Dell Inspiron 3501 Service Manual
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Dell Inspiron 3501 Service Manual

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Inspiron 3501
Service Manual
Regulatory Model: P90F
Regulatory Type: P90F002
August 2020
Rev. A00

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Summary of Contents for Dell Inspiron 3501

  • Page 1 Inspiron 3501 Service Manual Regulatory Model: P90F Regulatory Type: P90F002 August 2020 Rev. A00...
  • Page 2 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.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    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......................
  • Page 4 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................
  • Page 5 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...

  • Page 6: Chapter 1: Working Inside Your Computer

    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.

  • Page 7: Electrostatic Discharge-Esd Protection

    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.

  • Page 8: Transporting Sensitive Components

    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.

  • Page 9: After Working 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.

  • Page 10: Chapter 2: Removing And Installing Components

    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.

  • Page 11: Major Components Of Inspiron 3501

    Palm-rest and keyboard M2x4 assembly Touchpad Palm-rest and keyboard M2x2 assembly Touchpad bracket Palm-rest and keyboard M2x2 assembly Wireless-card bracket System board M2x3 Major components of Inspiron 3501 The following image shows the major components of Inspiron 3501. Removing and installing components...
  • Page 12 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.

  • Page 13: Base Cover

    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.
  • Page 14 Removing and installing components...

  • Page 15: Installing The Base Cover

    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.
  • Page 16 Removing and installing components...

  • Page 17: Solid-State Drive

    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.

  • Page 18: Installing The M.2 2230 Solid-State Drive

    ● 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.

  • Page 19: Removing The M.2 2280 Solid-State Drive

    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.

  • Page 20: Installing The M.2 2280 Solid-State Drive

    ● 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.

  • Page 21: Memory Modules

    Steps 1. Align the notch on the M.2 2280 solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 card slot on the system board. 2. Slide the M.2 2280 solid-state drive into the M.2 card slot on the system board. 3. Place the the M.2 thermal shield on the M.2 2280 solid-state drive. 4.

  • Page 22: Installing The Memory Modules

    Steps 1. Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the securing-clips on each end of the memory-module slot until the memory module pops up. 2. Lift at an angle and remove the memory module from its slot on the system board. 3.

  • Page 23: Wireless Card

    Steps 1. Align the slot on the memory module with the notch on the memory module slot on the system board. 2. Slide the memory module into the slot on the system board. 3. Press down on the memory module to snap it into place. 4.

  • Page 24: Installing The Wireless Card

    Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless-card bracket to the system board. 2. Lift the wireless-card bracket off the system board. 3. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card. 4. Slide and remove the wireless card from the M.2 card slot on the system board. Installing the wireless card Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
  • Page 25 Steps 1. Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card. The following table provides the antenna-cable color scheme for the wireless card supported by your computer. Table 2. Antenna-cable color scheme Connectors on the wireless card Antenna-cable color Main (white triangle) White Auxiliary (black triangle) Black...

  • Page 26: Battery

    ● If the battery gets stuck inside your computer as a result of swelling, do not try to release it as puncturing, bending, or crushing a lithium-ion battery can be dangerous. In such an instance, contact Dell technical support for assistance. See www.dell.com/contactdell.

  • Page 27: Installing The Battery

    Steps 1. Disconnect the battery cable from the system board, if applicable. 2. Remove the three screws (M2x3) that secure the battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Slide and lift the battery off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Installing the battery Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

  • Page 28: Hard Drive

    Steps 1. Slide the notch on the battery under the tab on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly and place the battery on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Align the screw holes on the battery to the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3.

  • Page 29: Installing The Hard Drive

    Steps 1. Disconnect the hard-drive cable from the system board. 2. Remove the three screws (M2x3) that secure the hard-drive assembly to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Lift the hard-drive assembly along with its cable from the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.
  • Page 30 Steps 1. Place and slide the hard drive into the hard-drive bracket. 2. Align the screw holes on the hard-drive bracket with the screw holes on the hard drive. 3. Replace the four screws (M3x3) that secure the hard-drive bracket to the hard drive. 4.

  • Page 31: I/O Board

    I/O board Removing the I/O board Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. About this task The following images indicate the location of the I/O board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1.

  • Page 32: Installing The I/O Board

    Installing the I/O board 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 I/O board and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1.

