Dell Vostro 3881 Service Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Dell Manuals
  4. Laptop
  5. Vostro 3881
  6. Service manual

Dell Vostro 3881 Service Manual

Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
Vostro 3881
Service Manual
Regulatory Model: D29M
Regulatory Type: D29M002
August 2021
Rev. A01

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Dell Vostro 3881

Summary of Contents for Dell Vostro 3881

  • Page 1 Vostro 3881 Service Manual Regulatory Model: D29M Regulatory Type: D29M002 August 2021 Rev. A01...
  • Page 2 A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. © 2020-2021 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.
  • Page 3 Major components of your system...

  • Page 4: Major Components Of Your System

    Major components of your system Major components of your system...
  • Page 5 1. Side cover 2. Optical drive 3. 2.5-inch hard-drive assembly 4. Fan shroud 5. Heatsink assembly 6. 3.5-inch hard drive 7. Memory module 8. Media-card reader 9. Power button switch 10. Front bezel 11. Chassis 12. System board 13. Graphics card 14.

  • Page 6: Technology And Components

    Technology and components This chapter details the technology and components available in the system. DDR4 DDR4 (double data rate fourth generation) memory is a higher-speed successor to the DDR2 and DDR3 technologies and allows up to 512 GB in capacity, compared to the DDR3's maximum of 128 GB per DIMM. DDR4 synchronous dynamic random-access memory is keyed differently from both SDRAM and DDR to prevent the user from installing the wrong type of memory into the system.

  • Page 7: Memory Errors

    Figure 3. Curved edge Memory Errors Memory errors on the system display the new ON-FLASH-FLASH or ON-FLASH-ON failure code. If all memory fails, the LCD does not turn on. Troubleshoot for possible memory failure by trying known good memory modules in the memory connectors on the bottom of the system or under the keyboard, as in some portable systems.
  • Page 8 Speed Currently, there are 3 speed modes defined by the latest USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 specification. They are Super-Speed, Hi-Speed and Full-Speed. The new SuperSpeed mode has a transfer rate of 4.8 Gbps. While the specification retains Hi-Speed, and Full-Speed USB mode, commonly known as USB 2.0 and 1.1 respectively, the slower modes still operate at 480 Mbps and 12 Mbps respectively and are kept to maintain backward compatibility.

  • Page 9: Alternate Mode

    Compatibility The good news is that USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 has been carefully planned from the start to peacefully co-exist with USB 2.0. First of all, while USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 specifies new physical connections and thus new cables to take advantage of the higher speed capability of the new protocol, the connector itself remains the same rectangular shape with the four USB 2.0 contacts in the exact same location as before.

  • Page 10: Hdmi 2.0 Features

    HDMI 2.0 This topic explains the HDMI 2.0 and its features along with the advantages. HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is an industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. HDMI provides an interface between any compatible digital audio/video source, such as a DVD player, or A/V receiver and a compatible digital audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital TV (DTV).

  • Page 11: Working On 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 12: Safety Precautions

    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 13: Esd Field Service Kit

    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. Working on your computer...

  • Page 14: 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.

  • Page 15: Disassembly And Reassembly

    Disassembly and reassembly Recommended tools The procedures in this document may require the following tools: ● Phillips screwdriver #1 and #2 ● Plastic scribe Screw List The following table shows the screw list and the images for different components. 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 16: Removing The Side Cover

    Table 2. Screw list (continued) Component Screw type Quantity Image System board #6-32 Side cover Removing the side cover Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working on your computer. NOTE: Ensure that the security cable is removed from the security-cable slot (if applicable). About this task The following images indicate the location of the side cover and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.

  • Page 17: Installing The Side Cover

    Steps 1. Loosen the two thumb screws (#6-32) that secures the side cover to the computer chassis. 2. Using the tab on the side cover, slide the cover towards the back and remove the side cover off the chassis. Installing the side cover Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
  • Page 18 Steps 1. Align the tabs on the side cover with the slots on the chassis, and slide it towards the front of the computer. 2. Tighten the two thumb screws (#6-32) to secure the side cover to the chassis. Next steps 1.

  • Page 19: Removing The Front Bezel

    Front bezel Removing the front bezel Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working on your computer. 2. Remove the side cover. About this task The following images indicate the location of the front bezel and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1.

