Dell G15 5511 User manual

Dell G15 5511
Service Manual
Regulatory Model: P105F
Regulatory Type: P105F005
February 2022
Rev. A05

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.
© 2021-2022 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 inside your computer...................................................................................... 5
Before working inside your computer.............................................................................................................................5
Before you begin ...........................................................................................................................................................5
Safety instructions.............................................................................................................................................................. 5
Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection..................................................................................................................... 6
ESD field service kit ...........................................................................................................................................................6
Transporting sensitive components................................................................................................................................ 7
After working inside your computer................................................................................................................................ 7
Chapter 2: Removing and installing components........................................................................... 8
Recommended tools........................................................................................................................................................... 8
Screw list............................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Major components of G15 5511........................................................................................................................................ 9
Base cover............................................................................................................................................................................ 11
Removing the base cover........................................................................................................................................... 11
Installing the base cover.............................................................................................................................................13
Solid-state drives............................................................................................................................................................... 15
Removing the solid-state drive in SSD slot one................................................................................................... 15
Installing the solid-state drive in SSD slot one..................................................................................................... 16
Removing the solid-state drive in SSD slot two................................................................................................... 18
Installing the solid-state drive in SSD slot two..................................................................................................... 19
Procedure to move the screw mount..................................................................................................................... 21
Wireless card.......................................................................................................................................................................21
Removing the wireless card.......................................................................................................................................21
Installing the wireless card........................................................................................................................................ 22
Memory module................................................................................................................................................................. 24
Removing the memory module.................................................................................................................................24
Installing the memory module...................................................................................................................................24
Battery................................................................................................................................................................................. 25
Lithium-ion battery precautions...............................................................................................................................25
Removing the battery.................................................................................................................................................26
Installing the battery...................................................................................................................................................26
Touchpad.............................................................................................................................................................................28
Removing the touchpad.............................................................................................................................................28
Installing the touchpad...............................................................................................................................................29
I/O board..............................................................................................................................................................................31
Removing the I/O board - shipped with flexible printed circuit (FPC)...........................................................31
Installing the I/O board - shipped with flexible printed circuit (FPC)............................................................ 32
Speakers.............................................................................................................................................................................. 34
Removing the speakers..............................................................................................................................................34
Installing the speakers................................................................................................................................................35
Rear cover...........................................................................................................................................................................36
Removing the rear cover........................................................................................................................................... 36
Installing the rear cover............................................................................................................................................. 37
Contents
Contents 3

Display assembly................................................................................................................................................................38
Installing the display assembly..................................................................................................................................38
Removing the display assembly............................................................................................................................... 40
Power-adapter port.......................................................................................................................................................... 42
Removing the power-adapter port..........................................................................................................................42
Installing the power-adapter port............................................................................................................................43
System board..................................................................................................................................................................... 44
Removing the system board..................................................................................................................................... 44
Installing the system board....................................................................................................................................... 48
Heat sink............................................................................................................................................................................. 50
Removing the heat sink............................................................................................................................................. 50
Installing the heat sink................................................................................................................................................52
USB board........................................................................................................................................................................... 53
Removing the USB board.......................................................................................................................................... 53
Installing the USB board............................................................................................................................................ 54
Power button..................................................................................................................................................................... 54
Removing the power button.....................................................................................................................................54
Installing the power button.......................................................................................................................................55
Palm-rest and keyboard assembly................................................................................................................................ 56
Removing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly................................................................................................56
Installing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.................................................................................................. 57
Chapter 3: Drivers and downloads............................................................................................... 59
Chapter 4: System setup.............................................................................................................60
Entering BIOS setup program........................................................................................................................................ 60
Navigation keys................................................................................................................................................................. 60
System setup options....................................................................................................................................................... 61
System and setup password...........................................................................................................................................68
Assigning a system setup password....................................................................................................................... 69
Deleting or changing an existing system setup password.................................................................................69
Clearing CMOS settings............................................................................................................................................ 69
Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords.....................................................................................70
Updating the BIOS............................................................................................................................................................ 70
Updating the BIOS in Windows................................................................................................................................70
Updating the BIOS using the USB drive in Windows..........................................................................................70
Updating the BIOS in Linux and Ubuntu................................................................................................................. 71
Updating the BIOS from the F12 One-Time boot menu......................................................................................71
Chapter 5: Troubleshooting......................................................................................................... 72
Handling swollen Lithium-ion batteries........................................................................................................................ 72
SupportAssist diagnostics............................................................................................................................................... 72
System diagnostic lights.................................................................................................................................................. 73
Recovering the operating system..................................................................................................................................74
Backup media and recovery options............................................................................................................................. 74
WiFi power cycle................................................................................................................................................................74
Drain residual flea power (perform hard reset)......................................................................................................... 74
Chapter 6: Getting help and contacting Dell................................................................................ 76
4Contents

