Dell™ XPS™ L501X Service Manual Before You Begin Battery Module Cover Memory Module(s) Wireless Mini-Card(s) Optical Drive Palm-Rest Assembly Power-Button Board Coin-Cell Battery Hard Drive Keyboard Display Camera Module Top Cover Fan Subwoofer Internal Card With Bluetooth Wireless Technology AC-Adapter Connector USB Board TV Tuner Connector Heat Sink Processor Module System Board Speakers Flashing the BIOS Notes, Cautions, and Warnings NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make bett
Back to Contents Page Battery Dell™ XPS™ L501X Service Manual Removing the Battery Replacing the Battery 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 at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer.
Back to Contents Page Before You Begin Dell™ XPS™ L501X Service Manual Recommended Tools Turning Off Your Computer Before Working Inside Your Computer This manual provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist: l You have performed the steps in Turning Off Your Computer and Before Working Inside Your Computer. l You have read the safety information that shipped with your computer.
CAUTION: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the cable from the network device. 3. Disconnect all telephone or network cables from the computer. 4. Press and eject any installed cards from the Media Card Reader. 5. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets. 6. Disconnect all attached devices from your computer.
Back to Contents Page Flashing the BIOS Dell™ XPS™ L501X Service Manual The BIOS may require flashing when an update is available or when replacing the system board. To flash the BIOS: 1. Turn on the computer. 2. Go to support.dell.com/support/downloads. 3. Locate the BIOS update file for your computer: NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located on a label at the bottom of your computer. If you have your computer's Service Tag: a. Click Enter a Tag. b.
Back to Contents Page Internal Card With Bluetooth Wireless Technology Dell™ XPS™ L501X Service Manual Removing the Bluetooth Card Replacing the Bluetooth Card 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 at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer.
Replacing the Bluetooth Card 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Slide the Bluetooth card into the slot on the top cover. 3. Connect the Bluetooth-card cable to the connector on the system board. 4. Follow the instructions from step 9 to step 12 in Replacing the Top Cover. 5. Replace the display assembly (see Replacing the Display Assembly). 6. Replace the keyboard (see Replacing the Keyboard). 7. Replace the palm-rest assembly (see Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly). 8.
Back to Contents Page Camera Module Dell™ XPS™ L501X Service Manual Removing the Camera Module Replacing the Camera Module 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 at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer.
2. Adhere the camera module to the aluminium foil. 3. Use the alignment posts on the display back cover to place the camera module in position. 4. Connect the camera cable to the connector on the camera module. 5. Replace the display bezel (see Replacing the Display Bezel). 6. Replace the display assembly (see Replacing the Display Assembly). 7. Replace the keyboard (see Replacing the Keyboard). 8. Replace the palm-rest assembly (see Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly). 9.
Back to Contents Page Coin-Cell Battery Dell™ XPS™ L501X Service Manual Removing the Coin-Cell Battery Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery 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 at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer.
Back to Contents Page USB Board Dell™ XPS™ L501X Service Manual Removing the USB Board Replacing the USB Board 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 at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer.
Replacing the USB Board 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Align the connectors on the USB board with the slots on the top cover and place it on the top cover. 3. Replace the three screws that secure the USB board to the top cover. 4. Slide the USB-board cable into the connector on the USB board and press the connector latch down to secure the cable. 5. Replace the AC adapter connector (see Replacing the AC-Adapter Connector). 6.
Back to Contents Page AC-Adapter Connector Dell™ XPS™ L501X Service Manual Removing the AC-Adapter Connector Replacing the AC-Adapter Connector 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 at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer.
Replacing the AC-Adapter Connector 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Align the screw hole on the AC-adapter connector with the screw hole on the top cover. 3. Replace the screw that secures the AC-adapter connector to the top cover. 4. Route the AC-adapter connector cable through the routing guides. 5. Connect the AC-adapter connector cable to the system-board connector. 6. Follow the instructions from step 9 to step 12 in Replacing the Top Cover. 7.
Back to Contents Page Display Dell™ XPS™ L501X Service Manual Display Assembly Display Bezel Display Panel Display Cable Display-Panel Brackets 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 at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer.
8. Remove the palm-rest assembly (see Removing the Palm-Rest Assembly). 9. Turn the computer over and open the display as far as possible. 10. Remove the keyboard (see Removing the Keyboard). 11. Pull the pull-tab to disconnect the display cable from the system-board connector. 12. Disconnect the digitizer board cable from the system-board connector. NOTE: The digitizer board is optional and may not be present in your computer. 13.
18. Lift the display assembly off the computer base. Replacing the Display Assembly 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Place the display assembly in position and replace the four screws that secure the display assembly to the computer base. 3. Route the display cable through the routing guides and connect the display cable to the system-board connector. 4. Connect the digitizer board cable to the system-board connector. 5.
1 display bezel Replacing the Display Bezel 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Align the display bezel with the display back cover, and gently snap it into place. 3. Replace the display assembly (see Replacing the Display Assembly). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer. Display Panel Removing the Display Panel 1.
