How do I connect this ribbon cable?

[joydivision]

I need to replace the keyboard on a customers laptop, after I removed the keyboard I found it wasn't connected, I phoned the customer (who can hardly speak English) and he tells me he disconnected it as it goes mad when connected it.

However as he disconnected right? I can't work out how to get the ribbon cable back into the socket, it is a while since I have done a replacement keyboard or stripped a laptop down.

What do I need to do here? Shall I remove the plastic clip that is on the motherboard keyboard connector?

 

[PBComputer]

At the bottom of the slot it goes, you should be able to gently lift a flap up (might need moved up before you can lift it) then place the cable back in, and replace the flap,

 

[joydivision]

Done it, didn't realise it was a flap - feel dumb now, it is why I am crap with laptops

Thanks so much

I find I am coping ok with laptops providing I seek guidance first, in order not to risk forcing anything.

 

[PBComputer]

Don't worry, first time I did one it took a while and a new flap.

Only have only just started to really do hardware repairs to laptops, do find it best to take my time and not using force. Also YouTube

 

[Styxbound]

In camera repair they used to tell me, "Never force it. Use a bigger hammer.".

 

[joydivision]

Ha, a hammer and a laptop is one thing I will never have in one hand, apart from the one with the rootkit I am dealing with now!

If it was already connected it, I would have realised it was a flap, it was because it had been disconnected I was confused.

 

[celbii]

These things can be tricky but it is good to learn them first hand as you did often times similar type of connecters that can be tricky but give you a little more room to maneuver, you can try grasping with pliers to be able to insert it firmly with more leverage in the future.

 

[strollin]

BTW, it's known as a ZIF connector, "Zero Insertion Force".

 

[chetreynolds]

The front part of the connector should slide forward allowing the ribbon
cable to be easly inserted .Use care when slidind the front of the connector forward they are fragile . After inserting the ribbon cable push the front tab back locking the cable in place .

 

[BDPCR]

Done it, didn't realise it was a flap - feel dumb now, it is why I am crap with laptops

Thanks so much

I find I am coping ok with laptops providing I seek guidance first, in order not to risk forcing anything.

Better to be safe than sorry

 

[joydivision]

I found the ribbon a little tricky to connect as there wasn't much room to work with, but its all done and ready to drop off now. Only making £24 on it though, hardly seems worth it.

 

[norm1320]

Don't worry, first time I did one it took a while and a new flap.

Only have only just started to really do hardware repairs to laptops, do find it best to take my time and not using force. Also YouTube

I haven't broken any of those little flaps YET, but I'm sure eventually I will. Where did you find a replacement flap, if I might ask?

 

[PBComputer]

I found a replacement on eBay is was used but it the job fine.

 

[Lefty]

Yep, when disassembling laptops I always have to remind myself to slow down, especially when removing switch covers, keyboards and top covers. It's so easy to destroy those ZIFs.

 

[atlanticjim]

Probably 90% of my work is laptop repair. I would suggest you get your hands on some old laptops and learn.

1. Always look for the disassembly manual online. Doing so will save you time, left over screws, and little broken plastic parts.
2. Get a pair of these beauties, they really help

3. Organize your parts and screws as they come out, I use this:

As far as ZIF connectors go, there are a few varieties, and you should learn how to use each without breaking them. There are also LIF (Low insertion force) connectors, mostly on older machines.