Table of Contents
- Vostro 5301 Service Manual
- Working on your computer
- Major components of Vostro 5301
- Disassembly and reassembly
- Troubleshooting
- Getting help
DELL 5301 User Manual
Displayed below is the user manual for 5301 by DELL which is a product in the Notebooks category. This manual has pages.
Related Manuals
Vostro 5301
Service Manual
Regulatory Model: P121G
Regulatory Type: P121G002
October 2020
Rev. A00
Notes, cautions, and warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid
the problem.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
© 2020 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. Other
trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Notes, cautions, and warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid
the problem.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
© 2020 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Chapter 1: Working on your computer........................................................................................... 6
Safety instructions.............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Before working inside your computer.......................................................................................................................6
Safety precautions.........................................................................................................................................................7
Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection................................................................................................................7
ESD field service kit ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
After working inside your computer..........................................................................................................................9
Chapter 2: Major components of Vostro 5301...............................................................................10
Chapter 3: Disassembly and reassembly ...................................................................................... 12
Base cover........................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Removing the base cover...........................................................................................................................................12
Installing the base cover.............................................................................................................................................16
Battery................................................................................................................................................................................. 20
Lithium-ion battery precautions...............................................................................................................................20
Removing the 3-cell battery..................................................................................................................................... 20
Installing the 3-cell battery........................................................................................................................................ 21
Removing the 4-cell battery..................................................................................................................................... 22
Installing the 4-cell battery....................................................................................................................................... 23
Solid-state drive................................................................................................................................................................ 24
Removing the 2230 solid-state drive......................................................................................................................24
Installing the 2230 solid-state drive........................................................................................................................25
Removing the 2280 solid-state drive..................................................................................................................... 26
Installing the 2280 solid-state drive........................................................................................................................27
Coin-cell battery................................................................................................................................................................ 28
Removing the coin-cell battery................................................................................................................................ 28
Installing the coin-cell battery.................................................................................................................................. 29
Fan........................................................................................................................................................................................ 30
Removing the fan........................................................................................................................................................ 30
Installing the fan........................................................................................................................................................... 31
Speakers.............................................................................................................................................................................. 32
Removing the speakers..............................................................................................................................................32
Installing the speakers................................................................................................................................................ 33
Display assembly................................................................................................................................................................34
Removing the display assembly................................................................................................................................34
Installing the display assembly..................................................................................................................................37
Touchpad.............................................................................................................................................................................38
Removing the touchpad.............................................................................................................................................38
Installing the touchpad...............................................................................................................................................39
Heat sink..............................................................................................................................................................................40
Removing the heat sink............................................................................................................................................. 40
Installing the heat sink................................................................................................................................................ 41
Power-adapter port.......................................................................................................................................................... 42
Contents
4 Contents
Removing the power-adapter port..........................................................................................................................42
Installing the power-adapter port............................................................................................................................43
I/O board............................................................................................................................................................................. 44
Removing the I/O board............................................................................................................................................ 44
Installing the I/O board.............................................................................................................................................. 45
System board..................................................................................................................................................................... 46
Removing the system board..................................................................................................................................... 46
Installing the system board....................................................................................................................................... 49
Palm-rest and keyboard assembly................................................................................................................................. 51
Removing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.................................................................................................51
Installing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.................................................................................................. 52
Power button with fingerprint reader.......................................................................................................................... 53
Removing the power button with fingerprint reader..........................................................................................53
Installing the power button with fingerprint reader............................................................................................ 54
Chapter 4: Troubleshooting.........................................................................................................56
Dell SupportAssist Pre-boot System Performance Check diagnostics................................................................56
Running the SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check................................................................56
Validation Tools ...........................................................................................................................................................56
System diagnostic lights..................................................................................................................................................62
WiFi power cycle............................................................................................................................................................... 63
Chapter 5: Getting help...............................................................................................................64
Contacting Dell.................................................................................................................................................................. 64
Contents 5
Working on your computer
Safety instructions
Prerequisites
Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and to ensure your personal safety. Unless
otherwise noted, each procedure included in this document assumes that the following conditions exist:
●You have read the safety information that shipped with your computer.
●A component can be replaced or, if purchased separately, installed by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
About this task
NOTE: Disconnect all power sources before opening the computer cover or panels. After you finish working inside the
computer, replace all covers, panels, and screws before connecting to the power source.
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer.
For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by
your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically
touching an unpainted metal surface at the same time as touching a connector on the back of the computer.
CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card. Hold a
card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by
its pins.
CAUTION: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its pull-tab, not on the cable itself. Some
cables have connectors with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking
tabs before you disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending
any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented and
aligned.
NOTE: The color of your computer and certain components may appear differently than shown in this document.
CAUTION: System will shut down if side covers are removed while the system is running. The system will not
power on if the side cover is removed.
Before working inside your computer
About this task
NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered.
Steps
1. Save and close all open files and exit all open applications.
1
6 Working on your computer
2. Shut down your computer. Click Start > Power > Shut down.
NOTE: If you are using a different operating system, see the documentation of your operating system for shut-down
instructions.
3. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
4. Disconnect all attached network devices and peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse, and monitor from your computer.
CAUTION: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the
cable from the network device.
5. Remove any media card and optical disc from your computer, if applicable.
Safety precautions
The safety precautions chapter details the primary steps to be taken before performing any disassembly instructions.
Observe the following safety precautions before you perform any installation or break/fix procedures involving disassembly or
reassembly:
●Turn off the system and all attached peripherals.
●Disconnect the system and all attached peripherals from AC power.
●Disconnect all network cables, telephone, and telecommunications lines from the system.
●Use an ESD field service kit when working inside any tabletnotebookdesktop to avoid electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.
●After removing any system component, carefully place the removed component on an anti-static mat.
●Wear shoes with non-conductive rubber soles to reduce the chance of getting electrocuted.
Standby power
Dell products with standby power must be unplugged before you open the case. Systems that incorporate standby power are
essentially powered while turned off. The internal power enables the system to be remotely turned on (wake on LAN) and
suspended into a sleep mode and has other advanced power management features.
Unplugging, pressing and holding the power button for 15 seconds should discharge residual power in the system board. Remove
the battery from tablets.notebooks.
Bonding
Bonding is a method for connecting two or more grounding conductors to the same electrical potential. This is done through the
use of a field service electrostatic discharge (ESD) kit. When connecting a bonding wire, ensure that it is connected to bare
metal and never to a painted or non-metal surface. The wrist strap should be secure and in full contact with your skin, and
ensure that you remove all jewelry such as watches, bracelets, or rings prior to bonding yourself and the equipment.
Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection
ESD is a major concern when you handle electronic components, especially sensitive components such as expansion cards,
processors, memory DIMMs, and system boards. Very slight charges can damage circuits in ways that may not be obvious, such
as intermittent problems or a shortened product life span. As the industry pushes for lower power requirements and increased
density, ESD protection is an increasing concern.
Due to the increased density of semiconductors used in recent Dell products, the sensitivity to static damage is now higher than
in previous Dell products. For this reason, some previously approved methods of handling parts are no longer applicable.
Two recognized types of ESD damage are catastrophic and intermittent failures.
●Catastrophic – Catastrophic failures represent approximately 20 percent of ESD-related failures. The damage causes an
immediate and complete loss of device functionality. An example of catastrophic failure is a memory DIMM that has received
a static shock and immediately generates a "No POST/No Video" symptom with a beep code emitted for missing or
nonfunctional memory.
●Intermittent – Intermittent failures represent approximately 80 percent of ESD-related failures. The high rate of
intermittent failures means that most of the time when damage occurs, it is not immediately recognizable. The DIMM
receives a static shock, but the tracing is merely weakened and does not immediately produce outward symptoms related to
Working on your computer 7
the damage. The weakened trace may take weeks or months to melt, and in the meantime may cause degradation of memory
integrity, intermittent memory errors, etc.
The more difficult type of damage to recognize and troubleshoot is the intermittent (also called latent or "walking wounded")
failure.
Perform the following steps to prevent ESD damage:
●Use a wired ESD wrist strap that is properly grounded. The use of wireless anti-static straps is no longer allowed; they do
not provide adequate protection. Touching the chassis before handling parts does not ensure adequate ESD protection on
parts with increased sensitivity to ESD damage.
●Handle all static-sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use anti-static floor pads and workbench pads.
●When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component from the anti-static
packing material until you are ready to install the component. Before unwrapping the anti-static packaging, ensure that you
discharge static electricity from your body.
●Before transporting a static-sensitive component, place it in an anti-static container or packaging.
ESD field service kit
The unmonitored Field Service kit is the most commonly used service kit. Each Field Service kit includes three main components:
anti-static mat, wrist strap, and bonding wire.
