keyboard problems: certain sets of keys do not work

[gavin3194]

Hi, first off, I did try searching this problem, but I could not find a thread about a problem similar to mine

I have an IBM Thinkpad laptop. The model is i1400 (or it might be a i1500, not really sure). It's a 2621-427. The problem I'm having is with the keyboard (Part number 02k5077). Certain keys do not work. Those keys are A, S, D, F, U, I, O, P and J. I am pretty sure that J is not related to the other keys. The J key might just have dirt under it. The other keys, however, are in two sections on the keyboard (A-F and U-P). I dissconnected one of the three ribon cables attaching the keyboard to the laptop and discovered that one single ribbon cable is responsible for all the key functions (the other two cables are for the mouse and the mouse buttons). I am almost positive the problem is that specific ribbon cable. I know I can just order the keyboard for $50-$70 dollars, so I would probably go with that option rather than sending it in to get fixed. I was just wondering if you had any advice for what I could do to solve the problem. The ribbon cable does not look to be damaged from what I can see. From what I can see, no tracks are broken on that ribbon cable. Do you have any advice? I bought this laptop used, so it is not under warranty and I bought it in the current condition, so I do not know if a previous owner dropped it or spilled anything on it, etc. I have searched all over the internet for a solution, or atleast explanation of what is wrong with my keyboard and I have asked many people, but I have yet to find an answer. Any advice or ideas would really be appreciated. Thanks, Gavin

[davidspalding]

Just my 2¢. If that's all that's wrong with it (bought as-is), you're sitting pretty. You might check if you can buy/extend a warranty with IBM, other posters have mentioned doing this.

If you haven't, I'd run some kind of system diagnostic program to thoroughly check the laptop. If it finds other things wrong, then sending it in could be a simpler way of getting it up to snuff.

[LtTPfan]

This same thing just recently happened on one of my 770s, the same keys. Both times it was corrected by tapping one of the keys rather hard. I can't remember if it was the I or the O. I don't know why this would happen or how that would fix it. It seems if one of the keys was "stuck" on, it would be typing or give a keyboard error on bootup. Luckily, I have some spare keyboards if this becomes problematic.

[mtroxel]

A client of mine spilled coffee all over her i1400. She thought it was toast. All I did was replace the keyboard. Runs great. It's not a hard job. It would take way less time and $'s than sending it somewhere. Just buy the keyboard and do it yourself. Sounds like you already know how to take it off since you're looked "under the hood".

Just make sure you unplug it and take out the battery before you fool with it. I had to buy a $500 motherboard once because I left the battery in when I swaped a keyboard....