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Today I explain how to disassemble a HP Pavilion dm3 series notebook.
In this particular guide I’m taking apart a HP Pavilion dm3-1035dx Entertainment Notebook but the guide should be the same for all other models in Pavilion dm3 line.
Before you start, make sure the notebook is turned off.
Removing hard drive, memory modules, wireless card and CMOS battery shown in steps 1-7.
STEP 1.
Remove the battery.
Remove five screws securing the hard drive and memory covers. Remove both covers.
STEP 2.
Remove two screws securing the hard drive and slide it to the left to disconnect from the motherboard.
STEP 3.
Now you can remove the hard drive.
As you see, it’s a standard 2.5″ SATA hard drive.
STEP 4.
Remove both memory modules.
In order to remove the memory module you’ll have to follow two simple steps:
- carefully spread lathes on both sides of the slot until the memory module pops up at a 30 degree angle.
- pull the memory module from the slot by the edges.
STEP 5.
Disconnect both antenna cables from the wireless card.
Remove two screws securing the wireless card.
STEP 6.
Remove wireless card same way you removed memory modules.
STEP 7.
Disconnect the CMOS battery cable from the motherboard and remove the battery.
Removing notebook keyboard shown in steps 8-12.
STEP 8.
Remove two screws securing the keyboard on the bottom of notebook.
STEP 9.
Push on the keyboard through the openings in the battery compartment.
STEP 10.
Lift up the keyboard as it shown on the following picture.
STEP 11.
Carefully lift up the keyboard and access connector underneath.
In order to remove the keyboard you’ll have to disconnect the cable first.
On the following picture the keyboard connector shown in the locked position.
Lift up the right side of the brown clip so it opens at a 90 degree angle.
On the following picture the connector is shown in the unlocked position.
Now you can pull the keyboard cable from the connector.
STEP 12.
Remove the keyboard.
The best way to find a replacement keyboard is searching by the HP part number.
In my case I had two different HP part numbers on the keyboard: 580687-001 and 573148-001. I guess both part numbers are compatible.
If you need a replacement keyboard for HP Pavilion dm3 notebook, you can find it here.
Removing notebook top cover and cooling fan shown in steps 13-18.
STEP 13.
Remove marked screws form the bottom of the notebook.
STEP 14.
Remove six screws securing the top cover assembly.
Disconnect the top cover cable (left arrow) and touch pad cable (bottom arrow).
On some HP Pavilion dm3 models you’ll have to disconnect one more cable – the Bluetooth module cable.
On the following picture you can see the top cover cable disconnected.
On the following picture you can see how to open the touch pad cable connector.
STEP 15.
Start separating the top cover assembly from the notebook base.
You can use a thin piece of plastic (I’m using guitar pick) as a case cracker.
STEP 16.
The top cover assembly has been removed.
On the following picture the notebook shown with the top cover removed.
STEP 17.
Remove two screws securing the cooling fan.
Disconnect the fan cable from the motherboard.
STEP 18.
Remove the cooling fan.
The cooling fan part number is printed on the white sticker. In my case the part number is: 580696-001
If you need a replacement fan for HP Pavilion dm3 notebook, you can find it here.
By the way, in HP Pavilion dm3 notebook the power jack is not soldered to the motherboard. The jack attached to the power harness.
When the power jack fails, you can disconnect the failed jack harness from the motherboard and replace it with a new one.
September 15th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
I own this laptop, I want to install a Wireless-N module, do you know if this is possible and where I can find one?
September 16th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
Leon Kehoe,
Not sure about that. I believe that Wireless a/b/n card requires three antenna cables and you have only two installed.
September 26th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
I’m wondering would it be possible to upgrade the gpu or cpu like say I got the model with the amd processor would I /or some one with experience be able to install another cpu from the same amd line? please say yes……………I really want this laptop
September 27th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Gareth,
You cannot upgrade the GPU chip. It’s integrated into the motherboard.
It’s possible to replace the CPU. You’ll have to research if there is a faster AMD processor compatible with your motherboard.
September 28th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
Do you have a link to replace the screen for this computer as well?
September 28th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Kris vs,
Download this service manual for HP Pavilion dm3 notebook.
LCD screen removal instructions start on the page 59.
I don’t think it’s necessary to separate the display panel from the laptop base.
October 2nd, 2010 at 3:24 pm
I have the same laptop, and I was wondering, do you get some overheating where the memory is stored or is it just me? I’m thinking of returning it to HP because it is still under warranty.
October 2nd, 2010 at 5:12 pm
Mike,
Not sure what is overheating in that area. Maybe the hard drive?
Run your laptop with the hard drive cover removed. Is the hard drive very hot?
