I ripped the keyboard connector from a macbook pro 2012

[mdecerle]

Hi,
So while trying to unplug the cord, I think I ripped the cable on my MacBook pro mid 2012 (A1298).
Now I believe the connector on the mainboard is damaged.
But what is actually damaged? I have no idea what is the "normal state"...

Look at the pics attached, is the cable connector damaged and or the mainboard one too?
What is the blue plastic thing at the end of the connector?
Could I glue or weld it back together?

Also on the MB connector there is a thing that pivot. Is this originally part of the keyboard wire connection?

I am not sure how I could fix this...What do you think?
How would you fix this (I'm looking for cheap hack more than replacing everything)

Thanks for your help

 

[pigoo3]

Were the 2 images taken at about the same time? In both photos the cable is disconnected...but in the 1 photo...the black plastic connector on the motherboard is damaged...and in the second photo it isn't.



The "blue plastic thing" is part of the keyboard ribbon cable (the end of the keyboard ribbon cable with the gold pins on it). That blue part of the cable gets inserted into the slot in the connector on the motherboard (which appears broken/damaged).

- Nick

 

[mdecerle]

Thanks Nick,
Connector on MB is damaged and need to be replaced.
Does the keyboard wire connector looks damaged?

How would you go about fixing this?
What would be the simplest solution (not necessarily looking for the most durable solution)
At least if I can get some sort of connection going on so I can save and do stuff til I change computer (without keyboard, I can't type my password and get in)

 

[tr3ndz]

The ribbon cable looks to be okay from the photos. When you insert the ribbon cable into the connector, does it not make correct contact to power on the MBP and allow you to type?

Even though the keyboard connector is damaged they will sometimes still work, but if it doesn't function that means replacing that whole connector (which isn't a cheap or easy task).

Secondly, you could get the MBP to power up and you would have to use an external keyboard to type in your password and to use the MBP.

 

[pigoo3]

Agree with member tr3ndz.

*. The ribbon cable looks ok. The issue is the broken plastic piece from the connector on the logic board.

The connector on the logic board serves two purposes...it confines the pins from expanding too much when the ribbon cable is inserted (maintains pressure on the pins in a way so that the ribbon cable pins stay in contact). And the logic board connector ensures the logic board connectors stay spaced out properly/algined properly so that the ribbon cable pins make proper side-to-side contact).

* And as tr3ndz mentioned. If you can't get things to work...and external keyboard could be a solution (although I know this is not the best solution for a mobile device like a laptop computer).

Do you still have the broken plastic piece from the logic board connector? If so...you could try to carefully super glue it back in place. This isn't a great solution...but something to try...since replacing that logic board connector is a whale of a task. If you do try this...don't use too much glue...and be sure the gold pins are aligned properly.

Please let us know how things go.

- Nick