How to replace the Keyboard controller board on a Alienware M18R2

This 3D experience gives you the step by step process of replacing the Keyboard controller board and a Alienware M18R2. The procedure will also include removing the Base Cover, Battery Cable, Battery and reinstalling them.

Removal

Base Cover

Identify the base cover highlighted in blue.

Loosen the captive screws that secure the base cover.

Remove the screws that secure the base cover to the system.

Using a plastic scribe, pry the basecover from bottom left to loosen.

Slide and lift the base cover off the system.

Battery Cable

Identify the battery cable highlighted in blue.

Peel the tape that secure the battery cable to the battery.

Disconnect the battery cable from the system board.

Press and hold the power button for 20 seconds to ground the system and remove residual static electricity.

Battery

Identify the battery highlighted in blue.

Remove the screws that secure the battery to the system.

Lift the battery to remove from the system.

Rotate the battery 180 degrees as shown, to access the battery cable port.

Unroute the battery cable from the slot on the battery.

Remove the battery cable latch from the battery.

Disconnect the battery cable from the battery.

Keyboard controller board

Identify the keyboard controller board highlighted in blue.

Lift the latch and disconnect the keyboard controller board cable.

Remove the screws that secure the keyboard controller board.

Lift the keyboard controller board off the system.

Install

Keyboard controller board

Identify the keyboard controller board location highlighted in blue.

Place the keyboard controller board into the slot on the system.

Install the screws to secure the keyboard controller board.

Connect the keyboard controller board cable. Close the latch to secure.

Battery

Identify the battery location highlighted in blue.

Install the battery cable into the battery.

Install the latch to secure the battery cable with battery.

Route the battery cable in to the slot on the battery.

Rotate the battery 180 degrees as shown, to install the battery on the palm rest.

Using the alignment posts, place the battery on the system.

Install the screws to secure the battery.

Battery Cable

Identify the battery cable location highlighted in blue.

Connect the battery cable to the connector on the system board.

Base Cover

Identify the base cover location highlighted in blue

Slide and align the base cover and press the edges of the cover until it clicks into place.

Tighten the captive screws that secure the base cover to the system.

Install the screws that secure the base cover.