October 3rd, 2010 at 8:27 am
No, its not the hard drive. The overheating occurs on the area covered by the sticker that says “Designed by HEWLETT PACKARD” on the bottom of the laptop. That area gets hot after I use the laptop for about 1 and a half hours.
October 3rd, 2010 at 9:58 am
Mike,
I don’t know what can generate heat in that area.
October 15th, 2010 at 3:56 am
Hello there,
Great instructional!. However, do you have documentation on replacing the LCD screen for this notebook?
Many thanks.
Val
October 17th, 2010 at 10:58 am
Val Reyes,
I haven’t created my own LCD replacement guide for this model yet, but you can use the official HP service manual.
Here it is: HP Pavilion dm3 service manual.
The LCD screen removal instructions shown on the page 59.
I don’t think it’s necessary to separate the display panel from the laptop base as it shown in the service manual.
It’s possible to remove and replace the LCD screen while the display still attached to the laptop base.
Simply remove two screws securing the bezel on the bottom, remove the bezel and replace the screen.
October 21st, 2010 at 6:12 am
Many thanks for your reply.
October 21st, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Hello .
My dm3 has a broken screen. How can I raplace it ? Or is it to expensive ?
October 21st, 2010 at 4:45 pm
Johann,
I linked to the HP Pavilion dm3 notebook service manual in comments 6 and 12.
The service manual has instructions for replacing the LCD screen.
You can find a new LCD screen here.
October 21st, 2010 at 7:09 pm
Hi there! Nice guide you got here. I have the same exact model. I am planning on getting an internal bluetooth card for it but I am unsure as to where to install it. I noticed a vacant mini-pci slot, can that be used?
December 30th, 2010 at 9:08 pm
so where is this power jack? it’s not so cut and dry just remove it and replace it from… where? I’ve been looking and looking and the closest thing I can find is for s DM1 model but the pins don't match, the one from the DM3 just has 6 pins, side by side, no two rows about it.. so where do I get a replacement? Hmm? Before I forget where all these damn screws go .. like, pronto! Please, anybody help?
January 23rd, 2011 at 11:52 am
Hi! i just passed my warranty expiration date and out of nowhere my power switch got broken. Tried opening it but i got scared and stopped in the part of the hard drive.I removed the power switch and saw that something got disconnected. Also some of the tooth or lock of my power switch is chipped. I need help in how to fix this. Do i need to buy a new power switch or i just have to attach the old one. And if i do, can you guys give me instructions on how to do it. any advise would be appreciated. Thanks!
Lance
January 23rd, 2011 at 8:36 pm
lance,
I don’t understand your question. What power switch you removed?
January 27th, 2011 at 11:19 am
I was also wondering about how and if you could install an internal bluetooth card. There is an open slot right near the hard drive. What is its name?
February 1st, 2011 at 7:10 pm
The sliding power switch on my laptop broke. After removing the cover, I can see that the switch is no longer attached to anything. However, I am uncertain on what I actually need to replace. Do I need to buy a new USB/Power board or do I need to replace the plastic switch. Could you show a picture of how the external switch is actually linked to the USB/Power port board, so that I can see what actually broke? Thanks.
February 14th, 2011 at 11:11 pm
Yes, my hp power switch also broke and appears to be missing something. I cant seem to find the small piece that broke off. All i know is the lever doesn’t move and power wont come on
March 7th, 2011 at 10:57 am
I am also having the same problem with the power switch… if you have any ideas on how to fix it please share. And thanks for this guide!
April 21st, 2011 at 12:37 pm
Hey Laptop Tech!
Great site, excellent step-by-step.
Unfortunately, I have the “next gen” dm3. The “dm3-3110us” to be exact. This has a significantly different internal layout, and significantly different external underside access.
My problem is that in the process for “top cover removal”, on page 46 in the Service Manual Step 6 says, “Remove the three Phillips PM2.5×6.0 screw that secures the top cover to the computer.” It does NOT show where these three screws might be, and they are NOT visible in the diagram or in the laptop itself. Well, maybe one of them is. But the only other ones visible appear to be holding something (maybe the thing I’m trying to replace, the WLAN half-card) UNDER the top cover, and seem to be in capture mounts anyway, so won’t remove.
And the reason for the entire exercise (I was almost there when I ran into this issue) is to get a TRUE 802.11n Wi-Fi card installed. The miserable Broadcom 4313 WLAN/Bluetooth combo card that HP installed is only capable of 72Mbps max. (This may technically make it an N-spec card, but what were they thinking?!?)
Any help would be appreciated!
April 26th, 2011 at 3:21 pm
Thank you so much for the step by step
I have a problem with my laptop, is getting really hot and so bought an usb base fan cooler for it and at first is worked fine but now even though it has the extra fan keeps getting hotter that is really annoying to type because is so hot, do you know how can I fix this problem? Do I need to change the internal fan?
