Acer Aspire 5538 Service Guide

51Chapter 3
6.Remove the screws securing the ODD bracket and remove the ODD bracket from the optical disk drive 
module.
 
7.Insert an appropriate tool into the manual ODD tray release to open the ODD tray.
8.Press down on the ODD bezel securing clip and pull the bezel out of the ODD.
StepSizeQuantityScrew Type
ODD Bracket M2*3 2 

Chapter 352
Removing the DIMM Module
1.See “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 45
2.Loosen the two captive screws in the Memory Cover.
3.Lift the Memory Cover up to remove. Pull up using the thumb tab (indicated by the circle below) to release 
the seven clips securing the cover in place.
4.Identify the SODIMM to remove. The image below shows the locations of SODIMM slot 0 and SODIMM 
slot 1. Slot 0 must be populated first when installing or replacing defective memory.
0
1 

53Chapter 3
5.Push out the release latches on both sides of SODIMM socket 1 to release the memory module. 
6.Remove the DIMM. 
7.Push out the release latches on both sides of SODIMM socket 0 to release the DIMM.  

Chapter 354
8.Remove the DIMM.  

55Chapter 3
Removing the WLAN Board
1.See “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 45.
2.Loosen the two captive screws in the HDD Cover.
3.Lift the HDD cover up to remove. Use the finger tab to release the six clips securing the cover in place.
NOTE: The HDD is also located under this cover. 

Chapter 356
4.Disconnect the Antenna cables from the WLAN Board.
NOTE: Cable placement is White to the AUX terminal (right) and Black to the MAIN terminal (left).
5.Remove the single screw securing the WLAN Board in place.
StepSizeQuantityScrew Type
WLAN Board M2*3 1 

57Chapter 3
6.Remove the WLAN Board from the Mainboard. 

Chapter 358
Main Unit Disassembly Process
IMPORTANT: Cable paths and positioning may not represent the actual model. During the removal and 
replacement of components, ensure all available cable channels and clips are used and that the cables are 
replaced in the same position.
NOTE: The product previews seen in the disassembly procedures may not represent the final product color or 
configuration.
Main Unit Disassembly Flowchart
Screw List
StepScrewQuantityPart No.
Upper Cover M2.5*8 18 86.PEA02.006...

59Chapter 3
Media Board M2.5*3 1 86.PEA02.001
I/O Board M2.5*6 1 86.PEA02.007
Mainboard M2.5*5 1 86.PEA02.007
LCD Module M2.5*6 1 86.PEA02.007
LCD Module M2.5*8 2 86.PEA02.006
Fan M2.5*6 3 86.PEA02.007
Thermal Module M2.5*6 (spring 
tension)4 86.PEA02.004
StepScrewQuantityPart No. 

Chapter 360
Removing the Keyboard
IMPORTANT: The keyboard is easily warped or damaged during the removal process. Take care not to use 
excessive force when removing the keyboard and replace if any damage occurs.
1.See “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 45.
2.Turn the computer rightside up and open the lid to the full extent.
3.Unlock the six securing latches by pressing down with a suitable plastic tool then sliding along the back 
edge of the keyboard.
IMPORTANT: The use of metal tools may damage the...