One keyboard key does not work after key replacement
I replaced my key on my Dell Laptop. Now I can’t get it to work but all the other keys are fine. Would should I do?
Remove the key cap and press directly on the rubber nipple found under the key. Does it work this way? Will it type the letter when you press on the nipple? If it doesn’t work, most likely you’ll have to replace the keyboard.
November 11th, 2009 at 5:29 am
Dear ALF,
I have disconnected the keyboard from my Toshiba Sat. A300 (it worked fine needed only to remove trash).
Now when i reconnected it, the cursor (which goes after Toshiba’s on logo during the booting) became blue and my lap makes neverending beep. Does it mean i need to replace keyboard or i steel can fix it somehow?
Ps: I had to check this first: http://www.irisvista.com/tech/laptops/Toshiba-Satellite-A305/laptop-disassembly-process-1.htm, because i missed step 5.
November 11th, 2009 at 5:39 am
Upd: Ribbon cable seems undamaged, but “jack’s” angle unglued a bit.
November 11th, 2009 at 8:34 am
Seva,
Sounds like you have a stuck key on the keyboard. I don’t think it’s related to the connection between the keyboard and motherboard.
Take a look at the keyboard keys, make sure all keys move freely by pressing on each key individually.
Also, when you stat the keyboard and it starts beeping, try pressing on all keys and find out which one is causing the problem.
November 11th, 2009 at 8:36 am
Seva,
You said you missed the step 5 in the guide which says:
It looks like you pulled the cable without disconnecting the connector. Did you unlock the connector before installing the cable back in place? Did you lock it?
Make sure the cable is seated correctly and the connector is locked.
November 12th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Thank you for responce.
I checked cable twice it’s plugged in the connector as deep as possible and locked.
But keyboard’s behaviour is still very strange. Sometimes laptop spontaneously goes BIOS setup on boot like “F2″ is stucked, sometimes it just hangs with blue cursor, i’ve even removed returner from F2 – still same result.
And writing this message I found that “@”,”W”,”S” and “X” could not be printed with right shift, while the other capital letters could be printed with both shift keys.
Also i’ve installed Winvestigator, and enabled Log Function Keys option, according to it’s log there no keys pressed if do no input.
Please tell me it’s not keyboard controller.
November 12th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Seva,
I don’t know. You cannot tell without testing the laptop with another known good keyboard.
November 13th, 2009 at 5:27 am
ALF,
Nevertheless, thank you very much. I wish guys like you were working in authorized service in our city.
November 13th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Seva,
I really wish I can help you but it’s not always possible remotely.
I still think this is some kind of connection related problem. I don’t know how you can kill the keyboard controller if you don’t touch the motherboard.
If you pulled the cable without unlocking the connector, it shouldn’t be a problem (unless you damaged pins inside the connector). I’ve don it myself many times and it never hurt the motherboard.
Check the connection again. Take a look inside the connector if you can and make sure all pins inside are straight and there is no dirt inside. Make sure the cable is installed correctly and the connector is locked.
Удачи!
November 16th, 2009 at 12:35 am
Hello,
I have a Toshiba Satellite A25 S279. I replaced some memory modules and the keyboard, and when I released the keyboard tape, the plastic tab which holds the tape in place broke (rather, I think the little latches that fasten the tab broke). Neither the old nor the new keyboard work now, as the tape is too loose. I was wondering whether there’s a way to connect the keyboard tape and keep it in place despite that. Should I attempt glue? Double sided tape? If i manage to wedge in something (thin) to keep it in place, would that work, or case damage? Can this piece be replaced? Any help would be appreciated!!
November 16th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Jill,
Unfortunately, this connector is a part of the motherboard and you cannot purchase is separately.
Do you still have the broken tab?
Insert the keyboard cable into the connector and push the tab in place. Even though the latches on both sides are broken, the tab still should fit into the connector the way it used to be. The tab will not be secured, but it should be enough for the keyboard cable to make good contact with pins inside the connector.
After that secure the tab with sticky tape. Hopefully it works.
December 24th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
I have an “O” key that is not working. I replaced the key and it will not work when pressed. I took off the key and it does work by pressing the nipple directly. Is there any solution to fix this or will I just have to live with pressing the nipple on the “O” key.
February 23rd, 2010 at 6:35 am
Do you know as to where i can obtain an s key for my sons asus x58l as he has pulled the key off after it got stuck instead of working it free, could i just replace the key or do i ave to have the keyboard replaced. thanks
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:25 pm
teresa,
Try installing the key back on the keyboard. Look at this guide:
http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/2007/03/20/key-fell-off-keyboard/
June 16th, 2010 at 3:18 am
I have a Dell Inspiron 1501, and the “BackSpace” key was stuck so I removed it. After moving it there was a metal piece that looked like a super size staple turned sideways. I found a site that showed how to replace the plastic pieces, but I am not sure where the metal piece goes. Could you share some insight.
April 1st, 2011 at 8:00 pm
My son spilled some water on my laptop keyboard so I left it off for a few days to dry out. When I tried to use the keyboard afterward it would do all kinds of crazy things, from typing random letters to closing windows. I just replaced the keyboard and it’s still doing the same thing. It was over a month ago that it got wet and it wasn’t a lot of water so I really doubt it would still be wet. Any ideas? Thanks so much