Thankx
Mara
August 20th, 2011 at 12:45 am
Thanks for this instruction. Its very helpful. Got a problem with my Laptop after exactly a week when my 1 year manufacturer’s warranty expires. Seems Keyboard has a mind of its own that even at start up/boot several keys were pressed hence can’t finish windows boot without an issue. after several times trying, was able to see the windows log on field but since several keys are pressed without me touching the keyboard yet, my password is automatically entered. Did restore to factory settings but to no avail. Problem still exist. Wondering if this is a hardware issue. Oddly this happens after the warranty expires. Did you encounter this issue before? how did you go about it? Is this a normal occurrence for this product?
Did try doing the solutions I found in the net but nothing works. That is why I’m thinking of taking the unit apart thinking that the keyboard is the problem.
If you encountered this previously, hope you can share the solution to solve this issue.
Thanks
August 20th, 2011 at 12:57 am
Thanks for this instruction. Its very helpful. Got a problem with my Laptop after exactly a week when my 1 year manufacturer’s warranty expires. Seems Keyboard has a mind of its own that even at start up/boot several keys were pressed hence can’t finish windows boot without an issue. after several times trying, was able to see the windows log on field but since several keys are pressed without me touching the keyboard yet, my password is automatically entered.
September 17th, 2011 at 9:55 am
Just a quick note on disassembly:
At step 15, there was stickum on the ribbon cable going to the power/charge and HDD lights that pulled the cable loose (front right area of case). Only caused a few minutes aggravation, but hope it helps someone else.. Thank you for a great site!
September 21st, 2011 at 10:08 am
What do I do If I want to replace the LCR screen? I’ve already opened it up. but I’m not sure how to remove the LCD from the metal frame connected to the hinge.
September 21st, 2011 at 2:09 pm
@ Melissa,
Check out this service manual for HP Pavilion dm3 notebook.
The manual has step-by-step disassembly instructions. The LCD screen removal instructions start on the page 61.
September 26th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
How do I know if the power jack fails?
October 2nd, 2011 at 6:51 pm
Hi
It is a very helpful procedure. I had a problem with a power plug that was loose. I opened the laptop Pavilion dm3 and fixed it. But… when I assempled it again it does not start. No sign that the hard drive works. What should I check?
Thanks
January 29th, 2012 at 4:43 am
Hello,
I tried to clean up my laptop especially fan from dust. I did everything as written on HP’s manual for dm3. I did not know that it was possible to do it without taking off the screen. So i did take off it. Cleaned the laptop, then assembled again. But the display is black. I Laptop works since i can hear. However, the light of hard drive is not on too. I guess i either assembled the hard drive wrong or there is a problem with display panel cable. And may be both of them. I thing the screen woud brighteen at least no matter the hard drive works or not. I check to run win XP from CD rom which resulted in the same black screen. So i am almost sure it is the problem with display panel cable. Just to remind you that everything worked perfectly before disassembly. Could you please help me about this problem. What else can cause this problem?
Thanl you in advance for help and direction.
February 1st, 2012 at 4:01 pm
@ Bahrusito,
First of all I would check memory modules. If the laptop turns on but the screen remains black, this could be memory issue.
February 22nd, 2012 at 11:10 pm
Dear Mara,
If the laptop is getting too hot maybe its the time for you to clean the fan and replace the thermal paste/compound to a better quality one. I had the exact same problem as yours, and after cleaning the fan and replacing the thermal compound, surprisingly the overheating problem is gone just like that.
Hope this helps.
-Aisya
March 2nd, 2012 at 6:47 pm
Hey Laptop Tech,
I see that there are some posts in regards to the power switch on the right side of the laptop, that you did not answer. I too have the same problem, and am hoping that you can help. I took the laptop apart and can see that the switchc is not connected to anything, which is why it is not powering on. Do you have any information on ow to fix it? I would truly appreciate it.
Thanks,
CJ
March 4th, 2012 at 11:20 am
your site is very helpful and I will be glad to make a donation if you’ll tell me one thing. how do I remove the motherboard so the new DC power harness can be plugged in. Since the plug is on the bottom, I can’t reach it without removing the motherboard. thanx.
March 4th, 2012 at 11:37 am
nevermind. the service manual showed me what I missed. the fan holder screws and the secondary board screws. now it’s out and I thank you
March 6th, 2012 at 6:28 pm
@ carla10,
What switch are you asking about?
If it was disconnected before you disassembled the laptop, probably it’s not related to your problem.
April 30th, 2012 at 11:50 am
Thanks a lot!
Very Helpful