How to remove keyboard ribbon?

Peño · 23 Aug 2010 at 23:09

I've removed the keyboard from an Acer laptop before but as I am replacing a relative's Toshiba keyboard, I am being a bit more cautious. How do I release the keyboard from a Equium A300D-16C?

I've tried pulling down (the direction of the ribbon) on the black connector. I've tried pulling up (perpendicular to the plane) on the white connector hoping that would release the black connector. Maybe I'm being too cautious but I'd rather that than cause more damage.

Anyone care to help?

Thanks.

PhillyDee · 23 Aug 2010 at 23:18

looks to me like a plug. in which case, pull the sides of the plug along theribbon cable direction.

BlastRadius · 24 Aug 2010 at 11:33

On previous laptops I have found that the white plastic acts as a sliding clamp. Try sliding it away or up from the ribbon.

Edit: Should have said that the ribbons on the ones I have replaced came free with no plastic on the end, bare ribbon with contacts.

da_ging · 24 Aug 2010 at 13:46

you lift that black bit of plastic up

Toughnoodle · 24 Aug 2010 at 13:47

Your picture is blurry and it's making it hard to tell, but I think the black plastic part is on a hinge. Try carefully pulling the black lastic edges up towards you and away from the motherboard. I think my old Dell was like that.

PhillyDee · 24 Aug 2010 at 16:59

If you can get a better clearer piccy, it actually looks like the ribbon is the plug. The white part of the ribbon is usually to strengthen it for this purpose. Its very difficult to tell properly.

beermonster · 24 Aug 2010 at 21:44

The black strip will pop up but do it carefully without force, best you use a small flat philips screw driver.

JonJ678 · 25 Aug 2010 at 00:36

Something always holds these in place. Only option there is the black bit, so +1 to that.

Dont just tug the cable, it is fragile

Peño · 26 Aug 2010 at 18:58

Thanks for the advice guys.

I decided to wait until I received the replacement keyboard. The connection was just the ribbon so it was obvious then that all I had to do was flip up the black hinge and slide out/in the keyboard ribbon.

mick.stirman · 11 Oct 2011 at 07:59

A300D 16C

I have the same model and I'm trying to remove the keyboard.
I've taken all the visible screws out but the top cover wont shift. Are there more screws under some of the components or am I being a bit too delicate levering off the cover?