A simple action for long-lasting battery life
Dear Dell Latitude E5470 user, if your laptop’s battery life has dropped over time, it’s time to consider a replacement. This model is one of those laptops that allow for easy battery replacement by the end user. You can carry out this repair yourself, with no technical expertise, ensuring your device lasts longer and saving a substantial amount of money.
With the right preparation, this job is quick and low-risk.
The repair kit you’ll need
Gather the following tools and parts before you start:
- The replacement battery: It must match your laptop’s specific part reference.
- A screwdriver: You’ll need a small cross-head (Phillips) screwdriver.
- A plastic opening tool: A guitar pick, a rigid card or a nylon spudger is ideal to protect the chassis from scratches while opening.
The critical step: making sure you have the right part
Before you even touch the chassis, the first step is to confirm that your new battery is compatible.
The two options for the E5470 series
Two spare-part numbers match this model: 6MT4T and NGGX5.
One of these batteries is shorter to leave room for an optional hard drive. It is therefore essential to know exactly which product number is fitted in your laptop before buying a new part.
- Recommended check: To be 100% certain, remove the bottom cover and write down the reference printed on the label of the old battery pack.
Optimising capacity and battery life
If your part reference is 6MT4T, you’ll find replacement batteries rated at 46 $\text{Wh}$ or 62 $\text{Wh}$. As the original model is usually 62 $\text{Wh}$, choosing an equal or higher capacity will restore the best possible battery life.
Replacement procedure: disassembly steps
Once you’ve checked the part, it’s time to get to work.
1. Safety first
- Unplug: The laptop must be completely disconnected from the mains and from all peripherals.
- Shut down: Make sure it is fully switched off (not in sleep mode).
2. Loosening the cover screws
Turn your Dell Latitude E5470 upside down. The bottom panel is held in place with several screws.
- Unscrewing: Use your screwdriver to loosen all the screws.
- Reassembly tip: You can simply loosen the screws without removing them from the panel. They will stay captive, which makes reassembly much easier.
3. Releasing the panel
Remove the panel gently so you don’t snap the clips.
- Using the plastic tool: Insert the non-metallic tool into a seam and slide it carefully around to separate the panel from the main body. It’s best to start from a less exposed edge, such as the top side.
- Caution: Never use a sharp or metal object to avoid deforming the chassis or damaging internal components.
4. Removing the battery pack
Once the inside is exposed, the battery is easy to access.
- Removing the fixings: Unscrew all the screws holding the battery pack in place.
- Lifting out: Gently lift the pack from its top edge to free it from the chassis.
5. The delicate disconnection
The connector is often tucked under the battery and requires a bit of care.
- Accessing the cable: Once the pack is lifted, tilt it slightly to see the cable linking it to the motherboard.
- Disconnecting: Gently pull on the connector head (the plastic part) to unplug it from the socket.
6. Fitting and connecting the new battery pack
- Connection: Plug the cable into the new battery pack.
- Positioning: Put the new battery in place. First line it up at the bottom edge, then tilt it upwards so that it slots perfectly into its compartment.
7. Screwing back and checks
- Test: Do a quick test before closing up: plug the laptop into the mains to make sure the new battery pack is working and that the charging light comes on.
- Securing: If the test is successful, re-fit the screws that hold the battery pack to the chassis.
8. Finishing and reassembly
- Refitting the cover: Replace the bottom panel, clipping the edges back in and making sure it sits flush all round.
- Final tightening: Tighten all the screws you loosened earlier.
Conclusion: freedom restored
Well done! You’ve successfully carried out this maintenance task on your Dell Latitude E5470. With a bit of patience and care, this simple replacement has restored your battery life to what it was on day one. You can now use your laptop with confidence, far away from the nearest plug socket.