Components of an ESD field service kit
The components of an ESD field service kit are:
●Anti-Static Mat – The anti-static mat is dissipative and parts can be placed on it during service procedures. When using an
anti-static mat, your wrist strap should be snug and the bonding wire should be connected to the mat and to any bare metal
on the system being worked on. Once deployed properly, service parts can be removed from the ESD bag and placed directly
on the mat. ESD-sensitive items are safe in your hand, on the ESD mat, in the system, or inside a bag.
●Wrist Strap and Bonding Wire – The wrist strap and bonding wire can be either directly connected between your wrist
and bare metal on the hardware if the ESD mat is not required, or connected to the anti-static mat to protect hardware that
is temporarily placed on the mat. The physical connection of the wrist strap and bonding wire between your skin, the ESD
mat, and the hardware is known as bonding. Use only Field Service kits with a wrist strap, mat, and bonding wire. Never use
wireless wrist straps. Always be aware that the internal wires of a wrist strap are prone to damage from normal wear and
tear, and must be checked regularly with a wrist strap tester in order to avoid accidental ESD hardware damage. It is
recommended to test the wrist strap and bonding wire at least once per week.
●ESD Wrist Strap Tester – The wires inside of an ESD strap are prone to damage over time. When using an unmonitored
kit, it is a best practice to regularly test the strap prior to each service call, and at a minimum, test once per week. A wrist
strap tester is the best method for doing this test. If you do not have your own wrist strap tester, check with your regional
office to find out if they have one. To perform the test, plug the wrist-strap's bonding-wire into the tester while it is
strapped to your wrist and push the button to test. A green LED is lit if the test is successful; a red LED is lit and an alarm
sounds if the test fails.
●Insulator Elements – It is critical to keep ESD sensitive devices, such as plastic heat sink casings, away from internal parts
that are insulators and often highly charged.
●Working Environment – Before deploying the ESD Field Service kit, assess the situation at the customer location. For
example, deploying the kit for a server environment is different than for a desktop or portable environment. Servers are
typically installed in a rack within a data center; desktops or portables are typically placed on office desks or cubicles. Always
look for a large open flat work area that is free of clutter and large enough to deploy the ESD kit with additional space to
accommodate the type of system that is being repaired. The workspace should also be free of insulators that can cause an
ESD event. On the work area, insulators such as Styrofoam and other plastics should always be moved at least 12 inches or
30 centimeters away from sensitive parts before physically handling any hardware components
●ESD Packaging – All ESD-sensitive devices must be shipped and received in static-safe packaging. Metal, static-shielded
bags are preferred. However, you should always return the damaged part using the same ESD bag and packaging that the
new part arrived in. The ESD bag should be folded over and taped shut and all the same foam packing material should be
used in the original box that the new part arrived in. ESD-sensitive devices should be removed from packaging only at an
ESD-protected work surface, and parts should never be placed on top of the ESD bag because only the inside of the bag is
shielded. Always place parts in your hand, on the ESD mat, in the system, or inside an anti-static bag.
●Transporting Sensitive Components – When transporting ESD sensitive components such as replacement parts or parts
to be returned to Dell, it is critical to place these parts in anti-static bags for safe transport.
8Working on your computer
ESD protection summary
It is recommended that all field service technicians use the traditional wired ESD grounding wrist strap and protective anti-static
mat at all times when servicing Dell products. In addition, it is critical that technicians keep sensitive parts separate from all
insulator parts while performing service and that they use anti-static bags for transporting sensitive components.
After working inside your computer
About this task
CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely damage your computer.
Steps
1. Replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside your computer.
2. Connect any external devices, peripherals, or cables you removed before working on your computer.
3. Replace any media cards, discs, or any other parts that you removed before working on your computer.
4. Connect your computer and all attached devices to their electrical outlets.
5. Turn on your computer.
Working on your computer 9
Major components of Vostro 5301
The following image shows the major components of Vostro 5301.
1. Base cover
2. Battery
3. Fan
4. Wireless-card bracket
5. Wireless card
6. Coin-cell battery
7. Power button with fingerprint reader
8. I/O board
2
10 Major components of Vostro 5301
9. Palm-rest and keyboard assembly
10. Display assembly
11. Touchpad
12. Speakers
13. Power-adapter port
14. Solid-state drive shield
15. Solid-state drive
16. Heat sink
NOTE: Dell provides a list of components and their part numbers for the original system configuration purchased. These
parts are available according to warranty coverages purchased by the customer. Contact your Dell sales representative for
purchase options.
