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Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement

Introduction

Many Acer 15" Chromebooks use the same keyboard, including the C910, CB3-431, CB3-531, CB5-571 and possibly others, although the palm rest assembly is the same only on the CB3-531.

There are new keyboard-only replacement parts for sale, but using them requires melting off or otherwise removing the head of approximately 58 plastic retaining pins, then figuring out how to re-secure them. That kind of replacement is beyond the scope of this guide, so we'll only be dealing with a replacement that comes with a keyboard + palm rest as a single unit as pictured above.

What you need

  1. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Back Panel: step 1, image 1 of 2 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Back Panel: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Power off the laptop before beginning the replacement.

    • Using the Phillips #1 screwdriver, remove eighteen 7 mm screws from the back panel of the device.

    Edit

  2. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 2 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 2, image 2 of 2

    • Use a plastic opening tool around the edges of the laptop and remove the back panel from the device.

    Edit

  3. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Remove the battery cable: step 3, image 1 of 1

    • Push on the sides of the connector with a plastic spudger to separate the cable from the motherboard.

    Edit

  4. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Battery: step 4, image 1 of 2 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Battery: step 4, image 2 of 2

    • Using the Phillips #1 screwdriver, remove the two black 5.5 mm screws securing the battery.

    Edit

  5. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the battery from the laptop.

    Edit

  6. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Unplug the WiFi Antenna Connectors: step 6, image 1 of 2 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Unplug the WiFi Antenna Connectors: step 6, image 2 of 2

    • Firmly pull the end of the black wire attached to the Wi-Fi card upwards and remove it from the device.

    • Repeat with the white wire.

    Edit

  7. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Deroute the Black WiFi Wire: step 7, image 1 of 2 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Deroute the Black WiFi Wire: step 7, image 2 of 2

    • Deroute the black wifi wire from its slot in the palm rest.

    Edit

  8. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Deroute the White WiFi Wire: step 8, image 1 of 2 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Deroute the White WiFi Wire: step 8, image 2 of 2

    • Deroute the white wifi wire from the slot in the palm rest.

    Edit

  9. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Disconnect the Display Cable: step 9, image 1 of 3 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Disconnect the Display Cable: step 9, image 2 of 3 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Disconnect the Display Cable: step 9, image 3 of 3

    • Pull the end of the display cable attached to the motherboard straight up to remove.

    • Rotate the cable out away from the motherboard.

    Edit

  10. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Remove Right Hinge Screws: step 10, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the two screws from the right hinge.

    Edit

  11. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 2 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 2

    • Insert a screwdriver or spudger under the hinge to get it started then rotate it open by hand as far as possible.

    Edit

  12. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Remove Left Hinge Screws: step 12, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the two screws from the left hinge.

    Edit

  13. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 2 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 2

    • Insert a screwdriver or spudger under the hinge to get it started then rotate it open by hand as far as possible.

    Edit

  15. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Remove the display assembly: step 14, image 1 of 3 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Remove the display assembly: step 14, image 2 of 3 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Remove the display assembly: step 14, image 3 of 3

    • Lift the palm rest assembly from the front then slide it away from the hinges slightly to remove the assembly from the display.

    Edit

  16. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Touchpad: step 15, image 1 of 2 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Touchpad: step 15, image 2 of 2

    • Flip up the retaining latch securing the touchpad cable to the motherboard.

    Edit

  17. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 16, image 1 of 1

    • Pull the ribbon from the motherboard laterally off the touchpad.

    Edit

  18. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 17, image 1 of 1

    • Using the Phillips #1 screwdriver, remove the three 3.2 mm screws holding the touchpad to the laptop.

    Edit

  19. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 18, image 1 of 3 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 18, image 2 of 3 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 18, image 3 of 3

    • Carefully lift up on the keyboard ribbon cable and the insulating sheet immediately below it so the touchpad can clear them.

    • Lift the touchpad slightly from the top.

    • Pull the touchpad toward the motherboard as you continue to lift it, sliding it out from under the retaining fingers at the bottom.

    Edit

  20. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 19, image 1 of 3 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 19, image 2 of 3 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 19, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the touchpad.

    • When reinstalling:

    • Make sure the touchpad goes underneath the two retaining fingers when reinstalling it.

