In this video, we will demonstrate how to remove and install the WLAN card. Before removing the WLAN card, read through the safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and ensure your personal safety. Before you begin, ensure that you turn off your computer and all attached peripherals.
Also, remove the base cover and the battery. To remove the base cover, loosen the eight captive screws that secure the base cover to the computer. Using a plastic scribe, pry the base cover at the indents near the left and right hinges and continue to work on the sides to open the base cover. Lift and remove the base cover away from the computer.
Note: The Precision 5540 base cover has 12 screws, 10 on the edges and two in the center. To remove the battery, disconnect the battery cable from the connector on the system board. Now, remove the two screws that secure it and remove the battery from the computer. Note: The Precision 5540 battery has seven screws.
Now, let's remove the WLAN card. Remove the single screw that secures the WLAN card bracket and the WLAN card to the system board. You can now remove the WLAN card bracket that secures the WLAN card to the system board. Carefully disconnect the antenna cables from the connectors on the WLAN card.
Now, slide and lift the WLAN card away from the WLAN slot on the system board. You have now successfully removed the WLAN card. Now, let's see how to install the WLAN card. To begin, insert the WLAN card in the connector on the system board and connect the antenna cables to the connectors on the WLAN card. You can now place the WLAN card bracket on the WLAN card and secure it with a single screw.
Once the WLAN card has been installed, ensure to install the battery and place the base cover back on the computer. To install the battery, you have to first align and slide the battery on the palm rest. Tighten the two screws to secure the battery to the palm rest. Again, note: The Precision 5540 battery has seven screws.
Now, connect the battery cable to the connector on the system board and affix the adhesive tape to secure the battery cable connector. To install the base cover, align and place the base cover on the system. You can press the edges and sides of the base cover until it snaps into place.
Now, tighten the eight captive screws to secure the base cover to the computer. Again, the Precision 5540 base cover has 12 screws in total. You have now successfully installed the WLAN card. For more information, see the Service Manual document at Dell.com/Support.
