M17X R3 Keyboard Issue

Hey guys:

So, I replaced my RAM in my machine. Now, for some reason, none of the F(function) keys work

Does that make sense? Any other reason why they might not work?

Also, for some reason, Page Down works, but Page Up does not. I'm tempted to call dell and have them replace my keyboard. Do you think that's the problem?

I was pretty damn careful during the RAM install, but let me know what you think.

[Edit]
Upon further review, now it seems half the keys actually work, including letters. Like T, Y and P do not work.

Hmmmm.

Jeff.

 

Seems like a problem due to bad ribbon seating. You'll have to tear down to the keyboard and double check your ribbon connections.

 

Thanks,

Yea, I opened her back up, and tried to check the keyboard connection. I never unseated the keyboard, I was able to replace the ram by moving the keyboard around a little bit.

When I opened it up the second time, I verified the connections were secure and even cleaned up any dust particles I saw (can of air).

Now its different keys that work. Still the F1-12 keys don't work.

I'll call Dell for a keyboard replacement

Jeff.

 

Please send us an e-mail to [email protected] with your tag and phone and we'll review and assign your case ASAP.

 

Sorry to reopen an old thread. I just wanted to share with others how I resolved my issue.

Symptoms: Certain keys wouldn't work intermittently, while at times, pressing that particular key or keys nearby it would cause the key to continuously execute itself. Sometimes the key would do so without pressing anything. Sometimes keys would not respond.

I thought at first it was the keyboard, so I started ripping out keys thinking that key was defective. Opening up my computer anticipating that it was the keyboard itself and readying myself to replace it, I happened to examine the keyboard ribbon itself closer. Upon inspection, I noticed that 2 of the soldering connections from the many that are laid out vertically along the edge of the ribbon that the keyboard ribbon connects to, the joints seemed like it had been bridged. I don't think it started or was made that way, or else I would have had the issue earlier on. It may be because it became hot under there, and the sold melted and caused that bridge. I tried to scrape and break the connection, but ended up digging too far and ripping the plastic that separates the soldering joints, exposing the copper underneath which ended up causing it to fuse or be linked to one another without solder.

anyways I replaced the ribbon and now, I can actually type without an on screen keyboard.

 

I too started having intermittent keyboard issues with my R3 and then it started to become real bad. I removed the keyboard from both ribbon cables and even purchased a replacement one. The new one worked for a little bit and then started having issues as well. Now I'm thinking it's the keyboard ribbon flex cable that connects to the motherboard itself. I've tried blowing canister air, nothing.

I've already ordered the replacement flex ribbon connector cable to see if that works.

@numbaonenewb
Are you referring to the ribbon cable on the keyboard itself or the ribbon cable that is attached to the motherboard in the reference picture?