Various SZ Fixes w/ Pics: Space Bar, Touchpad, Battery Slot, HDD Replacement, Shock

DISCLAIMER: SOME OF THESE MODIFICATIONS MAY VOID THE WARRANTY(S) ON YOUR LAPTOP. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO YOUR LAPTOP OR HARDWARE RESULTING IN ANY WAY FROM YOUR ATTEMPT OF ANY OF THESE MODIFICATIONS.



[size=+0] VAIO SERVICE MANUALS[/size]: link


[size=+0] SPACE BAR[/size]
Problem: The left or right edge of the space bar doesn't register when pressed.
Discussion: link
Fix: This video (credits and thanks to Ikaris for the video and idea) shows how the modification is done. Add a few layers of tape to the middle of the space bar, cut to size shown below. I used electrical tape for this modification, but other kinds of tape will do. If you only experience a problem with one edge (the left edge for instance), place the tape a few millimeters off center. Make sure that the metal bar is properly hooked on both sides and all the connections are snapped into place when the space bar is reattached. If the tape is preventing any of the connections to snap into place, you've added too many layers, so remove a few and try again. Once the space bar performs normal when pressed and both edges register, you're done.







[size=+0] BATTERY/BATTERY SLOT DESIGN[/size]
Problem: The battery is loose and doesn't fit properly when it's inserted and locked into place.
Discussion: link
Fix: Use the soft, fuzzy half of adhesive-backed velcro fasteners on the bottom of your battery to fill the gap. If velcro fasteners can't be found, adhesive-backed felt for chair or furniture legs can also be used.







[size=+0] HARD DRIVE REPLACEMENT[/size]
Follow the Laptop Logic Guide.



[size=+0] TOUCHPAD[/size]
Problem: The touchpad is loose and makes a clicking noise when pressed.
Discussion: link
Fix: Follow the Laptop Logic guide to remove the keyboard from the laptop. This instruction begins after the keyboard attachment and its flex cable are removed.

Remove the three screws securing the palm rest attachment to the laptop, pull the attachment until it's free, and carefully flip it upside down. The flex cables are long enough so that they don't have to be disconnected from the motherboard when the palm rest attachment is flipped over, but be careful.

The clicking noise is made by one or more corners of the touchpad. Determine where it's being caused by pressing each corner of the touchpad from the bottom. Superglue the black plastic hook to the palm rest attachment at each affected corner, indicated by the red arrows in the picture below. Wear gloves while you clamp the plastic and the palm rest together with your fingers, and wait a few minutes for the superglue to set. There's a small gap in between the WLAN device and touchpad, so it's recommended to use packing foam or something similar to fill it. The touchpad will now be much firmer and the clicking noise should be eliminated.






[size=+0] ELECTRIC SHOCK/TINGLING SENSATION ON THE PALM REST[/size]
Problem: As your fingers run across the metallic palm rest while the laptop is powered by the original Sony two-pronged AC adapter, you feel an electric tingling sensation.
Fix: Replacing the stock adapter with a three-pronged grounded adapter is the only way to fix this problem. Fortunately, Sony is now offering to replace the two-prong adapter with a three-pronged adapter, free of charge, for users who are experiencing this problem. Read this discussion.

 

Looks like a very useful tutorial. Well done! I hope others can benefit from this.

 

great tutorial. this is a great all-in-one resource. thanks!

i've done a brief search on the forums, but does anyone know if these problems exist with all SZ models? or only premium/non-premium or 100/200 series?

 

I think only the battery problem applies to all SZ laptops. I'm not sure about the others. But all of these faults have already been mentioned on this forum before, so these aren't isolated cases.

I own the SZ150P/C Premium model.

 

thought i'd bump this thread. there's a lot of useful fixes in here, and new SZ users might not know the thread even exists.

i just got a VGNSZ28GPC in aus (the SZ2 premium version), and the only issue here that effects me is the loose battery. the space bar is responsive regardless of where it's pressed. there is no shock from the palm rest when the adaptor is plugged in, as the SZ28 here ships with a three pronged cable as standard. the touchpad is fine.

so yeah, i'm off to try and find some adhesive velcro.

 

Good tutorial, 10points for you for that . I have already fixed the battery problem.

I have other quietion. In my FS315, i unfortunately stepped on the cables from the headset, damaging both headphones and mic outlet... now the sound switches off sometimes when big vibration is around, so I have to insert and remove jack plug few times to get the sound in speakers back. Obviously, both outlets are not working properly now,neither headphones or jack. Do you think guys, it can go under little DIY, or should I pay a visit to Customer Service?

 

Great all-in one thread, thanks for the work of bringing it all together! Have some rep...

Javier

 

Maybe you could send all this info to Sony...

 

Great tutorial!
but a password is needed to access the UNIGO PICTURES page!
If anyone could give me the password, it would be great
thanks!

 

my new sz has none of these problems.

 

I have no issues,but very nice for future reference.

 

Use this guide instead to see how to open your SZ.

 

i do have issues with the battery and click noise thanx for the tips

 

I thought I previously read that using the 90W was a bad idea since it was undervolting?