Dell XPS 14 (L421x) Ultrabook Touchpad Palmrest Removal and Installation

Created by on July 30, 2012
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In this Dell laptop tutorial we are going to show you how to install and replace the Keyboard on your Dell XPS 14 (L421x) Ultrabook laptop. These installation instructions have be made into 22 easy to follow printable steps. We have also create a video tutorial that shows you how to install your Dell XPS 14 (L421x) Ultrabook Keyboard.

Before you begin

Please take the time read the following safety guidelines when working on static sensitive electrical components.
Dell repair manual service precautions

Tools needed for this laptop repair

  • 1 x small phillips head screwdriver
  • 1 x T5 star screwdriver
  • 1 x small plastic scribe
XPS L421x Touchpad Palmrest

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XPS 14 L421x Touchpad Palmrest


Installation and Removal Instructions
Dell XPS 14 (L421x) Ultrabook Keyboard

Remove the 2 screws under the XPS placard.

Step 1

  • Remove the 6 base screws.
  • Remove the 2 screws under the XPS placard.
Remove the 2 screws under the XPS placard. Remove the 6 base screws.
Carefully lift the base cover off of laptop and unplug the battery indicator cable.

Step 2

  • Carefully lift the base cover off of laptop and unplug the battery indicator cable.
Unplug the battery.

Step 3

  • Unplug the battery.
Unplug the unplug the speaker cable.

Step 4

  • Unplug the unplug the speaker cable.
Remove the speakers.

Step 5

  • Remove the 4 speaker screws.
  • Remove the speakers.
Remove the battery.

Step 6

  • Remove the 6 battery screws.
  • Remove the battery.
Separate the memory clips and remove the memory.

Step 7

  • Separate the memory clips and remove the memory.
Remove the wireless card screw.

Step 8

  • Unplug the wireless antenna wires.
  • Remove the wireless card screw.
  • Remove the wireless card.
Remove the wireless card screw. Remove the wireless card.
Loosen the 4 heatsink screws and carefully remove the heatsink.

Step 9

  • Loosen the 4 heatsink screws and carefully remove the heatsink.
Installation note 2: Tighten the heatsink screws in the order listed on the heatsink.

Step 10

  • Installation note 1: Make sure to replace thermal compound or thermal pads on the CPU and heatsink.
  • Installation note 2: Tighten the heatsink screws in the order listed on the heatsink.
  • **This image is used only as an example.**
Remove the fan screw.

Step 11

  • Unplug the fan.
  • Remove the fan screw.
Remove the fan screw.
Remove the SSD Solid State Drive Screw.

Step 12

  • Lift the tape off of the SSD Solid State Drive.
  • Remove the SSD Solid State Drive Screw.
  • Remove the SSD Solid State Drive.
Remove the SSD Solid State Drive Screw. Remove the SSD Solid State Drive.
Unplug the SSD SD circuit board I/O cable.

Step 13

  • Unplug the SSD SD circuit board ribbon cable.
  • Unplug the SSD SD circuit board I/O cable.
Unplug the SSD SD circuit board I/O cable. Unplug the SSD SD circuit board ribbon cable.
Remove the CMOS battery.

Step 14

  • Unplug the CMOS battery.
  • Remove the CMOS battery.
Carefully lift the hard drive and unplug the connector.

Step 15

  • Remove the 4 hard drive caddy screws.
  • Carefully lift the hard drive and unplug the connector.
Carefully lift the hard drive and unplug the connector. Remove the 4 hard drive caddy screws.
Unplug hard drive connector cable.

Step 16

  • Unplug hard drive connector cable.
Unplug the LCD display cables.

Step 17

  • Unplug the LCD display cables.
Remove the 6 motherboard screws.

Step 18

  • Unplug the 4 motherboard cables.
  • Remove the 6 motherboard screws.
  • Lift the motherboard away from the laptop base.
Remove the 6 motherboard screws. Lift the motherboard away from the laptop base.
Remove the 4 exhaust vent screws and remove the exhaust vent.

Step 19

  • Remove the tape and loosen the cable under it.
  • Remove the 4 exhaust vent screws and remove the exhaust vent.
Remove the 4 exhaust vent screws and remove the exhaust vent. Remove the tape and loosen the cable under it.
Remove the 6 hinge screws and carefully remove the display.

Step 20

  • Turn the laptop on it’s side and open it up.
  • Remove the 6 hinge screws and carefully remove the display.
Remove the 6 hinge screws and carefully remove the display. Turn the laptop on it’s side and open it up.
Remove the keyboard screws.

Step 21

  • Remove the keyboard back plate screws.
  • Remove the keyboard screws.
  • Lift the keyboard from the palmrest.
Remove the keyboard screws. Lift the keyboard from the palmrest.
The remaining piece is the complete touchpad palmrest assembly.

Step 22

  • The remaining piece is the complete touchpad palmrest assembly.
XPS L421x Touchpad Palmrest

Dell Laptop Replacement Parts Needed

DK2X0 Image
Eligible for $5.00 Economy Shipping.
Only 3 left in stock - order soon.
FKYCR Image
Eligible for $5.00 Economy Shipping.
Only 6 left in stock - order soon.
JG2NW Image
Eligible for $5.00 Economy Shipping.
Only 2 left in stock - order soon.
DIY Discount - Parts-People.com offers 5% off to all DO-IT-YOURSELFERS!
Use this coupon code to save 5% off these parts
DIYM514
XPS 14 L421x Touchpad Palmrest

Topics: Dell Laptop Repair Dell Repair Manuals Touchpad Palmrest XPS 14 (L421x)

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