Dell Precision M40 User manual

DellPrecision™MobileWorkstationM40ServiceManual
Before You Begin
Preparing to Work Inside the Computer
Recommended Tools
Screw Identification
Removing and Replacing Parts
System Components
Hard Drive
Fixed Optical Drive
Memory Module
Mini PCI Card Assembly
Keyboard Assembly
Display and Bezel Assemblies
Microprocessor Thermal Cooling Assembly
Microprocessor Module
Video Graphics Board
Palmrest Assembly
Reserve Battery
System Board Assembly
Battery and Modular Bay Latch Assemblies
Battery Charger Board
LED Board
Fan Assembly
RJ-11/RJ-45 Board
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. ©2001DellComputerCorporation.Allrightsreserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and Dell Precision are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation.
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 Computer Corporation
disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
September2001
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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Before You Begin
DellPrecision™MobileWorkstationM40ServiceManual
Preparing to Work Inside the Computer
Recommended Tools
Screw Identification
Preparing to Work Inside the Computer
1. Make sure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent scratching the computer cover.
2. Save any work in progress and close all open application programs.
3. Turn off the computer and all attached devices.
4. Make sure the computer is undocked.
5. Disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet.
6. To avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 10 to 20 seconds and then disconnect any attached devices.
7. Disconnect all other external cables from the computer.
8. Remove any installed PC Cards or plastic blanks from the PC Card slot.
9. Close the display and turn the computer upside down on a flat work surface.
10. Remove the battery from the battery bay.
11. Remove any device installed in the modular bay.
12. To dissipate static electricity while you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.
13. Handle components and cards by their edges, and avoid touching pins and contacts.
Recommended Tools
The procedures in this manual require the following tools:
l#1 magnetized Phillips screwdriver
lSmall flat-blade screwdriver
lSmall plastic scribe
lMicroprocessor extractor
lNonmarring tool
lFlash BIOS upgrade program diskette or CD (provided when needed to upgrade the system BIOS)
System Orientation
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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: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer:
NOTE: Before turning off the computer, make sure the computer is not in a power-management mode.
NOTICE: To avoid component damage, always remove any installed batteries before you service the computer.

Screw Identification
When you are removing and replacing components, photocopy the placemat as a tool to lay out and keep track of the component screws.The placemat
provides the number of screws and the sizes.
Screw Identification
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NOTICE: When reinstalling a screw, you must use a screw of the correct diameter and length. Make sure that the screw is properly aligned with its
corresponding hole, and avoid overtightening.
Screw Placement Map
Hard Drive Door Security:
M3.0 x 5 mm (1 each)
Keyboard to Bottom Case Assembly:
M2.5 x 20 mm (4 each; one in memory door and
one in mini-PCI door)
Display to Base:
M2.5 x 6 mm (3 each; 2 at back of system; 1 at
flex cable strain relief)
Display Bezel:
Rubber screw covers (4
each)
Plastic screw covers (2
each)
M2.5 x 4 mm (6 each)
Display Panel to Display Mounting Bracket:
M2.0 x 3 mm(6 each)
Flex Cable Mounting Bracket to Top Cover:
M2.5 x 4 mm (1 each)
Video Graphics Board:
M2.5 x 8 (3 each)
Palmrest to
Bottom Case Assembly:
M2.5 x 20 mm (9 each)
System Board:
M2.5 x 4 mm captive washer
(3 each)
LED Board:
M2.0 x 4 mm (2 each)

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Palmrest Bracket:
M2.5 x 4 mm (2 each)
M2.5 x 20 mm (1 each)
Fan Assembly:
M2.0 x 4 mm (3 each)
RJ-11/RJ-45 Board Assembly:
M2.5 x 4 mm (1 each)

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Removing and Replacing Parts
DellPrecision™MobileWorkstationM40ServiceManual
System Components
Exploded View

Hard Drive
System Components
Hard Drive
Fixed Optical Drive
Memory Module
Mini PCI Card Assembly
Keyboard Assembly
Display and Bezel Assemblies
Microprocessor Thermal Cooling Assembly
Microprocessor Module
Video Graphics Board
Palmrest Assembly
Reserve Battery
System Board Assembly
Battery and Modular Bay Latch Assemblies
Battery Charger Board
LED Board
Fan Assembly
RJ-11/RJ-45 Board
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 manual assumes that a part can be replaced by performing the removal procedure in reverse
order.
NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and attached devices from the electrical outlet and remove any installed batteries.
NOTICE: To avoid ESD, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching unpainted metal on the computer.
NOTICE: The hard drive is very sensitive to shock. Handle it by its edges (do not squeeze the top of the case), and avoid dropping it.

