Did I damage keyboard on z?

Hello,
I upgraded HD in z720 and noticed that windows complains that fingerprint reader is not connected and now some keys are not functioning. I tried to reset the keyboard cable and now only several keys working. Admittedly, I forgot to disconnect battery before lifting the keyboard. How come some keys still work if it an electrical malfunction? Anything I can try short of looking for repair center or replacement part? Thanks!

 

Here is what to do:

1. Disconnect Z from the power and remove the battery

2. Remove the screws from the bottom

3. CAREFULLY lift the keyboard up from the >FRONT< (near LCD) side ONLY - lift it so the angle between the keyboard and Z is ~45 degrees and then disconnect the keyboard connector by applying gentle force >from the side< of the connector (never from the top/bottom!)

4. Remove the keyboard and carefully inspect the connection between it and the FPC cable. You will notice that this is the reason why the keyboard should be lifted from the front first, as this connection can be disconnected quite easily when carelessly removing the keyboard

5. If the connector is dislocated - remove it and then connect again. Please observe themechanism for removal of those FPC cables: there is a "handle" which you need to "unlock" with your fingernail. Do it carefully! Upon returning the cable you need to "lock" it agan make sure that the cable is settled in place correctly! This is the most important part, as if the cable is not set properly you might create a short circuit and fry it!! - I speak from experience

6. Additionally, you can "seal" the cable with the additional piece of sticky tape so it does not get disconnected with the future keyboard removal. There should already be a piece of tape there, but in my experience it is too weak and sometimes it is not enough to keep the FPC cable firm

7. Bring back the keyboard to the 45 degree angle, and gently connect the keyboard connector with the keyboard port. Apply firm, but not too big pressure to settle it in place

8. Assemble

If the keyboard still does not work properly - most likely the FPC cable is damaged and you will need to order a new one, or bring the computer to the service.

 

Wow - that's why I love this forum!

 

Psyq321, you are da man! Repped. Quite a difference from the chat with sony tech support today. Reset cables and it didn't help.

Is this the cable I need? It's the same model number as I seen on my laptop: http://cgi.ebay.ph/Sony-Vaio-VGN-Z590-FPC-Cable-FPC-130-1-877-129-11-/260550830688

It's not cheap. Is there a big chance that it's not the part that is broken? I do remember being rough with cable though.

Found repair manual http://www.4shared.com/file/80881144/84435c23/Vgn_z_e.html

How likely that Sony will deny my in warranty repair request if I will not mention that I opened it?

 

10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000%

 

so u saying they always check if case was opened?

 

@HDTV4me,

Yep, that's the cable you need. I know - it's expensive (I had to buy it, too)

Did you try to fit it again and check that everything is connected properly?

If you did, and keyboard still does not work, there is a huge chance that the cable is broken.

As for the warranty, I doubt that you would lose warranty just because you opened the notebook, but if they see that you messed with the cable, and the cable is actually broken - that does give them the right to deny warranty claim, because you actually broke it.

But if there are no visible burn marks, or pin damage marks... it is very unlikely they could link the malfunction with you opening and fiddling with the notebook internals.

 

Wow, no joke. I'm considering myself lucky with all my tinkering.

psyq321, you are very helpful as usual. Glad to have you on these forums.