Front panel touch led keys dissappeared/not functioning

rgnr

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Hello, folks. Here's the weird issue: Recently I've replaced MB on my hp pavilion dv6-1359wm laptop. Used HP Partsurfer to find out the right part number. However, after replacing the mobo, the laptop is no more 1359wm, but 1350us.

Apart from that the led touch keys on the front panel appeared partially - wifi switch and mute switch have never showed up eversince, volume control led has appeared, but not functioning. The worst thing that the wifi hardware led switch is the only way (I think) to activate the wifi. I've checked the mobo for any missing cables responsible for the led panel . Only bluetooth cable is missing. Has anyone encountered the issue?
 

groundrat

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If you still have the original drivers disk, try loading them. This is most likely caused by missing proprietary software on the drivers disk that enables those functions.

Hopefully you haven't invalidated any remaining warrantee by replacing the motherboard.
 


I think this model came out around 2009, so it most likely expired - OP probably went ahead with the motherboard swap because of that. :)

It sounds like you got the wrong board; it may fit, since it's for a dv6, but the specific model sounds incorrect. You need all the connection interfaces to provide power and functionality to all the peripherals. Also - what bluetooth cable do you mean? Often times, Bluetooth is built into the WiFi card, which is a mPCIe NIC.
 

rgnr

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I doubt that software matters here, because this leds light up on computer start up, not the OS start up.
 

rgnr

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Yes, the warranty has long gone. Well, I'm not sure whether I need that Bluetooth cable, but I've seen the bluetooth port on the MB.

 
Well, the lack of Bluetooth in itself wouldn't cause you all the grief anyway. I did some digging around and the 1350us (part number: 578376-001) does indeed appear to be compatible with the 1359wm according to several sources, so there must be something missing. You can try contacting their support, though being out of warranty (and the fact that they may simply not know) might impede you.
 

rgnr

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No answer on support forums ( I hope some local laptop tech will help...
 
As long as you don't go to a big box retailer's technician(s), they should be able to figure it out. Geek Squad, EasyTech, etc. don't generally service systems at that level. Instead, they outsource the labor to a third party, so it's best to stick with a mom and pop sort of shop.

Good luck!
 

rgnr

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I tried to plug internal wifi adapter, and to my suprise it didn't connect either. Guess, it's a good news, since it showed that the hardware didn't get broken, but just blocked, right?
 

rgnr

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I mean wireless is hardware blocked. rfkill list shows "Soft blocked no, Hard blocked yes".

Anyways, I went to the tech, he fiddled with it 'bout a month or so, restored the lights and somehow unblocked allowed external wifi device, which I couldn't use before. However, later I found out that this workaround is nothing but joke, as it worked only on the current OS (Booting up another OS proved it). Also while booting Linux I received the message that the BIOS is broken. Dunno if it can be connected with wifi hardblock.
Also I remember when I replaced the mobo I plugged the antennas incorrrectly. Could it provoke the issue?
Actually it could make sense, that wifi doesn't work cuz of broken antennas, but the system says it hardware blocked, and the card itself is ok. Pulling out and putting back CMOS battery didn't help much, but I saw wifi switch gave some rare flashes for some time, which is a good sign, I guess..

Update: Today I came up with an idea, that simply wifi antennas can be broken. The laptop behaves the same with/without the antennas. The BIOS doesn't show an error, OS device manager shows the card is fine. And no wireless network found only in case either broken card or inability to receive the signal. Since the card is fine, there's only the seconde choice left... Anyways, it's only the conclusion, and I have to obtain new cables to check it. BTW, there's still a question why external dongle is disabled...