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Article ID : S700023625 / Last Modified : 12/07/2018Print

How to replace the BX Series keyboard
    difficulty rating Difficulty rating:
    Difficult    		 time needed Time needed:
    20 minutes activity

    WARNING
    !! These instructions are presented in a general way. Sony VAIO of Europe hereby informs you that the self-replacement of keyboards should be performed with care. If any damage is caused to components of your VAIO while replacing the keyboard, their repair or replacement will be considered as out of warranty and therefore chargeable. !!


    1. Shut down the computer and disconnect all peripheral devices.
    2. Unplug the computer from the AC-Adapter and remove the battery pack.
    3. Touch a grounded metal object to discharge static electricity, for example a radiator or a tap.

    4. Remove 2 screws (marked in red in Figure 1).

      Figure 1 - Removing 2 screws from the bottom


    5. Turn the unit around and open it to working position. Tilt the display back as far as it goes without applying any force.

    6. Peel off the rubber covers of the screws marked in figure 1 and then remove the 2 screws.

      Figure 2 - Removing 2 screws from the keyboard hood.


    7. Caution:
      • The keyboard hood is attached with a number of hooks. These hooks can easily be broken, especially if force is applied in the wrong direction.
      To release the hooks properly, pull the center of the front edge of the keyboard hood upwards as shown in figure 2. While taking care not to damage the fingerprint sensor cable, wiggle the remaining hooks free and then place the keyboard hood bottom as shown in figure 2. 

      Figure 3 - Removing the keyboard hood


    8. Remove 3 screws.

      Figure 4 - Preparing to release the keyboard


    9. After you remove the screws holding the keyboard's top edge, move the keyboard a few millimeters towards the display and then fold it down to the touchpad.

      Figure 5 - Preparing to detach the keyboard from the mainboard


    10. To allow better access to the two flat cable connectors, turn the unit clockwise and position the keyboard as shown in figure 6.

      Figure 6 - Preparing to detach the keyboard from the mainboard


    11. If any tape secures the keyboard flat plastic connector to the connector, carefully peel it off.

    12. Caution:
      • If the keyboard connector is broken, the mainboard needs to be replaced. The cost of replacing the mainboard may exceed the value of a used VAIO.
      The mainboard’s keyboard connector is composed out of two parts: a fixed part (white) and a bracket (beige), which holds the keyboard's flat cable in place. Carefully unlock the bracket by pushing gently at it's corners as shown in figure 7.

      Figure 7 - Detaching the 
      flat cable

      The flat cable should then be free and will slip out of the connector without effort.

    13. The trackpoint connector is composed out of two parts: a fixed part (white) and a bracket (beige). Carefully unlock the bracket by pushing it's corners gently as shown in figure 8.

      Figure 8 - Detaching the
      flat cable

      The flat cable should then be free and will slip out of the connector without effort.

    14. To install the new keyboard, reverse the procedure while taking note of the following:
      • To avoid unnecessary work, test if both the keyboard and the trackpoint are well connected before continuing with the reassembly. To do so, connect the AC-Adapter to the VAIO, start the unit and boot into Windows. Test the keyboard and the trackpoint. If both work, shut the VAIO down, detach the AC-Adapter and proceed with the reassembly.