Major components of Vostro 5301 11
Disassembly and reassembly
NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered.
Base cover
Removing the base cover
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the base cover and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
3
12 Disassembly and reassembly
Disassembly and reassembly 13
14 Disassembly and reassembly
Disassembly and reassembly 15
Steps
1. Loosen the three captive screws that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Remove the four screws (M2x4) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Starting from the top-left corner, use a plastic scribe to pry the base cover in the direction of the arrows to release the base
cover from the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
CAUTION: Do not pull on or pry the base cover from the side where the hinges are; doing so may damage the
base cover.
4. Pry the base cover and remove it from the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
NOTE: The following steps are applicable only if you want to further remove any other component from your computer.
5. Using the pull tab, disconnect the battery cable from the battery.
6. Turn your computer over and press the power button for 15 seconds to drain the flea power.
Installing the base cover
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the base cover and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
16 Disassembly and reassembly
Disassembly and reassembly 17
18 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Connect the battery cable to the battery, if applicable.
Disassembly and reassembly 19
2. Align the screw holes on the base cover with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly, and then snap the
base cover into place.
3. Replace the four screws (M2x4) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
4. Tighten the three captive screws that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Next steps
1. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Battery
Lithium-ion battery precautions
CAUTION:
●Exercise caution when handling Lithium-ion batteries.
●Discharge the battery completely before removing it. Disconnect the AC power adapter from the system and
operate the computer solely on battery power—the battery is fully discharged when the computer no longer
turns on when the power button is pressed.
●Do not crush, drop, mutilate, or penetrate the battery with foreign objects.
●Do not expose the battery to high temperatures, or disassemble battery packs and cells.
●Do not apply pressure to the surface of the battery.
●Do not bend the battery.
●Do not use tools of any kind to pry on or against the battery.
●Ensure any screws during the servicing of this product are not lost or misplaced, to prevent accidental
puncture or damage to the battery and other system components.
●If the battery gets stuck inside your computer as a result of swelling, do not try to release it as puncturing,
bending, or crushing a lithium-ion battery can be dangerous. In such an instance, contact Dell technical
support for assistance. See www.dell.com/contactdell.
●Always purchase genuine batteries from www.dell.com or authorized Dell partners and resellers.
Removing the 3-cell battery
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the battery and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
20 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Remove the four screws (M2x5) that secure the battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Lift the battery off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Disconnect the battery cable from the system board, if applicable.
Installing the 3-cell battery
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the battery and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 21
Steps
1. Connect the battery cable to the system board.
2. Align the screw holes on the battery with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Replace the four screws (M2x5) that secure the battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Removing the 4-cell battery
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the battery and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
22 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Remove the five screws (M2x5) that secure the battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Lift the battery off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Disconnect the battery cable from the system board, if applicable.
Installing the 4-cell battery
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the battery and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 23
Steps
1. Connect the battery cable to the system board.
2. Align the screw holes on the battery with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Replace the five screws (M2x5) that secure the battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Solid-state drive
Removing the 2230 solid-state drive
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the solid-state drive.
24 Disassembly and reassembly
CAUTION: To avoid data loss, do not remove the solid-state drive while the computer is in sleep or on state.
2. Remove the base cover.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Lift the protective tape that covers the 2230 solid-state drive slot.
2. Peel the Mylar that covers the 2230 solid-state drive.
3. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the 2230 solid-state drive bracket to the system board.
4. Slide and remove the solid-state drive bracket off the system board.
5. Slide and remove the 2230 solid-state drive from the solid-state drive slot.
Installing the 2230 solid-state drive
Prerequisites
CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the solid-state drive.
Disassembly and reassembly 25
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
Steps
1. Lift the protective tape and peel the Mylar that covers the 2230 solid-state drive.
2. Slide the 2230 solid-state drive into the solid-state drive slot.
3. Slide the solid-state drive bracket and align the screw hole on the solid-state drive bracket with the screw hole on the
system board.
4. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the solid-state drive bracket to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Removing the 2280 solid-state drive
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
26 Disassembly and reassembly
CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the solid-state drive.
CAUTION: To avoid data loss, do not remove the solid-state drive while the computer is in sleep or on state.
2. Remove the base cover.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Lift the protective tape that covers the 2280 solid-state drive slot.
