AA batteries leakage and the threaded lid won't open

I had relegated this wireless keyboard to the pile for the next electronics recycling day, but I so wanted to be the MacGyver hero (to myself) and fix it. This thread gave me hope and I enjoy a repair challenge...until it gets frustrating!

End cap came off with some pressure and a coin. How do I take out bluetooth hardware? Is that the button on the other end? Is the keyboard irreparably damaged if I put decalcifier down in the tube with the other end still closed? Do I have to be careful not to get moisture in the keypad?

Thanks!

PS: I noticed that diluted decalcifier does a good job at cleaning the keypad.

This is a terrible design and choice of materials! Apple does not care much about the accessories. How can one have battery cover so stuck in less than 2 months of non use. Just like the ear bud headphones and chargers of Apple, which dont last long, now you can add the blue tooth keyboard to it. These are not cheap, but are very cheaply made. Apple: Are you listening???

Hi Everyone!

The same thing happened to me- and now here I am typing away on the same keyboard.

Here is what I did:

Removed Bluetooth cover

removed screw

slipped out the electric board from the right hand side

covered the screw cap end with something thick (I used a jacket) and HAMMERED out the corroded batteries.

Once the batteries were out, I stood the keyboard on its side, and poured vinegar inside to dissolve the corrosion. I stuffed the top with tissues so that it wouldn't leak out.

My guess is the vinegar helped dissolve some of the corrosion because I was able to unscrew the screw the next morning.I used a washer that was close in thickness to the screw. I also used pliers.

With the screw out- there was tons of corrosion. I used a pencil with a piece of coarse sandpaper taped around it and sanded away the gunk. Worked like a charm!

I used a pumpkin carving tool to scape away the corrosion in the threaded areas because the sandpaper couldn't get into those small areas.

To put everything back together: the main thing is to tuck the striped plastic sheet under the bluetooth cover back over into the black plastic piece. It should not be flapping out. When I did not place this piece back correctly, the first row of keys did not work. Please see photo two posts above mine to see what I am talking about.

I also applied some silicone lubricant around the screw to make it easier to wind back.

Worked like a charm!

Tried this and, believe it or not, the keyboard is so stuck it actually bent the quarter! Tried both a new and old (1966) quarter just in case one of the metals was harder than another. Might need to find a heavy duty washer, but am afraid it'll be too thick.

This is the BEST suggestion! Should have thought of this myself. Got the keyboard compartment unscrewed in 10 seconds when I was trying to hulk it for 30 min hahah.

Today's lesson.... TORQUE

THANK YOU!!

I have this same issue and plan to try an old metal-working trick. A drop or two of turpentine works like magic on stuck aluminum slugs in a punch press die. I will let you know if this works the same magic on the stuck battery door for the Magic Trackpad.

This was genius! Thank you!