Replacement keyboard for laptop, now won't switch on

[Deders]

I've been repairing a laptop for a friend, basically it was a keyboard replacement but after we found out the dishwasher method didn't work, we got a new keyboard and installed that.

After replacing that and undoing/doing up about 30 screws for the 5th or 6th time, I'd finally got the laptop so that everything was flush and nothing was sticking out and all the contours looked right, only thing is now the laptop won't switch on.

Last time it did switch on was when I tested the old keyboard after the dishwash. Any ideas what I might be missing or should be looking for?

She's coming over in an hour to collect it

 

[Fardringle]

If it won't turn on at all when the new keyboard is connected, then you either have an incompatible keyboard, or something is connected improperly and causing a short.

 

[Ketchup]

Did you test the button before the final re-assembly?

I am not sure what you want here. You didn't tell us the model, and you did say what a "dishwasher method" was. If it worked before and is not now working now, you missed something (hopefully didn't break anything.) If you just replaced the keyboard itself, that shouldn't inhibit the power button from working.

 

[Deders]

It's a Packard Bell Easynote TS13-hr-035UK

I've somehow got it working with the keyboard and touchpad plate removed. I went in to windows, turned it off again, fine.

Once I'd screwed a few screws back in, only the disk light came on, not entirely sure what it was doing but usually the 4 lights come on and blink.

Now I'm back to square one, unsure where I went wrong.

Dishwasher method is to put just the keyboard in the dishwasher to clean it, the original problem was that she'd spilled milk over the keyboard, we've replaced the keyboard and now proved that it works with both keyboards.

Maybe something is just shorting somewhere when i re-assemble it.

 

[Ketchup]

First off, I think it is hilarious the a Dutch subsidiary of Acer is using the name of an American-found company dating back to 1933. It addition to being just plain weird, the latest Parckard Bell didn't exactly leave us with a wonderful reputation.

Now, as far as the laptop. I will tell you that I am not the one to answer your question, but I know at least a couple people in here who should be able to help you. So if nothing else, I am bumping your thread and they may see it. To me, it sounds like one of the inner cables is being stretched too far, possibly going in the wrong direction.

 

[Fardringle]

So it works if you connect the ribbon cable to the keyboard but don't 'bolt' it back in, but does not work when you tighten the screws that hold it in place? That seems to indicate something is making contact somewhere it shouldn't when you tighten the screws. Look carefully to make sure all wires are in their proper guides and all screws/connectors are in the right places.

 

[Deders]

Now I'm away from the laptop, I'm thinking maybe the ribbon cable that connects the power switch to the rest of the laptop is a bit iffy, all I did was kind of move the keyboard it is attached to and it came on just like that.

I guess I'm gonna have to test and see which of the 2 of the 6 wires make it switch on, I don't suppose anyone has any experience as to which one might be earth? would save a lot of hassle.

 

[denis280]

my guest is since she got some milk in there.you should check the plugs to make sure they are clean.(milk free)

 

[Deders]

I think the keyboard shielded the rest of the components from the milk, it's got a solid metal base.

Ok, I've spent hours now screwing and unscrewing this laptop only to find out that the issue seems to occur when I unplug it from the PSU and plug it back in.

It doesn't want to power up, even though I tested the power button with every screw one at at time with it plugged in.