Dell Inspiron 15-3521 Motherboard Ventilation Fan Replacement
Duration: 45 minutes
Steps: 14 Steps
Step 1
We’re taking out the battery to keep things safe and steer clear of any surprise electrical zaps while working on this system.
– Turn your laptop over like you’re showing off its backside.
– Shift those battery latches outward, like you’re unlocking a hidden treasure.
– Gently lift the battery up and out – voilà, it’s free!
Step 2
– First, let’s get started by loosening the two screws that hold the access door in place – it’s like unlocking a secret compartment on your laptop!
– Next, grab your trusty spudger and gently pry open the access door from the laptop body. Easy does it!
– Now it’s time to get a little hands-on – use your fingers to carefully open and remove the access door, and voilà! You’ll find the memory cards waiting for you underneath.
Tools Used
Step 3
– Time to get started! To access the memory cards, simply push out the latches on the left and right sides – it’s like opening a little door
– Now, gently pull the memory card out of its tray while the latches are still open. Easy does it!
– Insert your new memory card into the tray, and press down until you hear the side latches click into place – you’ll know it’s secure when you hear that satisfying snap
Step 4
– Alright, before flipping your laptop back to its upright position, take out those screws securing the back plate to the laptop frame. Trust me, it’s easier than it sounds!
– Grab a trusty Phillips head PH0 screwdriver and remove the screws holding down the backplate—there are 11 of them, so keep count!
– Now, don’t forget the sneaky screws hiding under the battery and access panel. Use the same Phillips head PH0 screwdriver to get those out—just 3 screws here, no sweat!
Step 5
– Turn your laptop over so it’s facing the right way up.
– Grab a spudger and carefully pry the keyboard away from the laptop frame.
– With your fingers, gently lift the keyboard out, making sure to avoid any damage to the keyboard cable.
Tools Used
Step 6
– Alright, to pop off that keyboard, spot the cable locking doodad. It’s usually close to where the cable hugs the main board.
– Give the locking mechanism a gentle nudge up—no need to Hulk out, just ease it open.
– Now, slide that cable out from its snug spot to set your keyboard free. You’re doing awesome!
Step 7
– Find where the wireless card is chilling under the spot where the keyboard used to be.
– Pop off those antenna cables that connect the laptop to the wireless card—no need to be shy, they’re just cables.
– Grab a trusty PH0 screwdriver and unscrew the single screw holding the wireless card tight to the laptop frame. That’s right, just one screw!
– Slide that wireless card out—it’s ready to retire.
Step 8
– Disconnect the palmrest cables—they’re the ones with a blue and a purple marking, super easy to spot.
– To do this, just flip up the locking tab and gently slide those cables out of their laptop interface. Easy peasy!
Step 9
– Grab your Philips-head PH0 screwdriver with pride and finesse, and tackle the four 2.5 mm by 5 mm screws hiding under the keyboard plate. You’re the boss here, own it!
– Now, it’s time to face the three 2 mm by 3 mm screws under the keyboard plate. With the same trusty PH0 screwdriver, show these screws who’s in charge!
Step 10
– Grab a spudger and gently work your way around the palmrest to pop it off from the base of the laptop. You’ll find this connection around the middle of the laptop, like the laptop’s equator.
– Now, use your fingers to fully detach the palmrest from the laptop base. A little wiggle and it should come right off.
Tools Used
Step 11
In the first image, you’ll see the wireless card still connected. To access the power cable, you’ll need to remove the wireless card first. Check out the second image for a clearer look at the setup.
– First things first, let’s tackle that power cable! It’s hanging out in the upper left corner of your laptop. Feel free to use some forceps or just your fingers to give it a gentle tug and disconnect it.
– Next up, we’ve got the LCD cable chillin’ in the upper center of the laptop. You’ll want to remove this one using the same unlocking magic you used for the palmrest cables back in step 6. You’ve got this!
Step 12
The final cable is now loose and detached, as shown in the first image. It’s looking good!
– Next up, carefully remove the speaker cables – you can use forceps or your fingers to get the job done.
– Now, let’s tackle the final cable, which has a handy purple plastic flag to help you identify it. This one uses the same locking mechanism as the palmrest cables you saw earlier, so you’re a pro at this by now!
Step 13
– Grab your trusty Phillips head PH0 screwdriver and unscrew the motherboard from the laptop frame.
– Once it’s loose, gently lift the motherboard out with your fingers. No need to rush, take it slow!
Step 14
– To put everything back together, just work your way through these steps in reverse – easy peasy!
– You did it! If you need help with another repair or have any questions, you can always schedule a repair
