Dell Inspiron 5521 User manual

Latitude 5521
Service Manual
Regulatory Model: P104F
Regulatory Type: P104F003/P104F004
June 2021
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.
© 2021 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. Other
trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Chapter 1: Working on your computer............................................................................................7
Safety instructions.............................................................................................................................................................. 7
Working inside your computer.................................................................................................................................... 7
Entering Service Mode.................................................................................................................................................9
Exiting Service Mode.................................................................................................................................................. 10
After working inside your computer........................................................................................................................ 10
Chapter 2: Removing and installing components...........................................................................11
Recommended tools...........................................................................................................................................................11
Screw list..............................................................................................................................................................................12
Major components of your system................................................................................................................................ 14
SIM card tray...................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Removing the SIM card tray..................................................................................................................................... 15
Installing the SIM card ............................................................................................................................................... 16
Micro Secure Digital (SD) Card...................................................................................................................................... 17
Removing the microSD card...................................................................................................................................... 17
Installing the microSD card........................................................................................................................................ 18
Base cover........................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Removing the base cover...........................................................................................................................................19
Installing the base cover............................................................................................................................................ 20
Wireless card...................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Removing the wireless card...................................................................................................................................... 22
Installing the wireless card........................................................................................................................................ 23
Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) Card............................................................................................................. 25
Removing the WWAN card....................................................................................................................................... 25
Installing the WWAN card......................................................................................................................................... 26
Solid-state drives...............................................................................................................................................................27
Removing the 2230 solid-state drive .................................................................................................................... 27
Installing the 2230 solid-state drive........................................................................................................................28
Removing the 2230 solid-state drive slot-2......................................................................................................... 29
Installing the 2230 solid-state drive slot-2............................................................................................................29
Removing the 2280 solid-state drive..................................................................................................................... 30
Installing the 2280 solid-state drive........................................................................................................................ 31
Memory................................................................................................................................................................................32
Removing the memory module.................................................................................................................................32
Installing the memory module................................................................................................................................... 33
Hard-drive assembly......................................................................................................................................................... 34
Removing the Hard drive...........................................................................................................................................34
Installing the Hard drive............................................................................................................................................. 35
Battery cable...................................................................................................................................................................... 36
Removing the battery cable......................................................................................................................................36
Installing the battery cable........................................................................................................................................ 37
Battery................................................................................................................................................................................. 38
Lithium-ion battery precautions...............................................................................................................................38
Contents
Contents 3

Removing the 4-cell battery..................................................................................................................................... 39
Installing the 4-cell battery....................................................................................................................................... 40
Assembly inner frame........................................................................................................................................................41
Removing the assembly inner frame........................................................................................................................41
Installing the assembly inner frame.........................................................................................................................43
LED board............................................................................................................................................................................44
Removing the LED board...........................................................................................................................................44
Installing the LED board.............................................................................................................................................45
Heat sink..............................................................................................................................................................................46
Removing the heat sink and fan assembly - UMA configuration.....................................................................46
Installing the heat sink and fan assembly - UMA configuration....................................................................... 48
Removing the heat sink and fan assembly - Discrete configuration...............................................................49
Installing the heat sink and fan assembly - Discrete configuration.................................................................50
Speakers.............................................................................................................................................................................. 52
Removing the speakers..............................................................................................................................................52
Installing the speakers................................................................................................................................................ 52
USB type-C bracket......................................................................................................................................................... 53
Removing the USB type-C bracket........................................................................................................................ 53
Installing the USB type-C bracket...........................................................................................................................54
System board..................................................................................................................................................................... 55
Removing the system board.....................................................................................................................................55
Installing the system board....................................................................................................................................... 57
Power-button board.........................................................................................................................................................59
Removing the power-button board........................................................................................................................ 59
Installing the power-button board...........................................................................................................................60
Smart card reader..............................................................................................................................................................61
Removing the smart card reader..............................................................................................................................61
Installing the smart card reader............................................................................................................................... 62
Coin-cell battery................................................................................................................................................................ 64
Removing the coin-cell battery................................................................................................................................64
Installing the coin-cell battery..................................................................................................................................65
Keyboard assembly........................................................................................................................................................... 66
Removing the keyboard assembly...........................................................................................................................66
Installing the keyboard assembly............................................................................................................................. 67
Keyboard bracket.............................................................................................................................................................. 69
Removing the keyboard bracket..............................................................................................................................69
Installing the keyboard bracket................................................................................................................................ 70
Display assembly.................................................................................................................................................................71
Removing the display assembly................................................................................................................................ 71
Installing the display assembly..................................................................................................................................73
Display bezel....................................................................................................................................................................... 75
Removing the display bezel.......................................................................................................................................75
Installing the display bezel......................................................................................................................................... 76
Display panel....................................................................................................................................................................... 77
Removing the display panel....................................................................................................................................... 77
Installing the display panel.........................................................................................................................................80
Camera/microphone module.......................................................................................................................................... 83
Removing the camera.................................................................................................................................................83
Installing the camera...................................................................................................................................................83
eDP/display cable..............................................................................................................................................................84
4Contents