Hard Drive

Removing the Hard Drive
1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
2. Remove the drive door screw.
3. Pull the hard drive out.
Replacing the Hard Drive
1. Gently push the hard drive into the drive bay until the drive door is flush with the computer case.
2. Push down on the drive until it snaps into place.
3. Replace the screw in the hard drive door.
Fixed Optical Drive
Fixed Optical Drive

Removing the Fixed Optical Drive
1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
2. Loosen the captive screw on the bottom of the computer.
NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and attached devices from the electrical outlet and remove any installed batteries.
NOTICE: To avoid ESD, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching unpainted metal on the computer.

3. Turn the computer over, pull out the pull tab, and use the pull tab to remove the fixed optical drive.
Memory Module
Removing the Memory Module Cover
Memory Module Cover

1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
2. Remove the screw.
3. Disengage the metal tabs at the opposite end of the cover.
Memory Modules

Removing the Memory Modules
1. Remove the memory module cover.
2. To release a memory module from its socket, spread apart the tabs at each side of the module until the module pops up slightly.
NOTICE: To keep the pull tab from catching on the captive screw, turn the computer over before removing the fixed optical drive.
NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and any attached devices from electrical outlets and remove any installed batteries.
NOTICE: To avoid ESD, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching unpainted metal on the computer.

3. Lift the memory module out of its socket.
Replacing the Memory Modules
1. If you only have one memory module, install it in the socket labeled "DIMM A." Install a second memory module in the socket labeled "DIMM B."
2. Insert the memory module's edge connector into the socket slot at a 45-degree angle and press the module firmly into the slot.
3. Pivot the module down until it clicks into place. If you do not hear a click, remove the module and reinstall it.
4. Insert the metal tabs on the memory module cover into the bottom case assembly, rotate the cover down, and replace the screw.
Mini PCI Card Assembly
You must remove the Mini PCI Card assembly before the system board assembly can be removed. A Mini PCI Card assembly consists of a modem and NIC
combination. A NIC combination must be connected to the wiring harness as appropriate.
Mini PCI Card Cover

Removing the Mini PCI Card Assembly
1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
2. Remove the Mini PCI Card cover.
3. To release the Mini PCI Card assembly, spread the metal securing tabs until the assembly pops up slightly.
4. Disconnect the assembly from the wiring harness.
5. Lift out the assembly and disconnect any attached cables.
Replacing the Mini PCI Card Assembly
1. Align the Mini PCI Card assembly with the socket at a 45-degree angle, and press the Mini PCI Card into the socket.
2. Connect the wiring harness to the Mini PCI Card assembly.
Mini PCI Card Assembly Wiring Harness

NOTE: Memory modules are keyed to fit into their sockets in only one direction.
NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and attached devices from electrical outlets and remove any installed batteries.
NOTICE: To avoid ESD, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching unpainted metal on the computer.
NOTICE: The connectors are keyed for correct insertion; do not force the connections.

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3. Pivot the Mini PCI Card assembly down until it clicks into place.
4. Replace the Mini PCI Card assembly cover.
Keyboard Assembly

Keyboard Screws

Removing the Keyboard Assembly
1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
2. Turn the computer over and remove the four screws labeled with a "circle K."
3. Turn the computer over and open the display.
4. Use a nonmarring tool under the blank key to pry up the keyboard.
NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and attached devices from electrical outlets and remove any installed batteries.
NOTICE: To avoid ESD, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching unpainted metal on the computer.
NOTICE: Be careful when handling the keyboard. The keycaps are fragile, easily dislodged, and time-consuming to replace.

Keyboard Removal

5. Lift the right end of the keyboard and slide it slightly toward the right side of the computer to disengage the tabs at the left end.
6. Pivot the keyboard and balance it upright on the left side of the computer.
Keyboard Cable

7. Disconnect the keyboard cable and lay the keyboard assembly aside.
Replacing the Keyboard Assembly
1. While bracing the keyboard assembly upright on its left end, connect the keyboard cable to the interface connector on the system board.
2. Insert the metal tabs at the left end of the keyboard under the edge of the bottom case assembly, and fit the keyboard into place.
3. Check that the keyboard is correctly installed. The keys should be flush with the left and right surfaces of the palmrest.
4. Reinstall the four screws in the holes labeled "circle K."
Display and Bezel Assemblies
NOTICE: Position the keyboard/track stick flex cable so it is not pinched when you replace the keyboard in the bottom case assembly.

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
Display Assembly

Removing the Hinge Cover
Hinge Cover
1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
2. Use a nonmarring tool to loosen the hinge cover at the back and at each side of the computer.
3. Open the display and lift off the hinge cover.
Removing the Display Assembly
Display Assembly
NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and attached devices from electrical outlets and remove any installed batteries.
NOTICE: To avoid ESD, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching unpainted metal on the computer.