    • The touchpad is correctly aligned when the guide pins next to the left and right screws are inserted in the holes.

    Edit

  21. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Disconnect the Speakers: step 20, image 1 of 2 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Disconnect the Speakers: step 20, image 2 of 2

    • Pull the black ribbon attached to the speakers out of the motherboard.

    Edit

  22. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Speakers: step 21, image 1 of 1

    • Pry the right speaker up with your hand to remove.

    Edit

  23. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 22, image 1 of 2 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 22, image 2 of 2

    • Thread the speaker under the black ribbon towards the left to allow removal of the left speaker.

    Edit

  24. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 23, image 1 of 1

    • Pry up the left speaker to remove it.

    • Remove both speakers.

    Edit

  25. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Keyboard Cable: step 24, image 1 of 3 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Keyboard Cable: step 24, image 2 of 3 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Keyboard Cable: step 24, image 3 of 3

    • Peel the yellow tape off the black keyboard ribbon cable on the motherboard.

    • Use a spudger to slide the black tabs on either side of the connector forward slightly.

    • Pull the black ribbon straight towards you to remove it from the motherboard.

    Edit

  26. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 25, image 1 of 3 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 25, image 2 of 3 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 25, image 3 of 3

    • Flip up the tabs over the two white ribbons on the left using your finger.

    • For more information on Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) connectors, please visit this guide.

    • Pull the ribbons out of the motherboard by the blue tabs.

    Edit

  27. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 26, image 1 of 1

    • Using the Phillips #1 screwdriver, remove four 6 mm screws.

    • Using the same Phillips #1 screwdriver, remove five 3 mm screws securing the metal plate to the motherboard.

    Edit

  28. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Remove Motherboard: step 27, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the metal plate over the motherboard.

    • Remove the motherboard.

    Edit

  29. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Remove the LED Cable: step 28, image 1 of 2 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Remove the LED Cable: step 28, image 2 of 2

    • Flip up the latch on the cable going from the I/O board to the LED board.

    Edit

  30. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 29, image 1 of 2 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 29, image 2 of 2

    • Grasp the ribbon cable and pull it straight out to the right.

    Edit

  31. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Remove the Motherboard Cable: step 30, image 1 of 2 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Remove the Motherboard Cable: step 30, image 2 of 2

    • Flip up the latch on the cable from the I/O board to the motherboard.

    Edit

  32. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 31, image 1 of 2 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 31, image 2 of 2

    • Grasp the ribbon cable by the blue plastic reinforcement and pull the cable straight out to the right.

    Edit

  33. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Remove the Retaining Screw: step 32, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the single screw securing the I/O board.

    Edit

  34. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 33, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the I/O board.

    • When reinstalling, be sure the hinge goes above the I/O board, not below it.

    Edit

  35. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Disconnect the LED board: step 34, image 1 of 2 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Disconnect the LED board: step 34, image 2 of 2

    • Flip the retaining latch up with a spudger.

    Edit

  36. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 35, image 1 of 2 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement: step 35, image 2 of 2

    • Pull the cable straight out away from the front of the computer.

    Edit

  37. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Remove the LED board: step 36, image 1 of 3 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Remove the LED board: step 36, image 2 of 3 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Remove the LED board: step 36, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the single retaining screw securing the LED board.

    • Remove the board.

    • When reassembling, ensure the board is seated on the guide pin before reinstalling the retaining screw.

    Edit

  38. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Remove the I/O board cable: step 37, image 1 of 3 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Remove the I/O board cable: step 37, image 2 of 3 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Remove the I/O board cable: step 37, image 3 of 3

    • The cable between the I/O board and the motherboard is lightly adhered to the plastic insulator on the keyboard. Pull up from the right to free the cable from the adhesive.

    Edit

  39. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Remove the LED cable: step 38, image 1 of 2 Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Remove the LED cable: step 38, image 2 of 2

    • The LED cable runs from the LED board to the I/O daughter card. It is lightly adhered to the keyboard. Remove it by gently pulling it away from the keyboard.

    Edit

  40. Acer Chromebook cb3-532-c47c Keyboard / Palm Rest Replacement, Keyboard has been removed: step 39, image 1 of 1

    • All components have now been removed from the keyboard / palm rest assembly.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Author

with 1 other contributor

Jerry Wheeler

Member since: 03/21/22

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