Introduction
Use this guide to replace a malfunctioning fan in your Dell Inspiron 13-7373.
Having a fan in a laptop is extremely important because the fan reduces the device's operating temperature which both limits heat exposure to the hardware and allows the device to operate in a stable condition.
A common problem that would require a replacement is when the fan blades stop working due to dust and dirt accumulation. This can often be determined if the fan is making loud and unusual noises as the computer is running. Another method to determine the malfunction is by putting your hand into the heat sink on the laptop side and feel whether there is heat, airflow is being pushed out. If you don't feel the hot airflow from your laptop, take appropriate precautions to cool down your laptop. Bear in mind that, overheating can result in regular laptop crashes and freezing.
Before you begin to replace the fan make sure:
- you find the appropriate fan for the device because not all kinds of fans work on all devices.
- to power off the laptop and disconnect it from any external power source.
Be sure to pay attention to all of the steps and use the right equipment during the replacement process.
What you need
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Remove the ten 7.5mm Phillips #00 screws from the bottom of the laptop.
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Use an opening tool to remove the bottom half of the case from the laptop.
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Unplug the connector holding the fan’s wires.
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Remove the fan from the laptop.
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To reassemble your device with the new fan, follow these instructions in reverse order.
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UMass Dartmouth, Team S1-G4, O'Connell Fall 2019 Member of UMass Dartmouth, Team S1-G4, O'Connell Fall 2019
UMASSD-O'CONNELL-F19S1G4
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2 Guide Comments
This was most helpful. We have a Dell 7373 model and the fan is quite noisy. We are going to disassemble and clean/replace it. Your tutorial explained it all. Thank you.
these 7373 seem to have a fan issue- I do IT for a business that has like 10 of them and at least 2 developed the same issue after a couple years- ordered new fans off of Amazon (tons of them and all look same except some have a flange on the bottom?) and no way to differentiate quality- both redeveloped the problem soon after installing fan- both were clean inside w no obvious issue- guessing the thin case has possibly bent down a tad and puts pressure on it- might take apart and see if I can bend part of case out a bit?) geez dell.
