Contents
Recommended Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Screw Identification and Tightening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
ZIF Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Hard-Disk Drive Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Display Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Display Assembly Bezel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Display Assembly Latch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
LCD Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Keyboard Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
v
Figure 11. LCD Panel Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Figure 16. Touch Pad Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Figure 19. Modem Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Figure 20. Fan Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Figure 21. Speaker Removal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Figure 23. Hard-Disk Drive EMI Clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Tables
vi
Dell™ Latitude™ L400 Service
Manual
This manual provides instructions for removing and replacing field-replaceable
components, assemblies, and subassemblies in your Dell Latitude computer.
Unless otherwise noted, each procedure in this manual assumes the following
conditions:
• The computer and any attached peripherals are turned off, and the
peripherals are disconnected from the I/O panel on the back and right side
of the computer.
• A part can be replaced by performing the removal procedure in reverse
order unless otherwise noted.
When the display assembly is open nearly 180 degrees, use a book or
something similar to support it. The angle of the display assembly with
respect to the bottom case should never exceed 180 degrees. Also, when
performing the procedures in this manual, the locations or directions relative
to the computer are as shown in Figure 1 unless otherwise specified.
back of computer
right side
left side
front of computer
Figure 1. Computer Orientation
support.dell.com
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
1
Recommended Tools
Most of the procedures in this manual require the use of one or more of the
following tools:
• #0 and #1 magnetized Phillips-head screwdrivers
• Small flat-blade screwdriver
• 5-mm socket wrench
• Small plastic scribe
• Needle-nose pliers
Preparing to Work Inside Your Computer
Before you start to work on the computer, perform the following steps:
1. Save any work in progress and close all open application programs.
2. Turn off the computer and any attached peripherals.
NOTE: Make sure that the computer is turned off and not in suspend-to-
disk mode (S2D). If you cannot shut down the computer using its operating
system, press the power button for 4 seconds.
3. If the computer is docked in the L400 Advanced Port Replicator (APR),
undock the computer.
4. Disconnect the computer and any attached peripherals from their electrical
outlets to reduce the potential for personal injury or shock. Also disconnect
any telephone or telecommunications lines from the computer.
5. Remove the power cable.
6. Disconnect all other external cables from the computer.
7. Remove any installed PC Cards.
NOTICE: Make sure that the work surface is clean to prevent scratch-
ing the computer cover.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the
main battery before you service the computer.
8. Turn the computer over and remove the main battery assembly from the
battery bay.
Slide the battery bay latch toward the right side of the computer to push
the back side of the battery up and out of the battery bay (see Figure 2).
2
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
battery latch
battery
Figure 2. Main Battery Assembly Removal
9. Ground yourself by touching the unpainted metal surface of an I/O
connector on the back of the computer.
NOTICE: While you work, periodically touch the I/O panel to
dissipate any static electricity that might harm components.
Screw Identification and Tightening
The illustrations in the following removal procedures provide lengths of the
correct screws for each procedure. Figure 3 shows examples. Match the actual
screw to the illustration to check for correct length.
Figure 3. Screw Identification
NOTICE: When reinstalling a screw, you must use a screw of the
correct length. Otherwise, you could damage the hardware. Make
sure that the screw is properly aligned with its corresponding hole,
and avoid overtightening.
support.dell.com
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
3
When you are removing and replacing components, photocopy the Table 1
placement mat as a tool to lay out and keep track of the component screws.
Table 1. Screw Placement Mat With Component Screw Counts
and Sizes
Display Assembly
Display Assembly
Bezel:
M2 x 3.5 mm (6 each)
Hinge to Base:
Hard-Disk Drive
Assembly:
M2 x 4 mm
(2 each, black)
M3 x 3 mm
(2 each, black)
M2 x 4.5 mm
(2 each, silver)
Rubber Screw Covers
(6 each)
Display Assembly
Hinges:
LCD Panel and
Inverter:
Keyboard
Assembly:
M2 x 3.5 mm (5 each)
M2 x 4 mm (4 each)
M2.6 x 4 mm (4 each)
Palmrest Assembly:
M2.6 x 1.6 mm (6 each
[battery bay])
Modem Retainer
Bracket:
M2 x 9.5 mm (2 each)
Touch Pad:
M2 x 3.5 mm (3 each)
M2 x 4 mm
(4 each, black)
M2 x 6 mm
(3 each, silver)
Fan:
VGA and Parallel
Port:
5 mm socket (4 each)
IDE Connector:
IDE connector screws
(2 each)
M2 x 8 mm
(2 each, silver,
with 2 rubber washers
each)
Speaker:
System Board
Assembly:
M2 x 3.5 mm (6 each)
Audio I/O Cover:
M2 x 4 mm (2 each)
M2 x 5 mm
(2 each, silver,
with rubber washer)
4
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
ZIF Connectors
Some of the computer’s interface connectors are zero insertion force (ZIF)
connectors. These connectors are not removable, but they must be released
to disconnect a cable from them (see Figure 4).