Working inside your computer
Before working inside your computer
NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered.
Before you begin
Steps
1. Save and close all open files and exit all open applications.
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.
5. Remove any media card and optical disc from your computer, if applicable.
Safety instructions
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 you have read the safety information that shipped
with your computer.
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that is shipped with your
computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
WARNING: Disconnect your computer from 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 your
computer to an electrical outlet.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, ensure that the work surface is flat, dry, and clean.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the components and cards, handle them by their edges, and avoid touching the
pins and the contacts.
CAUTION: You should only perform troubleshooting and repairs as authorized or directed by the Dell technical
assistance team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. See the
safety instructions that is shipped with the product or at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal
surface, such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal
surface to dissipate static electricity which could harm internal components.
CAUTION: When you disconnect a cable, pull it by its connector or its pull tab, not the cable itself. Some cables
have connectors with locking tabs or thumbscrews that you must disengage before disconnecting the cable.
When disconnecting cables, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending the connector pins. When connecting
cables, ensure that the ports and the connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
1
Working inside your computer 5

CAUTION: Press and eject any installed card from the media-card reader.
CAUTION: Exercise caution when handling Lithium-ion batteries in laptops. Swollen batteries should not be used
and should be replaced and disposed properly.
NOTE: The color of your computer and certain components may appear differently than shown in this document.
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
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
6Working inside your computer

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.
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.
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.
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 inside your computer 7

Removing and installing components
NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered.
Recommended tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
●Phillips screwdriver #0
●Plastic scribe
Screw list
NOTE: When removing screws from a component, it is recommended to note the screw type, the quantity of screws, and
then place them in a screw storage box. This is to ensure that the correct number of screws and correct screw type is
restored when the component is replaced.
NOTE: Some computers have magnetic surfaces. Ensure that the screws are not left attached to such surfaces when
replacing a component.
NOTE: Screw color may vary with the configuration ordered.
Table 1. Screw list
Component Screw type Quantity Screw image
Base cover M2x6 4
NOTE: Screw color may vary
depending on the configuration
ordered.
Battery M2x4 4
Touchpad bracket M2x2 7
Rear cover M2x2 2
Rear cover M2.5x5 2
Display-hinge brackets M2.5x4 8
SSD1 M2x4 2
SSD2 M2x4 2
2
8 Removing and installing components

Table 1. Screw list (continued)
Component Screw type Quantity Screw image
Wireless-card bracket M2x4 1
Power-adapter port M2x4 2
Power button M2x2 2
Type-C bracket M2x4 2
System board M2x4 5
USB board M2x4 2
I/O board M2x4 2
Power-button shield M2x2 2
Major components of G15 5511
The following image shows the major components of your computer.
Removing and installing components 9

1. Rear cover
2. Base cover
3. Power-adapter port
4. Heat sink
5. Left fan
6. Wireless card
7. 2280 Solid-state drive
8. USB board
9. Palm-rest and keyboard assembly
10. Touchpad
11. Speakers
12. Display assembly
13. Battery
14. 2230 Solid-state drive
15. I/O board
16. Memory module
17. Right fan
18. Power button
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.
10 Removing and installing components

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.
Removing and installing components 11

12 Removing and installing components

Steps
1. Loosen the four captive screws that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Remove the four screws (M2x6) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
NOTE: Loosening the two captive screws located in the front of the computer creates a gap which can be used to pry
and lift the base cover off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Starting from the left corner, use a plastic scribe to pry the base cover and to release the base cover from the tabs. Lift the
base cover off 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.
4. Using the pull tab, disconnect the battery cable from the system board.
5. 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.
Removing and installing components 13

