How to Replace Wireless Card on Latitude 5450 and/or Precision 3490

This video shows how to remove and install the wireless card on Latitude 5450/Precision 3490.

This video shows how to replace the wireless card on Latitude 5450 or Precision 3490. Be sure to read and follow the safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and ensure your personal safety. For more information about safety guidelines, see the Owner’s Manual at: Dell.com/Support Before you begin, turn off the computer, and disconnect all the attached peripherals. Before proceeding, ensure your computer is in Service Mode.

To enter Service Mode, press and hold the B key on the keyboard, and then press the power button. Now, the computer will boot up and the Owner Tag information is displayed on the screen. Press any key to proceed. The computer will emit three short beeps and shutdown indicating it has entered the Service Mode. Loosen the eight captive screws holding the base cover in place. Using a plastic scribe, pry the base cover from the palm-rest assembly, starting at the top edge and working your way around to release it from all sides. Now, lift the base cover from the palm-rest assembly.

If your computer is unable to enter Service Mode, disconnect the battery cable from the system board. Turn over the computer and open the display. Press and hold the power button for five seconds to ground the computer and drain the flea power. Turn the computer back over. Loosen the captive screw that secures the wireless-card bracket to both the wireless card and the system board. Lift the bracket off the wireless card. Carefully disconnect the antenna cables from the card. Carefully peel the card from its adhesive pad and remove it from the slot.

Now, let’s install the wireless card. Connect the white cable to the 'Main' connector and the black cable to the 'Aux' connector on the wireless card. Next, align the notch on the card with the tab on the card slot. Insert the card into the slot at an angle and adhere it to the adhesive pad on the system board. Align the bracket with the hole on the wireless card and system board. Tighten the captive screw to secure the bracket to both the wireless card and the system board.

 If the battery cable was disconnected earlier, ensure that you connect it back to the system board. Next, align the base cover with the slots on the palm-rest assembly and place it into position. Tighten the eight captive screws to secure it in place on the palm-rest assembly. To exit service mode, connect the AC adapter and press the power button. Please note: The computer will only turn on and exit service mode if the power adapter is connected. For more information about Latitude 5450 or Precision 3490 laptop, go to: Dell.com/Support.