Dell Precision 3480 How-To Install & Replace Your Palmrest Touchpad

By on May 30, 2025 · 5:04 pm
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In this Dell laptop tutorial we are going to show you how to install and replace the Palmrest Touchpad on your Precision 3480 laptop. These installation instructions have been made into 21 easy to follow printable steps. We have also created a video tutorial that shows you how to install your Precision 3480 Palmrest Touchpad.

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 Phillips #0 screwdriver
  • 1 x small plastic scribe
Precision 3480 Palmrest Touchpad

Dell Laptop Replacement Parts Needed

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Precision 3480 Palmrest Touchpad

Video tutorial repair manual



Installation and Removal Instructions
Precision 3480 Palmrest Touchpad

Before you begin: If you need help at any point, you can always contact Parts-People Repair Department for help with your diagnosis or repair.

Step 1

TOOLS FOR THIS REPAIR: Phillips #0 and a

Step 2

TOOLS FOR THIS REPAIR: Phillips #0 and a Unscrew the Bottom Base Cover (8 X captive screws).Pry apart and remove the Bottom Base Cover.TOOLS FOR THIS REPAIR: Phillips #0 and a
Disconnect the Battery Cable.

Step 3

Disconnect the Battery Cable.Disconnect the Battery Cable.
Unscrew and remove the Battery (5 X captive screws).

Step 4

  • Unscrew and remove the Battery (5 X captive screws).
Unscrew and remove the Battery (5 X captive screws).Unscrew and remove the Battery (5 X captive screws).
Unscrew and remove the inner frame (8 x M2 x 3mm).

Step 5

  • Unscrew and remove the inner frame (8 x M2 x 3mm).
Unscrew and remove the inner frame (8 x M2 x 3mm).Unscrew and remove the inner frame (8 x M2 x 3mm).
Unscrew and remove the LCD cable bracket (2 x M2 x 3mm).

Step 6

  • Unscrew and remove the LCD cable bracket (2 x M2 x 3mm).
  • Disconnect the LCD cable.
  • IF YOUR DISPLAY HAS AN IR CABLE, THIS SHOULD BE DISCONNECTED ALSO.
Unscrew and remove the LCD cable bracket (2 x M2 x 3mm).Disconnect the LCD cable.IF YOUR DISPLAY HAS AN IR CABLE, THIS SHOULD BE DISCONNECTED ALSO.Unscrew and remove the LCD cable bracket (2 x M2 x 3mm).
Unscrew the left and right LCD hinges (4 x M2.5 x 5mm).

Step 7

Unscrew the left and right LCD hinges (4 x M2.5 x 5mm).Separate the LCD Display Assembly from the Palmrest.Unscrew the left and right LCD hinges (4 x M2.5 x 5mm).
Disconnect the cooling fan cable.

Step 8

  • Disconnect the cooling fan cable.
Disconnect the cooling fan cable.Disconnect the cooling fan cable.
Unscrew and remove the Cooling Fan (2 x

Step 9

Unscrew and remove the Cooling Fan (2 x Unscrew and remove the Cooling Fan (2 x
Unscrew and remove the SSD thermal bracket (2 x M2 x 3mm).

Step 10

Unscrew and remove the SSD thermal bracket (2 x M2 x 3mm).Slide out the M.2 NVMe SSD.Unscrew and remove the SSD thermal bracket (2 x M2 x 3mm).
Unscrew and remove the WiFi antenna bracket (1 x M2 x 3mm).

Step 11

  • Unscrew and remove the WiFi antenna bracket (1 x M2 x 3mm).
  • Disconnect the WiFi antennas.
Unscrew and remove the WiFi antenna bracket (1 x M2 x 3mm).Disconnect the WiFi antennas.Unscrew and remove the WiFi antenna bracket (1 x M2 x 3mm).Unscrew and remove the WiFi antenna bracket (1 x M2 x 3mm).
Disconnect the Speaker cable.

Step 12

  • Disconnect the Speaker cable.
Remove the Speakers.

Step 13

Remove the Speakers.Remove the Speakers.
Unclip the locking tab and then disconnect the touchpad cable.

Step 14

  • Unclip the locking tab and then disconnect the touchpad cable.
Unclip the locking tab and then disconnect the touchpad cable.Unclip the locking tab and then disconnect the touchpad cable.
Unclip the locking tabs and then disconnect the keyboard cables.

Step 15

  • Unclip the locking tabs and then disconnect the keyboard cables.
Unclip the locking tabs and then disconnect the keyboard cables.Unclip the locking tabs and then disconnect the keyboard cables.Unclip the locking tabs and then disconnect the keyboard cables.Unclip the locking tabs and then disconnect the keyboard cables.
Unscrew and remove the Touchpad (8 x

Step 16

Unscrew and remove the Touchpad (8 x Unscrew and remove the Touchpad (8 x
Unscrew the Tyoe-C bracket (3 x M2 x 3mm).

Step 17

  • Unscrew the Tyoe-C bracket (3 x M2 x 3mm).
IF YOUR MODEL WAS SOLD WITH A FINGERPRINT READER:

Step 18

  • IF YOUR MODEL WAS SOLD WITH A FINGERPRINT READER:
  • Unscrew the fingerprint reader cable bracket (1 x M2 x 3mm).
  • Disconnect the fingerprint reader cable.
IF YOUR MODEL WAS SOLD WITH A FINGERPRINT READER:Unscrew the fingerprint reader cable bracket (1 x M2 x 3mm).
Unscrew and remove the Motherboard (3 x M2 x 4mm).

Step 19

  • Unscrew and remove the Motherboard (3 x M2 x 4mm).
  • The Heatsink can remain attached to the Motherboard for this repair.
Unscrew and remove the Motherboard (3 x M2 x 4mm).The Heatsink can remain attached to the Motherboard for this repair.
Unscrew and remove the Power Button (2 X 2mm x 2.5mm)

Step 20

  • Unscrew and remove the Power Button (2 X 2mm x 2.5mm)
Unscrew and remove the Power Button (2 X 2mm x 2.5mm)Unscrew and remove the Power Button (2 X 2mm x 2.5mm)
Unscrew and remove the Keyboard (17 x

Step 21

  • Unscrew and remove the Keyboard (17 x M2 x 2mm).
  • ***FOLLOW THE ORIGINAL STEPS IN REVERSE TO REASSEMBLE YOUR LAPTOP.
Unscrew and remove the Keyboard (17 x ***FOLLOW THE ORIGINAL STEPS IN REVERSE TO REASSEMBLE YOUR LAPTOP.Unscrew and remove the Keyboard (17 x
Precision 3480 Palmrest Touchpad

Dell Laptop Replacement Parts Needed

DIY Discount - Parts-People.com offers 5% off to all DO-IT-YOURSELFERS!
Use this coupon code to save 5% off these parts
DIYM514
Precision 3480 Palmrest Touchpad

Topics: Dell Precision Repair Manuals Dell Repair Manuals Palmrest Touchpad Precision 3480

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