Working inside your computer

Safety instructions

• Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that is shipped with your computer.
• Disconnect your computer from all power sources before opening the computer cover or panels.
• Ensure that the work surface is flat, dry, and clean.
• Handle components by their edges and avoid touching pins and contacts.
• Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface before touching internal components.
• When disconnecting cables, pull by the connector or pull tab, not the cable itself.
• Press and eject any installed card from the media-card reader.
• Handle Lithium-ion batteries with caution; swollen batteries should not be used and should be replaced and disposed of properly.

Before working inside your computer

1. Save and close all open files and exit all open applications.
2. Shut down your computer.
3. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
4. Disconnect all attached network devices and peripherals.
5. Remove any media card and optical disc from your computer.

Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection

ESD is a major concern when handling electronic components. Use a wired ESD wrist strap, handle static-sensitive components in a static-safe area, and use anti-static packaging for transport.

Entering Service Mode

1. Shut down your computer and disconnect the AC adapter.
2. Hold the B key and press the power button for 3 seconds or until the Dell logo appears.
3. Press any key to continue.
4. Press any key to proceed when the ready-to-proceed message appears.

After working inside your computer

1. Replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain.
2. Connect any external devices, peripherals, or cables.
3. Replace any media cards, discs, or other parts removed.
4. Connect your computer and all attached devices to their electrical outlets.
5. Turn on your computer.

Exiting Service Mode

1. Connect the AC adapter to the power-adapter port.
2. Press the power button to turn on the computer.

Removing and installing components

Recommended tools

• Phillips screwdriver #0
• Plastic scribe

Screw list

Note screw types, quantities, and locations when removing components.

Major components of Inspiron 15 5510

Diagram showing the major components of the laptop.

Base cover

Removing the base cover

Prerequisites: Before working inside your computer, Enter Service Mode.

1. Loosen the two (M2x7.75) captive screws.
2. Remove the seven (M2x4) screws.
3. Use a plastic scribe to pry the base cover.
4. Lift the base cover off.

Installing the base cover

1. Place the base cover on top of the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Align screw holes and snap the base cover into place.
3. Tighten the two (M2x7.75) captive screws.
4. Replace the seven (M2x4) screws.

Battery

Lithium-ion battery precautions

• Exercise caution when handling Lithium-ion batteries.
• Discharge the battery completely before removing it.
• Do not crush, drop, mutilate, or penetrate the battery.
• Do not expose the battery to high temperatures.
• Do not apply pressure to the surface of the battery.
• Do not bend the battery.
• Do not use tools to pry on or against the battery.
• If a battery gets stuck due to swelling, do not try to free it.
• Do not attempt to reassemble a damaged or swollen battery.
• Always purchase genuine batteries from Dell.
• Swollen batteries should not be used and should be replaced and disposed of properly.

Removing the 3-cell battery

Prerequisites: Before working inside your computer, Remove the base cover.

1. Peel the tape that secures the battery cable.
2. Disconnect the battery cable.
3. Remove the three (M2x3) screws.
4. Lift the 3-cell battery.

Installing the 3-cell battery

1. Place the 3-cell battery on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Align the screw holes.
3. Replace the three (M2x3) screws.
4. Connect the battery cable.
5. Adhere the tape that secures the battery cable.

Removing the 4-cell battery

Prerequisites: Before working inside your computer, Remove the base cover.

1. Peel the tape that secures the battery cable.
2. Disconnect the battery cable.
3. Remove the four (M2x3) screws.
4. Lift the 4-cell battery.

Installing the 4-cell battery

1. Place the 4-cell battery on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Align the screw holes.
3. Replace the four (M2x3) screws.
4. Connect the battery cable.
5. Adhere the tape that secures the battery cable.

Battery cable

Removing the battery cable

Prerequisites: Before working inside your computer, Remove the base cover, Remove the 3-cell battery or 4-cell battery.

1. Flip the battery and remove the battery cable from the routing guides.
2. Disconnect the battery cable from the connector.
3. Lift the battery cable off the battery.

Installing the battery cable

1. Align and place the battery cable on the battery.
2. Route the battery cable through the routing guides.
3. Connect the battery cable to the connector.

Memory module

Removing the memory module

Prerequisites: Before working inside your computer, Enter Service Mode, Remove the base cover.

1. Lift the Mylar to access the memory module.
2. Use fingertips to pull securing clips outward until the memory module pops up.
3. Remove the memory module.

Installing the memory module

Prerequisites: If replacing a component, remove the existing component first.

1. Align memory module in slot.
2. Push down until clips secure the module.