2. Peel the Mylar that covers the 2280 solid-state drive.
3. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the 2280 solid-state drive to the system board.
4. Slide and remove the 2280 solid-state drive from the solid-state drive slot.
Installing the 2280 solid-state drive
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the solid-state drive.
Disassembly and reassembly 27
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
Steps
1. Lift the protective tape and the Mylar that covers the solid-state drive slot.
2. Slide the 2280 solid-state drive into the solid-state drive slot.
3. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the 2280 solid-state drive to the system board.
4. Affix the Mylar and the protective tape over the solid-state drive.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Coin-cell battery
Removing the coin-cell battery
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
CAUTION: Removing the coin-cenn battery resets the BIOS setup program's settings to default. It is
recommended that you note the BIOS setup program's settings before removing the coin-cell battery.
2. Remove the base cover.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the coin-cell battery and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
28 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Disconnect the coin-cell battery cable from the system board.
2. Remove the coin-cell battery cable from the routing guide.
3. Peel the coin-cell battery off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Installing the coin-cell battery
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the coin-cell battery and provides a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 29
Steps
1. Adhere the coin-cell battery to the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Route the coin-cell battery cable through the routing guide.
3. Connect the coin-cell battery cable to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the 4-cell battery.
2. Install the 3-cell battery.
3. Install the base cover.
4. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Fan
Removing the fan
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the fans and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
30 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Peel off the tape that secures the I/O-board cable to the fan.
2. Lift the mylar that covers the fan screw on the system board.
3. Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the fan to the system board.
4. Disconnect the fan cable from the system board.
5. Lift the fan off the system board.
Installing the fan
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the fans and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 31
Steps
1. Lift the mylar that covers the screw hole on the fan.
2. Align the screw holes on the fan with the screw holes on the system board.
3. Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the fan to the system board.
4. Connect the fan cable from the system board.
5. Adhere the tape that secures the I/O-board cable to the fan.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Speakers
Removing the speakers
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the speakers and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
32 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Disconnect the speaker cable from the system board.
2. Peel the tapes that secure the speaker cable to the battery.
3. Note the routing of the speaker cables, and remove the speaker cables from the respective routing guides on the palm-rest
and keyboard assembly.
4. Pry the speakers off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Installing the speakers
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the speakers and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 33
Steps
1. Slide the left and the right speakers into the respective slots on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Route the speaker cables through the respective routing guides on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Adhere the tapes that secure the speaker cable to the battery.
4. Connect the left and the right speaker cables to the respective connectors on the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Display assembly
Removing the display assembly
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the display assembly and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
34 Disassembly and reassembly
Disassembly and reassembly 35
Steps
1. Lift the mylar that covers the display cable on the system board.
2. Open the latch and disconnect the display cable from the system board.
3. Remove the two screws (M2x2) that secure the left hinge to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
4. Remove the screw (M2x2) that secures the right hinge to the system board and the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
5. Open the display assembly at an angle and slide the palm-rest and keyboard assembly from the display assembly.
6. After performing all the above steps, you are left with the display assembly.
36 Disassembly and reassembly
Installing the display assembly
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the display assembly and provide a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 37
Steps
1. Place the display assembly on a clean surface.
2. Align and place the palm-rest and keyboard assembly at an angle with the display assembly.
3. Align the screw holes on the display hinges with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
4. Replace the screw (M2x2) that secures the right hinge to the system board and the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
5. Replace the two screws (M2x2) that secure the left hinge to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
6. Lift the mylar that covers the display-cable connector on the system board.
7. Connect the display cable to the connector on the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Touchpad
Removing the touchpad
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
38 Disassembly and reassembly
2. Remove the base cover.
3. Remove the 4-cell battery or the 3-cell battery.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of touchpad and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Peel the tape that secures the speaker cables to the touchpad bracket.
2. Remove the two (M2x2) screws that secure the touchpad bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Remove the two (M2x2) screws that secure the touchpad to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
4. Open the latch and disconnect the touchpad cable from the system board.
5. Peel the tapes that secure the touchpad to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
6. Lift the touchpad, along with the cable, off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Installing the touchpad
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of touchpad and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 39
Steps
1. Align and place the touchpad into the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Replace the two (M2x2) screws that secure the touchpad to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Adhere the tapes that secure the touchpad to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
4. Connect the touchpad cable and close the latch to secure the cable to the system board.
5. Align and place the touchpad bracket into the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
6. Replace the two (M2x2) screws that secure the touchpad bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
7. Adhere the tape that secures the speaker cables to the touchpad bracket.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Install the 4-cell battery or the 3-cell battery.
