CF-AX2 Keyboard replacement

Hello, i recently purchased a used CF-AX2 to use an automotive scan tool. 500gb SSD, and it works quite nice, I really like the laptop, fold over touchscreen is very useful to use in vehicle. I noticed some of the function keys werent working (for example screen brightness). the E and O key were not working, but after some button mashing worked for a week, now they are inoperable again.
This has the Japanese keyboard. I tried new drivers from panasonic, to no avail.
I'm assuming its time for a new keypad. I found a new one from Japan for $130 shipped.

Couple of questions,
Is this keypad secured with adhesive only? If so, a good adhesive to use, or just thin double sided tape?
Where can I access the ribbon connector? Do I have to pull the back off and start pulling the main board, ssd etc out?

 

Never owned an AX2 so I can't help much.
I use thin double sided tape for keyboards. It works great.

I just checked and I don't have a service manual either.

 

The keyboard is probably double sided taped in. The cf-w8 , t8 and s10 have 4 metal clips that are under a water proof barrier that need to be removed to get the keyboard out. You can see them under the battery and hard drive, depending on model. Ribbon is under the keyboard. They are done this way since they are designed to take a small spill of liquid. The s10 and ax2 should be similar

 

Ok, Ill try peeling up the keyboard first before starting to remove anything from the backside. Thanks.

 

A cake icing spreader works well.

Think wide and thin.