Dell Inspiron 11z-1121 Fan Replacement

Written By: Cassidy Chen

Comments: 2

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

20 minutes

Introduction

The fan in a laptop is responsible for keeping the the laptop cool so that it can properly function. Without the fan the laptop can overheat or run slowly.

Tools

Step 1

Slide the latches outward to release the battery.
Pull the battery outward to remove.
The latches should lock in place, allowing for easy removal.
The battery must be removed for safety reasons when replacing other components of the laptop.

Step 2

Unscrew three black 1mm screws using the PH1 Phillips-head screwdriver on the bottom of the laptop around the battery.

Step 3

Flip the laptop over and open it to expose the keyboard.
Use a plastic opening tool to pry up the keyboard, starting in the upper corner and working your way around.
Once the keyboard is pried up, do not remove the keyboard. There is still a ribbon attaching the keyboard to the laptop.

Step 4

Lift the keyboard to expose the ribbon attaching the keyboard to the laptop.
Flip up the black retaining flap on the ZIF connector and then pull the ribbon cable away.
Remove the keyboard from the laptop.

Step 5

Start by prying the outer casing of the laptop using the plastic opening tool. Start from the bottom and work your way around the edges.

Step 6

Remove the outer casing to expose the motherboard.
Remove five .75 mm screws using a PH1 screwdriver.
Make sure to keep track of your screws.

Step 7

Remove wireless wide area network (WWAN) card by sliding it out of position.
Make sure the wires attached to the WWAN card are not detached when doing this step.

Step 8

Unscrew the two 0.9 mm screws that are holding down the screen.
Lift the screen up and towards yourself to detach the screen from the laptop.

This step is confusing. There are no screws in those holes, but there are screws further back...with wires in the way

bluejedi -

Step 9

Lay the screen down and pry the left corner of the plastic casing that is located behind the screen.

Step 10

While holding screen, remove the motherboard by wiggling it around and pulling outwards.
In this step you are trying to pull the motherboard out from the VGA socket it is attached to in the back left corner of the laptop.

Step 11

Unscrew the two black 0.5 mm screws holding the fan in place.
Remove the fan by gently lifting the component upwards.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Author

Cassidy Chen

Member since: 04/10/16

289 Reputation

One comment

I see there are a few more screws on the bottom. Can't we just unscrew those and take off the bottom panel?

bluejedi -