Dell Inspiron 9400 User manual

Dell™Inspiron™9400ServiceManual
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see "Glossary" in the Owner's Manual.
IfyoupurchasedaDell™nSeriescomputer,anyreferencesinthisdocumenttoMicrosoft®Windows®operating systems are not applicable.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
©2006DellInc.Allrightsreserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and Inspiron are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Bluetooth is a
registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any
proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Model PP05XB
April 2006 Rev. A01
Before You Begin
Speakers
System Components
Subwoofer
Optical Drive
USB Port Board
Hard Drive
Processor Thermal-Cooling Assembly
Memory Module(s)
Processor Module
Modem
Video Card/Thermal-Cooling Assembly
Mini-Card
System Fan(s)
Internal Card With Bluetooth®Wireless Technology
ExpressCard Cage
Hinge Cover
System Board
Keyboard
Battery Latch Assembly
Display
Flashing the BIOS
Palm Rest
Pin Assignments for I/O Connectors
Coin-Cell Battery

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

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Battery Latch Assembly
Dell™Inspiron™9400ServiceManual
Removing the Battery Latch Assembly
Replacing the Battery Latch Assembly
Removing the Battery Latch Assembly


1. Follow the instructions in Before Working Inside Your Computer.

2. Remove the hinge cover (see Removing the Hinge Cover).

3. Remove the keyboard (see Keyboard).

4. Remove the display assembly (see Removing the Display Assembly).

5. Remove the palm rest (see Removing the Palm Rest).

6. Remove the system board (see Removing the System Board).

7. Remove the hard drive bay by removing the four remaining M2 x 3-mm screws, and lifting out the bay.

8. Remove the M2 x 2.5-mm screw in the battery latch assembly.
When you remove the screw, the battery latch release on the bottom of the computer will also be removed.
CAUTION: Before you begin the following procedure, see the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such
as the back panel) on the computer.
NOTICE: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery (see Before Working Inside Your Computer) before working inside the
computer.
NOTE: You can remove the hard drive bay without removing the ExpressCard cage from the hard drive bay.
1
hard drive bay
2
ExpressCard cage
3
M2 x 3-mm screws (4)


9. Remove the spring from the hook on the computer base by lifting it up and away with a screwdriver or a plastic scribe.

10. Remove the plastic battery-latch assembly by twisting the assembly slightly and lifting it out of the channel and away from the computer base.
Replacing the Battery Latch Assembly

1. Insert the latch assembly into the channel on the computer base, and press it into place.

2. Using a small screwdriver, hook the spring over the hook on the computer base.

3. Place the battery latch release under the computer base, line it up with the hole in the base, and then replace the M2 x 2.5-mm screw in the assembly.
Ensure that the newly installed latch moves smoothly and freely when pushed and released.

4. Replace the hard drive bay and reinsert the four M2 x 3-mm screws.

1
M2 x 2.5-mm screw
2
battery latch assembly


1
hook
2
spring
1
battery latch assembly


5. Replace the system board and the four M2.5 x 5 screws.

6. Replace in reverse order the other components that you removed in Removing the Battery Latch Assembly.
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Before You Begin
Dell™Inspiron™9400ServiceManual
Recommended Tools
Turning Off Your Computer
Before Working Inside Your Computer
Computer Orientation
Screw Identification
This section provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the
following conditions exist:
lYou have performed the steps in Turning Off Your Computer and Before Working Inside Your Computer.
lYouhavereadthesafetyinformationintheDell™Product Information Guide.
lA component can be replaced or—if purchased separately—installed by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
Recommended Tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
lSmall flat-blade screwdriver
lPhillips screwdriver
lSmall plastic scribe
lFlash BIOS update program CD
Turning Off Your Computer

1. Shut down the operating system:
Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and click Start®Shut Down®Shut down.
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.

2. Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut
down your operating system, press and hold the power button for 4 seconds.
Before Working Inside Your Computer
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help ensure your own personal safety.


1. Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent the computer cover from being scratched.

2. Turn off your computer (see Turning Off Your Computer).
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn off your computer.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal
mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by its pins.
NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not
covered by your warranty.
NOTICE: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself. Some cables have a connector with
locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before you disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep
them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented and
aligned.
NOTICE: To help prevent damage to the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer.
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network device.


3. Disconnect any telephone or network cables from the computer.

4. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.

