Dell Inspiron 3501 User manual

Inspiron 3501
Service Manual
Regulatory Model: P90F
Regulatory Type: P90F002
August 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.

Chapter 1: Working inside your computer...................................................................................... 6
Before working inside your computer.............................................................................................................................6
Safety instructions.............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection......................................................................................................................7
ESD field service kit ........................................................................................................................................................... 7
Transporting sensitive components................................................................................................................................ 8
After working inside your computer................................................................................................................................9
Chapter 2: Removing and installing components.......................................................................... 10
Recommended tools..........................................................................................................................................................10
Screw list............................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Major components of Inspiron 3501............................................................................................................................... 11
Base cover........................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Removing the base cover...........................................................................................................................................13
Installing the base cover.............................................................................................................................................15
Solid-state drive................................................................................................................................................................. 17
Removing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive.............................................................................................................. 17
Installing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive................................................................................................................ 18
Removing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive..............................................................................................................19
Installing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive............................................................................................................... 20
Memory modules................................................................................................................................................................ 21
Removing the memory modules................................................................................................................................21
Installing the memory modules................................................................................................................................. 22
Wireless card...................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Removing the wireless card...................................................................................................................................... 23
Installing the wireless card........................................................................................................................................ 24
Battery................................................................................................................................................................................. 26
Lithium-ion battery precautions...............................................................................................................................26
Removing the battery.................................................................................................................................................26
Installing the battery................................................................................................................................................... 27
Hard drive............................................................................................................................................................................28
Removing the hard drive........................................................................................................................................... 28
Installing the hard drive..............................................................................................................................................29
I/O board..............................................................................................................................................................................31
Removing the I/O board.............................................................................................................................................31
Installing the I/O board.............................................................................................................................................. 32
Coin-cell battery................................................................................................................................................................ 33
Removing the coin-cell battery................................................................................................................................33
Installing the coin-cell battery.................................................................................................................................. 33
Speakers.............................................................................................................................................................................. 34
Removing the speakers..............................................................................................................................................34
Installing the speakers................................................................................................................................................ 35
Heat sink..............................................................................................................................................................................36
Removing the heat sink............................................................................................................................................. 36
Contents
Contents 3

Installing the heat sink................................................................................................................................................37
Fan........................................................................................................................................................................................ 38
Removing the fan........................................................................................................................................................ 38
Installing the fan.......................................................................................................................................................... 38
Power button with optional fingerprint reader.......................................................................................................... 39
Removing the power-button with optional fingerprint reader......................................................................... 39
Installing the power-button with optional fingerprint reader........................................................................... 40
Fingerprint-reader board.................................................................................................................................................. 41
Removing the fingerprint-reader board..................................................................................................................41
Installing the fingerprint-reader board................................................................................................................... 42
Display assembly................................................................................................................................................................43
Removing the display assembly................................................................................................................................43
Installing the display assembly..................................................................................................................................45
Display bezel....................................................................................................................................................................... 46
Removing the display bezel.......................................................................................................................................46
Installing the display bezel......................................................................................................................................... 47
Display panel....................................................................................................................................................................... 48
Removing the display panel.......................................................................................................................................48
Installing the display panel.........................................................................................................................................50
Camera.................................................................................................................................................................................52
Removing the camera.................................................................................................................................................52
Installing the camera...................................................................................................................................................53
Touchpad.............................................................................................................................................................................54
Removing the touchpad.............................................................................................................................................54
Installing the touchpad...............................................................................................................................................55
System board..................................................................................................................................................................... 56
Removing the system board.....................................................................................................................................56
Installing the system board....................................................................................................................................... 59
Power-adapter port...........................................................................................................................................................61
Removing the power-adapter port.......................................................................................................................... 61
Installing the power-adapter port............................................................................................................................62
Palm-rest and keyboard assembly.................................................................................................................................63
Removing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly................................................................................................ 63
Installing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.................................................................................................. 64
Chapter 3: Drivers and downloads............................................................................................... 66
Chapter 4: System setup............................................................................................................. 67
Entering BIOS setup program........................................................................................................................................ 67
Navigation keys..................................................................................................................................................................67
One time boot menu.........................................................................................................................................................68
System setup options.......................................................................................................................................................68
Updating the BIOS in Windows .....................................................................................................................................75
Updating the Dell BIOS in Linux and Ubuntu environments....................................................................................76
Flashing the BIOS from the F12 One-Time boot menu............................................................................................ 76
System and setup password........................................................................................................................................... 77
Assigning a system setup password........................................................................................................................77
Deleting or changing an existing system or admin password........................................................................... 78
Clearing CMOS settings.............................................................................................................................................78
4Contents

Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords.....................................................................................78
Chapter 5: Troubleshooting......................................................................................................... 79
System diagnostic lights.................................................................................................................................................. 79
Recovering the operating system................................................................................................................................. 80
Dell SupportAssist Pre-boot System Performance Check diagnostics................................................................80
Running the SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check................................................................80
Running the ePSA Diagnostics....................................................................................................................................... 81
Flea power release............................................................................................................................................................. 81
WiFi power cycle................................................................................................................................................................ 81
Chapter 6: Getting help and contacting Dell................................................................................ 83
Contents 5

Working inside your computer
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.
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 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.
1
6 Working inside your computer

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 thumb-screws 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.
CAUTION: Press and eject any installed card from the media-card reader.
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
Working inside your computer 7

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.
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.
Lifting equipment
Adhere to the following guidelines when lifting heavy weight equipment:
CAUTION: Do not lift greater than 50 pounds. Always obtain additional resources or use a mechanical lifting
device.
1. Get a firm balanced footing. Keep your feet apart for a stable base, and point your toes out.
2. Tighten stomach muscles. Abdominal muscles support your spine when you lift, offsetting the force of the load.
3. Lift with your legs, not your back.
4. Keep the load close. The closer it is to your spine, the less force it exerts on your back.
5. Keep your back upright, whether lifting or setting down the load. Do not add the weight of your body to the load. Avoid
twisting your body and back.
6. Follow the same techniques in reverse to set the load down.
8Working inside your computer

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 9

Removing and installing components
Recommended tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
●Phillips screwdriver #0
●Phillips screwdriver #1
●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 surface when
replacing a component.
NOTE: Screw color may vary with the configuration ordered.
Table 1. Screw list
Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image
Base cover Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2.5x6 7
Base cover Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
Captive screw
M2.5x2.5+5L
2
Battery Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2x3 3
Display panel Display assembly M2x2.5 2
Display panel Display assembly M2.5x2.5 6
Fan Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2.5x5 2
Hard-drive assembly Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2x3 3
Hard-drive bracket Hard drive M3x3 4
Heat sink System board Captive screw 4
Display hinges Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2.5x6 6
2
10 Removing and installing components

Table 1. Screw list (continued)
Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image
I/O board Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2x4 3
Power button Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2x3 2
M.2 thermal shield Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
Captive screw 1
M.2 thermal shield Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2x2.2 1
M.2 2230 solid-state
drive
Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2x2 1
System board Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2x4 1
Touchpad Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2x2 2
Touchpad bracket Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2x2 3
Wireless-card bracket System board M2x3 1
Major components of Inspiron 3501
The following image shows the major components of Inspiron 3501.
Removing and installing components 11

1. Base cover
2. Battery
3. Power-adapter port
4. Wireless card
5. M.2 2280 solid-state drive, if installed
6. M.2 2230 solid-state drive, if installed
7. System board
8. Memory module
9. Speakers
10. Palm-rest and keyboard assembly
11. Touchpad
12. Display assembly
13. Power button with optional fingerprint reader
14. I/O board
15. Coin-cell battery
12 Removing and installing components

