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Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the ventilation plate in your Framework 16" laptop.

Note: the laptop used in this guide is a generic setup of one US keyboard, one numpad module, and two touchpad spacers. Your setup might vary, but the procedure should remain the same.

What you need

  1. Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Before you begin: step 1, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Before you begin: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Unplug all cables and fully shut down your laptop.

    • If your repair requires a spudger, a T5 Torx, or a Phillips screwdriver, you can use the included Framework screwdriver. Whichever works best for you!

    • Framework recommends that you put your laptop into battery disconnect mode in the BIOS whenever removing the battery. Read how to do that here.

    • To disable this mode, click here.

    Edit

  2. Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Unlock the Input Modules: step 2, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Unlock the Input Modules: step 2, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Unlock the Input Modules: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingernail to pull out the two Input Module latches and unlock them.

    • The latch will show red if it's unlocked.

    Edit

  3. Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the touchpad spacers: step 3, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the touchpad spacers: step 3, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the touchpad spacers: step 3, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingers to slide the touchpad spacer toward the bottom edge of the laptop and unclip it.

    • If you're having trouble, check if the corresponding Input Module latch is properly unlocked.

    • Lift the touchpad spacer off the laptop and remove it.

    Edit

  4. Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 1

    • Repeat the same procedure for the other touchpad spacer.

    Edit

  5. Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the touchpad: step 5, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the touchpad: step 5, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the touchpad: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingers to slide the touchpad toward the bottom edge of the laptop and disconnect it.

    • If you're having trouble, check if the Input Module latches are properly unlocked.

    • Lift the touchpad and remove it.

    • During reassembly, perform the following:

    • Place the touchpad flat on its cutout so its clips are properly aligned.

    • Press the touchpad down and slide it into place so it lines up evenly with the bottom edge of the laptop.

    Edit

  6. Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the keyboard: step 6, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the keyboard: step 6, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the keyboard: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • The keyboard is held in place with strong magnets. Apply gradually increasing force to avoid having the keyboard violently eject.

    • Grip the two pull tabs along the bottom of the keyboard.

    • Lift the pull tabs until the keyboard magnets release.

    • Remove the keyboard.

    • During reassembly, make sure the keyboard is seated properly on its alignment pegs and sits evenly with the edges of the laptop.

    Edit

  7. Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the numpad: step 7, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the numpad: step 7, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the numpad: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • The numpad is held in place with strong magnets. Apply gradually increasing force to avoid having the numpad violently eject.

    • Grip the pull tab at the bottom of the numpad.

    • Lift the pull tab until the numpad magnets release.

    • Remove the numpad.

    • During reassembly, make sure the numpad is seated properly on its alignment pegs and sits flush with the edges of the laptop.

    Edit

  8. Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Disconnect the midframe cable: step 8, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Disconnect the midframe cable: step 8, image 2 of 2

    • Grip the black pull tab on the midframe cable press connector.

    • Lift up to disconnect the midframe cable.

    Edit

  9. Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Loosen the midframe screws: step 9, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Loosen the midframe screws: step 9, image 2 of 2

    • The midframe screws are ordered from 2–17 (number 1 is the press connector). You don't have to follow the order, but you can use it to help keep track of the screws you've loosened.

    • Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to loosen the 16 captive screws securing the midframe.

    • During reassembly, follow the order (starting with 2) to reinstall the screws across the midframe evenly.

    Edit

  11. Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the midframe: step 10, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the midframe: step 10, image 2 of 2

    • Use your fingernail to lift the bottom edge of the midframe enough to grip it with your fingers.

    Edit

  12. Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 2

    • Lift the midframe off the laptop and remove it.

    • During reassembly, make sure the midframe sits evenly on its alignment pegs before tightening the screws.

    Edit

  13. Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Loosen the battery screws: step 12, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Loosen the battery screws: step 12, image 2 of 2

    • Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to loosen the three captive screws securing the battery.