Figure 4. Disconnecting an Interface Cable
NOTICE: The ZIF connectors are fragile. To avoid damage, do not
support.dell.com
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
5
Keyboard Bezel
microphone hole
keyboard bezel
keyboard bezel release hole
Figure 7. Keyboard Bezel Removal
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the
main battery before you service the computer.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the microphone, do not put any objects
into the microphone hole (see Figure 7).
1. Place the point of a paper clip or a tool of similar size in the keyboard bezel
hole and carefully push down (see Figure 7).
2. While pushing down, slide the keyboard bezel to the left until it releases.
3. Lift the keyboard bezel.
8
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
Display Assembly
display assembly
M2 x 9.5-mm screw
left hinge
cover
LCD flex-cable
hold-down clip
LCD
flex cable
right hinge
cover
M2 x 4-mm screws (2)
M2 x 4.5-mm screws (2)
Figure 8. Display Assembly Removal
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the
battery before you service the computer.
1. Remove the keyboard bezel.
2. Close the display.
3. Remove the two silver M2 x 4-mm screws at the back of the computer that
secure the display assembly to the bottom case (see Figure 8).
4. Turn the computer upside down on a flat work surface.
5. Remove the two M2 x 4.5-mm screws at the bottom of the computer that
secure the display assembly to the bottom case (see Figure 8).
support.dell.com
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
9
6. Turn the computer right-side up.
7. Open the display.
8. Remove the left and right hinge covers.
NOTE: When replacing the display assembly, the left hinge cover must go
over the left hinge and the right hinge cover must go over the right hinge.
They are not interchangeable. An L is stamped on the bottom of the left
hinge cover and an R is stamped on the bottom of the right hinge cover.
9. Remove the M2 x 9.5-mm screw that secures the LCD flex-cable
hold-down clip and the LCD flex-cable connector to the system board
assembly (see Figure 8).
The M2 x 9.5-mm screw also secures the left side of the modem retainer
bracket to the system board assembly.
10. Carefully disconnect the LCD flex-cable connector from the system board.
11. Lift the display assembly from the bottom assembly.
To replace the display assembly, perform the following steps:
1. Place the display assembly on the bottom assembly.
Insert the left and right hinge posts into the holes at the top of the
palmrest.
2. Carefully connect the LCD flex cable to the connector on the system
board.
3. Place the LCD flex-cable hold-down clip over the LCD flex-cable connector
(see Figure 8).
The tab at the left of the clip should go under the palm rest, and the screw
hole on the right side of the clip should line up with the holes in the
connector ground strip and the threaded hole in the system board.
4. Reinstall the M2 x 9.5-mm screw that secures the LCD flex-cable
hold-down clip to the system board.
5. Close the display.
You may have to press down on the back end of the display (above the
hinges) while closing the display to get the display to close completely.
6. Reinstall the two M2 x 4.5-mm screws that secure the display assembly to
the bottom case.
You may have to squeeze the display assembly and the bottom assembly
together, so the screw holes align in the base assembly and the hinge
posts.
Do not completely tighten the screws.
10
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
7. Reinstall the two M2 x 4-mm screws in the back of the computer that
secure the display assembly to the back of the bottom case.
8. Tighten the two screws that you installed in step 6.
9. Open the display and reinstall the left and right hinge covers.
An L is stamped on the bottom of the left hinge cover and an R is stamped
on the bottom of the right hinge cover.
Display Assembly Bezel
l
large rubber screw covers (6)
M2 x 3.5-mm screws (6)
display assembly bezel
LCD panel
latch
back light plug
LCD flex cable
left hinge
M2 x 3.5-mm screw
inverter
M2.6 x 4-mm screws (4)
EMI sponges (2)
display-assembly top cover
right hinge
EMI shield
Figure 9. Display Assembly Bezel Removal
support.dell.com
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
11
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the
main battery before you service the computer.
