Dell Latitude 5490 WLAN (WiFi Card) Replacement - iFixit Repair Guide

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Introduction

In this guide, you will learn how to replace the WLAN card in your Dell Latitude 5490 laptop.

The WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) card is used to connect your laptop to Wi-Fi.

If your laptop is unable to access the internet via Wi-Fi, you may need to replace the WLAN card. Replacing the WLAN card will give your laptop the ability to successfully connect to Wi-Fi.

What you need

1. Step 1 Removing Back Panel and Disconnecting Battery
  Power off the laptop before beginning the disassembly process.
  
  Close the device and flip the laptop over so the backplate is facing up.
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2. Step 2
  Using a Phillips #0 Screwdriver, loosen all eight captive screws in the backplate.
  
  You do not need to fully remove the screws. Instead, unscrew them until you can easily jostle the screws.
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3. Step 3
  Using the spudger, pry the backplate from the laptop starting from external chassis (the back side of the laptop).
  
  Continue prying in a clockwise direction around the backplate until it is able to be removed with just your hands.
  
  Remove the backplate and put it aside for reassembly.
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5. Step 4
  Using your finger, remove the battery connector using the handle found on top.
  
  You do not need to remove the connector completely from the laptop. Doing so may result in damage to your computer. Instead, pull the handle so the connector is suspended above the pins.
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6. Step 5
  Hold down the power button for 15 seconds to discharge the remaining electricity within the laptop.
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1. Step 6 WLAN (WiFi Card)
  Remove the 4 mm screw holding the bracket above the WLAN card with a Phillips #0 screwdriver.
  
  Be careful with the antenna connectors located under the bracket. They are fragile. If damaged, you will not be able to access Wi-Fi.
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2. Step 7
  Carefully remove both antenna connectors. Ensure that you pull the antenna connectors straight up from the socket.
  
  Using angled tweezers, hook one end of the tweezer under the connector. Set the other side at the end of the connector on the WLAN card. Keeping the tweezers flat, lightly squeeze.
  
  These connectors are extremely fragile; ensure that they are aligned properly.
  
  For reassembly, ensure that the antenna connectors are aligned above the sockets and press down gently. There should be a slight click. There should not be tension or resistance while doing so.
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3. Step 8
  Carefully slide the WLAN card out from the rear side, from the end where the antennas and bracket were.
  
  The WLAN card should come out easily with no tension.
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Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

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