3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Heat sink
Removing the heat sink
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
CAUTION: For maximum cooling of the processor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the heat sink. The
oils in your skin can reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal grease.
NOTE: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation. Allow sufficient time for the heat sink to cool before you
touch it.
2. Remove the base cover.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the heat sink and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
40 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Peel off the Mylar that covers the heat sink on the system board.
2. In reverse sequential order (as indicated on the heat sink), loosen the four captive screws that secure the heat sink to the
system board.
3. Lift the heat sink off the system board.
Installing the heat sink
Prerequisites
CAUTION: Incorrect alignment of the heat sink can damage the system board and processor.
NOTE: If either the system board or the heat sink is replaced, use the thermal pad/paste provided in the kit to ensure that
thermal conductivity is achieved.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the heat sink and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 41
Steps
1. Align the screw holes on the heat sink with the screw holes on the system board.
2. In sequential order (as indicated on the heat sink), tighten the four captive screws that secure the heat sink to the system
board.
3. Adhere the Mylar that covers the heat sink on the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Power-adapter port
Removing the power-adapter port
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
42 Disassembly and reassembly
3. Remove the display assembly.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of power-adapter port and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the power-adapter port to the system board.
2. Disconnect the power-adapter port cable from the system board.
3. Lift the power-adapter port, along with its cable, off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Installing the power-adapter port
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of power-adapter port and provides a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 43
Steps
1. Connect the power-adapter port cable to the system board.
2. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the power-adapter port to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
I/O board
Removing the I/O board
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
3. Remove the display assembly.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of I/O board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
44 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Peel the tape that secures the I/O-board cable to the I/O board.
2. Open the latch and disconnect the I/O-board cable from the I/O board.
3. Peel the tape that secures the I/O-board cable to the fan.
4. Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the I/O board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
5. Lift the I/O board off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Installing the I/O board
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of I/O board and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 45
Steps
1. Align and place the I/O board on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the I/O board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Connect the I/O-board cable and close the latch to secure the cable to the I/O board.
4. Adhere the tape that secures the I/O-board cable to the fan.
5. Adhere the tape that secures the I/O-board cable to the I/O board.
Next steps
1. Install the fan.
2. Install the base cover.
3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
System board
Removing the system board
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
NOTE: Your computer’s Service Tag is stored in the system board. You must enter the Service Tag in the BIOS setup
program after you replace the system board.
NOTE: Replacing the system board removes any changes you have made to the BIOS using the BIOS setup program.
You must make the appropriate changes again after you replace the system board.
NOTE: Before disconnecting the cables from the system board, note the location of the connectors so that you can
reconnect the cables correctly after you replace the system board.
2. Remove the base cover.
3. Remove the 4-cell battery or the 2-cell battery.
4. Remove the fan.
5. Remove the heat sink.
46 Disassembly and reassembly
NOTE: The system board can be removed with the heat sink attached.
6. Remove the solid state drive.
7. Remove the display assembly.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the system board and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
1. fan cable 2. display cable
3. power-adapter port cable 4. speaker cable
5. keyboard backlight cable 6. keyboard cable
7. battery cable 8. touchpad cable
9. I/O-board cable 10. fingerprint-reader cable
11. coin-cell battery cable
Disassembly and reassembly 47
48 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Remove the single (M2x3) screw that secures the left display hinge to the system board and lift it up.
2. Lift the protective tape and remove the single (M2x2.5) screw that secures the wireless-card bracket to the system board.
3. Disconnect the wireless-card antennas from the wireless-card.
4. Lift the protective tape and disconnect the EDP cable.
5. Disconnect the DC-IN cable.
6. Disconnect the coin-cell battery cable, fingerprint-reader cable, I/O-board cable, touchpad cable, keyboard cable and
keyboard-backlit cable, speaker cable from the system board.
7. Lift the system board off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Installing the system board
Prerequisites
NOTE: Your computer’s Service Tag is stored in the system board. You must enter the Service Tag in the BIOS setup
program after you replace the system board.
NOTE: Replacing the system board removes any changes you have made to the BIOS using the BIOS setup program. You
must make the appropriate changes again after you replace the system board.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the system board and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 49
50 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Align the system board on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
NOTE: There is a screw hole on the system board that is marked "Inspiron 7300", only install a screw into this location
when installing system board for Inspiron 7300.
