speaker cable routing in the bottom case assembly so
that you can replace it correctly.
The system board's BIOS chip contains the system service tag number,
which is also visible on a bar-code label on the bottom of the computer. The
replacement kit for the system board assembly includes a floppy disk that
provides a utility for transferring the service tag number to the replacement
system board assembly.
Verify that all PC Cards or plastic blanks are removed from the PC
Card slot.
Verify that the PC Card ejectors do not extend from the PC Card slot.
Turn the computer upside down, and remove the nine M2.5 x 5-mm
screws labeled with a "circle B" that secure the system board assembly
to the bottom case assembly:
Remove the three M2.5 x 5-mm screws that secure the thermal
cooling fan protective cover to the bottom case assembly. The
thermal cooling fan protective cover is located at the back on the
right side of the bottom case assembly.
Remove the remaining six M2.5 x 5-mm screws from the bottom
case assembly.
Turn the bottom case assembly right-side up and remove the M2.5 x 5-
mm screw labeled with a white circle on the front center of the system
board.
Remove the speakers from the bottom case assembly.
Pull the right side of the bottom case assembly, next to the external
headphone and microphone connectors, away from the system board
assembly as you simultaneously lift the front of the system board
assembly out and away from the bottom case assembly.
Install the microprocessor on the replacement system board.
Connect the right and left speaker to the replacement system board.
Install the replacement system board:
Insert the external microphone and headphone connectors
through the plastic bottom case assembly.
Replace the nine M2.5 x 5-mm screws, starting on the right side of
the bottom case assembly.
Replace the thermal cooling fan protective cover, inserting the tab
into the bottom case assembly and replacing the three M2 x 4-mm
screws. If you replace the screw opposite the tab first, the other
two screws are easier to insert and replace.
HINT: Be sure to route
cables so that they will not
be crimped or pinched
when the complete
assembly is put back
together.
Replace any subassemblies that you may have removed, including the
memory modules, PCI card cage, Mini PCI card, speaker modules,
thermal cooling assembly, and hybrid cooling fan.
Replace the palm rest assembly, the display assembly, the hard drive,
and the keyboard assembly.
Replace the modular bay devices and any PC Cards or plastic blanks in
the PC Card slot.
HINT: After replacing
the system board
assembly, be sure to enter
the system's service tag
number into the BIOS of
the replacement system
board assembly.
Insert the floppy disk or CD that accompanied the replacement
system board assembly into the appropriate drive, and turn on the
computer. Follow the instructions on the display screen.
Remove the left module latch button from the bottom case assembly
by squeezing the snap tabs.
Apply pressure to the module latch and spring while unsnapping the snap tabs to prevent the module latch assembly from coming loose from the case. If the module latch assembly does come loose from the case:
Reinsert the spring onto the slider on the module latch, and
reinstall the module latch into the holding features on the inside
of the case.
HINT: The latch will not
function properly if the
slider is oriented
incorrectly.
Ensure that the slider is inserted in its respective hole, that the
side of the latch with the two bumps is facing the back of the case,
and that the surface with the wear ribs is facing the bottom of the
case.
Snap in the new latch button from the bottom of the base, making
certain its snap tabs are fully engaged in the module latch.
Ensure that the newly installed latch moves smoothly and freely when
pushed and released.
Repeat steps 5 through 7 for the latch on the right side.