Steps
1. Connect the battery cable to the system board, if the battery cable had been previously disconnected.
14 Removing and installing components

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 (M2x6) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
4. Tighten the four 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.
Solid-state drives
Removing the solid-state drive in SSD slot one
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
About this task
NOTE: Your computer has two solid-state drive slots. The solid-state drive 1 slot is located at the bottom left corner of the
system board and the solid-state drive 2 slot is located at the bottom right corner of the system board. Both slots support
M.2 2230 and M.2 2280 SSDs.
NOTE: For more information about Dell qualified solid-state drives supported by your computer, see Parts & Accessories at
https://www.dell.com/support..
NOTE: Flash (update) the BIOS before upgrading to a Gen4 solid-state drive.
The following image indicates the location of the solid-state drive that is installed in SSD slot one and provides a visual
representation of the removal procedure.
Removing and installing components 15

Steps
1. Remove the two screws (M2x4) that secure the thermal shield to the solid-state drive and the system board.
2. Lift the thermal shield off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Slide and lift the solid-state drive off the slot on the system board.
Installing the solid-state drive in SSD slot one
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
NOTE: Your computer has two solid-state drive slots. The solid-state drive 1 slot is located at the bottom left corner of the
system board and the solid-state drive 2 slot is located at the bottom right corner of the system board. Both slots support
M.2 2230 and M.2 2280 SSDs.
If you want to replace your 2230 card with a 2280 card, see procedure to move the screw mount and installing 2280 solid-state
drive.
If you want to replace your 2280 card with a 2230 card, see procedure to change the screw mount and installing 2230
solid-state drive.
The following image indicates the location of the solid-state drive that is installed in SSD slot one and provides a visual
representation of the installation procedure.
16 Removing and installing components

Steps
1. Align the notches on the solid-state drive with the tab on the solid-state drive slot.
2. Slide the solid-state drive into the solid-state drive slot.
3. Place the thermal shield on the solid-state drive.
4. Align the screw holes on the thermal shield with the screw holes on the solid-state drive and system board.
5. Replace the two screws (M2x4) that secure the thermal shield to the solid-state drive and the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Removing and installing components 17

Removing the solid-state drive in SSD slot two
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
About this task
NOTE: Your computer has two solid-state drive slots. The solid-state drive 1 slot is located at the bottom left corner of the
system board and the solid-state drive 2 slot is located at the bottom right corner of the system board. Both slots support
M.2 2230 and M.2 2280 SSDs.
NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, your computer may support either 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid-
state drive in M.2 slot two.
The following image indicates the location of the solid-state drive installed in M.2 slot two and provides a visual representation
of the removal procedure.
18 Removing and installing components

Steps
1. Remove the two screws (M2x4) that secure the thermal shield to the system board and the palm-rest and keyboard
assembly.
2. Lift the thermal shield off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Slide and lift the solid-state drive off the solid-state drive slot on the system board.
Installing the solid-state drive in SSD slot two
Prerequisites
If your are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
NOTE: Your computer has two solid-state drive slots. The solid-state drive 1 slot is located at the bottom left corner of the
system board and the solid-state drive 2 slot is located at the bottom right corner of the system board. Both slots support
M.2 2230 and M.2 2280 SSDs.
If you want to replace your 2230 card with a 2280 card, see procedure to move the screw mount and installing 2280 solid-state
drive.
If you want to replace your 2280 card with a 2230 card, see procedure to change the screw mount and installing 2230
solid-state drive.
The following image indicates the location of the solid-state drive installed in SSD slot two and provides a visual representation
of the installation procedure.
Removing and installing components 19

Steps
1. Align the notches on the solid-state drive with the tab on the solid-state drive slot.
2. Slide the solid-state drive into the solid-state drive slot.
3. Place the solid-state drive bracket on the solid-state drive
4. Align the screw holes on the thermal shield with the screw holes on the solid-state drive and system board.
5. Replace the two screws (M2x4) that secure the solid-state drive to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
20 Removing and installing components