TravelMate 8204WLMI Keyboard problems - need help...

Hi guys,

After reading through many laptop forums and searching this one here is my problem and questions:

I own TravelMate 8204WLMI (about 1 year old). Some keys are sometimes working and sometimes do not: "M", "C", "Space", now "L". These keys start working after you hit them couple of times a bit stronger then usual. Reboot sometimes helps, sometimes does not.

Is it a problem with keyboard ONLY or it might be related to some other problems with hardware/software? I don't have any spyware on this laptop (checked multiple times with different spycatching programs, never go to sites that are potentially not safe).

If that's a problem with keyboard (dirty for example) how can I remove it from 8204WLMI and clean up? Where can I find a step by step instructions on how to remove keyboard from 8204WLMI or similar laptop? Does anybody here know how to do that? If keyboard does not work after clean up then where can I buy the replacement keyboard in Canada or USA?

I really appreciate your input.

Thank you very much.

Stan.

 

Ok. I think I found the solution to keyboard problem. I've tried to remove keyboard and found that kayboard cable connector was not even tightened in its slot. What a messy assembly. Shame on you ACER! I simply inserted cable into connector slot on motherboard, pressed a small lever to tighten it and TADA!!! all keys started working again!!!!

Conclusion: ACER produces good laptops but... assembly plants in China may screw things up. (IMHO).

Best regards.

Stan.

 

How it was done (basic guide). I was trying to find 8402 service manual in order to see how to remove the cover and get to the keyboard area. Had no luck and desided to try and remove it myself. So, I simply removed 2 screws on the back of shiny plastic cover where display connecting to the laptop. After that I carefully removed top part of shiny plastic (right above the keyboard). Be careful, there small plastic brackets that holding it together (no screws). Unconnect them with small screwdriver by gently putting it under the cover. Next remove plastic cover right above the keyboard, the one under the shiny part. It is also holding together by small plastic brackets (no screws). After this plastic cover is removed there will be couple of screws that holding keyboard. Unscrew them and carefully remove keyboard (it is holding to motherboard by a cable). In my case this cable was simply not tightened by a motherboard bracket.

Good luck.

 

I'm glad you were able to resolve the problem and thanks for posting the nice instructions.

 

always a good idea: document each step using a digital camera. take a snap before removing each part.

that way, if there's any questions when re-assembling, you can just look up how it looked like before

tx for the instructions, much appreciated.