Weird Laptop Problem - Help Needed

[dgiles79]

I have a laptop that would not power on. After testing it, I determined that the problem was related to the keyboard. When the keyboard is connected, and just laid on top of the laptop, everything works fine. When I fit the keyboard in to its slot in the laptop case, it doesn't power on, the battery wont charge, it acts completely dead.

I'm thinking, that when I click the keyboard in to place, it must be creating a short. Has anyone seen this before, or have any tips on how to find out exactly where the short is?

Thanks.

[frodo7200]

im guessing theres no actual physical contact between the 2? normally plastic casing between them,so it sounds more like pressure from when the kb is installed in the case affecting a dry joint somewhere on the mb or power switch board? look to see for anything that looks "high" where it might be being pushed down by the kb. ideally you need to find the pressure point that stops it from working (have you tried gently pressing the area with the kb out?) and sort the dry joint, or pack out the kb a bit to stop it pushing down.

[dgiles79]

When I put pressure just above the touch pad (where the bottom of the keyboard would be), it no longer powers on.

I have visually inspected the area, and nothing seems to be sticking up more than it should, but I will keep testing it, to see if I can identify the source of the issue.

Thanks.

[coffee]

Drive by post ----

Are your screws for the keyboard too long? Shorting out on board?


Best Regards,

coffee

[NYJimbo]

Make and model of laptop is ?

[cooltech]

Might try looking at the connectors from keyboard to the motherboard.
the ribbon cord might be bent or snaped.

[ComputerRepairTech]

Originally Posted by dgiles79

When I put pressure just above the touch pad (where the bottom of the keyboard would be), it no longer powers on.

Is that both plugged in without a battery and unplugged in with a charged battery?

[dgiles79]

Originally Posted by ComputerRepairTech

Is that both plugged in without a battery and unplugged in with a charged battery?

Yes, it is the same on battery or with battery removed and plugged in.

Originally Posted by cooltech

Might try looking at the connectors from keyboard to the motherboard.
the ribbon cord might be bent or snaped.

It appears that the problem isn't caused directly by the keyboard, but the pressure of inserting the keyboard in place is causing a short or issue with the motherboard.

Originally Posted by NYJimbo

Make and model of laptop is ?

It's a Dell Inspiron 1545

Originally Posted by coffee

Drive by post ----

Are your screws for the keyboard too long? Shorting out on board?


Best Regards,

coffee

No, as it happens without the keyboard being screwed in place.

[dgiles79]

I have tried replacing the motherboard, and the same problem still exists. Would everyone else agree, that the case is what's most likely causing the short?

[gaDJet]

Was going to say try taking the whole thing apart completely.. But you mentioned you replaced the motherboard then you had to have done so.

If not, you need to make sure everything is seated correctly.

Anything funny going on with a visual inspection of the power jack? wiring around it? inside the jack? This, ONLY if the battery is dead.

If battery is alive and well. definitely visually inspect board for any cracks.