1. Remove the hinge cover.
Flex Cable

2. Remove the 6-mm screw that secures the display flex cable to the strain relief, and then use the pull loop to remove the display flex cable from the
graphics card.
3. Open the display and, from the back of the computer, remove the two screws labeled with a "circle D" that secure the display assembly to the bottom
case assembly.
4. With the display in an upright position, lift the display assembly from the bottom case assembly.
Display Assembly Bezel and Panel

NOTICE: Make sure you remove the flex cable before you remove the display assembly.
NOTICE: When reconnecting the flex cable, press down on both ends of the connector, not in the middle. Pressing the middle of the connector can
damage fragile components.


Removing the Display Assembly Bezel
1. Use a scribe to pry out the four rubber screw covers located across the top of the bezel.
2. Remove the four 4-mm screws located across the top of the bezel.
3. Use a scribe at the indentations to pry out the two plastic screw covers located at the bottom of the bezel.
4. Remove the two 4-mm screws located at the bottom of the bezel.
5. Separate the bezel from the display-assembly top cover.
The bezel is secured to the display-assembly top cover with plastic tabs around the sides. Use a plastic scribe to help separate the bezel from the top
cover.
Removing the Display Panel
1. Remove the hinge cover.
2. Detach the display flex cable from the strain relief and the graphics card.
3. Remove the display assembly bezel.
4. Remove the 4-mm screw securing the plastic flex cable mounting bracket to the top cover assembly.
5. Remove the six 3-mm screws (three on each side) from the right and left sides of the panel.
6. Lift the display panel and flex cable out of the top cover assembly.
7. Disconnect the flex cable from the two connectors (a ZIF and a standard connector) on the display panel assembly.
Flex Cable Connectors on Display Panel


Replacing the Display Panel
1. Connect the flex cable to the two connectors on the back of the display panel.
2. Place the display panel assembly in the top cover, taking care that the flex cable is in place and is not crushed or crimped.
3. Reinstall the 4-mm screw that secures the flex cable mounting bracket to the top cover.
4. Starting on the left side, use a magnetic screwdriver to reinstall the six 3-mm screws that secure the display panel in the top cover.
5. Reinstall the display flex cable strain-relief screw and reconnect the flex cable to the graphics card.
6. Reinstall the display assembly bezel.
Removing the Display Latch
Removing the Display Latch

1. Remove the hinge cover.
2. Detach the display flex cable from the strain relief and the graphics card.
3. Remove the display assembly bezel.
4. Remove the display panel from the top cover.
5. Remove the display latch by unsnapping the latch and captive spring.
NOTE: Use a magnetic screwdriver to reassemble the display panel in the display.

Microprocessor Thermal Cooling Assembly

Retaining Clip


Removing the Microprocessor Thermal Cooling Assembly
1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
2. Remove the keyboard.
3. Remove the hinge cover.
4. Insert a nonmarring flat-blade screwdriver into the latch mechanism at the left side of the microprocessor retaining clip. Pry open the clip by pivoting the
top of the screwdriver toward the right side of the computer.
Microprocessor Thermal Cooling Assembly

5. Lift out the thermal cooling assembly.
Microprocessor Module

NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and attached devices from electrical outlets and remove any installed batteries.
NOTICE: To avoid ESD, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching unpainted metal on the computer.
NOTICE: To ensure maximum cooling for the microprocessor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the microprocessor thermal cooling assembly. The
oils in your skin reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal pads.

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Microprocessor Module

Removing the Microprocessor Module
1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
2. Remove the keyboard.
3. Remove the hinge cover.
4. Remove the microprocessor thermal cooling assembly.
5. Remove the microprocessor module.
a. Loosen the microprocessor socket cam lock screw. The location of the screw and the rotation direction may vary with the socket manufacturer;
look for small icons indicating open and locked positions.
Microprocessor Cam Lock Screw (Example)

b. Use the microprocessor extraction tool to remove the microprocessor module.
Replacing the Microprocessor Module
NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and attached devices from electrical outlets and remove any installed batteries.
NOTICE: To avoid ESD, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching unpainted metal on the computer.
NOTICE: To ensure maximum cooling for the microprocessor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the thermal cooling assembly. The oils in your skin
reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal pads.
NOTICE: When removing the microprocessor module, pull the module straight up. Do not bend the pins.
NOTICE: To avoid damage to the microprocessor, hold the screwdriver so that it is perpendicular to the microprocessor when removing the cam lock
screw (see "Microprocessor Cam Lock Screw").
NOTICE: Hold the microprocessor down while turning the cam lock screw to prevent intermittent contact between the cam lock screw and
microprocessor.
NOTICE: If you received a flash BIOS update program diskette or CD with the replacement microprocessor, you must update the BIOS after replacing
the microprocessor module. For instructions on updating or reflashing the BIOS, see the Dell Portable Computer BIOS Update Guide.

