This article explains how to replace the keyboard in a PowerBook G4 computer. You may also view the following procedure in QuickTime at http://www.info.apple.com/installparts .

Be sure to follow the instructions in this sheet carefully. Failure to follow these instructions could result in damage to your equipment and may void your warranty.

Warning : Sharp edges can exist inside your computer and on any parts being removed or installed. Use caution to avoid injury.

Replacing the keyboard requires these basic steps:

• Turn off the computer.
• Remove any cables and the battery.
• Remove the keyboard.
• Install the replacement keyboard.
• Reinstall the battery and cables.

Tools Required

• Jeweler's flat-blade screwdriver

Static electricity, a normal and natural phenomenon, builds up on your body as you walk around. You experience an electrostatic discharge (ESD) when you touch an object and feel a shock or see a spark. ESD can cause damage to the internal components of your computer. To avoid ESD damage, read and follow all instructions.

Removing the Keyboard

1. Place your computer on a clean, flat surface.

2. Shut down your computer. Disconnect the power cord and any other cables connected to the computer.
Warning : Always turn off your computer before opening its case to avoid damaging its internal components.

3. Close the computer and turn it over. Slide the battery compartment latch to the right to remove the battery. Removing the battery will prevent you from accidentally turning on the computer while installing the keyboard.

Warning : The internal components of your PowerBook may be hot. If you have been using your PowerBook, wait 30 minutes after shutting down your computer to let the internal components cool down before continuing.

4. Turn over the computer and raise the display so you can access the keyboard.

5. Make sure that the keyboard locking screw is not in the locked position. Your new PowerBook comes with the keyboard unlocked, so unless you or someone else locked the keyboard, you can skip this step.

6. Release the keyboard by pulling down on the keyboard release tabs (located to the left of the F1 and F9 keys), then lift the top portion of the keyboard up and toward the display to release the tabs that hold the bottom of the keyboard in place.

7. Flip over the keyboard and lay it on the palm rests and trackpad.





8. Touch the computer's inside framework (a dull gray conductive composite material) to discharge any static electricity, as shown.
Important : To avoid electrostatic discharge damage, always ground yourself by touching the computer's framework before you touch any parts or install any components inside the computer. To avoid static electricity building back up in your body, do not walk around the room until you have completed your installation and closed the computer.

9. Disconnect the keyboard connector cable from the logic board, and note location of the logic board connection. Remove the keyboard.

Installing the Replacement Keyboard

1. Lay the replacement keyboard in the correct orientation over the opening, then flip it forward and lay it face down on the palm rests and trackpad to expose its connector cable. Connect the keyboard connector cable to the logic board.

2. Flip the keyboard back on top of the opening and insert the tabs at the bottom of the keyboard into the openings in the case.

3. Pull down on the keyboard release tabs (located to the left of the F1 and F9 keys) and then press down on the top of the keyboard. Release the tabs to secure the keyboard in place.

4. Turn over the PowerBook and replace the battery.

5. Reconnect the power cord and any other cables that were attached and restart your computer.
Warning : Never turn on your computer unless all of its internal, external, and case parts are securely installed. Operating the computer when its case is open or missing parts can damage your computer or cause injury.