Aspire 5 A517-51 keyboard not working. Only the power button is working

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Answers

  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,852 Trailblazer

    Are all the machines the same BIOS version 2.03 with the same datestamp 5/22/2019?

    Jack E/NJ

  • FlipFluitketel
    FlipFluitketel Member Posts: 12

    Tinkerer
    https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1258251#Comment_1258251

    First laptop isn't here anymore, problem with that one was in november and I updated the bios to the latest version which at that moment also was 2.03 (the problem was present before updating the bios, so it has nothing to do with the bios-update).

  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,852 Trailblazer
    Answer ✓

    Most likely hardware. My best guess is the KB cable wedge assembly. Maybe warped? The white push wedgies on the sides often break off or otherwise don't apply enough pressure to make good contact with the ends of the ribbon. I've had to tape the cable end or use a mylar film spacer inside the connector on some boards to make good contact. The white line on the ribbon must be parallel to and just kissing the edge of the connector

    kbfpc-0.jpg

    kbfpc.jpg

    Jack E/NJ

  • FlipFluitketel
    FlipFluitketel Member Posts: 12

    Tinkerer
    https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1258300#Comment_1258300

    I was thinking of this piece too, but then I also would think none of the keys should work instead of just one. I've taken it apart, put it back several times, the line is parallel with the connector (both pieces), I've tried putting it in not completely, put it in a bit crooked but then the powerbutton doesn't work either.

    It just makes no sense that only 1 of 100+ keys is working on the same cable. If it was the opposite then I could understand that there was a bit of damage somewhere, but not how it is with this (and definitely not after putting it in standby, not moving the laptop, waking it up and problem occurred).

    I think I'm going to tell my customer there are 2 options, using an external keyboard or throwing this thing out of the window. It isn't worth the money replacing the keyboard (with topcover) because it (officially) isn't supported by Windows 11 so in october 2025 it gets no more updates.

  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,852 Trailblazer

    I think I'm going to tell my customer there are 2 options, using an
    external keyboard or throwing this thing out of the window. It isn't
    worth the money replacing the keyboard (with topcover) because it
    (officially) isn't supported by Windows 11 so in october 2025 it gets no
    more updates.

    Agreed. I had one old netbook KB in which all the keys eventually failed within a few weeks. Not all at once. Started with the arrow down key. Then one or two after another. Seem to recall top row Fx keys ere last to go. Replacement KB was only about $8 from Aliexpress. And a whole lot easier to replace than what you're up against. I suspected that the ribbon connector sealed inside the KB was some kind of not-too-well press-or-tape together affair.

    Jack E/NJ

  • San84
    San84 Member Posts: 1 New User
    https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1258421#Comment_1258421

    Hey there I have the exact same issue, the keyboard stopped working from nowhere only power button works.

    And I am 100% sure it's not the small thing that turns to left and extends the cable, since I tried directly connecting it to the motherboard KB connector and still only power button works.

  • nty_qrld
    nty_qrld Member Posts: 3 New User

    I just have the same identical problem with the same model Acer Aspire 5 A517-51-34Q1.

    All keys suddenly stopped working, except of power button key - even in BIOS. I can only use it with usb plugged external keyboard.

    It looks like there is a latent defect in this model.

  • karlfee
    karlfee Member Posts: 1 New User

    For me it worked like this:

    I unconnected the cmos battery that lives under the big battery. This cmos-battery is connected with the motherboard with a small plug. I Just took the plug out for a sec, plugged it in again. I guess this way the Bios and a faulty adjustment has been reset.
    Than reassembled the big battery pack, connected it with the motherboard, closed the cover, put in the hand full of screws, turned it on, and happily wrote this text =)

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