Chosen Solution
The power button on my Surface Book is permanently depressed; it won’t “spring back”. So, I can’t power on my computer. Using a butter knife, I was able to pry open the bevel where the power and volume button sits, and am able to turn on my computer in this way. I chatted online with a Microsoft support person, then called support twice, then took the Book into a Microsoft Store, all with the same result - I need to pay $599 to receive a refurb tablet to replace the one with the broken power button. They would not even acknowledge the ridiculousness of spending $600 to fix a broken piece that costs about $.01. For now, I can turn the laptop on with the butter knife and a paper clip, but would prefer to replace the power button. I haven’t been able to find this piece or information about this looking elsewhere online. Suggestions? Also, any suggestions about a consumer protection place where I could lodge a complaint against MS?
Due to the closed nature of Surface component supply chain and the low overall volume, nobody sells the power button flex, even in China where you can almost find anything for Apple parts. There is no way other than replacing the microswitch on the flex, or pay Microsoft to fix this. Microsoft does not seem to have violated any contractual obligations here, this is a legal void. Join the right to repair movement and change the law is the only valid way.
Well guys i think is more difficult remove the screen without breaking it that find it, I am sure that you can find a compatible “SMD Switch”. Just search for “SMD Switch”
https://uk.farnell.com/panasonic/evqp7c0…
I have searched the entire web for a replacement for the power button but came up empty. Apparently Microsoft is insisting that I pay some huge bucks for a new refurbished system.
I just posted a guide for this repair based on my experiences. Check it out here. Microsoft Surface Book Power and/or Volume Button Replacement
I can’t believe what I am reading. I had this problem, because I had just replaced the screen, and I was able to get back in quickly. I quickly realized that the tiny little piece was missing, by looking at the volume button. I guess the fact that I could access it quickly, and that I could compare it to a working button, that message it so obvious. I did one search, picked the 4th option, and found the entire switch that mounts onto the board for $1 each. I may actually order one of the one that requires you to order 10 minimum, just so that I can have a few to break. Anyways, I will update how successful I am, but as I read through this, I see that it looks like someone included some really good pictures, that should help everyone out. Good luck. Update (02/16/2021)
This is the piece opposite my power button on the mother board
These are the volume buttons
Close up
The one on the right. Notice the little plastic tab
See how it is missing from my power button. The power button, when pressed, will push that missing tag down. Likewise, when that tag is there, it pushed the power button up. You can order the piece that goes on the motherboard, and remove that tag that is missing. You can then put the new tab on the one that you have, carefully because it is easy to loose and to break. You can also robe the entire piece off of your motherboard, and super the new one right on. There are some that have epoxy, but if it doesn’t, it will be very easy, providing that you are skilled at small soldering! They are only $1 each, so buy extra! https://www.mobilesentrix.com/power-and-…
I’ve got the same issue. My smd switch popped off with the power button. Used to turn it on by short circuiting with a paper clip for over a year and tried not to have it shutdown (Since Microsoft can’t fix the issue). But now it just doesn’t turn on at all. Anyone got any ideas? Thanks.
I am going to try these: https://www.ebay.com/itm/392938562082 I can’t even find what size they are but maybe I will get lucky. I am going to try to pop the metal cap off the switch on the board and replace with the guts out of a new switch first to save some soldering. As a last resort, you could always swap out one of the volume control SMBs.
My issue was the plastic plunger in the switch had broken off. The best part about the way I fixed it is it’s free (so long as you don’t mind losing a volume button) and required minimal tools. I already had the screen off and the motherboard pulled as I was replacing the tablet battery so you will have to do those two steps first and there are plenty of resources online to show you how. There are top view and switch anatomy pics at the end for reference. As always, read all the way through these directions BEFORE you start. Tools: dental pick, fine point tweezers, and small needle nose pliers Steps: 1: On the side of the broken switch opposite the plunger, use the dental pick to pull back one of the metal tabs holding the cover on. Be gentle. It does not take much force. Once it is off, discard the broken plunger. (the top will tend to pop off so be sure you are working on a flat surface where you can find it easily) 2: Inspect the actual button (circular bubble) inside the switch for damage. If it is good, then proceed to step 3. If not, the whole switch will probably need to be replaced. 3: Repeat step 1 for one of the volume buttons. 4: Transfer the good plunger to the power button using the tweezers. Stay over your work surface as this is a small part that is easy to drop. 5: Reinstall the cover on the power switch. THIS IS BY FAR THE HARDEST PART OF THIS REPAIR. I recommend using the cover off of the volume switch if the original power switch cover is damaged. The cover is integral to the switch functioning properly. Start by putting the cover (orientated correctly) over the plunger side of the switch and work towards the end you pulled at to remove it in the beginning. You must ensure the plunger is pulled far enough forward that the depressed metal tab on the cover fits in behind the short plastic center tab of the plunger. The movement of the plastic plunger tab against the cover tab is what forces the plastic tab down to actuate the button and helps the plunger return to the neutral position when released. Only light finger pressure should be needed to slip this cover back on. If you are having trouble, stop and double-check everything is lined up correctly. 6: Use the needle-nose pliers to bend the tab you pulled on to remove the cover back into place. Again, very little force is needed. 7: Check that the plunger now works correctly, reassemble, and test. TOP VIEW:
SWITCH ANATOMY:
I replaced mine and created a guide. Microsoft Surface Book Power and/or Volume Button Replacement
I’m not sure if this will help anyone, but I believe I found the exact SMD switch model used on the Surface Book: E-SWITCH TL1014BF160QG Here it is on Newark’s website: https://www.newark.com/e-switch/tl1014bf… This appears to be the correct switch best I can tell. I’m going to order a few to see what happens.
Same problem here. Grateful to see I’m not alone. I also had the aux cord get stuck inside of my first one. It was unusually tight and toughto get in and out. It broke off inside the port of course and it was a nightmare dealing with getting it fixed. Because I tried with tweezers to get it out and there were tiny scratches it was rendered as “tampered with” and void of a replacement. And they kept it. When I paid for a replacement. Now the issue with this button. It’s an awesome machine but I’ve only had it 2 years maybe less.
