Sticky Stiff Keys

[dmcgiv]

hi,
a couple of days ago i spilt some apply juice on my Tkinkpad T42 It works ok apart from some of the keys have become stiff and stick when pressed. Is there any safe way to fix/clean the keys as it's making using my thinkpad a real pain.

Cheers,
Damien

[jdhurst]

The high road here might be to quickly obtain a replacement keyboard - they are not expensive. Then remove the existing keyboard and look carefully for dried juice inside the machine. If there is a bit, and you can safely clean it with a damp (but not dripping) cloth. You can also remove the palm rest (get the hardware manual on-line) and clean it if necessary. Then install the new keyboard.

The low road: You could remove the keyboard and attempt to rinse it gently with clear water and let it dry. Absolutely no guarantee on this on.
... JD Hurst

[rayfranco]

Damien,

Relay, I must have spilt wine in my desktop dell keyboard at least five times. Under the keys there is a rubber membrane that prevents the substance from reaching the printed circuit board. The thinkpads have the same membrane. On IBM's website there is a video of them pouring coffee on a thinkpad keyboard.

The rubber membrance prevents any electrical problem. However, the sticky substance prevents the keys from moving freely. You have to remove the keys and clean them and the hole they were in. It is best to remove one key at a time. I use rubbing alcoholic and que tips. The keys have a plastic catch on two sides that you have to press in to remove them. It is usually not neccessary to press in on the catches to reinsert the keys, but don't apply to much pressure. You should also clean the top side of the rubber membrance. I don't recommend cleaning every key, but I do recommend cleaning every key than has any drag to it. You don't want to have to go back inside because you failed to clean one of keys.

The process takes me about 45 minutes. I don't know what IBM charges for a new keyboard, or what your time is worth to you, or how skilled of a technician you are.

Good Luck,

[dmcgiv]

Thanks for the advice. I think I'll try and clean the keys before buying a new keyboard - I'm (unfortunitly) one of thoes people who loves taking things apart.

Cheers,
Damien