How to Change the Fan Motor in a Dell Inspiron 1501

The fan in your Inspiron 1501 laptop keeps the most important components, such as the system board, at a moderate temperature. Without a functioning fan, your computer will overheat and break down. The good news is that if you need to replace the fan you can do it yourself in a relatively short time.

• 1

  Power off your Inspiron and open the display so it is nearly flat against the work surface. Locate the rectangular panel that runs along the top of the keyboard.

• 2

  Insert the tip of your flat-head screwdriver in the gap at the end of the keyboard panel and gently pry it up, pop it out of place and remove it.

• 3

  Use your Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws that are now exposed above the keyboard.

• 4

  Lift the keyboard up from the top and unplug the thick ribbon cable that runs from the back of the keyboard to a port on the top of the computer. Set the keyboard aside.

• 5

  Close the display and turn the unit upside down.

• 6

  Remove the two screws on the bottom corners of the computer nearest where the display connects to the computer.

• 7

  Remove the two screws on the screen hinges located at the back of the computer.

• 8

  Turn the computer right-side up and open the display.

• 9

  Remove the two screws from the bottom corners of the LCD screen. These are the front screen hinges.

• 10

  Unplug the cables that run from the bottom of the screen to the top of the computer. Set the screen assembly aside.

• 11

  Turn the computer upside down and remove the remaining 11 screws on the bottom of the computer.

• 12

  Turn the computer right-side up and remove the two screws from the top panel of the computer. Unplug the exposed touchpad cable located just above the touchpad from its port on the top of the computer.

• 13

  Lift the top panel of the computer up to expose the internal components of the unit, including the fan, which is located in the top corner of the computer.

• 14

  Remove the two screws holding the black plastic fan in place and unplug the fan from its connector on the motherboard. Set the old fan aside.

• 15

  Fit a new fan in the old one's place and reverse the steps for reassembly.