1 camera cable 3 digitizer board cable 2 display panel 6. Remove the ten screws that secure the display panel to the display back cover. 7. Remove the two screws that secure the digitizer board to the display back cover. 8. Note the routing of the antenna cables and remove them from the routing guide on the right display hinge. 9. Note the routing of the display cable and remove it from the routing guide on the left display hinge.
Display Cable Removing the Display Cable 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Remove the display assembly (see Removing the Display Assembly). 3. Remove the display bezel (see Removing the Display Bezel). 4. Remove the display panel (see Removing the Display Panel). 5. Turn the display panel over and place it on a clean surface. 6. Pull the pull-tab to disconnect the display cable from the connector on the display panel. 1 pull tab 3 display cable 7.
1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Remove the display assembly (see Removing the Display Assembly). 3. Remove the display bezel (see Removing the Display Bezel). 4. Remove the display panel (see Removing the Display Panel). 5. Remove the four screws (two on each side) that secure the display-panel brackets to the display panel. 6. Remove the display-panel brackets off the display panel. 1 screws (4) 2 display panel brackets (2) Replacing the Display-Panel Brackets 1.
Back to Contents Page Fan Dell™ XPS™ L501X Service Manual Removing the Fan Replacing the Fan 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 at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell™ is not covered by your warranty.
1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Place the fan on the base cover. 3. Replace the two screws that secure the fan to the base cover. 4. Follow the instructions from step 9 to step 12 in Replacing the Top Cover. 5. Replace the display assembly (see Replacing the Display Assembly). 6. Replace the keyboard (see Replacing the Keyboard). 7. Replace the palm-rest assembly (see Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly). 8. Replace the memory module(s) (see Replacing the Memory Module(s)).
Back to Contents Page Hard Drive Dell™ XPS™ L501X Service Manual Removing the Hard Drive Replacing the Hard Drive 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 at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. WARNING: If you remove the hard drive from the computer when the drive is hot, do not touch the metal housing of the hard drive.
1 screws (4) 2 hard-drive bracket CAUTION: When the hard drive is not in the computer, store it in protective antistatic packaging (see "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions that shipped with your computer). Replacing the Hard Drive 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Remove the new hard drive from its packaging. Save the original packaging for storing or shipping the hard drive. 3. Slide the hard drive into the hard-drive bracket. 4.
Back to Contents Page Heat Sink Dell™ XPS™ L501X Service Manual Removing the Heat Sink Replacing the Heat Sink 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 at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. WARNING: If you remove the heat sink from the computer when the heat sink is hot, do not touch the metal housing of the heat sink.
1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Clean the thermal grease from the bottom of the heat sink and reapply it. 3. Align the seven captive screws on the heat sink with the screw holes on the system board and tighten the screws in sequential order (indicated on the heat sink). 4. Follow the instructions from step 9 to step 12 in Replacing the Top Cover. 5. Replace the display assembly (see Replacing the Display Assembly). 6. Replace the keyboard (see Replacing the Keyboard). 7.
Back to Contents Page Keyboard Dell™ XPS™ L501X Service Manual Removing the Keyboard Replacing the Keyboard 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 at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer.
1 keyboard backlight cable connector CAUTION: The keycaps on the keyboard are fragile, easily dislodged, and time-consuming to replace. Be careful when removing and handling the keyboard. CAUTION: Be extremely careful when removing and handling the keyboard. Failure to do so could result in scratching the display panel. 7. Turn the keyboard over and place it over the top cover as shown in the following illustration. 8.
CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer.
Back to Contents Page Memory Module(s) Dell™ XPS™ L501X Service Manual Removing the Memory Module(s) Replacing the Memory Module(s) 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 at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer.
CAUTION: If you need to install memory modules in two connectors, install a memory module in the lower connector before you install a memory module in the upper connector. 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Align the notch in the memory module with the tab in the memory-module connector. 3. Slide the memory module firmly into the memory-module connector at a 45-degree angle, and press the memory module down until it clicks into place.
Back to Contents Page Wireless Mini-Card(s) Dell™ XPS™ L501X Service Manual Removing the Mini-Card(s) Replacing the Mini-Card(s) 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 at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer.
CAUTION: When the Mini-Card is not in the computer, store it in protective antistatic packaging. For more information, see "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety information that shipped with your computer. Replacing the Mini-Card(s) 1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Remove the new Mini-Card from its packaging. CAUTION: Use firm and even pressure to slide the card into place. If you use excessive force, you may damage the connector.
NOTE: If you are installing a communication card from a source other than Dell, you must install the appropriate drivers and utilities.
Back to Contents Page Module Cover Dell™ XPS™ L501X Service Manual Removing the Module Cover Replacing the Module Cover 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 at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer.
Back to Contents Page
Back to Contents Page Optical Drive Dell™ XPS™ L501X Service Manual Removing the Optical Drive Replacing the Optical Drive 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 at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer.