Removing the eDP cable........................................................................................................................................... 84
Installing the eDP cable..............................................................................................................................................85
Sensor board.......................................................................................................................................................................87
Removing the sensor board...................................................................................................................................... 87
Installing the sensor board........................................................................................................................................ 87
Display hinges.....................................................................................................................................................................88
Removing the display hinges.................................................................................................................................... 88
Installing the display hinges...................................................................................................................................... 89
Display back cover............................................................................................................................................................. 91
Removing the display back cover.............................................................................................................................91
Installing the display back cover.............................................................................................................................. 92
Palm-rest assembly...........................................................................................................................................................93
Removing the palm-rest assembly.......................................................................................................................... 93
Installing the palm-rest assembly............................................................................................................................ 94
Chapter 3: Drivers and downloads............................................................................................... 96
Downloading the drivers.................................................................................................................................................. 96
Chapter 4: System setup............................................................................................................. 97
BIOS overview....................................................................................................................................................................97
Entering BIOS setup program........................................................................................................................................ 97
Navigation keys..................................................................................................................................................................97
One time boot menu.........................................................................................................................................................98
Boot Sequence...................................................................................................................................................................98
System setup options.......................................................................................................................................................98
Updating the BIOS.......................................................................................................................................................... 108
Updating the BIOS in Windows.............................................................................................................................. 108
Updating the BIOS in Linux and Ubuntu.............................................................................................................. 109
Updating the BIOS using the USB drive in Windows........................................................................................ 109
Updating the BIOS from the F12 One-Time boot menu...................................................................................109
System and setup password..........................................................................................................................................110
Assigning a system setup password...................................................................................................................... 110
Deleting or changing an existing system setup password.................................................................................111
Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords.......................................................................................... 111
Chapter 5: Troubleshooting........................................................................................................ 112
Handling swollen Lithium-ion batteries....................................................................................................................... 112
Dell SupportAssist Pre-boot System Performance Check diagnostics...............................................................113
Running the SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check............................................................... 113
Built-in self-test (BIST).................................................................................................................................................. 113
M-BIST.......................................................................................................................................................................... 113
LCD Power rail test (L-BIST).................................................................................................................................. 114
LCD Built-in Self Test (BIST).................................................................................................................................. 114
System diagnostic lights................................................................................................................................................. 115
Recovering the operating system.................................................................................................................................116
Real-Time Clock (RTC Reset)....................................................................................................................................... 116
Backup media and recovery options............................................................................................................................ 116
WiFi power cycle...............................................................................................................................................................117
Drain residual flea power (perform hard reset).........................................................................................................117
Contents 5

Chapter 6: Getting help.............................................................................................................. 118
Contacting Dell..................................................................................................................................................................118
6 Contents

Working on your computer
Topics:
•Safety instructions
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.
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.
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.
1
Working on your computer 7

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.
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.
8Working on your computer