  • Page 20: Removing The Fan Shroud

    About this task The following image indicates the location of the front bezel and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Position the front bezel to align the tab holders on the bezel with the slots on the chassis. 2.
  • Page 21 Steps 1. Lay the computer with its right side facing down. Press on both securing clips to release the fan shroud from the fan and heat-sink assembly. 2. Lift and remove the fan duct from the computer. Installing the fan shroud Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

  • Page 22: Removing The Memory Modules

    image of installing the fan shroud Steps 1. Position the fan duct to align it with the retention slots on the system board. 2. Press the fan duct and ensure the retention clips snap into place. Next steps 1. Install the side cover.

  • Page 23: Installing The Memory Modules

    Steps 1. Push the securing-clips from both sides away from the memory module until the memory module pops up. 2. Slide and remove the memory module from the memory-module slot. NOTE: Repeat step 2 to step 3 to remove any other memory modules installed in your computer. NOTE: Make a note of the slot and the orientation of the memory module in order to install the replacement in the correct slot.

  • Page 24: Hard-Drive Assembly

    Steps 1. Ensure that the securing-clips are in an open position. 2. Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-module slot. 3. Insert the memory module into the memory-module connector until the memory module snaps into position and the securing clip locks in place.Slide the memory module firmly into the slot at an angle and press the memory module down until it clicks into place.
  • Page 25 About this task The following images indicate the location of the 2.5-inch hard-drive assembly and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. For 2.5-inch hard drive set as the primary storage device on the system, disconnect the data cable and power cable from the connectors on the 2.5-inch hard drive.
  • Page 26 Installing the primary 2.5-inch hard-drive assembly Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following image indicates the location of the 2.5-inch hard-drive assembly and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

  • Page 27: Removing The 2.5-Inch Hard-Drives

    Removing the 2.5-inch hard-drives Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working on your computer. 2. Remove the side cover. 3. Remove the hard-drive assembly. About this task NOTE: Based on the configuration ordered, there should be two 2.5-inch hard-drives in the assembly. The following images indicate the location of the 2.5-inch hard-drive and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
  • Page 28 Installing the 2.5-inch hard-drives Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following image indicates the location of the 2.5-inch hard-drive and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
  • Page 29 3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. 3.5-inch hard drive Removing the 3.5-inch hard-drive assembly Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working on your computer. 2. Remove the side cover. About this task The following images indicate the location of the 3.5-inch hard-drive assembly and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

  • Page 30: Removing The M.2 2230 Solid-State Drive

    About this task The following images indicate the location of the 3.5-inch hard-drive assembly and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Insert the 3.5-inch hard-drive assembly into the hard drive cage. 2. Align the hard-drive assembly with the tabs on the chassis. 3.

  • Page 31: Installing The M.2 2230 Solid-State Drive

    Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the solid-state drive to the system board. 2. Slide and lift the solid-state drive from the M.2 card slot on the system board. Installing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following image indicates the location of the M.2 2230 solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

  • Page 32: Removing The M.2 2280 Solid-State Drive

    Steps 1. Align the notch on the solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 card slot. 2. Slide the solid-state drive into the M.2 card slot on the system board. 3. Install the screw (M2x3) to secure the solid-state drive to the system board. Next steps 1.

  • Page 33: Installing The M.2 2280 Solid-State Drive

    Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the solid-state drive to the system board. 2. Slide and lift the solid-state drive from the M.2 card slot on the system board. Installing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following image indicates the location of the M.2 2280 solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

  • Page 34: Installing The Coin-Cell Battery

    Steps 1. Align the notch on the solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 card slot. 2. Slide the solid-state drive into the M.2 card slot on the system board. 3. Install the screw (M2x3) to secure the solid-state drive to the system board. Next steps 1.

  • Page 35: Removing The Coin-Cell Battery

    Steps 1. Insert the coin-cell battery into its slot on the system board with the positive side (+) label facing up. 2. Press down and and snap the coin-cell battery into the slot on the system board. Next steps 1. Install the side cover.

  • Page 36: Removing The Wireless Card

    Steps 1. Using a plastic scribe, push the coin-cell battery securing-clip on the coin-cell battery socket to release the coin-cell battery out of the slot on the system board. 2. Lift the coin-cell battery off its slot on the system board. Wireless card Removing the wireless card Prerequisites...