1. Use a scribe to carefully pry the six rubber screw covers out of the six
screw holes located along the top and bottom of the bezel on the front of
the display assembly (see Figure 9).
2. Remove the six M2 x 3.5-mm screws located at the top and bottom of the
bezel on the front of the display assembly (see Figure 9).
3. Separate the bezel from the display-assembly top cover.
The bezel is secured by slot openings that snap into the display-assembly
top cover. Carefully lift the inside edge of the bezel, working your way
around the inside perimeter, to unsnap and remove the bezel from the
display assembly.
Display Assembly Latch
display assembly latch
display assembly
top cover
latch spring
post
Figure 10. Display Assembly Latch Removal
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the
main battery before you service the computer.
1. Remove the display assembly bezel.
2. Lift the display assembly latch off of the display-assembly top cover
(see Figure 10).
3. Slide the latch spring off of the post on the display-assembly top cover
(see Figure 10).
You may need to use a small flat-blade screwdriver to separate the latch
spring from the post.
12
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
To replace the display-assembly latch, perform the following steps:
1. Carefully place the latch spring over the post on the display-assembly top
cover.
You may need to use a small flat-blade screwdriver to place the spring over
the post. Hold the spring on the post with the screwdriver while
performing the next step.
2. Holding the latch, stretch the spring slightly and set the display-assembly
latch in place in the display assembly top cover.
3. Reinstall the bezel.
LCD Panel
LCD panel
back light
plug
M2 x 3.5-mm screws (4)
narrow flex
cable
M2 x 3.5-mm
screw
ZIF
EMI shield
connector
wide flex
cable
inverter
EMI
sponges (2)
LCD flex
cable
narrow flex
back light
inverter
cable
plug
Figure 11. LCD Panel Removal
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the
main battery before you service the computer.
1. Ground yourself by touching the unpainted metal surface of the I/O panel
on the back of the computer.
support.dell.com
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
13
2. Remove the keyboard bezel.
3. Remove the display assembly.
4. Remove the display assembly bezel.
5. Remove the four M2 x 3.5-mm screws on the left and right sides of
the display assembly that secure the LCD panel to the top cover
(see Figure 11).
6. Remove the M2 x 3.5-mm screw that secures the inverter to the top cover.
7. Lift and roll the inverter over (toward you), so the bezel side is down and
the connector side is up (see Figure 11).
8. Disconnect the narrow flex cable from the ZIF connector on the left side of
the inverter.
9. Disconnect the two-wire back-light plug from the connector on the right
side of the inverter (see Figure 11).
10. Remove the inverter.
11. Lift the LCD panel from the bottom edge, giving enough room to fit your
hand between the LCD panel and the top cover.
12. Carefully peel the LCD flex cable away from the top cover.
13. Lift the LCD panel out of the top cover.
14. Lift up on the tape that is covering the wide flex-cable connector on the
back of the LCD panel.
NOTE: Keep the tape for when you replace the LCD panel.
15. Disconnect the wide flex cable from the connector on the back of the LCD
panel.
To replace the LCD panel, perform the following steps:
1. Connect the LCD flex cable to the connector on the back of the LCD panel.
2. Reinstall the tape that covers the LCD flex-cable connector on the back of
the LCD panel.
3. If you are installing a new LCD flex cable, peel off the backing tapes that
are on the LCD flex-cable EMI sponges.
4. Reinstall the LCD panel in the top cover.
a. Holding the LCD flex cable against the back of the LCD panel, insert
the right edge of the LCD panel into the right end of the top cover.
The right edge of the LCD panel should press against the EMI sponge
on the right side of the top cover. The LCD panel should not rest on top
of the EMI sponge.
14
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
b. Lower the bottom end of the LCD panel into the top cover, making sure
the LCD flex cable lines up with the opening that is to the right of the
left hinge.
c. Make sure the narrow part of the flex cable that goes to the inverter is
visible at the bottom edge of the LCD panel.
d. Press the LCD panel into the top cover.
5. Connect the narrow flex cable to the ZIF connector on the left side of the
inverter.
6. With the connector side of the inverter facing up, connect the two-wire
back-light plug to the connector on the right end of the inverter.
When the plug is all the way in the connector, the key slot in the center of
the plug should not be visible. If you can see the key slot, the plug is not in
the connector correctly. Pull the plug out, turn the plug over, and reinsert it
into the connector.
