Dell Precision M3800 USB Port Replacement

Brianna Hitchcock and 3 other contributors

Last updated on December 6, 2019

10 - 20 minutes

Moderate

Community-Contributed Guide

Introduction

Go to step 1

If the Dell Precision M3800 USB port(s) is/are faulty, use this guide to replace the nonfunctional USB ports.

The USB port allows different devices, such as printers, scanners, phones, mp3 players and others, to be connected to laptop without using a specific port or large connector. If the USB port is faulty, you will not be able to connect a device to the laptop, so a replacement is required.

Before using this guide, ensure that there is not any debris blocking the USB port, because this could disrupt connections. If there is something blocking the USB port, use an ESD-safe brush or small dust blower to clean it out. If this does not work, be sure to power down the laptop, and unplug from the external power source(s) before proceeding with the steps in this guide. To fully replace the USB ports in your device, you’ll need to know how to solder and desolder connections. Use the How to Solder and Desolder Connections guide for more information on how to properly use a soldering iron/station.

What you need

Tools

Step 1 Back Cover

Dell Precision M3800 USB Port Replacement, Back Cover: step 1, image 1 of 2

Dell Precision M3800 USB Port Replacement, Back Cover: step 1, image 2 of 2

Be sure to power off and unplug your device before you begin your repair.
Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to unscrew the ten 3mm screws on the laptop back cover.
iFixit’s magnetic project mat is great for keeping the screws in one place.
Lift up the silver cover from the back panel to reveal two screws.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws underneath the silver cover.

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Step 2

Use an opening tool to pry around the edges of the back panel to loosen the panel.
Remove the back panel.

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Step 3 Battery

Dell Precision M3800 USB Port Replacement, Battery: step 3, image 1 of 1

Disconnect the battery cable from the system board [1].
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the four screws securing the battery to the laptop.
Lift the battery off the computer [2].

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Step 4 USB Port

Dell Precision M3800 USB Port Replacement, USB Port: step 4, image 1 of 3

Dell Precision M3800 USB Port Replacement, USB Port: step 4, image 2 of 3

Dell Precision M3800 USB Port Replacement, USB Port: step 4, image 3 of 3

Disconnect the orange wire with the two pull tabs by pulling upwards on the pull tabs.

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Step 5

Dell Precision M3800 USB Port Replacement: step 5, image 3 of 3

Remove the single 3.5 mm screw at the top of the left side holding the silver bracket using a Phillips #00 screwdriver.
Remove the LAN chip by pulling from the top away from the connector.

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Step 6

Dell Precision M3800 USB Port Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3

Disconnect the wires that are connected to left side of the motherboard with a hooked prying tool.

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Step 7

Disconnect the black wire that is connected to left side of the motherboard.

Edit

Step 8

Dell Precision M3800 USB Port Replacement: step 8, image 3 of 3

Unscrew the three 3.5 mm screws that secure the circuit board using a Phillips #00 screwdriver.
Remove the circuit board by lifting upward.
To fully remove the USB ports from the circuit board, you'll need to desolder the points. Use the How to Solder and Desolder Connections guide for more information on soldering and desoldering connections.