  • Page 33: Coin-Cell Battery

    Coin-cell battery Removing the coin-cell battery Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the board. About this task The following images indicate the location of the coin-cell battery and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1.

  • Page 34: Speakers

    Steps 1. Place the coin-cell battery into the coin-cell battery holder on the I/O board with the plus sign facing up. 2. Press down on the coin-cell battery to lock it in place in the coin-cell battery holder. 3. Turn the I/O board over. Next steps 1.

  • Page 35: Installing The Speakers

    Steps 1. Disconnect the speaker cable from the system board. 2. Remove the speaker cable from the routing guides on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Lift the speakers along with its cable off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Installing the speakers Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

  • Page 36: Heat Sink

    Steps 1. Using the alignment posts, place the speakers on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. NOTE: Ensure that the alignment posts are threaded through the rubber grommets on the speaker. 2. Route the speaker cable through the routing guides on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3.

  • Page 37: Installing The Heat Sink

    Steps 1. In reverse sequential order (4>3>2>1) loosen the four captive screws that secure the heat sink to the system board. NOTE: The number of screws varies depending on the configuration ordered. 2. Lift the heat sink from the system board. Installing the heat sink Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

  • Page 38: Fan

    Removing the fan Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. About this task The following images indicate the location of the fan and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1.

  • Page 39: Power Button With Optional Fingerprint Reader

    Steps 1. Place the fan on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Align the screw holes on the fan to the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Replace the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the fan to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.

  • Page 40: Installing The Power-Button With Optional Fingerprint Reader

    Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the power-button with optional fingerprint reader to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Open the latch and disconnect the power-button cable from the fingerprint-reader board, if applicable. NOTE: This step is only applicable if your computer was shipped with the optional fingerprint reader. 3.

  • Page 41: Fingerprint-Reader Board

    Steps 1. Using the alignment posts, place the power-button into its slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the power-button to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Connect the power-button cable to the fingerprint-reader board and close the latch, if applicable. NOTE: This step is only applicable if your computer was shipped with the optional fingerprint reader.

  • Page 42: Installing The Fingerprint-Reader Board

    The following images indicate the location of the fingerprint-reader board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Open the latch and disconnect the power-button cable from the fingerprint-reader board. 2. Open the latch and disconnect the fingerprint-reader board cable from the fingerprint-reader board. 3.

  • Page 43: Display Assembly

    Steps 1. Place and slide the fingerprint-reader board under the securing clip on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Connect the fingerprint-reader board cable to the fingerprint-reader board and close the latch. 3. Connect the power-button cable to the fingerprint-reader board and close the latch. Next steps 1.
  • Page 44 Removing and installing components...

  • Page 45: Installing The Display Assembly

    Steps 1. Disconnect the display cable from the system board. 2. Remove the display cable from the routing guides on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Open the display and place the computer with the lid open at the edge of a stable elevation with the display hanging downwards.

  • Page 46: Display Bezel

    Steps 1. Place the display assembly on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Align the screw holes on the display hinges with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Replace the 6 screws (M2.5x6) that secure the display hinges to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.

  • Page 47: Installing The Display Bezel

    Steps 1. Using a plastic scribe, pry the the display bezel from the display assembly at the location shown. 2. Work around the edge of the display assembly to pry the display bezel from the display assembly. 3. Lift the display bezel from the display assembly. Installing the display bezel Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

  • Page 48: Display Panel

    Steps 1. Place the display panel and display assembly on a clean and flat surface. 2. Place the display bezel on the display assembly. 3. Align the tabs on the display bezel to the slots on the display assembly. 4. Press down on the display bezel and snap the display bezel in place. Next steps 1.
  • Page 49 5. Remove the display bezel. About this task The following images indicate the location of the display panel and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Removing and installing components...

  • Page 50: Installing The Display Panel

    Steps 1. Remove the six screws (M2.5x2.5) that secure the display panel to the display assembly. 2. Remove the two screws (M2x2.5) that secure the display panel to the display assembly. 3. Lift and rotate the display panel forward. NOTE: Ensure that the display panel has a smooth and clean surface to rest on to prevent damage.
  • Page 51 Removing and installing components...

  • Page 52: Camera

    Steps 1. Place the display panel and display assembly on a clean and flat surface. 2. Connect the display cable to the connector on the diplay panel and close the latch. 3. Adhere the tape that secures the display-cable connector latch to the display panel. 4.

