HELP! I think I broke me ribbon cable to the keyboard!

[Radio Monk33]

S***, I'm not as tech savvy as I thought I was.

Why must Apple make the insides so hard to access..I've serviced tons of PCs.

Anyways, the ribbon cable connection to the keyboard/trackpad has come apart in my hands, and not in the good way (like coming off from the motherboard. I think I'm screwed!

I don't suppose anyone knows if I can just replace the cable or do I need to replace the whole top assembly?!

 

[Scarlet Fever]

Because that ribbon cable is part of the top assembly, you're going to need to buy a whole new top case.

For future reference, it pays to be cautious when taking apart computers, more so with Apple computers, and even more so with Apple notebooks. iFixit.com have a great database in disassembly instructions.

 

[bplein]

Not so quick!

The ribbon cable that connects the keyboard to the logic board is designed, at least on my 15" SR system, to be removed from the logic board.

See this page at the very helpful Ifixit.com: http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac/MacBook-Pro-15-Inch-Core-2-Duo/Keyboard/115/6/Page-4

 

[alphaod]

@OP: If you ripped the cable and the male connect you need a new top case. If you just disconnected the male connector from the female connector, you are fine.