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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.
UPDATE: I just created a new guide for Dell Inspiron 1525 laptop. It explains how to remove and replace LCD screen and inverter board.
If you find this article useful, please consider making a donation to the author. Thank you!
June 30th, 2009 at 9:38 am
A friend’s Dell Inspiron 1525 had soda spilled into it. I have opened and carefully cleaned off all sticky spots with alcohol and Q-tips. I get no power light BUT I get HD and WiFi LCD lights when plugged in and turned on. There is no movement of fan and a black screen. No sound…what in the world can I do?
July 1st, 2009 at 8:53 am
Babette Butler,
There is not much you can do. Did you clean off sticky spots from the motherboard? Apparently, the motherboard was damaged by liquid and has to be replaced.
July 1st, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Thank You for your prompt response!
Yes, I patiently cleaned off all the ‘exposed’ contacts after taking off the keyboard and the bottom plate; but, without removing every single component. Could it come back to life after an even more extensive cleaning?
July 1st, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Babette Butler,
I doubt that. Apparently, your friend spilled soda when the laptop was turned on. The liquid went down to the motherboard and damaged some components. Cleaning the motherboard will not fix damaged components.
July 2nd, 2009 at 4:25 am
Thank You for your comments. I appreciate your expertise. These tutorials are very helpful, as well!
July 7th, 2009 at 11:13 am
Thanks ,had it done in a few minutes, this was perfect!
July 9th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
do u have a guide on how to replace the hinges on the inspiron 1525?
July 9th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
rob,
You’ll have to disassemble the display panel and remove the LCD screen. The display disassembly steps will be similar for many different Dell laptops. Take a look at the Dell category on the right side and read through a few guides. You’ll get the idea.
July 11th, 2009 at 8:12 am
Can the fan be changed from behind the keyboard..My fan is broken and i need to change it.
Thanks
July 12th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
I have an Inspiron 1525 and my 3,e,d,c row is only working half the time… somtimes they work, sometimes they don’t. I have to play with them way too much to get them to even respond. this message actually really sucked to write… please help! Is this a keyboard issue only?…or somthing deeper?
July 19th, 2009 at 12:59 am
Seth,
Try reconnecting the keyboard cable on the motherboard. If it doesn’t help, try replacing the keyboard. Most likely it’s just a bad keyboard.
July 26th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
I need instructions on how to replace touch pad for a dell 1525.
August 2nd, 2009 at 1:26 pm
When I try to take off the keyboard it appears to be held in place by the touchpad/palmrest, how do I fix it?
August 7th, 2009 at 8:57 am
DO YOU KNOW HOW TO CLEAN THE KEYBOARD AFTER REMOVAL?PROBLEM BEING SOMEONE DROPPED ON IT AND NOW I HAVE STICKY KEYS.
August 11th, 2009 at 8:14 am
Thank you!! very helpful!!
August 18th, 2009 at 2:14 am
my q, w, a, s, z, x, Caps, backslash, 1, 2 and the one left of the 1 key don’t work at all on my Inspiron 1525 keyboard, but do work on my onscreen keyboard – I’m guessing it is something to do with the keys not being connected to the motherboard.. please help me!
August 18th, 2009 at 2:41 am
I have installed a new keyboard as instructed, but nothing happens when I switch and press the keys, is there something particular locking the connector
August 18th, 2009 at 11:03 am
Tim Nichols,
Make sure the keyboard cable is properly connected to the motherboard. The cable connector has to be locked.
August 18th, 2009 at 11:03 am
Leo,
If these keys just stopped working, probably it’s a bad keyboard. You’ll have to replace the keyboard.
August 24th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Question about step 4 photo. Where your thumb is hiding there is a connector underneath. during the removal of the keyboard it came unhooked and we can’t find where it connects to again. It sits right where your thumb is covering in step 4 photo. Thanks
August 24th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
thank you so much. i dropped tea on my key board, so the buttons were too sticky. i took the keyboard off by your help, washed and dried it. then i put it back. everything is very good now. no problem any more. thank you very very much
August 24th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
Brandi,
On the photo 4 I’m holding the keyboard cover. On the picture 5 the same cover is upside down and I don’t see any connector. Not sure what you are asking about.
Take a look at the official service manual for Inspiron 1525 laptops. Maybe pictures in the manual will help you.
