Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement

Written By: Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

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Framework Laptop 16" Ventilation Plate Replacement

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

Time Required

15 - 30 minutes

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.

Tools

Step 1

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.

Step 2

Use your fingernail to pull out the two Input Module latches and unlock them.
The latch will show red if it's unlocked.

Step 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.

Step 4

Repeat the same procedure for the other touchpad spacer.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Grip the black pull tab on the midframe cable press connector.
Lift up to disconnect the midframe cable.

Step 9

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.

Step 10

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

Step 11

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.

Step 12

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

Step 13

Grip the black pull tab at the top of the battery.
Lift the pull tab to disconnect the battery connector.
Remove the battery.

Step 14

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

Step 15

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.

Step 16

Lift the interposer by its pull tab and remove it.

Step 17

Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to loosen the two captive screws securing the expansion bay.
Close the interposer door before continuing.

Step 18

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.

Step 19

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

Step 20

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

Step 21

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.

Step 22

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.

Step 23

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.