Dell Latitude E6330 keyboard swap - not functioning.

[Northbeach]

Hi folks.
My son's keyboard on his Dell E6330 Latitude became damaged over time. The keys were actually ok but the metal brackets underneath (on the board itself) had broken so there was no way of attaching the keys back on.
With this in mind I purchased a replacement keyboard. Had to attach the old ribbon cable as the replacement keyboard did not have one.
Unfortunately the keyboard is not responding. I switched the old keyboard back on and that too was no longer working (checked the cable was sat properly etc). Had several attempts and googling but eventually gave up and went to bed. The next morning however, the keyboard (old one) was working again! So I switched over to the new one...but that wasn't and once I switched back again the old one wasn't either.
I've tried uninstalling drivers and reinstalling several times (and changed a number from 3 to 1 which comes up in many recommended fixes - I'll confirm that routine after this).

If I press the Caps lock key on the new keyboard it lights up (though only when pressed - it doesn't remain on after I lift my finger).

Frustrating as hell this. Can only think it's either a damaged ribbon cable (it's bent in parts) or a software/driver issue?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

 

[sircerebus666]

If it's the exact same keyboard and it seems to be intermittent then that points to the ribbon, connections or keyboard.

Can't see it being a software issue if it's a direct swap , is it a OEM keyboard or a copy?

In the words of the it crowd , have you turned it off and on again!

 

[Northbeach]

If it's the exact same keyboard and it seems to be intermittent then that points to the ribbon, connections or keyboard.

Can't see it being a software issue if it's a direct swap , is it a OEM keyboard or a copy?

In the words of the it crowd , have you turned it off and on again!

Ha - yes...rebooted numerous times (as per post driver uninstall).
Pretty sure it's a genuine keyboard (though Dutch version if I recall). Unfortunately on the original keyboard the onboard connector clip has come off (and it looks extremely fiddly to get back on - this is the closing flap which sits on the ribbon connection).
Well the original keyboard wasn't working post switch back until the next morning (btw - the keyboard was very healthy it was merely the burst keys that made me switch to a new keyboard).
Multi meter the ribbon? It's naturally bent to fit under the board but I have noticed 'nics' in it....pretty sure you can pick up replacements for a fiver?

Thanks.

 

[sircerebus666]

Do a continuity check on the ribbon definitely.

They are fiddly to get back on , I did that when I had to replace my sister's motherboard on her dell machine , patience is key

Would the keyboard being Dutch cause any issues?

 

[Northbeach]

Do a continuity check on the ribbon definitely.

They are fiddly to get back on , I did that when I had to replace my sister's motherboard on her dell machine , patience is key

Would the keyboard being Dutch cause any issues?

I don’t know re the fact it’s Dutch (unless a bit of s/w manipulation) but the fact the old keyboard doesn’t respond either is a bit odd. Not sure if I can actually sit the cable any better tbf but I’ll give it a continuity test. Presumably all have to continuity for it to work...?

 

[Northbeach]

I've carried out a continuity check on each of the ten points on the ribbon (back and forth several times) and all check ok. Seems the cable itself ios ok (I've cleaned it too). Really odd...worth going down the Dell BIOS/drivers update?
So maddening...

 

[sircerebus666]

No harm in trying , I'm struggling to see what the software issue could be on a direct swap.

Unless the keyboard needs a Dutch driver.....

 

[Northbeach]

Just checked the original order and it’s actually this description;

“Dell Latitude E6330 E6430 Swedish Finnish Sverige Keyboard Win 8 Key /HF59 LW”

I must have seen Dutch keyboards when originally looking. Spoke to the seller and they suggested it was likely the ribbon cable (they tend to go through a lot of broken cables) and even though there was continuity when the cable was flattened out there are a few sharp bends/nicks in the cable. Might be worth just buying a replacement cable as I’ve tried literally everything else (and the fact the original keyboard doesn’t respond either suggests it could be that).

Ran supprtAssist last night and updated everything/drivers etc. It pulled up a keyboard hardware fault.
I’ve even got DELL looking at it via the Dell community.

cheers.