7. Roll the inverter over (away from you), so the connector side of the inverter
is up.
8. Place the inverter into the top cover, aligning the posts in the top cover
with the alignment holes in the inverter.
9. Holding the inverter in place, reinstall the M2 x 3.5-mm screw that secures
the inverter to the top cover.
10. Reinstall the four M2 x 3.5-mm screws, in the left and right ends of the top
cover, that secure the LCD panel to the top cover.
11. Reinstall the display assembly latch.
12. Reinstall the display assembly bezel.
Display Assembly Hinges
1. Remove the keyboard bezel.
2. Remove the display assembly.
3. Remove the display bezel.
4. Remove the two M2.6 x 4-mm screws that secure the left hinge to the top
cover (see Figure 9).
5. Remove the two M2.6 x 4-mm screws that secure the right hinge to the
top cover.
When replacing the left and right hinges, make sure they are installed
correctly. An L is stamped on the left hinge and an R is stamped on the right
hinge.
support.dell.com
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
15
Keyboard Assembly
M2 x 4-mm screws (4)
keyboard
assembly
keyboard
cable
Figure 12. Keyboard Assembly Removal
To remove the keyboard assembly, perform the following steps.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove
the main battery before you service the computer.
NOTICE: Make sure that the work surface is clean to prevent
scratching the computer cover.
1. Remove the keyboard bezel.
2. Remove the four M2 x 4-mm screws located across the top of the
keyboard assembly (see Figure 9).
NOTE: Five metal tabs retain the bottom of the keyboard in the palmrest
assembly.
3. Release the keyboard assembly from the palmrest assembly by lifting the
top edge of the keyboard assembly up and sliding it toward the back of the
computer.
4. Rotate the keyboard up so it is perpendicular to the computer.
5. Carefully disconnect the keyboard cable from the connector on the system
board.
16
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
NOTICE: The keycaps on the keyboard are fragile, easily dislodged,
and time-consuming to replace. Be careful when removing and
handling the keyboard.
6. Remove the keyboard assembly.
To replace the keyboard assembly, perform the following steps.
NOTICE: Position the keyboard cable so it is not twisted when it is
connected to the system board.
1. Connect the keyboard cable to the connector on the system board.
NOTE: Five metal tabs retain the bottom of the keyboard in the palmrest
assembly.
2. Fit the keyboard into place by sliding the five tabs on the bottom of the
keyboard into the palmrest assembly.
It is important that the two tabs on the bottom right edge of the keyboard
assembly fit correctly into the slotted holes in the palmrest assembly. To
help align the tabs with the slotted holes, you can temporarily insert the
hard-disk drive into the hard-disk drive bay before you place the keyboard
assembly in the palmrest assembly. By resting the keyboard assembly on
the hard-disk drive, the tabs will be at the correct height to enter the
slotted holes. When the keyboard assembly is seated in the palmrest
assembly, remove the hard-disk drive and look through the hard-disk drive
bay to make sure the tabs are seated in the slot holes.
3. Ensure that the top screw-hole tabs rest correctly in the screw slots on the
palmrest assembly.
4. Verify that the keyboard is correctly installed.
The keys should be flush with the left and right surfaces of the palmrest.
5. Reinstall the four M2 x 4-mm screws that secure the top of the keyboard
assembly to the bottom assembly.
6. Reinstall the keyboard bezel.
support.dell.com
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
17
Memory Module
memory module
inner tabs (2)
Figure 13. Memory Module Removal
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the
main battery before you service the computer.
1. Remove the keyboard bezel.
2. Remove the keyboard assembly.
3. Ground yourself by touching the unpainted metal surface of an I/O
connector on the computer’s back panel.
4. To release the memory module from its socket, carefully spread apart
the inner tabs of the memory module socket just far enough for the
memorymoduleto disengagefromthesocket(itshouldpopupslightly)
(see Figure 13).
5. Lift the memory module out of its socket.
To replace a memory module, perform the following steps:
1. Align the memory module’s edge connector with the slot in the center of
the memory module socket.
The memory module is keyed, or designed to fit into the socket in only one
direction. The slot on the system board is notched so that the memory
module can be firmly seated only one way.
2. With the module at a 45-degree angle, press the memory module’s edge
connector firmly into the memory module socket.
18
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
3. Pivot the memory module down until it clicks into place.
If you do not hear a click as each end of the memory module snaps into the
tabs, remove the memory module and reinstall it (see Figure 13).