3. Slide the optical drive into the optical-drive bay until it is fully seated. 4. Replace the screw that secures the optical drive to the base cover. 5. Replace the memory module(s) (see Replacing the Memory Module(s)). 6. Replace the module cover (see Replacing the Module Cover). 7. Replace the battery (see Replacing the Battery). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer.
Back to Contents Page Palm-Rest Assembly Dell™ XPS™ L501X Service Manual Removing the Palm-Rest Assembly Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly 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 at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer.
1 top cover 2 palm-rest assembly CAUTION: Carefully separate the palm-rest assembly from the top cover to avoid damage to the palm-rest assembly. 7. Without pulling hard on the palm-rest assembly, place it away from the display as shown in the following illustration. 8. Lift the connector latch and pull the pull-tab to disconnect the touch-pad cable and the power button cable from the system-board connectors. 9. Lift the palm-rest assembly off the top cover.
Back to Contents Page
Back to Contents Page Processor Module Dell™ XPS™ L501X Service Manual Removing the Processor Module Replacing the Processor Module 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 at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer.
1 ZIF socket 2 processor module 3 pin-1 corner 4 ZIF-socket cam screw CAUTION: To ensure maximum cooling for the processor module, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the processor thermal-cooling assembly. The oils in your skin can reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal pads. CAUTION: When removing the processor module, pull the module straight up. Be careful not to bend the pins on the processor module. 11. Lift the processor module off the ZIF socket.
Back to Contents Page Power-Button Board Dell™ XPS™ L501X Service Manual Removing the Power-Button Board Replacing the Power-Button Board 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 at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer.
5. Replace the battery (see Replacing the Battery). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer.
Back to Contents Page Speakers Dell™ XPS™ L501X Service Manual Removing the Speakers Replacing the Speakers 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 at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer.
5. Replace the system board (see Replacing the System Board). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer.
Back to Contents Page System Board Dell™ XPS™ L501X Service Manual Removing the System Board Replacing the System Board Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS 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 at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer.
11. Remove the heat sink (see Removing the Heat Sink). 12. Remove the processor module (see Removing the Processor Module). 13. Disconnect the Bluetooth cable and AC-adapter cable from the connector on the system board. 14. Remove the five screws that secure the system board to the top cover. 1 AC-adapter connector 2 screws (5) 3 system board 4 Bluetooth-board cable connector 15.
CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer. 15. Turn on the computer. NOTE: After you have replaced the system board, enter the computer Service Tag into the BIOS of the replacement system board. 16. Enter the service tag (see Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS). Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS 1.
Back to Contents Page Dell™ XPS™ L501X Service Manual NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates potential damage to hardware or loss of data if instructions are not followed. WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2010 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Back to Contents Page Top Cover Dell™ XPS™ L501X Service Manual Removing the Top Cover Replacing the Top Cover 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 at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer.
1 subwoofer cable connector 2 fan cable connector 13. Turn the computer over and use your fingertips to gently ease the top-cover assembly off the base cover. 14. Lift the top-cover assembly off the base cover. . 1 top-cover assembly 15. Remove heat sink (see Removing the Heat Sink). 16. Remove the system board (see Removing the System Board). 17. Remove the Bluetooth card (see Removing the Bluetooth Card). 18. Remove the AC-adapter connector (see Removing the AC-Adapter Connector). 19.
2. Replace the speakers (see Replacing the Speakers). 3. Replace the TV tuner connector (see Replacing the TV Tuner Connector). 4. Replace the USB board (see Replacing the USB Board). 5. Replace the AC-adapter connector (see Replacing the AC-Adapter Connector). 6. Replace the Bluetooth card (see Replacing the Bluetooth Card). 7. Replace the system board (see Replacing the System Board). 8. Replace the heat sink (see Replacing the Heat Sink). 9.
Back to Contents Page TV Tuner Connector Dell™ XPS™ L501X Service Manual Removing the TV Tuner Connector Replacing the TV Tuner Connector 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 at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer.
1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Align the screw holes on the TV tuner connector with the screw holes on the top cover. 3. Replace the two screws that secure the TV tuner connector to the top cover. 4. Route the TV tuner connector cable through the routing guides. 5. Replace the AC-adapter connector (see Replacing the AC-Adapter Connector). 6. Follow the instructions from step 9 to step 12 in Replacing the Top Cover. 7.
Back to Contents Page Subwoofer Dell™ XPS™ L501X Service Manual Removing the Subwoofer Replacing the Subwoofer 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 at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer.
1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin. 2. Place the subwoofer on the base cover. 3. Replace the four screws that secure the subwoofer to the base cover. 4. Follow the instructions from step 9 to step 12 in Replacing the Top Cover. 5. Replace the display assembly (see Replacing the Display Assembly). 6. Replace the keyboard (see Replacing the Keyboard). 7. Replace the palm-rest assembly (see Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly). 8.