16. Hard drive
17. Heat sink
18. Fan
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.
Base cover
Removing the base cover
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
About this task
NOTE: Before removing the base cover, ensure that there is no micro-SD card installed in the micro-SD card slot on your
computer.
The following images indicate the location of the base cover and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Removing and installing components 13

14 Removing and installing components

Steps
1. Remove the seven screws (M2.5x6) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Loosen the two captive screws (M2.5x2.5+5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Using a plastic scribe, pry the base cover from the bottom left and continue to work on the sides to open the base cover.
4. Lift and slide the base cover off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
5. Disconnect the battery cable from the system board and turn the computer over.
6. Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds to ground the computer and drain the flea power.
Installing the base cover
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the base cover and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Removing and installing components 15

16 Removing and installing components

Steps
1. Connect the battery cable to the connector on the system board.
2. Place and snap the base cover into place on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Tighten the two captive screws (M2.5x2.5+5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
4. Replace the seven screws (M2.5x6) 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 drive
Removing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
About this task
NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with an M.2 2230 solid-state drive installed.
NOTE: The M.2 card installed on your computer will depend on the configuration ordered. Supported card configurations on
the M.2 card slot:
Removing and installing components 17

●M.2 2230 solid-state drive + 2230 mounting bracket
●M.2 2280 solid-state drive
The following images indicate the location of the M.2 2230 solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the removal
procedure.
Steps
1. Remove the screw (M2x2.2) that secures the M.2 thermal shield to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Loosen the captive screw that secures the M.2 thermal shield to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Slide and remove the M.2 thermal shield off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
4. Remove the screw (M2x2) that secures the M.2 2230 solid-state drive to the screw mount on the M.2 thermal shield.
5. Lift the M.2 2230 solid-state drive off the M.2 thermal shield.
Installing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
About this task
NOTE: This procedure applies if you are installing a M.2 2230 solid-state drive.
NOTE: The M.2 card installed on your computer will depend on the configuration ordered. Supported card configurations on
the M.2 card slot:
●M.2 2230 solid-state drive + 2230 mounting bracket
●M.2 2280 solid-state drive
The following images indicate the location of the M.2 2230 solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the
installation procedure.
18 Removing and installing components

Steps
1. Place the M.2 2230 solid-state drive on the M.2 thermal shield.
2. Align the screw hole on the M.2 2230 solid-state drive to the screw mount on the M.2 thermal shield.
3. Replace the screw (M2x2) that secures the M.2 2230 solid-state drive to the M.2 thermal shield.
4. Align the notch on the M.2 2230 solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 card slot on the system board.
5. Slide the M.2 2230 solid-state drive and M.2 thermal shield into the M.2 card slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
6. Align the screw holes on the M.2 thermal shield to the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
7. Replace the screw (M2x2.2) that secures the M.2 thermal shield to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
8. Tighten the captive screw that secures the M.2 thermal shield 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 M.2 2280 solid-state drive
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
About this task
NOTE: This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a M.2 2280 solid-state drive installed.
NOTE: The M.2 card installed on your computer will depend on the configuration ordered. Supported card configurations on
the M.2 card slot:
●M.2 2230 solid-state drive + 2230 mounting bracket
Removing and installing components 19

●M.2 2280 solid-state drive
The following images indicate the location of the M.2 2280 solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the removal
procedure.
Steps
1. Remove the screw (M2x2.2) that secures the M.2 thermal shield to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Loosen the captive screw that secures the M.2 thermal shield to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Lift the M.2 thermal shield from the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
4. Slide and remove the M.2 2280 solid-state drive from the M.2 card slot on the system board.
Installing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
About this task
NOTE: This procedure applies if you are installing a M.2 2280 solid-state drive.
NOTE: The M.2 card installed on your computer will depend on the configuration ordered. Supported card configurations on
the M.2 card slot:
●M.2 2230 solid-state drive + 2230 mounting bracket
●M.2 2280 solid-state drive
The following images indicate the location of the M.2 2280 solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the
installation procedure.
20 Removing and installing components