Swift 3 SF314-54 keyboard problem potential solution

bananabendera · July 2019

Problem description

Hi all, just wanted to share a potential fix for this infuriating issue where certain keys do not work (a,x,c,n). I had tried removing the driver and restarting multiple times which didn't work. Also tried changing settings (in the latest BIOS) and using the battery disconnect pinhole. This issue had persisted through Linux and Windows installs too so it obviously isn't an OS problem. The keys would sometimes randomly partially start working if I spammed the malfunctioning keys individually.

My solution:

With caution, press down firmly on the laptop, just in front of the keyboard, on either side of the touch pad such that the brushed metal flexes down.

This restored proper functionality for my keyboard. Not an ideal fix, probably not even permanent, but hopefully this can help someone who doesn't have the option of waiting/paying for a service.

bananabendera · September 2019

Hi all, just wanted to provide an update on this. Got sick of having to press down and bend the laptop and it seems I have found a permanent solution.

I decided to open the laptop back up after reading the following threads: Swift 3 won't turn on. Swift 3 KB Degrades.

Upon opening the laptop, like other times I couldn't notice that the keyboard cable was in any way damaged or inserted wrong, as the white line was as far in as I could get it, and seemed level/flush with the port. The user in the second thread I listed gave a good image, A and B are little plastic tabs you pull out to release the cable, while C is the battery cable:

From my issue, it seemed that somehow, one of the pins for one of the conductors in the keyboard's flex/ribbon cable wasn't contacting properly in the port, and pushing down like I described in the OP made proper contact temporarily.

I did the same as the user in the second thread, disconnecting the keyboard and battery cables, and then putting the battery cable through the keyboard cable (KB cable loops around 180), instead of over it. I then also got a small length of electrical tape and wrapped it up into itself to form a soft tube (adhesive on inside), but I'm sure some foam would do the trick too. I placed this soft tube inside the keyboard cable loop, such that it pushes the keyboard cable into the port firmly. I also added some electrical tape running horizontally from A to B (above) to hopefully hold the tabs and cable in a little better. If you use electrical tape you might want to consider using a type that won't leave sticky residue everywhere.

As you can see, the electrical tape is putting upward pressure on the keyboard cable at point A. This seemed to fix my problem, hope it helps! Let me know if more explanation is needed.

Commodore_1995# · July 2019

Have you tried opening the notebook to see if it is a badly docked cable? This is the inside of your notebook:

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6029997/uploads/editor/hn/b4gnp8vivgu2.png

bananabendera · July 2019

egydiocoelho said:

Have you tried opening the notebook to see if it is a badly docked cable?

I have poked around inside before, but couldn't recognise any cables that were improperly connected.

Commodore_1995# · July 2019

Could you record a video with this solution? That way, users could do the procedure correctly!

bananabendera · September 2019

Hi all, just wanted to provide an update on this. Got sick of having to press down and bend the laptop and it seems I have found a permanent solution.

I decided to open the laptop back up after reading the following threads: Swift 3 won't turn on. Swift 3 KB Degrades.

Upon opening the laptop, like other times I couldn't notice that the keyboard cable was in any way damaged or inserted wrong, as the white line was as far in as I could get it, and seemed level/flush with the port. The user in the second thread I listed gave a good image, A and B are little plastic tabs you pull out to release the cable, while C is the battery cable:

From my issue, it seemed that somehow, one of the pins for one of the conductors in the keyboard's flex/ribbon cable wasn't contacting properly in the port, and pushing down like I described in the OP made proper contact temporarily.

I did the same as the user in the second thread, disconnecting the keyboard and battery cables, and then putting the battery cable through the keyboard cable (KB cable loops around 180), instead of over it. I then also got a small length of electrical tape and wrapped it up into itself to form a soft tube (adhesive on inside), but I'm sure some foam would do the trick too. I placed this soft tube inside the keyboard cable loop, such that it pushes the keyboard cable into the port firmly. I also added some electrical tape running horizontally from A to B (above) to hopefully hold the tabs and cable in a little better. If you use electrical tape you might want to consider using a type that won't leave sticky residue everywhere.

As you can see, the electrical tape is putting upward pressure on the keyboard cable at point A. This seemed to fix my problem, hope it helps! Let me know if more explanation is needed.

Commodore_1995# · September 2019

Thanks for sharing this solution! Thanks for sharing this solution! Accept your own answer so that other users can see the solution.

Vincenttjia · November 2019

egydiocoelho said:

Have you tried opening the notebook to see if it is a badly docked cable? This is the inside of your notebook:

hey could you provide the link to the pdf? Thank you. I want to do my own repair on the SF-314-54G.

Commodore_1995# · November 2019

Unfortunately we cannot provide the download link, but I can upload some images to assist you.

Vincenttjia · November 2019

egydiocoelho said:

Unfortunately we cannot provide the download link, but I can upload some images to assist you.

Thank you for your assistance could you tell me which pin responsible for which key. after trying to repair the axcn works fine but these key dont f4 f5 f6 4 5 6 rtydfgv alt . thank you

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6029997/uploads/editor/zo/dpece08tn9jq.png

Commodore_1995# · November 2019

The service manual does not contain this information. However, I have verified that there is a function in bios called function key behavior. Have you tried to change it?

Vincenttjia · November 2019

egydiocoelho said:

The service manual does not contain this information. However, I have verified that there is a function in bios called function key behavior. Have you tried to change it?

Yes function key and media key. It's not only the f4 f5 f6 that don't work but also r t y d f g v and alt.

Backstory: I left my laptop in Acer service center for 4 days and got a confirmation that I should pay IDR 800K for a keyboard replacement. After taking it back from the Acer service center refusing to pay the 800K(I should be in warranty but they says it's the keyboard not the cable, basically a rip off). axcn work but the mention above doesn't

Commodore_1995# · November 2019

Have you tried just purchasing the keyboard? I think it is possible to replace only the keyboard by following the procedures in this video:

https://youtu.be/cHC34Tl7PAw

Manny-Acer_Retired · November 2019

Hi Vincenttjia,

I'm sorry to hear that you're running into keyboard issues. I can certainly understand the frustration,i have sent you a PM asking for more information to better assist you.

Thank you,

Acer-Manny

Hunchieboy · September 2021

Just in case anyone, like me, stumbles into this thread with the same symptoms (afxc keys not working). Please make sure you have already checked for software and driver updates first.

I just ran an update whilst I pulled out my tools to try the above recommended approach… the software update fixed it for my aced swift.

thanks all