2. Connect the coin-cell battery cable, fingerprint-reader cable, I/O-board cable, touchpad cable, keyboard cable and keyboard-
backlit cable, speaker cable from the system board.
3. Connect the DC-IN cable.
4. Lift the protective tape and connect the EDP cable.
5. Lift the protective tape and Connect the wireless-card antennas from the wireless-card.
6. Place the wireless-card bracket on the wireless-card and replace the single (M2x2.5) screw to secure the wireless-card
bracket to the system board.
7. Push the display hinge down and replace the single (M2x3) screw to secure the left display hinge to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the display assembly.
2. Install the solid state drive.
3. Install the heat sink.
4. Install the fan.
5. Install the 4-cell battery or the 2-cell battery.
6. Install the base cover.
7. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Palm-rest and keyboard assembly
Removing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
3. Remove the 4-cell battery or the 3-cell battery.
4. Remove the speakers.
5. Remove the system board.
NOTE: The system board can be removed with the heat sink attached.
6. Remove the display assembly.
7. Remove the power-adapter port.
8. Remove the touchpad.
About this task
The following image indicates the palm-rest and keyboard assembly and provides a visual representation of the removal
procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 51
Steps
After performing the steps in the pre-requisites, we are left with the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
NOTE: System board can be removed with heatsink attached.
Installing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following image indicates the palm-rest and keyboard assembly and provides a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
52 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
Place the palm-rest and keyboard assembly on a flat surface.
Next steps
1. Install the touchpad.
2. Install the power-adapter port.
3. Install the display assembly.
4. Install the system board.
5. Install the speakers.
6. Install the 4-cell battery or the 3-cell battery.
7. Install the base cover.
8. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Power button with fingerprint reader
Removing the power button with fingerprint reader
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
3. Remove the 4-cell battery or the 3-cell battery.
4. Remove the speakers.
5. Remove the system board.
NOTE: The system board can be removed with the heat sink attached.
6. Remove the display assembly.
7. Remove the power-adapter port.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of power-adapter port and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 53
Steps
1. Peel off the mylar tape that secures the power button with fingerprint reader cable connection.
2. Disconnect the power button with fingerprint reader cable from the connector on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Lift the power button with fingerprint reader off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Installing the power button with fingerprint reader
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of power-adapter port and provides a visual representation of the installation
procedure.
54 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Align the power button with fingerprint reader on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Connect the power button with fingerprint reader cable to the connector on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Adhere the mylar tape that secures the power button with fingerprint reader cable connection.
Next steps
1. Install the power-adapter port.
2. Install the display assembly.
3. Install the system board.
4. Install the speakers.
5. Install the 4-cell battery or the 3-cell battery.
6. Install the base cover.
7. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Disassembly and reassembly 55
Troubleshooting
Dell SupportAssist Pre-boot System Performance
Check diagnostics
About this task
The SupportAssist diagnostics (also known as system diagnostics) performs a complete check of your hardware. The Dell
SupportAssist Pre-boot System Performance Check diagnostics is embedded with the BIOS and is launched by the BIOS
internally. The embedded system diagnostics provides a set of options for particular devices or device groups allowing you to:
●Run tests automatically or in an interactive mode
●Repeat tests
●Display or save test results
●Run thorough tests to introduce additional test options to provide extra information about the failed device(s)
●View status messages that inform you if tests are completed successfully
●View error messages that inform you of problems encountered during testing
NOTE: Some tests for specific devices require user interaction. Always ensure that you are present at the computer
terminal when the diagnostic tests are performed.
For more information, see Resolve Hardware Issues With Built-in and Online Diagnostics (SupportAssist ePSA, ePSA or PSA
Error Codes) .
Running the SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check
Steps
1. Turn on your computer.
2. As the computer boots, press the F12 key as the Dell logo appears.
3. On the boot menu screen, select the Diagnostics option.
4. Click the arrow at the bottom left corner.
Diagnostics front page is displayed.
5. Click the arrow in the lower-right corner to go to the page listing.
The items detected are listed.
6. To run a diagnostic test on a specific device, press Esc and click Yes to stop the diagnostic test.
7. Select the device from the left pane and click Run Tests.
8. If there are any issues, error codes are displayed.
Note the error code and validation number and contact Dell.
Validation Tools
This section contains information on how to validate the SupportAssist ePSA, ePSA or PSA error codes.
