Char Ikerd

Q: Broken Zif Connector

I replaced the hard drive in my Powerbook G4 17" and in the process the "zif cable" (as it was called in the replacement tutorial) connector/clamp crumbled and fell off the logic board. What is the function of the zif cable and can I fix it? This is the amber cable you can see at the center top of the battery compartment after you remove the battery and the ram compartment  over. Also, would the loose cable be the reason my Powerbook won't turn on and power button has no light now?

PowerBook

Posted on Oct 4, 2014 11:40 AM

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Q: Broken Zif Connector

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  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Oct 5, 2014 2:10 AM in response to Char Ikerd
    Level 6 (14,244 points)
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    Oct 5, 2014 2:10 AM in response to Char Ikerd

    This repair guide covers several aspects of take apart to replace components:

    https://www.ifixit.com/Device/PowerBook_G4_Aluminum_17%22

     

    They offer a 'troubleshooting guide', that says little about replacement of cables

    and suggest several issues could relate to a defective logic board...

    https://www.ifixit.com/Wiki/PowerBook_G4_Aluminum_17%22_Troubleshooting

     

    You may have to contact an Apple Authorized Service Provider where a Specialist

    can inspect the failed component cabling, or if you replace the cable yourself in a

    process of elimination, it may be the answer. All cables in the way of any access

    points inside the computer can be suspect; several of them including drive cables,

    should be replaced if the machine has ever been opened before your visit inside.

     

    At times, even the slightest damages, almost undetectable, can result in failure.

     

    Note there is a PDF service article (download unless preview is supplied) in the

    search result from google; the original service guides from Apple are best if you

    can find a source and use it to troubleshoot & repair your computer, hard to find.

    https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=PowerBook+G4+zif+cable+troubleshooting

     

    In this article, reading though the Cached version, I see a warning that may apply:

     

    Zero Insertion Force Connectors

     

    Zero insertion force (ZIF) connectors are used in several locations in the computer.

     


    Important:The locking bar on the ZIF connector is extremely fragile and is not intended to

     

    separate from the connector. When releasing a bar, use extreme care and a restrained

     

    light pressure to move the bar only slightly.

     


    Warning: If a locking bar breaks, you will need to replace the board!

     

    {In my search, it appears as download or in cached view link; you can dissect the

    link below to find the original www. website _17.pdf  within the middle of it to see

    if the download version can be downloaded for offline personal use; if the online

    version appears to offer some helpful purpose in resolving issues for you.}

     

    cached service guide:

    http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:MfdoM7QU67gJ:www.macbook-fr .com/IMG/pdf/PowerBook_17.pdf+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

     

    Any broken connector or loose solder joint, or flexed circuitry can be suspect.

     

    Good luck & happy computing!