  • Page 53: Installing The Camera

    About this task The following images indicate the location of the camera and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Using the pull tab, disconnect the camera cable from the camera. 2. Using a plastic scribe, pry the camera from the display assembly. 3.

  • Page 54: Touchpad

    Steps 1. Adhere the camera in its slot on the display assembly. 2. Connect the camera cable to the camera. Next steps 1. Install the display panel. 2. Install the display bezel. 3. Install the display assembly. 4. Install the wireless card.

  • Page 55: Installing The Touchpad

    Steps 1. Open the latch and disconnect the the touchpad cable from the touchpad. 2. Remove the three screws (M2x2) that secure the touchpad bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Lift the touchpad bracket off the touchpad. 4. Remove the two screws (M2x2) that secure the touchpad to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 5.

  • Page 56: System Board

    Steps 1. Place the touchpad into its slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Align the screw holes on the touchpad to the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Turn the computer over and open the display to ensure that the touchpad is equally aligned on all sides. 4.
  • Page 57 9. Remove the display assembly. About this task The following image indicates the connectors on the system board. 1. Power-adapter port cable 2. Speaker cable 3. Keyboard cable 4. Keyboard-backlight cable 5. Touchpad cable 6. Battery cable 7. Hard-drive cable 8.
  • Page 58 Steps 1. Disconnect the power-adapter port cable from the system board. 2. Disconnect the fan cable from the system board. 3. Open the latch and disconnect the fingerprint-reader cable from the system board, if applicable. 4. Open the latch and disconnect the I/O-board cable from the system board. 5.

  • Page 59: Installing The System Board

    11. Lift the system board off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Installing the system board Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following image indicates the connectors on the system board. 1.
  • Page 60 Steps 1. Place the system board on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Align the screw hole on the system board to the screw hole on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Replace the screw (M2x4) that secures the system board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.

  • Page 61: Power-Adapter Port

    11. Connect the fan cable to the system board. 12. Connect the power-adapter port cable to the system board. Next steps 1. Install the display assembly. 2. Install the wireless card. 3. Install the heat sink. 4. Install the fan. 5.

  • Page 62: Installing The Power-Adapter Port

    Steps Lift the power-adapter port from its slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Installing the power-adapter port 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 power-adapter port and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

  • Page 63: Palm-Rest And Keyboard Assembly

    Steps Place the power-adapter port into its slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Next steps 1. Install the system board. 2. Install the display assembly. 3. Install the wireless card. 4. Install the fan. 5. Install the M.2 2230 solid-state drive, if applicable.

  • Page 64: Installing The Palm-Rest And Keyboard Assembly

    11. Remove the speakers. 12. Remove the board. 13. Remove the power-button with optional fingerprint reader. 14. Remove the system board. NOTE: The system board can be removed along with the heat sink. 15. Remove the power-adapter port. About this task The following images indicate the location of the palm-rest and keyboard assembly and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
  • Page 65 Steps Place the palm-rest and keyboard assembly on a flat and clean surface and perform the post-requisites to install the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Next steps 1. Install the power-adapter port. 2. Install the system board. 3. Install the power-button with optional fingerprint reader.

  • Page 66: Chapter 3: Drivers And Downloads

    Drivers and downloads When troubleshooting, downloading or installing drivers it is recommended that you read the Dell Knowledge Based article, Drivers and Downloads FAQ SLN128938. Drivers and downloads...

  • Page 67: Chapter 4: System Setup

    System setup CAUTION: Unless you are an expert computer user, do not change the settings in the BIOS Setup program. Certain changes can make your computer work incorrectly. NOTE: Depending on the computer and its installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not be displayed. NOTE: Before you change BIOS Setup program, it is recommended that you write down the BIOS Setup program screen information for future reference.

