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Article ID : S700023639 / Last Modified : 12/07/2018Print

How to replace the N Series keyboard
    difficulty rating Difficulty rating:
    Difficult    		 time needed Time needed:
    10 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 1 screw (marked in red in Figure1).

      Figure 1 - Removing 1 screw 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. The keyboard's bottom edge is fixed in place with 5 spring-loaded dents (see figure 2).
      Using a toothpick or similar soft and pointed object, press the dent towards the touchpad while hooking a finger under the edge of a key and pulling gently upwards. After the first dent is released, keep the keyboard lifted to prevent it from from snapping back in as you release the next dent. Proceed in the same way with the three other dents.


      Figure 2 - Position of the spring-loaded dents


    7. After all dents are released, gently move the keyboard a few millimeters towards the touchpad and then fold it down to the touchpad.

      Figure 3 - Preparing to detach the keyboard from the mainboard


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

    9. 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 (beige) and a bracket (brown), which holds the keyboard's flat cable in place. Carefully unlock the bracket from the connector by pushing gently at it's corners as shown in figure 4.

      Figure 4 - Detaching the keyboard's 
      flat cable

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

    10. To install the new keyboard, reverse the procedure while taking note of the following:
      • To avoid unnecessary work, test if the keyboard's flat cable is well connected before continuing with the reassembly. To do so, connect the AC-Adapter to the VAIO, press first the power button and then F2 as soon as the VAIO logo is displayed to enter the BIOS. If that works, switch the VAIO off again, detach the AC-Adapter and proceed with the reassembly.