5. Close the display and turn the computer upside down on a flat work surface.

6. Slide the battery-bay latch release on the bottom of the computer and remove the battery from the bay.

7. Turn the computer top-side up.
Computer Orientation
Screw Identification
When you are removing and replacing components, print the screw identification chart as a tool to lay out and keep track of the screws. The chart provides the
number of screws and their sizes.
NOTICE: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery before working inside the computer.
1
battery-bay latch release
2
battery
1
front
2
left
3
back
4
right




Optical Drive:
(1 each)
Hard Drive:
(2 each)
Modem:
(1 each)

Internal Card With Bluetooth®
Wireless Technology:
(1 each)

Keyboard:
(2 each)

Display Assembly:
(4 each)

Display Bezel:
(4 each, under rubber display
bumpers)
(4 each, shoulder type, under
2 screw covers and 2 rubber
bumpers)

Display Panel:
(8 each)

Palm Rest:
(6 each –top side)
(12 each –bottom side)

Speakers:
(4 total —2 per speaker)

USB Port Board:
(1 each)

Fans (2):
(4 total —2 per fan)

System Board:
(4 each)

Hard Drive Bay:
(4 each)

ExpressCard Cage:
(4 each)

Battery Latch Assembly:
(1 each)

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


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Internal Card With Bluetooth®Wireless Technology
Dell™Inspiron™9400ServiceManual


1. Follow the instructions in Before Working Inside Your Computer.

2. Remove the M2.5 x 8-mm screw and remove the card cover from the computer.

3. Pull the card out of the compartment so that you can disconnect the card from its cable and remove it from the computer.
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
CAUTION: Before you begin the following procedure, see the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such
as the back panel) on the computer.
NOTICE: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery (see Before Working Inside Your Computer) before working inside the
computer.
NOTE: If you ordered an internal card with Bluetooth wireless technology with your computer, the card is already installed.
1
card connector
2
internal card with Bluetooth wireless technology
3
card door
4
M2.5 x 8-mm screw





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ExpressCard Cage
Dell™Inspiron™9400ServiceManual


1. Follow the instructions in Before Working Inside Your Computer.

2. Remove the hard drive (see Removing the Hard Drive).

3. Remove the optical drive (see Optical Drive).

4. Remove the hinge cover (see Removing the Hinge Cover).

5. Remove the keyboard (see Keyboard).

6. Remove the display assembly (see Removing the Display Assembly).

7. Remove the palm rest (see Removing the Palm Rest).

8. Disconnect the ExpressCard connector from the system board.

9. Remove the four M2 x 3-mm screws that attach the ExpressCard cage to the top of the hard drive bay.
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
CAUTION: Before you begin the following procedure, see the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such
as the back panel) on the computer.
NOTICE: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery (see Before Working Inside Your Computer) before working inside the
computer.
1
hard drive bay
2
ExpressCard cage
3
M2 x 3-mm screws (4)
4
ExpressCard connector





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Mini-Card
Dell™Inspiron™9400ServiceManual



1. Follow the procedures in Before Working Inside Your Computer.

2. Turn the computer upside down and loosen the captive screws from the Mini-Card cover.

3. Place your finger under the cover at the indentation, and lift the cover to remove it.

4. If a Mini-Card is not already installed, go to step 5. If you are replacing a Mini-Card, remove the existing card:
a. Disconnect the antenna cables from the Mini-Card.
b. Release the Mini-Card by pushing the metal securing clips toward the back of the computer until the card pops up slightly.
c. Lift the Mini-Card out of its connector.
CAUTION: Before you begin the following procedure, see the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: Only products approved for use in your portable computer may be installed.
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such
as the back panel) on the computer.
NOTICE: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery (see Before Working Inside Your Computer) before working inside the
computer.
NOTICE: 2.4-GHz wireless LAN Mini-Cards may be removed and installed by the user.
1
antenna cables (2)
2
Mini-Card
3
Mini-Card connector


5. Install the replacement Mini-Card:
a. Insert the Mini-Card at a 45-degree angle into the connector on the system board, and press the Mini-Card down into the securing clips until the
card clicks into place.
b. Connect the antenna cables to the antenna connectors on the Mini-Card.