Error code verification can be done using below two methods :
●Online Enhanced Preboot System Assessment Validation Tool.
●QR scanning using QR APP on Smart Phone.
4
56 Troubleshooting
Online SupportAssist On-board Diagnostics, ePSA or PSA Error Codes
Validation Tool
Usage Guide
Steps
1. User to obtain information from SupportAssist error windows.
2. Navigate to https://www.dell.com/support/diagnose/Pre-boot-Analysis.
3. Enter error code, validation code, and service tag. Part serial number is optional.
NOTE: For error code, use only the last 3 or 4 digits of the code. (user can enter 0142 or 142 instead of 2000–0142.)
4. Click on Submit once all the necessary information is entered.
Troubleshooting 57
Results
Valid Error Code Example
After entering the correct information, the online tools will direct the user to the above screen which contains information on :
58 Troubleshooting
●Confirmation of the error code and result outcome
●Suggested Part Replacement
●If customer is still covered under Dell Warranty
●Case reference number if there is an open case under the service tag
Invalid Error Code Example
QR APP Validation Tool
About this task
Besides using the online tool, customers can also validate the error code by scanning the QR code with a QR APP on a
smartphone.
Steps
1. User to obtain the QR code from SupportAssist On-board Diagnostics error screen.
2. User can use any QR code scanner application through the smartphone to scan the QR code.
Troubleshooting 59
3. The QR code scanner application will scan the code and automatically generate a link. Click the link to proceed.
60 Troubleshooting
Results
The link generated will take the customer to the Dell Support website which contains information on:
●Confirmation of the error code and result outcome
●Suggested Part Replacement
●If customer is still covered under Dell Warranty
●Case reference number if there is an open case under the service tag
Troubleshooting 61
System diagnostic lights
Battery-status light
Indicates the power and battery-charge status.
Solid white — Power adapter is connected and the battery has more than 5 percent charge.
Amber — Computer is running on battery and the battery has less than 5 percent charge.
Off
●Power adapter is connected and the battery is fully charged.
●Computer is running on battery and the battery has more than 5 percent charge.
●Computer is in sleep state, hibernation, or turned off.
The power and battery-status light blinks amber along with beep codes indicating failures.
For example, the power and battery-status light blinks amber two times followed by a pause, and then blinks white three times
followed by a pause. This 2,3 pattern continues until the computer is turned off indicating no memory or RAM is detected.
The following table shows different power and battery-status light patterns and associated problems.
Table 1. LED codes
Diagnostic light codes Problem description
2,1 Processor failure
2,2 System board: BIOS or ROM (Read-Only Memory) failure
62 Troubleshooting
Table 1. LED codes (continued)
Diagnostic light codes Problem description
2,3 No memory or RAM (Random-Access Memory) detected
2,4 Memory or RAM (Random-Access Memory) failure
2,5 Invalid memory installed
2,6 System-board or chipset error
2,7 Display failure
2,8 LCD power rail failure. Replace system board
3,1 Coin-cell battery failure
3,2 PCI, video card/chip failure
3,3 Recovery image not found
3,4 Recovery image found but invalid
3,5 Power-rail failure
3,6 System BIOS Flash incomplete
3,7 Management Engine (ME) error
Camera status light: Indicates whether the camera is in use.
●Solid white — Camera is in use.
●Off — Camera is not in use.
Caps Lock status light: Indicates whether Caps Lock is enabled or disabled.
●Solid white — Caps Lock enabled.
●Off — Caps Lock disabled.
WiFi power cycle
About this task
If your computer is unable to access the internet due to WiFi connectivity issues a WiFi power cycle procedure may be
performed. The following procedure provides the instructions on how to conduct a WiFi power cycle:
NOTE: Some ISPs (Internet Service Providers) provide a modem/router combo device.
Steps
1. Turn off your computer.
2. Turn off the modem.
3. Turn off the wireless router.
4. Wait for 30 seconds.
5. Turn on the wireless router.
6. Turn on the modem.
7. Turn on your computer.
Troubleshooting 63
Getting help
Contacting Dell
Prerequisites
NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packing
slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.
About this task
Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options. Availability varies by country and product, and
some services may not be available in your area. To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues:
Steps
1. Go to Dell.com/support.
2. Select your support category.
3. Verify your country or region in the Choose a Country/Region drop-down list at the bottom of the page.
4. Select the appropriate service or support link based on your need.
5
64 Getting help