how to reinstall the keyboard ribbon

Question

how to reinstall the keyboard ribbon

as stated, I had to replace the top case of my MBP model A1260, and am having quite the time with the keyboard connector ribbon. I got the backlight ribbon installed, but I cannot figure out the main big ribbon. does it go under the plug, or on top of it? i see the little latch, but it looks reversed.

HELP!

I removed keyboard this morning before work, and I'll be honest: I didn't pay much attention to how it came out. *slaps self in head*. i read somewhere to use tweezers, but that isn't working. should I just see if I could bribe the local staples or frys electronics to put it back in? im just amazed... I've had Dells and HP's completely dismantled, I've had my iBook G4 apart, yet this little keyboard is kicking my rear end. really should have spent the extra 20 bucks to get one with a keyboard already installed.... *sigh*

any tips?

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9), 2.5Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo

Posted on Jul 18, 2014 9:32 PM

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Answer 1

Jay-Ray

Level 4

3,750 points

Jul 18, 2014 9:38 PM in response to OzziesIronManOffRoad

Maybe these photos will help you.

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Answer 2

Jul 18, 2014 10:08 PM in response to Jay-Ray

thats part of the guide i used. i need to know how to put the plug back in.... i feel like such an idiot for asking this simple of a question. and i know im missing something extremely basic. so at my expense, and risk of losing my dignity, ill keep this topic alive. lol...

basically, the guide shows how to take it out. thats a great guide. but to say 'reinstall in reverse order', with these weird plugs, is a little too broad. does the ribbon sit on top of the plug, then the tension from the clip will force it in place, or is it just a latch? or does the ribbon go UNDER the plug and contact something on the logic board under the plug?

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Answer 3

Jay-Ray

Level 4

3,750 points

Jul 18, 2014 10:17 PM in response to OzziesIronManOffRoad

I have never taken apart a MBP so take this with a grain of salt, but it seems as though the latch (discusses in Step 11 and 18 of the link above) is like a sandwich. The vertical upper portion should be the top part and the bottom that is immovable is what you want to slide the ribbon above. So put the ribbon above the mounted bottom half, then you press the top latch back down from the L position (vertical) to the horizontal position which should grasp the ribbon and hold it in place, therefore connecting it. It may look reversed, but as long as the ribbon falls under the top "latch" portion, you are good. Once you have it locked down, tug on it slightly to make sure it secure in the latching black connector.

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Answer 4

Jul 19, 2014 6:30 AM in response to Jay-Ray

just watched the video, and part 3 also. she makes it look stupid easy, which im sure it is. i can't get the connector in. i try to zoom in to see the plug while she plugs it in, and it gets too blurry. so other than the motions, i can't see what she's doing. i did laugh at the 'the keyboard connector usually goes in much easier than the backlight connector'. lol..that went in like cake.

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Answer 5

Jay-Ray

Level 4

3,750 points

Jul 18, 2014 10:21 PM in response to OzziesIronManOffRoad

Look at 5:16 on this video.

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Answer 6

Jul 19, 2014 6:25 PM in response to Jay-Ray

closed... i called up an old friend who used to work for the apple store. he laughed and told me how to do it. i knew i was being stupid. thanks guys... closed.

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