Palmrest Assembly
M2.6 x 1.6-mm screws (6)
Figure 14. Removing the Palmrest Assembly Bottom Screws
The palmrest assembly consists of the palmrest, status lights, and touch pad
assembly.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the
main battery before you service the computer.
1. Remove the keyboard bezel.
2. Remove the display assembly.
3. Remove the keyboard assembly.
4. Turn the computer upside down on a flat work surface.
5. Remove the six M2.6 x 1.6-mm screws located in the battery bay
(see Figure 14).
NOTICE: Make sure that the work surface is clean to prevent
scratching the computer cover.
6. Turn the computer right-side up.
support.dell.com
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
19
7. Remove the four black M2 x 4-mm screws across the top of the computer
(see Figure 15).
M2 x 6-mm screws
(3 silver)
M2 x 4-mm screws (4 black)
touch pad
flex cable
palmrest
assembly
status lights
flex cable
Figure 15. Removing the Palmrest Assembly Top Screws
8. Remove the three silver M2 x 6-mm screws in the keyboard-assembly
area that secure the middle of the palmrest assembly to the bottom case
(see Figure 15).
9. Disconnect the status lights flex cable from the ZIF connector on the
system board.
10. Disconnect the touch pad flex cable from the ZIF connector on the system
board.
11. Carefully remove the palmrest assembly from the bottom assembly.
20
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
To replace the palmrest assembly, perform the following steps:
1. Place the palmrest assembly on the bottom assembly.
2. Reinstall the three silver M2 x 6-mm screws in the keyboard-assembly area
that secure the middle of the palmrest assembly to the bottom-case
assembly (see Figure 15).
3. Reinstall the four black M2 x 4-mm screws that secure the top of the
palmrest assembly to the bottom-case assembly (see Figure 15).
4. Connect the touch pad flex cable to the ZIF connector on the system
board.
5. Connect the status lights flex cable to the ZIF connector on the system
board.
6. Turn the computer upside down.
7. Reinstall the six M2.6 x 1.6-mm screws in the battery bay that secure
the bottom of the palmrest assembly to the bottom-case assembly
(see Figure 14).
8. Turn the computer right-side up.
9. Reinstall the keyboard assembly.
10. Reinstall the display assembly.
11. Reinstall the keyboard bezel.
Touch Pad Assembly
M2 x 3.5-mm screws (3)
touch pad holder
assembly
touch pad
ZIF connector
flex cable
Figure 16. Touch Pad Removal
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the
main battery before you service the computer.
1. Remove the keyboard bezel.
support.dell.com
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
21
2. Remove the display assembly.
3. Remove the keyboard assembly.
4. Remove the palmrest assembly.
5. Remove the three M2 x 3.5-mm screws that secure the touch pad
assembly to the palmrest assembly (see Figure 16).
6. Slide the touch pad assembly out from under the two hold-down tabs.
7. Remove the touch pad assembly from the palmrest assembly.
8. Disconnect the flex cable from the ZIF connector on the back of the touch
pad (see Figure 16).
The flex cable remains attached to the touch pad holder assembly.
Bottom Assembly
fan
speaker (shown with audio
modem
EMI shield removed)
main battery release
latch location
main battery
compartment
reserve
battery
system board assembly
bottom
case cover
Figure 17. Bottom Assembly
The bottom assembly consists of the following field-replaceable components:
• Reserve battery
• Main battery
• Modem
• Fan assembly
• Speaker
• System board assembly
• Main battery release latch
• Bottom case assembly
22
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
Reserve Battery
reserve battery
reserve battery cable
Figure 18. Reserve Battery Removal
NOTICE: The reserve battery provides power to the computer's RTC
and nonvolatile random-access memory (NVRAM) when the com-
puter is turned off. Removing the battery causes the computer to lose
the date and time information as well as all user-specified parame-
ters in the BIOS. If possible, make a copy of this information before
you remove the reserve battery.
1. Remove the keyboard bezel.
2. Remove the keyboard assembly.
3. Peel the reserve battery away from the foam pad on the system board
(see Figure 18).
The reserve battery is located between the memory module and the PC
Card bay, and it is attached to the system board with an adhesive foam
pad.
4. Disconnect the reserve battery cable from the connector on the system
board.
