Keyboard

1. Pre-Removal Instructions

Before removing the Keyboard:

1. During installation or removal of any hardware, always ensure that all data is backed up
properly.
2. Disconnect any telephone, network, or USB cables from the computer.
3. Disconnect the computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
4. Remove the AC adapter from the system.
5. Remove the Battery from the system.

2. Locate the keyboard on the system.

Keyboard

3. Release the five latches securing the keyboard using a plastic scribe. (Latches are located above the Esc, F5, F10, Delete and the End Keys)
Keyboard

4. Gently lift the top end of the keyboard and pull up to release it from its bottom latches.
Keyboard

5. Flip the keyboard over.

Keyboard

6. Open the keyboard cable securing clip.

Keyboard

7. Disconnect the keyboard cable from the system board connector.

NOTE:

When re-connecting the cable, ensure that the stripes are facing upward.
Keyboard

8. If its a backlit keyboard, open the keyboard backlight cable securing clip.
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9. If its a backlit keyboard, disconnect the backlight cable from the system board connector and remove the keyboard.

NOTE:

When re-connecting the cable, ensure that the stripes are facing upward.
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10. The following image displays the system with the keyboard removed.
Keyboard

Folding the Keyboard Cable

The Keyboard on Inspiron 15 - 3542/3543 is listed as a CRU. During a Keyboard replacement, the cables on the keyboard are not folded when the customer
receives a new keyboard. These cables will need to folded before the keyboard is installed on the Inspiron 15 - 3542/3543. The customer can access the
owner's manual located on support.dell.com for visual aid and instructions on folding the cables. These steps illustrate how the cables can be folded:

Folding the Keyboard Cable

1. Place the keyboard on a flat and clean surface.

NOTE:
Keyboard-backlight cable is present only on a backlit-keyboard.
Folding the Keyboard Cable

1 Keyboard Cable

2 Keyboard-Backlight Cable
Folding the Keyboard Cable

3 Keyboard

2. Lift the keyboard cable and fold the keyboard-backlight cable at the fold line.
Folding the Keyboard Cable

1 Keyboard Cable

2 Keyboard-Backlight Cable

3 Fold line

3. Using the alignment line, fold the keyboard cable.

Folding the Keyboard Cable

1 Keyboard Cable

2 Alignment line
Folding the Keyboard Cable
4. This image illustrates the keyboard after folding the keyboard cable.