spill on T400 keyboard

So, I accidentally spilled grape juice on upper right portion of my T400's keyboard... It's been about 30 minutes and the backspace is displaying some weird behaviors, like doing \ instead of backspacing, though it doesn't do that all the time. Actually, except for the said problem everything's hunky dory (I'm writing this post from the T400), but I'm still worried.

I only bought this laptop about two weeks ago. What do you think I should do?

This right after I finally found out how to get that 6 hour battery life from 6cell battery T_T

 

Get a sippy cup.

I'd take it apart and clean it as best you can. The sugar from the juice can be hazardous for your machine.

 

Hilarious.:laugh:

Seriously, though, you should probably do what Zaz has suggested and somehow get any sugar remains out of the keyboard. That could be the reason why its behaving weird right now.

 

Hmm. I guess I'll take this apart in the morning. How do I clean the keyboard though? Run some water through it? (after taking it apart)

 

if you're gonna run water through it, make sure its completely dry first before putting it back in.

If you can take apart the keyboard completely, then you can probably use rubbing alcohol.

 

I'd also use distilled water if you have harsh minerals.

 

Hmm, got it 2 weeks ago? Return it and complain till they waive the RS fee..

 

I believe you can add on a Thinkpad Protection plan (covers accidental damage) during the first 30 days of purchase. It can be good insurance regardless.

 

Yeah, run some water through where the grape juice was and let it dry very very thoroughly. Water shouldn't hurt it as long as you let it dry completely. If that doesn't work you may just need to get another keyboard.

 

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that if liquid gets between the printed layers of the keyboard, it may never really dry. Last time I washed out a keyboard like this I had to pull all the layers apart and dry them. It did fix the keyboard though

 

If you can, soak/emerse/swish it in a tub of rubbing alcohol. That should break down the grape juice. Make sure full dry before reinstall (Will dry faster than water, as alcohol evaporates.

 

For now, I fill like taking a hammer to this machine, and to the idiot who spilled the **** thing.

I tried running water/drying routine, but the weirdness with the Backspace and \ key continues. Any more ideas? (how am I supposed to completely take the keyboard out though? Isn't there a manual for this kind of stuff?)

If all else fails, I might as well get another T400 keyboard. Where can I find one?



P.S. oh, and what does my basic warranty cover exactly? (1yr depot I think) Will they also cover the keyboard spill damage?

 

the manual should be on lenovo support site.

http://www.lenovoservicetraining.com/ion/

they don't have T400 for now.

 

No the basic warranty does not cover anything you or someone else did accidentally. And it is quite easy to take off the keyboard.

 

How about that replacement keyboard? Is there some sort of store that deals specifically with replacement parts for thinkpads and etc?

 

Follow the instructions for the t61 (should be the same as the t400) and remove the keyboard.

http://www.lenovoservicetraining.com/ion/R61_T61/index.html

after clicking the link select "FRU removals/replacements" then "keyboard"

You can also remove the individual keys, they generally just pop off but you will still want to be delicate. Use some isopropyl alcohol and clean out under the keys and anywhere that the grape juice may have reached. If that doesn't work call lenovo and order a replacement keyboard.

 

How did you pay for it? Some credit cards have product protection. You may want to call the CC company and ask if you're not sure.

 

That's a good point. Amex for example covers accidental damage and theft for 90 days, up for $1000 per occurrence:
www.americanexpress.com/purchaseprotection/