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April 15th, 2026 13:15
b,f,n keys on dell laptop 5502 oly work after hittig with force
Do I need to replace my keyboard?
I followed the troubleshooting instructions from google AI to test if it is a keyboard issue
but the results have left me confused.
(Windows 11. Inspiron 5502 laptop. 5 years old)
I needed to type the text in this post with force.
1) lifted edge of keys and used a vacuum dirt.
2) used Dell support assist to run Diagnostics on keyboard
result: pass
3) manually uninstalled and reinstalled keyboard driver using Device Manager.
result: no improvement
4) restart laptop and press F12 and run Diagnostics
result: b,f,n keys respond quickly
5) restart laptop and press F2 and go into BIOS
result: b,f,n keys respond quickly
6) ran Windows Defender.
result: pass
It is daunting to remove every single component in the laptop to replace the keyboard.
Furthermore if it was a hardware issue, then in BIOS the keys should not respond.
DELL-Daniel V
Community Manager
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April 15th, 2026 13:49
It certainly sounds like a hardware issue if you have to press hard on the keys for them to respond. Dell Support would have typically just recommended cleaning the keyboard. If there was also no external damage, then a keyboard would have been replaced if still hard to press. If the keys respond correctly in the BIOS and diagnostic without force, then i'm not too sure what else could be causing that issue in Windows. If force was still needed in the BIOS, then replacing the keyboard would be the way to go. Click here for out of warranty options as needed.
goodnewsforyou
2 Intern
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April 15th, 2026 13:53
@DELL-Daniel Vā No. Not sure if you read this
"5) restart laptop and press F2 and go into BIOS result: b,f,n keys respond quickly"
Also, why does Dell charge $9 just to answer my question?
When I called in, they could have just told me the part # and the procedure for replacement. They charge an additional $9 just for the call??
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
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April 15th, 2026 17:38
@goodnewsforyou ,
Interesting. Are you absolutely sure?
(edited)
goodnewsforyou
2 Intern
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April 15th, 2026 17:43
Please read carefully.
(edited)
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
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April 15th, 2026 18:20
Sounds like a hardware malfunction.
(edited)
ejn63
10 Elder
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April 15th, 2026 18:22
Is the battery intact, or is there any evidence it's starting to expand/swell? Remove the base cover to check.
goodnewsforyou
2 Intern
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April 15th, 2026 18:31
I find it strange that you are asking me to replace my keyboard even though you have not read my post.
(edited)
goodnewsforyou
2 Intern
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April 15th, 2026 18:33
@ejn63ā this is a brilliant suggestion. Dell keeps showing a popup saying my battery is failing. However, it kept charge so I was wondering if it was a false alert. I will do what you suggested and report back.
goodnewsforyou
2 Intern
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April 15th, 2026 19:35
@ejn63ā It didn't seem bloated to me. Here is a picture of the battery. Anything you would like me to test or check on?
ejn63
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April 15th, 2026 22:42
The battery is not the cause of the issue, so the next step is to replace the palmrest assembly as other posters have noted -- see
https://www.parts-people.com/index.php?action=category&id=141&subid=1449&refine=palmrest