    Edit

  14. Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the battery: step 13, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the battery: step 13, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the battery: step 13, image 3 of 3

    • Grip the black pull tab at the top of the battery.

    • Lift the pull tab to disconnect the battery connector.

    • Remove the battery.

    Edit

  15. Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Lift the interposer door: step 14, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Lift the interposer door: step 14, image 2 of 2

    • Lift the interposer door by its black pull tab and let it rest upright.

    Edit

  16. Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Loosen the interposer screws: step 15, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Loosen the interposer screws: step 15, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Loosen the interposer screws: step 15, image 3 of 3

    • If you have the graphics module installed, your interposer will have four screws. Otherwise, you'll have three screws.

    • Lift the pull tab on the interposer and let it rest vertically to access all of its screws.

    • Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to loosen the three captive screws securing the interposer.

    • If you have the graphics module, use a T5 Torx screwdriver to loosen the four captive screws securing the interposer.

    Edit

  17. Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the interposer: step 16, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the interposer: step 16, image 2 of 2

    • Lift the interposer by its pull tab and remove it.

    Edit

  18. Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Loosen the expansion bay screws: step 17, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Loosen the expansion bay screws: step 17, image 2 of 2

    • Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to loosen the two captive screws securing the expansion bay.

    • Close the interposer door before continuing.

    Edit

  19. Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the expansion bay: step 18, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the expansion bay: step 18, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the expansion bay: step 18, image 3 of 3

    • Close your laptop and flip it over.

    • Slide the expansion bay out of the laptop and remove it.

    • The bay should slide out easily. If you feel any resistance, check if the screws holding it in place are fully loosened.

    Edit

  20. Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Disconnect the fingerprint sensor: step 19, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Disconnect the fingerprint sensor: step 19, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Disconnect the fingerprint sensor: step 19, image 3 of 3

    • Use the flat end of a spudger, or a clean fingernail, to lift up the locking tab on the fingerprint sensor ZIF connector.

    Edit

  21. Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement: step 20, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement: step 20, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy

    • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to grip the blue pull tab and slide the fingerprint sensor cable straight out of its socket.

    Edit

  22. Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement: step 21, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement: step 21, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement: step 21, image 3 of 3

    • The fingerprint sensor cable is lightly adhered to the laptop frame.

    • Use your fingers to peel the fingerprint sensor cable away from the frame and separate the adhesive.

    • During reassembly, if your adhesive is still sticky, press the cable to the frame to re-adhere it. Otherwise, use double-sided tape to replace the adhesive.

    Edit

  23. Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the ventilation plate: step 22, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the ventilation plate: step 22, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the ventilation plate: step 22, image 3 of 3

    • The ventilation plate is held in place with magnets.

    • Lift the bottom of the ventilation plate and pull it away from the laptop until the magnets release.

    • Remove the ventilation plate.

    Edit

  24. Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the fingerprint sensor cover screws: step 23, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the fingerprint sensor cover screws: step 23, image 2 of 2

    • The fingerprint sensor cover screws are marked 1–3. You don't need to follow this order, but you can use it to help keep track of the screws you've removed.

    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the three 2 mm‑long screws securing the fingerprint sensor cover.

    Edit

  25. Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the fingerprint sensor: step 24, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the fingerprint sensor: step 24, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Remove the fingerprint sensor: step 24, image 3 of 3

    • Use a spudger, or your fingers, to lift the fingerprint sensor cover and remove it.

    Edit

  26. Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement: step 25, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement: step 25, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement: step 25, image 3 of 3

    • Lift the fingerprint sensor out of its slot in the ventilation plate and remove it.

    Edit

  27. Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement, Only the ventilation plate remains: step 26, image 1 of 1

    • You're now left with the ventilation plate.

    Edit
Conclusion

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

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers Community for help.

Author

Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Member since: 01/16/22

124,510 Reputation

581 Guides authored

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