6. Replace the Mini-Card cover.
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
1
metal securing clips (2)
2
Mini-Card
NOTICE: The connectors are keyed to ensure correct insertion. If you feel resistance, check the connectors and realign the card.
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the Mini-Card, never place cables under the card.
NOTE: If you are installing a Mini-Card for the first time, you will find a clear plastic protective sleeve on each antenna cable connector. Before you
connect the antenna cables to the Mini-Card, slide the sleeves off of the cable connectors.

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Coin-Cell Battery
Dell™Inspiron™9400ServiceManual
Removing the Coin-Cell Battery
Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery
Removing the Coin-Cell Battery


1. Follow the instructions in Before Working Inside Your Computer.

2. Remove the hinge cover (see Removing the Hinge Cover).

3. Remove the keyboard (see Keyboard).

4. Remove the existing coin-cell battery:
a. Disconnect the battery cable connector from the system board.
b. Press gently on the release latch so that you can lift the coin-cell battery out of the battery compartment.
Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery

1. Install the replacement battery:
a. With the positive side up, insert the battery at a 30-degree angle under the release latch, and then push the battery into place.
b. Connect the battery cable to the connector on the system board.

2. Replace the keyboard (see Keyboard).

3. Replace the hinge cover (see Replacing the Hinge Cover).
CAUTION: Before you begin the following procedure, see the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such
as the back panel) on the computer.
NOTICE: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery (see Before Working Inside Your Computer) before working inside the
computer.
NOTE: You may experience slight resistance when you lift the battery because of an adhesive underneath the battery that holds it in place.
1
coin-cell battery
2
release latch
3
battery cable connector

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System Components
Dell™Inspiron™9400ServiceManual
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
NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not
covered by your warranty.
NOTICE: Unless otherwise noted, each procedure in this document assumes that a part can be replaced by performing the removal procedure in
reverse order.
1
display assembly
2
hinge cover
3
keyboard
4
palm rest (with touch
pad)
5
Mini-Card
6
video card/thermal-cooling
assembly
7
fan
8
hard drive bay
9
ExpressCard cage
10
hard drive
11
main battery
12
speakers (2)
13
subwoofer
14
optical drive
15
system board
16
computer base
17
fan
18
speaker grilles (2)
19
processor
20
processor thermal-cooling
assembly
21
USB port board
NOTE: Based on the selections that you made when purchasing your computer, the computer may have different video controller configurations.
Configurations with a discrete video card include a video card/thermal-cooling assembly. Configurations with an integrated video card do not include a
video card/thermal-cooling assembly. To determine the computer's configuration, see the Windows Help and Support Center or see "Determining Your
Computer's Configuration" in your computer's Owner's Manual.

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Processor Module
Dell™Inspiron™9400ServiceManual
Removing the Processor Module
Replacing the Processor Module
Removing the Processor Module


1. Follow the instructions in Before Working Inside Your Computer.

2. Remove the hinge cover (see Removing the Hinge Cover).

3. Remove the keyboard (see Keyboard).

4. Remove the display assembly (see Removing the Display Assembly).

5. Remove the palm rest (see Removing the Palm Rest).

6. Remove the processor thermal-cooling assembly (see Removing the Processor Thermal-Cooling Assembly).

7. Loosen the ZIF socket to remove the processor module.
To loosen the ZIF socket, use a small, flat-blade screwdriver and rotate the ZIF-socket cam screw counterclockwise until it comes to the cam stop.

8. Lift the processor module from the ZIF socket.
CAUTION: Before you begin the following procedure, see the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such
as the back panel) on the computer.
NOTICE: Do not touch the processor die. Press and hold the processor down on the substrate on which the die is mounted while turning the cam screw
to prevent intermittent contact between the cam screw and processor.
NOTICE: To avoid damage to the processor, hold the screwdriver so that it is perpendicular to the processor when turning the cam screw.
NOTICE: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery (see Before Working Inside Your Computer) before working inside the
computer.
NOTICE: To ensure maximum cooling for the processor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the processor thermal-cooling assembly. The oils in
your skin reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal pads.
NOTICE: When removing the processor module, pull the module straight up. Be careful not to bend the pins on the processor module.
1
ZIF-socket cam screw
2
pin-1 corner of microprocessor
3
ZIF-socket
NOTE: The ZIF-socket cam screw secures the processor to the system board. Take note of the arrow on the ZIF-socket cam screw, which indicates the
direction to turn the cam screw.

