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How to fix broken fan power connector?

I'm running a 2008 black macbook core 2 duo pernyn model. I just went through a macbook fan replacement guide on iFixit.com and successfully replaced my fan with one hitch: I broke the fan power cable connector by accidentally prying off the connector from the board instead of just disconnecting the power cable; the guide wasn't specific as to what i was ripping off unfortunately. I'm not sure what the exact name of the module is (see, I'm calling it a module) that I broke, but its in step 14 of the iFixit guide here in the alternate picture labeled pernyn model:


http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing+MacBook+Core+2+Duo+Fan/522/2#c97937


They call it a black fan connector. I know that my fan is not properly connected because smc Fan Control is telling me my fan has zero rpms. Luckily my MB isn't running high heat but it's averaging about 140-160F and I know that's not continually a great situation.


My question is how to fix it. I ripped off the soldering components from the board but the connector is still intact. can I use some type of adhesive without disrupting the connection? Will thermal paste work? Or am i screwed and need to take it to a professional.

macbook (black, 2008), Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Jun 10, 2013 6:12 PM

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Posted on Jun 10, 2013 7:01 PM

If you pulled the connector from the logic board I wold strongly suggest that you seek professional help. At this point the logic board needs ro be removed and IF the connector can be put back in it needs to be resoldered to the logic board. I had to look at a failed logic board that I have in order to understand exactly what you were talking about. I wouldn't recommend that you try to repair this yourself. Worst case you may need to replacethe logic board.

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Jun 10, 2013 7:01 PM in response to beatandrepeat

If you pulled the connector from the logic board I wold strongly suggest that you seek professional help. At this point the logic board needs ro be removed and IF the connector can be put back in it needs to be resoldered to the logic board. I had to look at a failed logic board that I have in order to understand exactly what you were talking about. I wouldn't recommend that you try to repair this yourself. Worst case you may need to replacethe logic board.

Jun 10, 2013 7:43 PM in response to beatandrepeat

Yeah....sorry to be the bearer of bad news. I have NO idea what it might cost and I'm afraid that if you take it to an Apple Store they're just going to say that you need a new logic board, they don't fix them that I know of. As far as running without a fan it isn't wise. MAYBE if you got a cooling pad with fans built in you can get by, but as soon as you start taxing any of the components that thing is going to go thermo neuclear on you. They get hot even when the fan is working. Sorry

How to fix broken fan power connector?

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