●Wrist Strap and Bonding Wire – The wrist strap and bonding wire can be either directly connected between your wrist
and bare metal on the hardware if the ESD mat is not required, or connected to the anti-static mat to protect hardware that
is temporarily placed on the mat. The physical connection of the wrist strap and bonding wire between your skin, the ESD
mat, and the hardware is known as bonding. Use only Field Service kits with a wrist strap, mat, and bonding wire. Never
use wireless wrist straps. Always be aware that the internal wires of a wrist strap are prone to damage from normal wear
and tear, and must be checked regularly with a wrist strap tester in order to avoid accidental ESD hardware damage. It is
recommended to test the wrist strap and bonding wire at least once per week.
●ESD Wrist Strap Tester – The wires inside of an ESD strap are prone to damage over time. When using an unmonitored
kit, it is a best practice to regularly test the strap prior to each service call, and at a minimum, test once per week. A
wrist strap tester is the best method for doing this test. If you do not have your own wrist strap tester, check with your
regional office to find out if they have one. To perform the test, plug the wrist-strap's bonding-wire into the tester while it is
strapped to your wrist and push the button to test. A green LED is lit if the test is successful; a red LED is lit and an alarm
sounds if the test fails.
●Insulator Elements – It is critical to keep ESD sensitive devices, such as plastic heat sink casings, away from internal parts
that are insulators and often highly charged.
●Working Environment – Before deploying the ESD Field Service kit, assess the situation at the customer location. For
example, deploying the kit for a server environment is different than for a desktop or portable environment. Servers are
typically installed in a rack within a data center; desktops or portables are typically placed on office desks or cubicles. Always
look for a large open flat work area that is free of clutter and large enough to deploy the ESD kit with additional space to
accommodate the type of system that is being repaired. The workspace should also be free of insulators that can cause an
ESD event. On the work area, insulators such as Styrofoam and other plastics should always be moved at least 12 inches or
30 centimeters away from sensitive parts before physically handling any hardware components
●ESD Packaging – All ESD-sensitive devices must be shipped and received in static-safe packaging. Metal, static-shielded
bags are preferred. However, you should always return the damaged part using the same ESD bag and packaging that the
new part arrived in. The ESD bag should be folded over and taped shut and all the same foam packing material should be
used in the original box that the new part arrived in. ESD-sensitive devices should be removed from packaging only at an
ESD-protected work surface, and parts should never be placed on top of the ESD bag because only the inside of the bag is
shielded. Always place parts in your hand, on the ESD mat, in the system, or inside an anti-static bag.
●Transporting Sensitive Components – When transporting ESD sensitive components such as replacement parts or parts
to be returned to Dell, it is critical to place these parts in anti-static bags for safe transport.
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.
Entering Service Mode
Service Mode allows users to immediately cut off electricity from the computer and conduct repairs without disconnecting the
battery cable from the system board.
To enter Service Mode:
1. Shut down your computer and disconnect the AC adapter.
2. Hold <B> key on the keyboard and press the power button for 3 seconds or until the Dell logo appears on the screen.
3. Press any key to continue.
NOTE: If the power adapter has not been disconnected, a message prompting you to remove the AC adapter appears
on the screen. Remove the AC adapter and then press any key to continue the Service Mode procedure.
NOTE: The Service Mode procedure automatically skips the following step if the Owner Tag of the computer is not
set up in advance by the manufacturer.
4. When the ready-to-proceed message appears on the screen, press any key to proceed. The computer emits three short
beeps and shuts down immediately.
Working on your computer 9

Once the computer shuts down, you may perform the replacement procedures without disconnecting the battery cable from
the system board.
Exiting Service Mode
Service Mode allows users to immediately cut off electricity from the computer and conduct repairs without disconnecting the
battery cable from the system board.
To exit Service Mode:
1. Connect the AC adapter to the power-adapter port on your computer.
2. Press the power button to turn on the computer. Your computer will automatically return to normal functioning mode.
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.
10 Working on your computer

Removing and installing components
NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered.
Topics:
•Recommended tools
•Screw list
•Major components of your system
•SIM card tray
•Micro Secure Digital (SD) Card
•Base cover
•Wireless card
•Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) Card
•Solid-state drives
•Memory
•Hard-drive assembly
•Battery cable
•Battery
•Assembly inner frame
•LED board
•Heat sink
•Speakers
•USB type-C bracket
•System board
•Power-button board
•Smart card reader
•Coin-cell battery
•Keyboard assembly
•Keyboard bracket
•Display assembly
•Display bezel
•Display panel
•Camera/microphone module
•eDP/display cable
•Sensor board
•Display hinges
•Display back cover
•Palm-rest assembly
Recommended tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
●Phillips screwdriver #0
●Plastic scribe
2
Removing and installing components 11