Replacing the Processor Module

1. Align the pin-1 corner of the processor module with the pin-1 corner of the ZIF socket, and insert the processor module.
When the processor module is correctly seated, all four corners are aligned at the same height. If one or more corners of the module are higher than the
others, the module is not seated correctly.

2. Tighten the ZIF socket by turning the cam screw clockwise to secure the processor module to the system board.

3. Replace the processor thermal-cooling assembly (see Replacing the Processor Thermal-Cooling Assembly).

4. Replace in reverse order the components that you removed in Removing the Processor Module, beginning with step5.
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
NOTICE: Ensure that the cam lock is in the fully open position before seating the processor module. Seating the processor module properly in the ZIF
socket does not require force.
NOTICE: A processor module that is not properly seated can result in an intermittent connection or permanent damage to the processor and ZIF
socket.
NOTE: The pin-1 corner of the processor module has a triangle that aligns with the triangle on the pin-1 corner of the ZIF socket.
NOTICE: You must position the processor module correctly in the ZIF socket to avoid permanent damage to the module and the socket.
NOTE: When you replace the processor thermal-cooling assembly, be sure to place a new thermal pad on the part of the thermal-cooling assembly that
covers the processor. Place the new thermal pad on the thermal-cooling assembly such that the pad fits between the assembly and the processor. You
can place the new thermal pad directly on any existing thermal pad already installed on the thermal-cooling assembly. It is not necessary to remove an
existing pad or to clean the surface.
NOTE: When replacing the processor thermal-cooling assembly, hold up the mylar flap on the assembly so that the flap rests on top of the fan when the
processor thermal-cooling assembly is in place.

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Processor Thermal-Cooling Assembly
Dell™Inspiron™9400ServiceManual
Removing the Processor Thermal-Cooling Assembly
Replacing the Processor Thermal-Cooling Assembly
Removing the Processor Thermal-Cooling Assembly


1. Follow the instructions in Before Working Inside Your Computer.

2. Remove the hinge cover (see Removing the Hinge Cover).

3. Remove the keyboard (see Keyboard).

4. Remove the display assembly (see Removing the Display Assembly).

5. Remove the palm rest (see Removing the Palm Rest).

6. Loosen in consecutive order the four captive screws, labeled "1" through "4," that secure the processor thermal-cooling assembly to the system board.

7. Lift the processor thermal-cooling assembly and remove it from the system board.
Replacing the Processor Thermal-Cooling Assembly

1. Place a new thermal pad on the underside of the thermal-cooling assembly (the part of the thermal-cooling assembly that will cover the new
processor):
a. Remove the backing from the new thermal pad, taking care not to tear the pad.
b. Place the pad's adhesive-side against the part of the thermal-cooling assembly that will cover the new processor, and press it into place.
CAUTION: Before you begin the following procedure, see the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such
as the back panel) on the computer.
NOTICE: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery (see Before Working Inside Your Computer) before working inside the
computer.
1
processor thermal-cooling assembly
2
captive screws (4)
NOTE: If you are replacing the thermal-cooling assembly without removing and replacing a new processor, you can place the new thermal pad directly
on any existing thermal pad already installed on the thermal-cooling assembly. It is not necessary to remove an existing pad or to clean the surface.


2. Place the processor thermal-cooling assembly over the processor.

3. Tighten the four captive screws, labeled "1" through "4," in consecutive order.
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
1
alignment area on the underside of the processor thermal cooling
assembly
2
thermal
pad
NOTE: When replacing the processor thermal-cooling assembly, hold up the mylar flap on the processor thermal-cooling assembly so that the flap rests
on top of the fan when the thermal-cooling assembly is in place.

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Display
Dell™Inspiron™9400ServiceManual
Display Assembly
Display Bezel
Display Panel
Display Latch
Display Assembly

Removing the Display Assembly


1. Follow the instructions in Before Working Inside Your Computer.

2. Turn the computer upside down and loosen the two captive screws on the Mini-Card cover.

3. Disconnect the antenna cables from the Mini-Card, if applicable.

4. Turn the computer top-side up.
CAUTION: Before you begin the following procedure, see the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such
as the back panel) on the computer.
NOTICE: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery (see Before Working Inside Your Computer) before working inside the
computer.
NOTE: You must detach the Mini-Card antennas (see step 3) before you can remove the display assembly. If a Mini-Card is installed, disconnect the
antenna cables from the card. If one is not installed, detach the antenna cables from their secured location.
1
antenna cables