Help reconnecting a ribbon on my MBP's logic board!

[Lavezzi]

Hi guys,

I took out my MBP's logic board yesterday so that I could apply some thermal paste to the CPU and GPU dies as they were running way too hot causing the computer to shut down.

Taking out the board went fine, but whilst trying to put it back in, one particular ribbon is causing me grief as it simply does not want to sit in the connector that it should.

If anyone has performed the same procedure before then I would be very grateful for any techniques or tips for trying to get the ribbon back in place.

I've attached a photo of the ribbon in question. Thanks!

 

[squeakr]

That is a ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) socket. The latch is at the top of the connector (the end closest to the center of the board). You need to lightly pry up the latch and that will release the pressure on it. Insert the cable fully and then relatch it. The latch is small and fragile. You will need something small and forgiving (to not scratch or destroy) anything like a spludger, toothpick,or I used a small zip tie i had laying around. I hope you didn't pull too hard and break something during disassembly. Good luck, as it should be a simple and easy procedure to re-insert and engage within the socket.

 

[w00t951]

Oh my, I remember having this problem... I recall using a toothpick with something slightly adhesive stuck to one end to hold the ribbon in place and using another toothpick to flip open the latch.

 

[deadwulfe]

There's also an extra bit of ribbon that deviates from the line that you can use to help "pull" the ribbon into place with. Imagine a "Y" in that one end of the Y is the connector and the other end is just there. You angle the connector downward to fit into the socket and then pull the other end towards and above the socket to help slip it into place.

If I'm not mistaken, that ribbon is for your keyboard, so you'll know you've got it plugged in right when all the keys work