5. Remove the remnants of the foam pad from the system board.
Main Battery
See the “Preparing to Work Inside Your Computer” section found earlier in this
manual for detailed instructions for removing the battery.
support.dell.com
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
23
Modem
M2 x 9.5-mm screw
modem
modem retainer
bracket
Figure 19. Modem Removal
1. Remove the keyboard bezel.
2. Remove the display assembly.
3. Remove the keyboard assembly.
4. Remove the palmrest assembly.
5. Use a 5-mm socket wrench to remove the four 5-mm socket screws for the
VGA and parallel ports located on the back of the bottom assembly.
6. Use a small flat-blade screwdriver to remove the two integrated drive
electronics (IDE) connector screws at both ends of the IDE (modular bay)
connector located on the back of the bottom assembly.
7. Remove the M2 x 9.5-mm screw that secures the modem retainer bracket
and modem to the system board (see Figure 19).
The screw is located by the VGA port.
8. Remove the modem retainer bracket from the system board.
9. Pull the modem straight up to disconnect it from the system board.
10. Disconnect the modem cable from the connector on the system board.
24
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
To replace the modem, perform the following steps:
1. Connect the modem cable to the connector on the system board.
2. Align the connector on the bottom of the modem with the connector on
the system board, and carefully press the modem onto the system board.
3. Put the modem retainer bracket in place.
4. Reinstall the M2 x 9.5-mm screw to secure the modem retainer bracket
and modem to the system board.
5. Reinstall the two IDE connector screws at both ends of the IDE (modular
bay) connector located on the back of the bottom assembly.
6. Reinstall the four 5-mm socket screws for the VGA and parallel ports
located on the back of the bottom assembly.
7. Reinstall the palmrest assembly.
8. Reinstall the keyboard assembly.
9. Reinstall the display assembly.
10. Reinstall the keyboard bezel.
Fan
M2 x 8-mm screws
with rubber washers (2)
fan
connector
Figure 20. Fan Removal
1. Remove the keyboard bezel.
2. Remove the display assembly.
3. Remove the keyboard assembly.
support.dell.com
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
25
4. Remove the palmrest assembly.
5. Carefully disconnect the fan wire connector from the system board
(see Figure 20).
The male connector on the fan wire is keyed to fit into the female
connector one way only.
6. Remove the two M2 x 8-mm screws with double rubber washers that
secure the fan to the bottom assembly (see Figure 20).
7. Remove the fan from the bottom assembly.
To replace the fan, perform the following steps:
1. Place the fan in the bottom assembly.
NOTE: Make sure that the fan wire is pointing toward the connector on the
system board assembly.
2. Reinstall the M2 x 8-mm screws with double rubber washers to secure the
fan to the bottom assembly.
NOTE: Make sure that the two M2 x 8-mm screws are installed with two rub-
ber washers apiece.
3. Reconnect the fan wire to the connector on the system board assembly.
4. Replace the palmrest assembly.
5. Replace the keyboard assembly.
6. Replace the display assembly.
7. Replace the keyboard bezel.
26
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
Speaker
audio EMI
shield
EMI adhesive sponge
M2 x 5-mm screws
(2) with rubber
washers
speaker with
rubber gasket
speaker wire
connector
Figure 21. Speaker Removal
1. Remove the keyboard bezel.
2. Remove the display assembly.
3. Remove the keyboard assembly.
4. Remove the palmrest assembly.
NOTICE: To ensure maximum cooling for the microprocessor, do not
touch the glue side of the thermal conductive tape. The oils in your
skin reduce the heat transfer capability on the glue side of the tape.
5. Peel up the EMI adhesive sponge that connects the audio EMI shield to
the thermal cooling solution (see Figure 21).
You only need to peel up the part of the sponge that lies on the thermal
cooling solution. The end of the sponge that lies on the audio EMI shield
can remain.
support.dell.com
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
27
NOTICE: The audio EMI shield is attached to the USB connector
housing with two-sided tape. To avoid bending the audio EMI shield,
care must be taken when separating the audio EMI shield from the
USB connector housing.
6. Using a small flat-blade screwdriver, carefully separate the audio EMI
shield away from the USB connector housing.
Place the edge of the screwdriver between the audio EMI shield and the
USB connector housing, and slowly pry the two apart.
7. Carefully disconnect the speaker wire connector from the system board.
The male connector on the speaker wire is keyed to fit into the female
connector one way only.
8. Remove the two M2 x 5-mm screws with rubber washers that secure the
speaker to the bottom assembly.
