Dell Inspiron M531R-5535 Fan Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the fan in your Dell Inspiron M531R-5535 laptop.

The fan is an essential component for preventing the computer from overheating. The fan allows the computer hardware to cool off and make the computer more smoothly.

Make sure to power off your laptop completely and disconnect from any external power source prior to beginning the process.

What you need

Step 1 Fan

Dell Inspiron M531R-5535 Fan Replacement, Fan: step 1, image 1 of 3

Dell Inspiron M531R-5535 Fan Replacement, Fan: step 1, image 2 of 3

Dell Inspiron M531R-5535 Fan Replacement, Fan: step 1, image 3 of 3

Flip the laptop over and unlock the battery.
Lift up to remove the battery.

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Step 2

Loosen the two Phillips #1 screws to remove the tray.
The screws stay in the tray.

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Step 3

Unscrew the 3.6mm Phillips #1 screw.
Slide the CD Drive out.

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Step 4

Unscrew nine 5.7mm Phillips #1 screws.
Unscrew three 5.6mm Phillips #1 screws
The three 5.6mm Phillips #1 screws are thinner.
Then flip the laptop and open it to see the keyboard.

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Step 5

Use a nylon spudger or plastic opening tool to press into the highlighted keyboard latches.

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Step 6

Dell Inspiron M531R-5535 Fan Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3

Lift up the keyboard.
Lift up on the black ZIF tab and pull the keyboard ribbon cable free.

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Step 7

Unscrew the five 5.6mm Phillips #1 screws.
Unscrew the two 3.6mm Phillips #1 screws.

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Step 8

Disconnect all highlighted cables.

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Step 9

Using an opening tool, carefully pry open the case from the side.

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Step 10

Unscrew the Phillips #1 screw.
Pull the white connector out to disconnect the cables from the motherboard.
Pull up on gold connectors (MHF4) to disconnect the cables connecting the WLAN card.
Pull up on the white flap and pull out the strip to disconnect the strip from the motherboard.