In this video, we will demonstrate how to replace the palmrest and keyboard assembly on a Latitude 3120.
Before removing the palmrest and keyboard assembly, read through the safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and ensure your personal safety.
For more information about safety guidelines, read the Service Manual at dell.com/support. Before you begin, ensure that you turn off your computer and disconnect all attached peripherals.
To begin, turn the computer over and loosen the nine captive screws that secure the palmrest assembly to the computer. Place the system on a flat surface with the keyboard facing up and open the system to 180 degrees. The system automatically powers up when it is opened past a 5-degree angle.
Press the power button to turn off the system and then proceed with the disassembly process. Using the flat-end of a plastic scribe, pry open the palmrest assembly, starting from the U-shaped recesses near the hinges at the top edge of the palmrest and work your way around.
Now, hold the left and right sides of the palmrest and open it to 45 degrees to release the palmrest assembly from the computer. Do not open the palmrest assembly more than 60 degrees, until it has been released from the computer, as it may damage the keyboard Flexible Printed Circuits or FPC and touchpad Flexible Flat Cable or FFC. Gently flip over the palmrest assembly with the keyboard facing downward.
Do not apply excess force to the palmrest assembly while flipping it over, as it may damage the keyboard FPC and touchpad FFC. First disconnect the battery cable, followed by the keyboard FPC, and touchpad FFC. Then, lift and remove the palmrest and keyboard assembly off the computer.
You have now successfully removed the palmrest and keyboard assembly. Now, let’s see how to install the palmrest and keyboard assembly. Place the palmrest assembly on the system with the keyboard facing down. Now, connect the touchpad FFC, and keyboard FPC, and finally battery cable.
Gently flip the palmrest assembly over, aligning it with the computer at a 45 degree angle and lower it. With the palmrest lowered and aligned snap latches into place. Close the display and turn the computer over. Now, tighten the nine captive screws that secure the palmrest and keyboard assembly to the computer. You have now successfully installed the palmrest and keyboard assembly.
For more information, see the Service Manual at dell.com/support.
