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Today I will remove and replace a damaged keyboard on a Dell Inspiron 1525 laptop. I’m replacing the keyboard because my customer spilled soda on it and all keys are sticky. If you need a new keyboard for your Dell Inspiron 1525 laptop you can find it here for less than $20.
By the way, here’s how you can fix individual keys on a laptop keyboard.
First of all, turn off the laptop, unplug the power adapter and remove the battery.
STEP 1.
Remove two screws in the battery compartment. These screws securing the keyboard bezel.
STEP 2.
Carefully lift up one side of the keyboard bezel with a screwdriver.
STEP 3.
Continue removing the keyboard bezel with your fingers. Be careful, there is a thin ribbon cable connecting the button board to the motherboard. The cable has to stay connected to the motherboard.
STEP 4.
Turn the keyboard bezel over. Make sure the cable is still connected.
Remove two screws securing the keyboard.
STEP 5.
Lift up the keyboard.
The keyboard is connected to the motherboard via a flat ribbon cable. Before you can remove the keyboard, you’ll have to unlock the connector and release the cable.
On the picture below you can see the connector in the locked position.
Now the connector is unlocked and the cable can be released.
STEP 6.
Remove and replace the damaged keyboard with a new keyboard.
The keyboard part number could be found on the sticker. The part number follows letters CN. In my laptop the keyboard part number is 0NK750.
Static electricity can kill your laptop. I recommend wearing an anti-static wrist strap while working with internal parts of your laptop.
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November 17th, 2009 at 9:34 am
bob,
Here’s the keyboard/hinge cover for Dell Inspiron 1525.
Carefully.
November 16th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
i am trying to find a keyboard cover for a inspiron 1525 laptop. I am also trying to find out how to vacuum my keyboard without worrying about te keys popping offf.. help?
November 16th, 2009 at 10:39 am
thanks for the guidance on replacing my keyboard….worked like a charm!!
November 10th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
you saved a poor college student a bundle, thank you!
November 10th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Thank you..
November 10th, 2009 at 11:18 am
Prince Xavier,
Yes, it’s possible and you can find instructions in the official service manual but try using the Fn+Z shortcut first.
Press down the Fn key and at the same time hit the Z key. You can use this shortcut to increase/decrease the fan speed. Does it work for your model?
November 9th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
I meant it goes at max speed no matter what. Either ON or OFF without any in between speeds. Thx for helping me…
November 9th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Hello. I would like to know if it is possible to change the fan of the dell inspiron 1525. Mine always goes at max speed and is quite noisy. Thx for your help…
November 9th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Dave,
Unfortunately, the black locking clip is a part of the connector on the motherboard. It doesn’t come with the keyboard.
Maybe you can insert the keyboard cable into the connector, lock it with the remaining part of the clip and secure with sticky tape?
November 9th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
After taking my computer apart to figure out if I needed to replace the keyboard or just a loose cable, I noticed that the connector for the flat ribbon cable….the black piece that must be unlocked…is broken. One end of it is missing (i think it is floating around inside the computer) and 2 of the copper connector wires show. Does that connector piece come with a new keyboard? Or any suggestions on how to fix it if it does not come with a new keyboard?
Thanks…
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Thanks for the assistance. My new keyboard is installed perfectly
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:10 am
I have a inspiron 1525, i took the screws out of the bottom (hoping to get it apart to clean the fan, but due to 2 screws with stripped heads i cant), anyhow i knocked my screws from where i had them so they all got muddles up and now ive had to guess where the “red” and “blue” screws go (i think i remembered where the shorter screws were but for the longer blue and even longer red screws i cant rememebr (ive put it back to gether for now in the hope it wont fall apart).
I jues want to know if theres anywhere explaining the plan of which screws go where, the service manual didnt seem to mention the different size screws.
October 17th, 2009 at 1:26 am
Hello I have an inspiron 1525 it was sent to dell for repair to where the power cord plugs in. When returned it was repaired beautifully, unfortunately It returned with no sound from the speakers. The headphone jacks work fine and I currently have some PC speakers hooked into that for sound, but this is a pain if I want sound while away from home. Any ideas or suggestions? I do not want to send it back to Dell for re-repair as it took almost two months last time before I got it back! Thanks so much!
October 7th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Nick,
Maybe when the bezel is installed it’s shorting something. Take a closer look under the bezel, make sure cables are routed correctly.
I cannot tell what is causing the problem without looking at the laptop, it’s not a common failure. I think it must be something simple.
October 3rd, 2009 at 11:20 am
I replace the keyboard put it all back together and when i turned it on i get a black screen the power light turns on and i hear the dvd rom drive move but nothing on the screen. i took the bezel off and it works fine but when i put it back on it the laptop doesnt work. i replace the bezel and cable with a new on and its still a no go any suggestions?
September 16th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Used these directions on the 1545 model after some of the keys stopping working (no spills for me) and as you can see it worked great! Thank you! I saved a lot of time and money finding someone to fix it and paying someone to put it in. Thanks again!
September 12th, 2009 at 8:22 am
Thank you for the link…………..wish me luck =)
September 10th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Dee,
Most likely you’ll have to replace the motherboard.
Take a look at this service manual for step-by-step motherboard removal and replacement instructions.
September 9th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Anyone able to assist with the problem I posted on 8/31??
My nephew has a Dell Inspiron 1525 that had a beverage spill…………….immediately turned off, removed battery and turned upside down………….have not taken off the keyboard/top yet to inspect for damage.
Laptop powers up, but black screen……………..
does this sound like a Mother Board replacement is needed?
I appreciate any help you may have………….also, any links on how to change the motherboard if you feel that is what is causing the problem.
Thanks!