  • Page 68: One Time Boot Menu

    One time boot menu To enter one time boot menu, turn on your computer, and then press F2 immediately. NOTE: It is recommended to shutdown the computer if it is on. The one-time boot menu displays the devices that you can boot from including the diagnostic option. The boot menu options are: ●...
  • Page 69 Table 4. System setup options—System information menu (continued) Overview Minimum Clock Speed Displays the minimum processor clock speed. Microcode Version Displays the microcode version. Intel Hyper-Threading Capable Displays whether the processor is Intel Hyper-Threading capable. 64-Bit Technology Displays whether 64-bit technology is used. Memory Information Memory Installed Displays the total computer memory installed.
  • Page 70 Table 6. System setup options—System Configuration menu (continued) System Configuration SATA Operation Configures operating mode of the integrated SATA hard drive controller. Default: RAID. SATA is configured to support RAID (Intel Rapid Restore Technology). Storage Interface Enables or disables various onboard drives. M.2 PCIe SSD-0/SATA-2 Default: ON.
  • Page 71 Table 7. System setup options—Video menu (continued) Video Brightness on battery power Sets the screen brightness when the computer is running on battery power. Brightness on AC power Sets the screen brightness when the computer is running on AC power. EcoPower Enables or disables EcoPower which increases the battery life by reducing the screen brightness when appropriate.
  • Page 72 Table 9. System setup options—Password (continued) Password Admin Password Sets, Changes, or deletes the administrator (admin) password (sometimes called the "setup" password). System Password Sets, Changes, or deletes the system password. Enable Master Password Lockout Enables or disables the master password support. Hard drive passwords need to be cleared before changing the setting.
  • Page 73 Table 12. System setup options—Performance menu (continued) Performance Enable C-State Control Enables or disables the CPU's ability to enter and exit low-power states. Default: ON. Table 13. System setup options—Power Management menu Power Management Wake on AC Enables the computer to turn on and go to boot when AC power is supplied to the computer.
  • Page 74 Table 15. System setup options—POST Behavior menu (continued) POST Behavior Enable Adapter Warnings Enables the computer to display adapter warning messages during boot. Default: ON. Extend BIOS POST Time Configures the BIOS POST (Power-On Self-Test) load time. Default: 0 seconds. Fastboot Configures the speed of the UEFI boot process.

  • Page 75: Updating The Bios In Windows

    SupportAssist Dell Auto operating system Recovery Controls the automatic boot flow for SupportAssist System Resolution Threshold Console and for Dell operating system Recovery tool. Default: 2. SupportAssist operating system Recovery Enables or disables the boot flow for SupportAssist operating system Recovery tool in the even of certain system errors.

  • Page 76: Updating The Dell Bios In Linux And Ubuntu Environments

    Time boot menu on the computer. Most of the Dell computers built after 2012 have this capability, and you can confirm by booting your computer to the F12 One- Time Boot Menu to see if BIOS FLASH UPDATE is listed as a boot option for your computer. If the option is listed, then the BIOS supports this BIOS update option.

  • Page 77: System And Setup Password

    CAUTION: Do not turn off the computer during the BIOS update process. The computer may not boot if you turn off your computer. Steps 1. From a turn off state, insert the USB drive where you copied the flash into a USB port of the computer. 2.

  • Page 78: Deleting Or Changing An Existing System Or Admin Password

    Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords About this task To clear the system or BIOS passwords, contact Dell technical support as described at www.dell.com/contactdell. NOTE: For information on how to reset Windows or application passwords, refer to the documentation accompanying Windows or your application.

  • Page 79: Chapter 5: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting System diagnostic lights Power and battery-status light Indicates the power and battery-charge status. Solid white—Power adapter is connected and the battery has more than 5% charge. Amber—Computer is running on battery and the battery has less than 5% charge. ●...

  • Page 80: Recovering The Operating System

    It enables you to diagnose hardware issues, repair your computer, back up your files, or restore your computer to its factory state. You can also download it from the Dell Support website to troubleshoot and fix your computer when it fails to boot into their primary operating system due to software or hardware failures.

  • Page 81: Running The Epsa Diagnostics

    Steps 1. Power on the computer. 2. As the computer boots, press the F12 key when the Dell logo is displayed. 3. In the boot menu screen, use Up/Down arrow key to select the Diagnostics option and then press Enter.
  • Page 82 3. Turn off the wireless router. 4. Wait for 30 seconds. 5. Turn on the wireless router. 6. Turn on the modem. 7. Turn on your computer. Troubleshooting...

  • Page 83: Chapter 6: Getting Help And Contacting Dell

    Getting help and contacting Dell Self-help resources You can get information and help on Dell products and services using these self-help resources: Table 22. Self-help resources Self-help resources Resource location Information about Dell products and services www.dell.com My Dell Tips...

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