Panasonic Toughbook 45 Keyboard Replacement
Complete guide to Panasonic Toughbook 45 keyboard replacement. Cost estimates, difficulty level, time required, and environmental impact.
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💰 Cost Breakdown
💡 Tip: Costs vary by location and repair shop. Authorized service centers typically charge more than independent repair shops.
🔧 Repair Overview
Keyboard Replacement is one of the most common repairs for Panasonic Toughbook 45. This repair involves replacing the damaged input component with a new or refurbished part. The process typically takes 2-4 hours and requires difficult skill level.
🔧 Required Tools
What You'll Need
- Replacement input part (OEM or aftermarket)
- Precision screwdriver set (Phillips #000 or pentalobe)
- Opening tools (plastic spudger, suction cup)
- Adhesive strips or glue
- Clean workspace with good lighting
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1:
Open the laptop and face it towards you.
Remove the three 3 mm Phillips #00 screws at the top of the base.
Step 2:
Use an opening tool to pry up and remove the plastic cover above the keyboard.
Push the screen all the way back, then squeeze and push up on the two black hinge covers to remove the whole piece.
The cover is mildly fragile, but also tightly snapped onto the laptop. Try your best not to break it while removing the cover.
Step 3:
Gently pull up on the keyboard from the top.
There is an adhesive securing the keyboard in place. You will need to break that in order to remove the keyboard.
Fold the keyboard over and lay it flat on the keys so that you can access the panel under it.
Step 4:
Remove the two 3 mm Phillips #00 screws securing the aluminum plate to the laptop.
Use an opening tool or your hands to lift up and remove the cover plate.
Step 5:
Use the [product|IF145-020|tweezers] to gently pull the top ribbon connection from its slot.
If the keyboard has never been replaced before, there will be an adhesive securing the ribbon connections to the laptop. Make sure to gently break the adhesive by pulling up on the connections with the tweezers.
Step 6:
With the top ribbon connection folded back, use the tweezers to carefully remove the bottom ribbon connection.
Break any adhesives holding the ribbon connections to the laptop and pull them away so that the keyboard can be removed.
📖 Repair guide provided by iFixit - The free repair manual. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.
iFixit Difficulty: Moderate | Time: NaNh NaNm
DIY vs Professional Repair
✋ DIY Repair
- ✅ Lower cost (parts only: $120-$360)
- ✅ Learn new skills
- ❌ Risk of further damage
- ❌ No warranty
- ❌ Requires tools and time
🔧 Professional Repair
- ✅ Expert installation
- ✅ Warranty included
- ✅ Faster turnaround
- ❌ Higher cost ($200-$600)
- ❌ Need to find reputable shop
Environmental Impact
By choosing to repair your Panasonic Toughbook 45 instead of replacing it, you're preventing approximately 280 kg of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new Panasonic Toughbook 45 generates 295 kg of CO₂, while this repair only produces about 15 kg of CO₂. That's a 95% reduction in carbon emissions!
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