  • Page 37: Installing The Wireless Card

    Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless card to the system board. 2. Slide and lift the wireless-card bracket off the wireless card. 3. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card. 4. Slide and remove the wireless card at an angle from the wireless-card slot. Installing the wireless card Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
  • Page 38 Steps 1. Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card. The following table provides the antenna-cable color scheme for the wireless card of your computer. Table 3. Antenna-cable color scheme Connectors on the wireless card Antenna-cable color Main (white triangle) White Auxiliary (black triangle) Black...

  • Page 39: Removing The Graphics Card

    3. Follow the procedure in Working inside your computer. Graphics card Removing the graphics card Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working on your computer. 2. Remove the side cover. About this task The following images indicate the location of the graphics card and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1.

  • Page 40: Installing The Graphics Card

    4. Push and hold the securing tab on the graphics-card slot and lift the graphics card from the PCIe x16 card slot. Installing the graphics card 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 graphics card and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

  • Page 41: Removing The Power Supply Unit

    Power-supply unit Removing the power-supply unit Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working on your computer. 2. Remove the side cover. NOTE: Note the routing of all cables as you remove them so that you can route them correctly while you are replacing the power-supply unit.

  • Page 42: Installing The Power Supply Unit

    Steps 1. Lay the computer with its right side facing down. 2. Disconnect the power cables from the system board and unroute them from the routing guides on the chassis. NOTE: The power-supply cable is connected to the system board at two locations and supply power to the following components at the two location: ●...
  • Page 43 Disassembly and reassembly...

  • Page 44: Removing The Optical Drive

    Steps 1. Place and slide the power supply into its slot on the chassis. 2. Replace the three (#6-32) screws to secure the power-supply unit to the chassis. 3. Route the power cable through the routing guides on the chassis and connect the power cables to their respective connectors on the system board.

  • Page 45: Installing The Optical Drive

    About this task The following images indicate the location of the optical drive and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Disconnect the power and data cable from the optical drive. 2. Pull down on the retention tab to release the optical drive. 3.
  • Page 46 Steps 1. Slide and install the optical drive into its slot on the chassis. 2. Replace the single screw (M2x3) that secure the optical drive to the chassis. 3. Connect the optical-drive power cable to the connector on the optical drive. 4.

  • Page 47: Optical Drive Bezel

    Optical drive bezel Removing the optical drive bezel Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working on your computer. 2. Remove the side cover. 3. Remove the optical drive. About this task The following images indicate the location of the optical drive bezel and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

  • Page 48: Fan And Heat-Sink Assembly

    Steps 1. Place the optical drive bezel on the optical drive, aligning the hooks on the optical drive bezel with the slots on the optical drive. 2. Press down on the optical drive bezel to secure it on the optical drive. Next steps 1.
  • Page 49 Steps 1. Disconnect the fan cable from the connector on the system board. 2. In a reverse sequential order (4>3>2>1) loosen the four captive screws that secure the fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board. 3. Lift the fan and heat-sink assembly off the system board. Installing the fan and heat-sink assembly Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

  • Page 50: Removing The Processor

    Steps 1. Gently place the fan and heat-sink assembly on the processor. 2. Align the screw holes on the fan and heat-sink assembly with the screw holes on the system board. 3. In sequential order (1>2>3>4) tighten the four captive screws that secure the fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board.

  • Page 51: Installing The Processor

    NOTE: Caution: For maximum cooling of the processor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the heat sink. The oils in your skin can reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal grease. About this task The following images indicate the location of the processor and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1.
  • Page 52 About this task NOTE: If either the processor or the fan and heat-sink assembly is replaced, use the thermal grease that is provided in the kit to ensure that thermal conductivity is maintained. The following image indicates the location of the processor and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1.
  • Page 53 3. Install the side cover. 4. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Graphical processing unit Removing the powered GPU Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the side cover. About this task The following images indicate the location of the powered graphical processing unit and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

  • Page 54: Removing The Speaker

    Speaker Removing the speaker Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working on your computer. 2. Remove the side cover. About this task The following images indicate the location of the speakers and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1.

  • Page 55: Installing The Power Button

    Steps 1. Disconnect the power button cable from the connector on the system board. 2. Press the release tabs on the power button module and push it out to the front-side of the chassis. 3. Remove the power button out from the chassis. Installing the power button Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.