August 26th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Hi,
Someone earlier asked if you had a step by step for replacing the fan on the Inspiron 1525, but I didn’t see a response. I was just wondering if you have one. Thanks
August 26th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
bob,
I haven’t created the fan replacement guide yet but you can follow instruction in the service manual. The cooling fan is mounted under the motherboard, so you’ll have to take the whole thing apart and remove the motherboard.
August 31st, 2009 at 7:32 pm
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!
September 3rd, 2009 at 9:45 pm
I dropped my dell inspiron 1525 and the screen is now filled with colourful vertical lines.
Does the whole screen need to be replaced?
Or can it be repaired somehow?
Thanks!
September 6th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Hey! My wife has a Dell Inspiron 1521. The “A” key is only intermittently functional at this point (guessing due to over use by my 5 and 7 yr old). What is the best way to take off the “A” key and see if something has come loose or needs cleaning? Or am I looking at a complete keyboard replacement? As far as I know, it’s only the one key that is acting up.
Thanks for all the info!
David.
September 6th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Keyboard ribbon connector clip broke. The black tab that snaps down on the ribbon at the connector. Can I get another and if so where? Also does the ribbon need to be pushed into the connector , if so maybe I can do without the black clip and use tape? I am afraid to be forceful.
September 8th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
Ian,
I really doubt that you can purchase this parts separately. It’s a part of the connector.
September 8th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
David,
You are looking at the complete keyboard replacement. I have exactly the same problem with the “Z” key (had to press 5 times to make it appear on the screen).
Even if you remove the key cap, you will not be able to access and clean contacts. They are hidden inside.
You can find a brand new keyboard for Inspiron 1521 for about $15.
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!
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 12th, 2009 at 8:22 am
Thank you for the link…………..wish me luck =)
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!
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?
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 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!
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.
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Thanks for the assistance. My new keyboard is installed perfectly
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 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 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 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 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 10th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Thank you..
November 10th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
you saved a poor college student a bundle, thank you!
November 16th, 2009 at 10:39 am
thanks for the guidance on replacing my keyboard….worked like a charm!!
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 17th, 2009 at 9:34 am
bob,
Here’s the keyboard/hinge cover for Dell Inspiron 1525.
Carefully.
November 28th, 2009 at 12:25 am
I HAVE A DELL INSPRON 1525 WHICH IS WORKING VERY FINE BUT THE PROBLEM IS ATTIIMES IT DOES NOT BOOT WHAT IS THE REMEADY
November 29th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
kheradinesh,
It’s hard to tell what is causing the problem. Could be memory failure.
I would run memory test first, you can use Memtest86+. Make sure to let it run many passes.
November 30th, 2009 at 11:51 am
Thank you, it works perfectly now
November 30th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
I have a customer’s dell inspiron 1525 laptop and it appears that the section that powers the HDD (facing back of HDD left side) is missing. it’s the part that has 4 pins to power the HDD. Can anyone give me the part number to replace this part? I can send a picture if need be. Thanks Johnny
November 30th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
Johnny,
Not sure what part you are talking about. I believe in Dell Inspiron 1525 the hard drive is connected directly to the motherboard.
There is no cable between the hard drive and motherboard. Is is a part of the hard drive?
December 7th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
my inspiron 1525 will not charge the battery. The laptop runs solely on the power cord right now and i can’t charge the battery. What may be my problem?
December 11th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
Hi KB, I have exactly the same issue, it gives power to run the notebook but not enough to charge, when I wiggle mine around and push it in very hard with a bit of force it seems to charge from time to time then, I think it’s an issue Dell is having with the charging port or something. I have contacted support and they will advise on what to do.
December 31st, 2009 at 4:46 pm
I just replaced my keyboard and it keep’s beeping when I start up.
January 3rd, 2010 at 2:04 pm
corey,
Did you buy a brand new keyboard? Maybe your new keyboard is defective and it has a stuck key?
Try pressing on different keys when the laptop beeps. Find out which one is causing the problem.
January 3rd, 2010 at 11:19 pm
Hi
I have DELL Laptop 1525 T8300, 220 GB hard disk, 4 GB RAM. After the warranty period got over I am finding some problems with this laptop.
1) Tab key stopped working.
2) “Left side Shift” key + A stopped working.
3) Every 5 start of the laptop one will be associated with an annoying beep sound.
4) The cursor automatically starts traversing. Example: all the links on a browser page, all desktop icons and quick launch etc.
Is the laptop totally screwed up? I formatted the laptop, no use. The problem still persist.
Will changing the Keyboard solve the problem?
Please help.
Thanks.
