Expansion Bay Shell Fans

In order to remove the Input Modules from the Framework Laptop 16, begin by opening the Input Deck Latches on each side of the Laptop.

When the latches are open you can see the red printed on the latch.

To remove the Touchpad Spacers, slide them down and then they will lift away easily.

If there is resistance, make sure that the Input Deck Latches are open (see previous step).

After removing the Spacers, the Touchpad module can be removed in the same way. Gently slide it downwards from both sides and then lift away as shown.

To remove the Keyboard lift from the bottom using the pull tabs, and once lifted up the Keyboard module should lift out without resistance.

If your pull tabs are no longer attached, you can carefully use the spudger side of the Framework Screwdriver to lift the module away.

Remove your Input Modules or Spacers in the same way as the Keyboard, lifting from the bottom using the pull tabs as shown.

Remember to power off the system and unplug the USB-C power cable before you open the Interposer Door.

You can access the Interposer and change the Expansion Bay Module without removing the Mid Plate.

Flip open the Interposer Door using the pull tab provided.

Make sure that the door is closed again before closing the Laptop lid to avoid any risk of damage to the display.

Loosen the 3 captive fasteners, and then use the pull tab to lift the Expansion Bay Shell Interposer out. These are captive fasteners, meaning that they will stay attached to the Interposer.

The Interposer should lift out easily. If you feel any resistance, check that all 3 fasteners are loosened, and do not force it.

Loosen the two captive fasteners that secure the Expansion Bay Shell.

Note that these fasteners are captive and will remain attached to the bracket.

With the Interposer installed, close the Interposer Door.

With the Framework Laptop 16 closed, turn the Laptop over and gently slide the Expansion Bay Shell up from the Expansion Bay slot as shown to remove it.

If the Expansion Bay Shell seems stuck do not force it. Make sure that the captive fasteners are correctly loosened (see previous steps).

Unscrew the 4 screws holding in the Left Fan to the Expansion Bay Shell.

These screws are captive so you do not need to worry about losing them.

Once all screws are loose, remove the fan from the Expansion Bay shell.

Remove the fan slowly making sure the ribbon cable does not get caught in the channel they are routed through.

Unscrew the 4 screws holding in the Left Fan to the Expansion Bay Shell.

These screws are captive so you do not need to worry about losing them.

Once all screws are loose, remove the fan from the Expansion Bay shell.

Remove the fan slowly making sure the ribbon cable does not get caught in the channel they are routed through.

Place the Left fan into the Expansion Bay Shell.

While doing this, route the ribbon cable into the channel making sure it goes under the black tape.

Screw in the 4 screws to secure the fan into place.

Place the Right fan into the Expansion Bay Shell.

While doing this, route the ribbon cable into the channel making sure it goes under the black tape.

Screw in the 4 screws to secure the fan into place.

On the Fan Board, make sure the black pieces of plastic on the connector are facing up.

Place the left ribbon cable into the Fan Board connector and lower the black plastic piece; securing the ribbon cable into place.

Place the right ribbon cable into the Fan Board connector and lower the black plastic piece; securing the ribbon cable into place.

With the Framework Laptop 16 closed, align the Expansion Bay Shell with the Expansion Bay slot and gently slide it into place.

You should hear the Expansion Bay Shell click into place when fully inserted.

There should be very little resistance when installing the module. If it is not sliding into place, do not force it. Remove the module and check that it is lined up correctly before trying again.

Tighten the 2 captive fasteners to secure the Expansion Bay Shell in place.

Gently lower the Expansion Bay Shell Interposer into place noting the orientation. You should have two fasteners at the top and one at the bottom (as pictured)

Tighten all 3 captive fasteners, making sure not to overtighten them.

With the Interposer installed, close the Interposer Door.

Next install, two Spacer Modules, an LED Matrix, a Numpad, an RGB Macropad, or whichever other combination of two Small or one Medium sized Input Module you have.

Slide these in at an angle and lower into place, the same way the Keyboard was installed.

Whichever Input modules you chose to install, you should have no empty spaces in the top row before proceeding to the next step.

Please see our guide here on possible Input Module configurations.

Holding from the pull tabs at the bottom of the Keyboard module, line it up with the dashed guide lines printed on the Mid Plate. Note that you can align a Keyboard so that it is either along the left edge, the right edge, or centered. With the Keyboard held at a 20 degree angle, slide it up into place.

The notches along the top of the Keyboard will fit into the corresponding alignment guides under the Ventilation Plate.

Lower the Keyboard gently into place, it should snap in place magnetically and sit flat.

Ensure that the pins in the Mid Plate to the left and right of the Input Module Connector align into the corresponding holes in the Keyboard module.

Place the Touchpad Module flat, slightly below the Keyboard as shown.

Like the Keyboard, you can confirm it is properly aligned by lining it up to the dashed lines on the Mid Plate.

Applying gentle downward pressure to keep the Touchpad module flat, slide it up into place.

Remember that the Input Deck Latches should still be open at this point, otherwise the Touchpad Module won't slide on.

The Touchpad Module can be installed either directly below the Keyboard or offset by one space to the right. For example, the Keyboard can have the Touchpad below it, or the Keyboard can be left-aligned while the Touchpad is centered.

Just like installing the Touchpad module, place the Touchpad Spacers flat on the Input Deck, slightly below the Keyboard or Spacers above.

Applying gentle pressure, slide the Touch Module Spacers into place.

With the Touchpad Module Spacers installed there should now be no empty spaces on the Input Deck.

Once all Input Modules are installed, close both Input Deck Latches to secure them in place.