1. Align the pin-1 triangle on the microprocessor toward the pin-1 triangle in the socket, insert the microprocessor into the socket, and move it around
slightly until you feel it settle into the socket.
When the microprocessor module is correctly seated, all four corners are aligned to 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 cam lock screw.
3. Replace the microprocessor thermal cooling assembly.
Closing the Microprocessor Retaining Clip

4. While pressing lightly down on the center of the retaining clip, insert a nonmarring screwdriver into the latch mechanism and pivot the top of the
screwdriver away from the clip to close the latch.
Video Graphics Board
Video Graphics Board

NOTICE: Proper seating of the microprocessor module does not require force.
NOTICE: A microprocessor module that is not properly seated can result in an intermittent connection and subsequent failures.
NOTICE: Hold the microprocessor down while turning the cam lock screw to prevent intermittent contact between the cam lock screw and
microprocessor (see "Microprocessor Cam Lock Screw").
NOTICE: Do not over-or under-tighten the screw. Tighten it until the screw indicator points to the "closed" or "locked" indicator on the socket.
NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and attached devices from electrical outlets and remove any installed batteries.
NOTICE: To avoid ESD, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching unpainted metal on the computer.

Removing the Video Graphics Board
1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
2. Remove the keyboard.
3. Remove the hinge cover.
4. Detach the display flex cable from the strain relief and the graphics card.
5. Remove the three 8-mm screws that secure the video graphics board.
6. Separate the video graphics board from the system board connector.
Replacing the Video Graphics Board
1. Align the three screw holes and press down firmly to seat the board in its connector.
2. Replace the three screws.
Palmrest Assembly

Palmrest Assembly

Removing the Palmrest Assembly
1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
2. Remove the hard drive and the fixed optical drive.
3. Remove the keyboard.
4. Remove the hinge cover.
5. Remove the display assembly.
6. Turn the computer over.
7. Remove the nine 20-mm screws (labeled with a "circle P") that secure the palmrest to the computer.
NOTICE: Make sure the board is correctly and firmly seated before continuing. Failure to do so will cause intermittent video failures.
NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and attached devices from electrical outlets and remove any installed batteries.
NOTICE: To avoid ESD, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching unpainted metal on the computer.
NOTICE: The reserve battery provides power to the computer's time RTC and NVRAM when the computer is turned off. Removing the palmrest
disconnects the reserve battery and causes the computer to lose the date and time information as well as all user-specified parameters in NVRAM. If
possible, make a copy of this information before you disconnect the reserve battery.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the palmrest assembly, you must first remove the display assembly.

Palmrest Screws


8. Turn the computer over.
9. Use the pull loop to disconnect the palmrest flex cable from the touch-pad connector on the system board.
10. Carefully lift out the palmrest assembly.
Reserve Battery
Reserve Battery

Removing the Reserve Battery
1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
2. Remove the keyboard.
3. Remove the hinge cover.
4. Remove the display assembly.
NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and attached devices from electrical outlets and remove any installed batteries.
NOTICE: To avoid ESD, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching unpainted metal on the computer.
NOTICE: The reserve battery provides power to the computer's RTC and NVRAM when the computer is turned off. Removing the battery causes the
computer to lose the date and time information as well as all user-specified parameters in NVRAM. If possible, make a copy of this information before
you remove the reserve battery.

5. Remove the palmrest assembly.
6. On the underside of the palmrest, disconnect the flex cable from the ZIF connector.
Palmrest Flex Cable and Bracket

7. Remove the two 4-mm screws securing the palmrest bracket.
8. While supporting the palmrest flex cable, lift out the palmrest bracket and turn it over.
9. Disconnect the reserve battery cable.
10. Remove the reserve battery:
a. Pry the reserve battery free from the metal palmrest bracket.
b. Remove the foam-pad remnants from the palmrest bracket.
Replacing the Reserve Battery
1. Seat the reserve battery and press it into place.
2. Connect the reserve battery cable.
3. Place the palmrest bracket loosely in the palmrest, and connect the palmrest flex cable to the ZIF connector.
4. Replace the two 4-mm screws that secure the palmrest bracket to the palmrest.
System Board Assembly
System Board Screws

NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and attached devices from electrical outlets and remove any installed batteries.
NOTICE: To avoid ESD, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching unpainted metal on the computer.