Zif connector found to be glued from factory after 2 years

I recently upgraded my MacBook Pro 13" Retina display (early 2015) hard drive to 480 gigs, which was done by a friend who has replaced 3 of his apple hard drives with no issues. After installation the keyboard would not work. He did not know a lot about the inner workings of things related to the keyboard so we took it to a local Apple technician. (Keep in mind, I was with my friend the whole time and at NO time did he go anywhere near the keyboard area, which is on the opposite side of the computer) When the Apple tech looked at the ribbon that connects to the keyboard, he saw that the zif lock was missing and also the flap that covers it when the laptop is sealed. Here is the kicker, the connector itself was GLUED in place at some point and obviously was never connected using the zif lock. Here is what I have:User uploaded file




Here is what the ribbon and connector are supposed to look like:User uploaded file




When comparing the two pictures, notice there is no flap on the one I have and the zif lock is also missing. There is glue residue on the top of the connection area and you may not be able to tell but there is glue on the area that is under where the connector sits.

The tech says that if I never had it opened before, (which I have not) then it must have been sent this way from the factory and when we opened the back to replace the hard drive and released pressure on it, it popped off. He said it wasn't even in the slot when he opened it and the glue was so thick he could not get the ribbon connector in the slot without removing some of it. I notified Apple, but of course, they say it's out of warranty and can't do anything.

I am trying to see if anyone else has had this issue. I feel this is factory fraud! It was sent to me defective and without all its partsfrom Apple. My question is has anyone else had this issue?

MacBook Pro, macOS High Sierra (10.13.4)

Posted on May 26, 2018 12:44 PM

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May 26, 2018 2:40 PM in response to Copnrobr

Copnrobr wrote:

took it to a local Apple technician

<snip>Actually, I am NOT up and running. I am currently using an external mouse and external keyboard


YES, this is a quality control issue where Apple will do nothing to help. I must save the money to get the keyboard component replaced and it is going to cost, because of labor, about $400-$500.


This is an INTEGRITY issue.


Maybe get me the part for free, or have it replaced at no cost to me. <snip>


Sorry your full rant was deleted. It must of been reported and removed—but not by me.


My best recommendation would be to take it to an actual Apple Store and get a free over the counter diagnostic. Let them tell you what is wrong with it, and how to proceed. ( I may add it would be best to reinstall the OEM HD )


Genius reservation http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/


From here when they say "not under warranty"—then calmly and politely ask for the Manager, and state your case. Keep working your way up the chain of command. Out of warranty work is at the sole discretion of each individual manager.


Your best tack [sic] is to be polite and diplomatic. I hope this works for you.


good luck Copnrobr .

May 26, 2018 12:58 PM in response to Copnrobr

must have been sent this way from the factory...


I notified Apple, but of course, they say it's out of warranty and can't do anything.


There is nothing we can do here. I trust you are back up and running now, and the repair did not break the bank.


"...factory fraud" —not so much in a legal sense, but may speak to quality control issues.

If the user did not upgrade the HD, then everything would most likely still be working like it has up to this point.



You can submit Apple Feedback http://www.apple.com/feedback

May 26, 2018 3:14 PM in response to leroydouglas

Thank you for being so "polite" and putting your "hidden" message in your response. Up until the last response I was given (You probably aren't the same person) I have been very patient and polite. It has gotten nowhere at this point and I suspect it won't get any better. As with many Apple complaints, issues and concerns I have read being on this forum, I feel it is nice to be able to voice concerns, but little is usually done, like in my case, if the warranty is expired.

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Zif connector found to be glued from factory after 2 years

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