Acer Switch Alpha 12 SA5-271-51XD Model No.: N16P3 screen detaching from the chassis of the computer

DanzNotes
DanzNotes Member Posts: 4 New User
edited August 18 in Switch Series

Hello. I'm new here. I have the above-mentioned computer, Acer Switch Alpha 12 SA5-271-51XD Model No.: N16P3- MFG Date: 2016.05 and about 2 or 3 months ago my screen started detaching from the chassis of the computer. It has been getting worse as time goes by. My computer's audio is going up and down by itself (very annoying), and other weird things are happening - things that make me think my computer is shorting out. The only reason I'm still able to use my computer is because I have a bunch of strong clips all around the computer holding the screen down. Does anybody know anything about this? Is there a fix for it. Is this a known problem? Has there been a recall for this problem? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Oh, and I also noticed recently that my computer is very hot to the touch. It never used to be like that.

[Edited the thread to add issue detail]

Best Answers

  • StevenGen
    StevenGen ACE Posts: 12,154 Trailblazer
    edited August 18 Answer ✓
    https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/711101/acer-switch-alpha-12-sa5-271-51xd-model-no-n16p3-screen-detaching-from-the-chassis-of-the-computer

    Unfortunately, and due to your Alpha 12 pad being 8 years old, you have plastic case failure from wear and tear of the product, that is why it broke. You need to change the bottom case or top case if its securing points are broken.

    You can try hot glue, but don't use the hot glue gun, as you need to melt the glue allot softer than what a hot glue gun melts the glue, use a soldering hot air gun or a lighter torch to melt the glue with about 500C temps and then apply it to the broken components to glue them together and sandwich components for a good bond, as this method is very successful and glues plastic components very well and securely and will last years.

    Below is the components diagram for your Alpha pad which is identified as an Aspire SA5-271 pad, so replace the appropriate components (as the Acer part numbers are also included) that are broken, and you can reference from the diagram below. Note that this Alpha 12 pad is old and parts could be hard to get, unless you can get an old pad and swap parts. Good luck and hope this helps you out.

    image.png
    image.png
    image.png

    If this answers your question and solved your query please "Click on Yes" or "Click on Like" if you find my answer useful👍

  • DanzNotes
    DanzNotes Member Posts: 4 New User
    Answer ✓

    Thank you billsey. I'm a 'root cause' kind of guy - in all aspects of life. If my battery is the root cause, could that be why the screen is detaching from the entire perimeter of the computer. I now have 5 stong clamps holding the screen to the computer (I started with one, and as the screen started coming detached from more and more of the perimeter of the computer, I just kept adding more clamps (see pic). Assuming the battery is in just one area of the computer, could the 'battery swelling' be causing the 'entire' perimeter of the screen to be detaching from the computer?

    20240818_153541.jpg

  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 34,219 Trailblazer
    Answer ✓

    Yup, in the worst case we saw instances where the screen itself would crack from the pressure the battery put on it. It's pretty easy to see when you open it up. Be careful with that ribbon cable that goes between the MB and bottom of the case where the keyboard fits, it's easy to pull on that and have it tear…

    Click on "Like" if you find my answer useful or click on "Yes" if it answers your question.

Answers

  • StevenGen
    StevenGen ACE Posts: 12,154 Trailblazer
    edited August 18 Answer ✓
    https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/711101/acer-switch-alpha-12-sa5-271-51xd-model-no-n16p3-screen-detaching-from-the-chassis-of-the-computer

    Unfortunately, and due to your Alpha 12 pad being 8 years old, you have plastic case failure from wear and tear of the product, that is why it broke. You need to change the bottom case or top case if its securing points are broken.

    You can try hot glue, but don't use the hot glue gun, as you need to melt the glue allot softer than what a hot glue gun melts the glue, use a soldering hot air gun or a lighter torch to melt the glue with about 500C temps and then apply it to the broken components to glue them together and sandwich components for a good bond, as this method is very successful and glues plastic components very well and securely and will last years.

    Below is the components diagram for your Alpha pad which is identified as an Aspire SA5-271 pad, so replace the appropriate components (as the Acer part numbers are also included) that are broken, and you can reference from the diagram below. Note that this Alpha 12 pad is old and parts could be hard to get, unless you can get an old pad and swap parts. Good luck and hope this helps you out.

    image.png
    image.png
    image.png

    If this answers your question and solved your query please "Click on Yes" or "Click on Like" if you find my answer useful👍

  • DanzNotes
    DanzNotes Member Posts: 4 New User

    I am beyond impressed with how quickly and comprehensively this issue was responded to. This community is awesome, and StevenGen is a miracle man, and so kind, so helpful, so knowledgeable and so thorough. Thank you man. You are amazing!

    With that said, I am not melting glue at 500C, lol. I'll end up in the hospital. I think I'll just buy another computer. I really like pads. Any suggestions?

  • StevenGen
    StevenGen ACE Posts: 12,154 Trailblazer
    https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1292645#Comment_1292645

    Thank you DanzNotes you are so very kind as we try our best to help community members and we appreciate the problems and frustrations that some have with their products, and they want solutions. Take care and thanks again for appreciating us on this community!

    If this answers your question and solved your query please "Click on Yes" or "Click on Like" if you find my answer useful👍

  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 34,219 Trailblazer

    Very likely the root cause is the battery, the original batteries were prone to swelling and the extra thickness is what pushed the screen out from the case. Replace the battery and you should be back to normal.

    Click on "Like" if you find my answer useful or click on "Yes" if it answers your question.
  • DanzNotes
    DanzNotes Member Posts: 4 New User
    Answer ✓

    Thank you billsey. I'm a 'root cause' kind of guy - in all aspects of life. If my battery is the root cause, could that be why the screen is detaching from the entire perimeter of the computer. I now have 5 stong clamps holding the screen to the computer (I started with one, and as the screen started coming detached from more and more of the perimeter of the computer, I just kept adding more clamps (see pic). Assuming the battery is in just one area of the computer, could the 'battery swelling' be causing the 'entire' perimeter of the screen to be detaching from the computer?

    20240818_153541.jpg

  • DanzNotes
    DanzNotes Member Posts: 4 New User

    @ billsey…I forgot to mention that my computer, front and back, is really, really warm, almost hot. It never used to be like that. Is that a concern, or a clue?

  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 34,219 Trailblazer
    Answer ✓

    Yup, in the worst case we saw instances where the screen itself would crack from the pressure the battery put on it. It's pretty easy to see when you open it up. Be careful with that ribbon cable that goes between the MB and bottom of the case where the keyboard fits, it's easy to pull on that and have it tear…

    Click on "Like" if you find my answer useful or click on "Yes" if it answers your question.

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