PB Keyboard starting to fail

[moesyczlak]

I have a PB 1.5gHz 15" with a backlit keyoard that is starting to fail. There are two issues that happen.

One of them is when I start up or wake the computer the 3 E N D keys won't work for about five minutes. This is insanely annoying, not having the most common letter in english E. I'm not sure if this is a hardware or software issue (maybe even firmware).

The other problem is definitely hardware. The option and right left button work about 50% of the time. The left shift button never has this problem, which is why it's hardware.

All the other keys work just fine.
My warranty ran out a year or so ago, I ordered Apple Care six days too late (I had forgottent the exact date I had bought it). DOH!

So I was wondering what my options are? Has anyone else experienced this?

 

[Kyomii]

I have a PB 1.5gHz 15" with a backlit keyoard that is starting to fail. There are two issues that happen.

One of them is when I start up or wake the computer the 3 E N D keys won't work for about five minutes. This is insanely annoying, not having the most common letter in english E. I'm not sure if this is a hardware or software issue (maybe even firmware).

The other problem is definitely hardware. The option and right left button work about 50% of the time. The left shift button never has this problem, which is why it's hardware.

All the other keys work just fine.
My warranty ran out a year or so ago, I ordered Apple Care six days too late (I had forgottent the exact date I had bought it). DOH!

So I was wondering what my options are? Has anyone else experienced this?

Hi moesyczlak, and welcome to the forum

From what you describe, it sounds like the keyboard is experiencing bad electronic contacts. This can be due to either any form of dampness ( a drop of water, a spilled drink that results in minor splashes on the keyboard etc.) or the actual life-span of the keys.


Keyboards do have a life-span in that each key has an average number of times it can be tapped before failing. You would use "E/N/D" very regularily, and maybe the "3" not working is due to the failing contacts of E since they are aligned diagonally to one another and may use the same contact line underneath.

I would suggest maybe a small external bluetooth keyboard, or a USB one. I think a wireless one would be the better option though. You could also look at EBay as sometimes people sell the keyboards for Powerbooks, but the taking apart process is very time-consuming and requires patience and a delicate hand.

If you do get another keyboard, you can find out how to take apart your powerbook to replace it HERE, but I would only recommend this if you have previous experience of replacing hardware or you are fully confident in doing so.

 

[Ric]

Hi there and welcome,

to add to kyomii's excellent suggestions...try hoovering it...vacuming it.

There may be a few crumbs in there that are stopping the keys working.

let us know how you get on...

regards

Ric