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 Screw type Quantity Screw image
Base cover Captive screws 8 N/A
Wireless card Captive screws 1 N/A
Wireless Wide Area Network
(WWAN) Card
M2x3 1
M.2 2230 solid-state drive M2x3 4
M.2 2280 solid-state drive M2x3 2
Assembly inner frame M2x3
M2x5
7
2
4-cell battery M2x3 2
Heat sink with fan assembly -
UMA
●M2x3
●M2x5 (for fan)
●4
●2●
●
Heat sink with fan assembly -
Discrete
●M2x3
●M2x5 (for fan)
●6
●2●
●
eDP cable/bracket M2x3 2
USB Type-C support bracket M2x5 3
System board M2x3 4
Power button M2x2.5 2
Smart card reader M2x2.5 3
LED board M2x3 1
12 Removing and installing components

Table 1. Screw list (continued)
Component Screw type Quantity Screw image
Keyboard assembly M2x2 18
Keyboard bracket M2x2 5
Display assembly M2.5x5 (display hinges to
palm-rest assembly)
4
Display hinge M2.5x3 (display hinges to
display back cover)
4
Display panel M2.5x3 2
Removing and installing components 13

Major components of your system
1. Base cover
14 Removing and installing components

2. Battery
3. Speakers
4. Memory module
5. Assembly inner frame
6. System board
7. Keyboard assembly
8. Palm-rest assembly
9. Display assembly
10. Battery LED board
11. Coin-cell battery
12. Power button/fingerprint board
13. Heat sink and fan assembly
14. Solid-state drive
15. WWAN card
16. WLAN card
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.
SIM card tray
Removing the SIM card tray
Prerequisites
●Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
NOTE: SIM card or SIM card tray removal is only available on systems that are shipped with WWAN module. The procedure
for removal is only applicable for systems that are shipped with a WWAN module.
CAUTION: Removing the SIM card with the computer turned on, may cause data loss or damage to the card.
Ensure that your computer is turned off or the network connections are disabled.
About this task
The following image provides a visual representation of the SIM card tray removal procedure.
Removing and installing components 15

Steps
1. Insert a pin into the release hole to release the SIM card tray.
2. Push the pin to disengage the lock, and eject the SIM card tray.
3. Slide the SIM card tray out of the slot on the system.
4. Remove the SIM card from the SIM card tray.
5. Slide and push the SIM card tray back into the slot.
Installing the SIM card
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the necessary component before the installation procedure.
NOTE: SIM card or SIM card tray removal is only available on systems that are shipped with WWAN module. Hence,
removing procedure is only applicable for systems that are shipped with WWAN module.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the SIM card and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
16 Removing and installing components

Steps
1. Insert a pin into the hole of the SIM card tray and push inward until the tray is released
2. Slide the SIM card tray out of the slot on the computer.
3. Place the SIM card into the SIM card tray with the metallic contact facing up.
4. Align the SIM card tray with the slot on the computer and carefully slide it in.
5. Slide the SIM card tray into the slot, until it clicks into place.
Next steps
Follow the procedure in After working on your computer.
Micro Secure Digital (SD) Card
Removing the microSD card
Prerequisites
●Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
●Enter Service Mode.
About this task
T The following images indicate the location of the microSD card and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Removing and installing components 17

Steps
1. Push the microSD card to release it from the slot.
2. Slide the microSD card from the system.
Installing the microSD card
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
The following image indicates the location of the microSD card and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
18 Removing and installing components

Steps
1. Align the microSD card to its slot on the system.
2. Slide and insert the microSD card into its slot until it clicks into place.
Next steps
1. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Base cover
Removing the base cover
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Enter Service Mode.
3. Remove the SIM card.
4. Remove the microSD card.
5. Remove the base cover.
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 19

Steps
1. Loosen the nine captive screws that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Using the flat-end of plastic scribe, pry the base cover from the U-shaped indents at the top edge of the base cover and
continue to work on the sides to release the base cover from the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Lift the base cover off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
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.
20 Removing and installing components