January 3rd, 2010 at 11:46 pm
bala,
This sounds like a problem with the keyboard. Apparently, you have a stuck key. First of all, I would try replacing the keyboard.
January 4th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
[...] to the motherboard because the webcam connector is already there. But it will be necessary to remove the keyboard and take apart the laptop display [...]
January 13th, 2010 at 2:53 am
Haha simple, I was exspecting the cost to be high no cheap as chips then i thought the replacement would be effort. NOPE! phew i wll never leave my credit card up against the keys while closing the lid again thou it chopped them clean off.
January 19th, 2010 at 11:54 am
Hello,
I am going to attempt to install a new keyboard on my Dell Inspiriion 1750, however, I am concerned that this may be in vain since the keyboard’s J key is broken and I hope all it needs is a new keyboard, the button J keeps pressing indefinately
January 20th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
Thanks so much for posting this material! I just fixed my wife’s inspiron 1525 using your detailed photographic instructions. It works perfectly again! I’ve never opened up a laptop until today so I really appreciate all of the information.
February 13th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
Very cool…..my wife broke off a key – griped and cried for a day – I found and bought a replacement keyboard for $35 – and installed it in about 15-20 minutes. She’s happy – I get to go back to watching soccer – thanks for the instructions…..
March 7th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Hi. I need to know if I can get to the CPU fan by removing the keyboard like that. Great picks and description but hard to see below the board on the photos. Thanks
March 9th, 2010 at 6:14 pm
Hello, I recently took out my keypad and broke the connector black piece on the mother board. What is the best solution to fix this problem, because now the keypad ribbon cable is not locked in. Is there a place I can purchased the little black piece or do I need to buy a mother board?
thanks
April 6th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
I also think I broke the brown piece off the keyboard mother board connector or it was already cracked. Can this part be replaced or does it require a new mobo? If that brown lock piece is not replaceable, is there any way to fasten or lock ribbon cable down again?
April 6th, 2010 at 7:26 pm
Ken,
Check out this post: http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/2009/11/17/fix-broken-keyboard-connector-on-laptop-motherboard/
April 14th, 2010 at 3:42 pm
I broke the retaining clip that seats the keyboard ribbon cable into the connector piece (that then leads down to the system board). Thought I’d post up on how I went about fixing that problem.. seems quite common to break or lose that piece.
http://learnwithharv.com/blog/repair-your-laptop-keyboard-without-the-connector-retainer-clip/
May 22nd, 2010 at 2:13 pm
This guide helped tons.. I almost removed the whole casing
Thanks much
May 28th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
Thanks a lot, a breeze with your instructions.
June 1st, 2010 at 3:40 am
Hi,
I lost the black connector!! I do now? não estou consigo comprar o conector. HELP ME!
June 1st, 2010 at 9:11 am
Awesome, followed this step by step and was done in 5 minutes.
July 6th, 2010 at 7:24 am
excelent! thanks!
July 24th, 2010 at 10:37 am
Thank you. This fixed my laptop. I was putting it off for some time because I was afraid of the ribbon connected to motherboard would separate. But this was so easy and nothing to worry about. It also allowed me to sweep out a lot of dust beneath the keyboard.
July 31st, 2010 at 2:30 pm
While replacing the keyboard for my Inspiron 1525, the soldering of the keyboard connector came off the motherboard from one side. It is still firmly joined from the other side. Any advice and suggestion. Can the simple soldering of the connector will do?
August 7th, 2010 at 3:50 am
thanks so much your instruction they were perfect. i managed the to install the keyboard in 10 mins and its working perfectly as you can see.
i’ll recommend your site to others cos it’s brilliant and i’ll certainly use it again.
thanks again
August 17th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
I have 2 inspiron 1525s and liquid was spilt on one keyboard.,,totally broke the keybord(none of the keys worked)SO………… the other inspiron was fine …..EXCEPT the black bottom base is cracked. I want to take the broken base off the working computer and replace it with the other one. Bassically…Im trying to take 2 computers that have something wrong with each of them,,and turn it in to one working computer. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP? PS no the keyboard isnt the same…i have NO clue why not.
//
August 21st, 2010 at 9:50 am
thanx
but i just noticed num 4 key is missing looooooooool
August 23rd, 2010 at 9:33 am
This was very helpful. The hardest thing about the whole thing was getting the screws out being they were very small but other than that it took about 5 minutes or so and gave me my e, 1, and 2 back. Haha. Thank you very much.
August 26th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
[...] one of my previous posts I explain how to replaced damaged keyboard on Dell Inspiron 1525 [...]