9. Remove the speaker from the bottom assembly.
10. Remove the rubber speaker gasket from the bottom assembly.
To replace the speaker, perform the following steps:
1. Reinstall the rubber speaker gasket in the bottom case.
The gasket is keyed, so it will fit in the bottom case one way only.
2. Place the speaker in the bottom case.
3. The wire end of the speaker should face towards the center of the bottom
assembly.
4. Reinstall the two M2 x 5-mm screws with rubber washers to secure the
speaker to the bottom assembly.
5. Carefully connect the speaker wire to the connector in the system board
assembly.
The male connector on the speaker wire is keyed to fit into the female
connector one way only.
6. Reinstall the audio EMI shield.
a. Carefully position the audio EMI shield so the section with the
two-sided tape is over the USB connector housing.
b. Press the audio EMI shield down so it attaches to the USB connector
housing.
c. Reattach the EMI adhesive sponge across the thermal cooling solution.
28
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
7. Reinstall the palmrest assembly.
8. Reinstall the keyboard assembly.
9. Reinstall the display assembly.
10. Reinstall the keyboard bezel.
System Board Assembly
6
EMI adhesive sponge
M2 x 9.5-mm screw
audio EMI
shield
modem retainer bracket
USB connector
system board
M2 x 3.5-mm
screws (6)
modem
thermal
cooling solution
fan assembly
fan wire connector
speaker
EMI clip
location
PC Card cover
reserve battery
bottom case
assembly
M2 x 4-mm
screws (2)
audio I/O port cover
Figure 22. System Board Assembly Removal
To remove the system board assembly, perform the following steps.
NOTICE: If the EMI sponge located between the battery bay and the
USB connector becomes dislodged, reinsert it.
support.dell.com
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
29
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the
main battery before you service the computer.
NOTICE: The processor is not replaceable. Do not attempt to remove
the thermal cooling solution.
1. Remove the keyboard bezel.
2. Remove the display assembly.
3. Remove the keyboard.
4. Remove the palmrest assembly.
5. Use a 5-mm socket wrench to remove the four 5-mm socket screws for the
VGA and parallel ports located on the back of the bottom case assembly.
6. Use a small flat-blade screwdriver to remove the two IDE connector
screws at both ends of the IDE (modular bay) connector located on the
back of the bottom case assembly.
NOTICE: To ensure maximum cooling for the microprocessor, do not
touch the glue side of the thermal conductive tape. The oils in your
skin reduce the heat transfer capability on the glue side of the tape.
7. Peel up the EMI adhesive sponge that connects the audio EMI shield to
the thermal cooling solution (see Figure 22).
You only need to peel up the part of the sponge that lays on the thermal
cooling solution. The end of the sponge that lays on the audio EMI shield
can remain.
NOTICE: The audio EMI shield is attached to the USB connector
housing with two-sided tape. To avoid bending the audio EMI shield,
care must be taken when separating the audio EMI shield from the
USB connector housing.
8. Using a small flat-blade screwdriver, carefully separate the audio EMI
shield away from the USB connector housing.
Place the edge of the screwdriver between the audio EMI shield and the
USB connector housing, and slowly pry the two apart.
9. Remove the two M2 x 4-mm screws that secure the audio I/O cover to the
bottom case assembly.
10. Remove the audio I/O cover.
11. Remove the six M2 x 3.5-mm screws that secure the system board to the
bottom case assembly.
White arrows on the system board assembly point to the
M2 x 3.5-mm screws.
12. Remove the M2 x 9.5-mm screw that secures the modem retainer bracket.
30
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
13. Remove the modem retainer bracket from the bottom case assembly.
14. Disconnect the speaker wire from the connector on the system board
assembly.
15. Disconnect the fan wire from the connector on the system board
assembly.
16. Lift the system board assembly out of the bottom case assembly.
To replace the system board assembly, perform the following steps:
1. Transfer the memory module(s) to the replacement system board
assembly.
2. Place the new hard-disk drive EMI clip on the system board assembly
(see Figure 23).
M2 x 3.5-mm screw
hard-disk drive
EMI clip
Figure 23. Hard-Disk Drive EMI Clip
3. Place the system board assembly in the bottom case assembly.
The I/O ports should protrude comfortably through the openings at the
back of the bottom case assembly.
4. Reconnect the fan wire to the connector on the system board assembly.
5. Reconnect the speaker wire to the connector on the system board
assembly.
6. Replace the modem retainer bracket around the I/O ports and on top of the
modem.