  • Page 56: Removing The Intrusion Switch

    Steps 1. Insert the power button switch into the slot from the front-side of the chassis. 2. Push the power button in until you hear a click from the retention tabs. 3. Connect the power button cable to the connector on the system board. Next steps 1.

  • Page 57: Installing The Intrusion Switch

    Steps 1. Disconnect the intruder switch cable from the connector on the system board. 2. Slide and remove the intrusion switch from the chassis. Installing the intrusion switch 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 intrusion switch and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

  • Page 58: Removing The System Board

    Steps 1. Insert the intrusion switch into its slot and slide the switch to secure it into the slot. 2. Connect the intruder switch cable to the connector on the system board. Next steps 1. Install the side cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
  • Page 59 8. Remove the fan and heat sink assembly. 9. Remove the processor. About this task The following images indicate the location of the system board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Disassembly and reassembly...
  • Page 60 Disassembly and reassembly...
  • Page 61 Steps 1. Remove the single screw (#6-32) that secures the front I/O-bracket to the chassis. 2. Slide and remove the front I/O-bracket from the chassis. 3. Disconnect the following cables that are connected to the system board and remove them from the routing points on the chassis: Disassembly and reassembly...

  • Page 62: Installing The System Board

    ● Power-supply cables ● Hard-drive cables ● Power-button cable 4. Remove the eight (#6-32) screws that secure the system board to the chassis. 5. Carefully lift the system board at an angle and remove the system board off the chassis. Installing the system board Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
  • Page 63 Disassembly and reassembly...
  • Page 64 Steps 1. Place the system board onto the chassis and ensure that the chassis screw holes align with the ones on the system board. 2. Replace the eight screws (#6-32) that secure the system board to the chassis. 3. Using the routing points on the chassis, route and reconnect the following cables to the connectors on the system board: ●...
  • Page 65 ● Hard-drive cables ● Power-button cable 4. Slide the front I/O-ports on the system board into the front I/O-slots on the chassis and align the screw holes on the system board with the screw holes on the chassis. 5. Replace the single screw (#6-32) to secure the front I/O-bracket to the chassis. Next steps 1.

  • Page 66: Troubleshooting

    Real-Time Clock (RTC Reset) The Real Time Clock (RTC) reset function allows you or the service technician to recover Dell Inspiron, systems from No POST/No Power/No Boot situations. The legacy jumper enabled RTC reset has been retired on these models.
  • Page 67 Table 5. Diagnostic LED status (continued) Blinking pattern Problem description Suggested resolution CPU failure ● Run the Intel CPU diagnostics tools. ● If problem persists, replace the system board. System board failure (including BIOS ● Flash latest BIOS version. corruption or ROM error) ●...

  • Page 68: System Diagnostic Lights

    System diagnostic lights Power-supply diagnostics light Indicates the power-supply state. Hard-drive activity light Turns on when the computer reads from or writes to the hard drive. Table 6. Diagnostic-light codes Diagnostic light codes Problem description Recommended solutions (Amber, white) Unrecoverable SPI Flash Failure CPU failure Run the Intel CPU diagnostics tools.
  • Page 69 If the problem persists, try another drive. Run the Hard Disk Drive tests in Dell Diagnostics. HARD-DISK DRIVE FAILURE The hard drive does not respond to commands from the computer.
  • Page 70 Table 7. Diagnostic error messages (continued) Error messages Description try another drive. Run the Hard Disk Drive tests in Dell Diagnostics. INSERT BOOTABLE MEDIA The operating system is trying to boot to non-bootable media, such as an optical drive. Insert bootable media.

  • Page 71: System Error Messages

    The operating system cannot find a specific track on the hard drive. SHUTDOWN FAILURE A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the System Set tests in Dell Diagnostics. If the message reappears, Contact Dell. TIME-OF-DAY CLOCK LOST POWER System configuration settings are corrupted. Connect your computer to an electrical outlet to charge the battery.

  • Page 72: 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 73: Wifi Power Cycle

    8. Double-click the BIOS update file icon and follow the on-screen instructions. For more information, see knowledge base article 000124211 at www.dell.com/support. WiFi power cycle About this task If your computer is unable to access the internet due to WiFi connectivity issues a WiFi power cycle procedure may be performed.

  • Page 74: Self-Help Resources

    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 9. Self-help resources Self-help resources Resource location Information about Dell products and services www.dell.com My Dell app...

Table of Contents