Embarrasing laptop keyboard question 3

[mmshrink2]

Ok, so I spilled a few drops of coffee on my Acer Travelmate 225X laptop keyboard yesterday, about which I am most contrite. Initially there were about 4 or 5 keys that were no longer responding when pressed, and now there is only one key that remains dead (the 't' key).
Is there any way to workaround this without having to install a new keyboard? Is it an expensive fix otherwise?

 

[micker377]

See if you can contact Acer for a service manual. Some laptops (like my Solo), it's a matter of 5 or 6 screws to remove the keyboard. Others cannot be dis-assembled, except in a shop. I suppose yours is out of warranty?

P.S. I had to replace my keyboard, once you take the keys apart - they are very hard to get back together!

 

[Volk359]

In the meantime holding down the ATL key, type 116 then release will give you a 't'. 84 for uppercase.

 

[moldboy]

If you are out of waranty, and you want anything short of paying for the replacement you could try an electrical lubricant like WD-40

That being said I have never tried it before, procede carefuly.

 

[paparazi]

moldboy
Probably not a good idea as WD40 is an insulating lubricant and will leave an oily residue on everything.
Electrical switch cleaner, which drys clean, is probably better suited for this purpose.
Available from Maplin/Tandy or similar electronic store.
Martin

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[sonicalia]

I agree, WD40 has not worked for me in the past for things like this.
Martin, are you referring to De-Oxit? That seems to dry clean, I use it on my hi-fi gear.
It seems to me that when I've spilled anything on my keyboard it is important to unplug and let it dry, and if it is anything sugary try to remove all sources of electricity and then clean promptly.

 

[paparazi]

It is, as you say, the sticky residue left that is acting as an insulator on that particular key.
So the object is to rinse away/disolve as much of this sticky mess as possible hopefully bringing back proper key function.

As suggested, best leave some "drying time" before use.

I guess De-Oxit is a proprietory brand name for a particular switch cleaner? same as?
Martin

We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.

 

[paparazi]

I will just add that whilst most laptop keyboards are not designed to be taken apart SOME are, so it might be worth a look. It will obviously be much easier and more thorough a job if you can get to the individual key pads and the PCB itself.
Martin

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Participate and help others.

 

[mmshrink2]

Thanks very much all; I will get onto it pronto

 

[stduc]

If it was plain black coffee I doubt you will have any problems once it fully dries.
If it was white coffee you may have lasting problems.
If was white or black coffee with sugar - the sugar will never fully dry! It will absorb moisture from the air on damp days!

You may be able to lever the keys off with no harm done (they may just snap on/off). But use something wooden or plastic to do this, not metal! You may then be able to clean up the coffee!

 

[rirusstek2]

Do try some of these products, and not any product that would leave a residue. The idea would be to "flush out" any sugar or milk that has coated the key contacts.

http://www.polywater.com/typefd.html

http://www.tessco.com/products/getProductInfo.do?sku=28858

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog_name=CTLG&product_id=64-4315

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog_name=CTLG&product_id=64-4338

 

[mmshrink2]

Well I took it to my local repair store and I'm told that the circuit for that key is burnt-out and needs replacement, alternatively a new keyboard. I have no experience with laptop hardware, so I don't know if i'm being ripped off or not, but a new keyboard does sound a bit excessive given that it is only a single key that's malfunctioning.

 

[paparazi]

mmshrink2
Burnt out! well I doubt it! as the keyboard only carries milliamps, possibly just bad terminology for busted.
It is possible some function will return in time.
Martin

We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.

 

[mmshrink2]

Thanks Martin, and thanks rirusstek2 for the links. And by the way it was black decaff, no sugar.

 

[stduc]

No you shouldn't need a new keyboard. Any competant repair shop should be able to get the keyboard apart and cleaned as so adequately described above. I must admit I am surprised that black decaf sans sucre is still causing a problem. Must have been industrial stength! I would be inclined to wait and see. Is the laptop insured?

 

[mmshrink2]

It is insured, stduc, but coffee spillage I would think qualifies as extreme negligence and the claim is likely to be turned down. I will persevere with my search for a competent repair shop, though. Ta very much

 

[stduc]

Re insurance - why not call them and ask what your options are? I did just that regarding a mobile phone. I found them ery helpful and we came to the conclusion it wasn't worth my claiming due to loss of no claim bonus + excess. But in your case it may be different. No harm done anyway.

 

[bisawest]

You should try some contact cleaner, which is probably the same as what the others were suggesting. It is designed for such uses, and dries quickly with no residue.

Have a nice day today, and a better day tomorrow!!!

 

[Waffles74]

I just spilled milk on my laptop this morning. Everything is working fine although a couple of keys on the keyboard stick when not used for a couple minutes. The buttons on the mouse feel funny too, they don't make the clicking sound anymore. I know you guys have made recommendations in this forum, can, you give me the ones that you think will work the best please.

Thanks

 

[mcheeze]

ok..most of the information given is good. if you have tried the simple procedures such as cleaning the keyboard, removing the key tab that is not working and clean more thoroughly, and nothing has worked, your only option is to replace the keyboard. that is unless you want to attempt to sodder the circuit that has burned out. and YES it can happen. SDUC mentions that any competent repair shop should be able to clean a keyboard to get it working again. well if the circuit burned out(i've had it happen on my TV remote control when soda spilled on it) then a cleaning won't fix the problem. replacing the keyboard is simple, no matter what brand/model you have. look online for directions.