Ventilation Plate

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.

This cable is labeled with the Number 1 to indicate that it should be disconnected before loosening the Mid Plate Fasteners.

It is important to disconnect this cable before removing the Mid Plate as leaving it attached could damage the cable.

Using the T5 bit in the Framework Screwdriver unscrew the 16 captive fasteners attaching the Mid Plate to the Bottom Cover. These are numbered from 2-17 (since the Mid Plate Cable is number 1)

These fasteners are captive, meaning they will remain attached to the Mid Plate when fully loosened.

Do not use powered tools for this step as this risks damage to the fasteners, as with all fasteners in the Framework Laptop 16 these can be easily loosened using the included Framework Screwdriver

Carefully lift the Mid Plate away from the Bottom Cover and set it aside.

If the Mid Plate seems stuck, check the fasteners are all loosened, there should be little resistance.

Using the spudger side of your Framework Screwdriver, flip open the latch securing the Fingerprint Reader cable in place.

Using the pull tab, gently pull the Fingerprint Reader cable out of the socket on the Mainboard.

Since the Ventilation Plate is held in place by the Mid Plate and the module installed in the Expansion Bay, with both of these removed, you can now lift it away from the Bottom Cover.

As you lift the Ventilation Plate away, peel the light adhesive holding the Fingerprint Reader Cable onto the Bottom Cover as shown.

Remove the 3 screws on the plate holding the Fingerprint Reader in place. They are numbered in order 1-3.

These screws are not captive, so be careful not to lose them.

Once these 3 screws are out, remove the metal plate holding the Fingerprint Reader in place.

Gently remove the Fingerprint Reader from the Ventilation Plate.

Remove the 3 screws on the plate where the Fingerprint Reader will go. They are numbered in order 1-3.

These screws are not captive, so be careful not to lose them.

With the metal plate loose from the Ventilation plate, set it to the side.

Place the Fingerprint Reader into the Ventilation Plate.

Place the metal backing plate on-top of the Fingerprint Reader.

Install the 3 screws on the plate holding the Fingerprint Reader in place. They are numbered in order 1-3.

Place the Ventilation Plate into place as shown, the holes for fasteners will align with the bottom cover.

Gently press down the Finger Print Reader cable to stick it to the Bottom Cover.

With the latch on the Mainboard open, connect the Fingerprint Reader cable to the Mainboard as shown.

This is quite a small connector so you may find it easiest to use the tab on the cable to push the cable into place.

Once fully inserted, close the latch on the Mainboard to secure the cable in place.

Place the Mid Plate onto the system, aligning the holes in the Mid Plate with the two guide posts.

These posts are on the left side and the right side, immediately above the speakers on both sides.

Take extra time to make sure it's sitting level/ flush.

Using the pull tab, gently press the Mid Plate connector down to connect it to the Mainboard.

Carefully align, then firmly press in the mid plate connector cable.

Using the T5 bit in the Framework Screwdriver tighten the Mid Plate fasteners.

Before gently tightening the screws, double check that the mid plate is aligned correctly as shown in previous step.

These fasteners are labelled 2-17 (since the Mid Plate cable is number 1) and should be tightened in order, starting with 2 and ending with 17.

Do not overtighten these fasteners, and we recommend against the use of powered tools for these or any other fasteners on the Framework Laptop 16.

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.