7. Reinstall the M2 x 9.5-mm screw on the right side of the modem to secure
the modem retainer bracket to the system board assembly.
The hole for the M2 x 9.5-mm screw is located by the VGA port.
8. Reinstall the six M2 x 3.5-mm screws that secure the system board
assembly to the bottom case assembly.
White arrows on the system board assembly point to the screw holes.
support.dell.com
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
31
One of the M2 x 3.5-mm screws passes through the hard-disk drive EMI
clip (see Figure 23).
9. Reinstall the audio EMI shield.
a. Carefully position the audio EMI shield so the section with the
two-sided tape is over the USB connector housing.
b. Press the audio EMI shield down so it attaches to the USB connector
housing.
c. Reattach the EMI adhesive sponge across the thermal cooling solution.
10. Reinstall the two IDE connector screws at both ends of the IDE (modular
bay) connector located on the back of the bottom case assembly.
11. Reinstall the four 5-mm socket screws for the VGA and parallel ports
located on the back of the bottom case assembly.
12. Replace the audio I/O cover.
13. Replace the two M2 x 4-mm screws to secure the audio I/O cover to the
bottom case assembly.
14. Reinstall the palmrest assembly.
15. Reinstall the keyboard assembly.
16. Reinstall the display assembly.
17. Reinstall the keyboard bezel.
Main Battery Release Latch
tension spring
bottom case assembly
main battery release latch
release button
Figure 24. Main Battery Release Latch Removal
32
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
1. Remove the keyboard bezel.
2. Remove the display assembly.
3. Remove the keyboard.
4. Remove the palmrest assembly.
5. Remove the system board.
NOTICE: The tabs on the release button are plastic. Care should be
taken when squeezing the tabs to avoid breaking them.
6. Using needle-nose pliers, gently squeeze the two tabs on the back of the
release button together and grasp the top of the battery release latch and
gently pull up to free it from the release button assembly (see Figure 24).
7. To remove the battery release latch, unhook the small tension spring
located on the metal post next to the hard-disk drive.
APR Docking Doors
1. Turn the computer upside down.
The APR docking doors should be at the top.
2. Carefully insert a small flat-blade screwdriver in the opening between the
door edges and the edge of the door opening on the right side.
There is a small slot at the right edge of the door opening to show where
the screwdriver is placed.
3. Gently push the screw driver against the right edge of the back door to
cause the door to bow up at their center.
4. Grasp the back door as it bows up while still pressing the door edge with
the screwdriver.
5. Carefully slip the right-edge hinge of the back door off its right hinge pin.
NOTICE: The doors are attached to each other by a tension spring at
the left end of the doors. Do not try to separate the doors from each
other. They must be removed together.
6. Gently push the screw driver against the right edge of the front door to
cause the door to bow up at their center.
7. Grasp the front door as it bows up while still pressing the door edge with
the screwdriver.
8. Carefully slip the right-edge hinge of the front door off its right hinge pin.
9. Grasping both doors together, carefully slip the left side of each door off
their left hinge pins.
support.dell.com
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
33
To replace the APR docking doors, perform the following steps.
NOTE: On the under side of the doors, a small F is printed on the front door
and a small B is printed on the back door. As you hold the doors for installation,
the front door is near you, the back door is away from you, and the tension
spring is to the left.
1. Turn the computer upside down.
The APR connector door opening should be at the top.
2. Holding the two doors together at their right edges, insert the left hinges
of the doors (at the end with the tension spring) onto the left, front and
back hinge pins.
3. Carefully bow the doors in the center.
4. Slip the right hinge of the back door on to the right, back hinge pin.
5. Slip the right hinge of the front door on to the right, front hinge pin.
6. Release the doors so they set into place.
34
Dell Latitude L400 Service Manual
Index
A
H
APR docking doors removal, 33
hard-disk drive assembly removal, 7
hinge removal, 15
B
K
bottom assembly
components, 22
illustrated, 22
keyboard assembly removal, 16
L
D
latch removal, 12
display assembly
bezel removal, 11
hinge removal, 15
latch removal, 12
removal, 9
LCD panel removal, 13
M
main battery
release latch removal, 32
F
fan removal, 25
memory module removal, 18
modem removal, 24
field-replaceable parts and
assemblies illustrated, 6
P
G
palmrest assembly removal, 19
grounding to dissipate static
electricity, 3
Index
1
|