Can I Fix This $900 Laptop? - Extended Version

Can I Fix This $900 Laptop? - Extended Version - I can't believe one of the cable connectors was superglued together! Let's see if we can get the superglue off and also get the keyboard working again.
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[@tuomokoukku996]

The cable is called FFC, Flat flex cable. You can buy them by number of cores and width of the core. Also there are two different types, contacts on one side or contacts on opposite sides. There are very cheap so just buy different ones if you are not sure about the size.

[@kruleworld]

Can you also find my needle? i think i left it in that haystack over there...

[@TheChromescorpion]

@@kruleworld all sold on amazon even with new connectors

[@SodaNose]

I bought my first Ifixit repair kit after watching a ton of your videos, so far I have taken apart 3 laptops, replaced the thermal paste in all three and cleaned up some liquid damage from one and got it working like brand new. I also did a deep clean of my day 1 ps4 which was surprisingly not as dusty as I thought it was going to be after seeing some of the ones that you've cleaned and then I broke the disc drive but I managed to get it working again. You've been a huge inspiration and I can't wait to take apart more things in the future and keep the e-waste to a minimum.

[@saint4985]

This is so great to hear, keep up the awesome work!

[@wallysprint]

But did you use the "perfect amount" though??

[@SodaNose]

You should have seen it. It was transcendent 😙👌 @@wallysprint

[@mperry0913]

Same here. I watched a bunch of his videos and then got the ifixit Pro kit and it's been the best investment I've ever made. I've worked on laptops, cell phones, and especially console controller. All from watching Steve. Love these long play videos as well.

[@TheShinx93]

it is a widely used practice for repairing this type of cable, and it often works well. theoretically, if you try to cut the part damaged by the glue, and gently scrape away the plastic to expose the tracks you should be able to have a working cable obviously the fewer cuts the better for the part damaged by the screw, it would be enough to try to solder some thin cables to act as a bridge over those tracks

[@xoop3579]

Yes, this is a very good way to fix these cables

[@DarkKingsWrath]

This was a good one I'm glad you guys posted the extended cut

[@LozzTheDev]

Superglue is a nightmare, try SG debonder failing that I've read acetone helps remove it but not sure if it would have melted the connector, and brave of you to try and melt off the connector with a soldering iron! if you google FFC or FPC 40-Pin 0.5MM Pitch Ribbon Flat you should find places that sell new flexes- ebay, Amazon, Farnell, etc ;-) Most laptop's will power on without the battery connected and just connecting power to DC in, if you just want to test the keyboard ;-) Reflow pads with leaded solder, wick after to remove unleaded solder from pads and reflow with leaded solder and more flux. Also I noticed that you may not be using enough flux (was iron at right temp too?) when you were soldering the connector on as you were getting alot of persistent bridges.

[@robertpage2023]

Great show Sir. I do hope that you come thru your illness and live long to prosper. I've enjoyed many many of your shows and learned a lot. THANK YOU!

[@madmikegaming88]

i didnt know he had an illness man that sucks watching him has taught me so much

[@tonyshirley5674]

Great video, as always. Prayers continue for your health issues

[@segolily76]

You amaze me. You’re probably the only person who can fix the unfixable.

[@Steaksandfriespls]

Oh yes the extended versions are fire! I learn so much more

[@jonmarler]

I always keep a bottle of "debonder" within easy reach on my workbench. Debonder can quickly "de-bond" parts that have been superglued ... including fingers ... You might have had better luck using debonder on that super glue. Either way, it's an important piece of kit to keep on your workbench any time you work with super glue.

[@TronicsFixLongs]

Interesting. I'll look into it

[@sdelyoushay]

Steve, I commented on the original video and the short regarding this laptop. I have this cable spare. Please reply if you want it, I will ship it to you. CJNS E308724 AWM 20789.

[@TheNeoMassacre]

@TronicsFix here it is the key to fix it. But it needs also the Perfect Amount of Thermal Paste

[@thadofalltrades]

Hope he sees this!

[@TronicsFixLongs]

I really appreciate the offer. I'm not sure if I even still have this laptop. If I do and can find it I might take you up on that. Thanks!

[@rajah_7775]

Hey man I normally never post comments but I’m praying for a full recovery you got this and it’s amazing you are posting with everything going on keep up the good work sending lots of love your way you got this and we all will always support and care for you ❤❤❤ ps I’ve been watching ever since the gameboy fixes dude you are crushing it keep up the good work !

[@johnpaulbacon8320]

Nice job on the fixes Keep up the good work.

[@TronicsFixLongs]

Thanks 👍

[@dillyflaps]

Heeellll yeah! another tronics fix vid.

[@nightsekeer]

Glad to see the long video variant of the channel is gaining traction

[@XENONEOMORPH1979]

grt vid ste , i see that you hum while working , i do it also , its a good habit since i can not whistle

[@GusVoice]

this one was different. A more detailed soldering job. LOVED IT.

[@brucec.822]

Stay well my friend. I'm sure we're all hoping the best for your health!

[@Enjoymentboy]

Back in the early 2000's I was part of a joint Intel/lenovo whitebox laptop program where you would pay a small fee for a training course, build a laptop in their "verified by Intel" program and take the laptop with you. it was really a great deal so I did it whenever the opportunity arose. I recall they stressed that warped LCD frames and bezels were virtually always the fault of the user for opening the screen from the corner instead of the middle and they made a specific point of telling us to train our customers to ALWAYS lift from the centre of the screen and not at the corner as there was only so much frame stiffness they could build into it. I've always followed that advice and I have never once had one of my laptops have a warped or bent LCD or lid. As far as the superglue goes I would advise keeping a small bottle of cyanoacrylate DeBonder on hand. I used to have this stuff when I built RC airplanes and it comes in hugely helpful anytime you have to deal with someone else using superglue where they shouldn't

[@splatt3d]

Cyanoacrylate debonder...... is that acetone?🤔

[@Enjoymentboy]

@@splatt3d No. Not sure exactly what's in it but it pretty much rips the chemical bonds apart instead of dissolving it. Works very fast as well.

[@ggmtv1394]

Magnificent work with that soldering iron

[@rairai5114]

Awesome video, made my day! :)

[@markdjdeenix6846]

I have saved flex ribbon cables.just trim 5 mm off the end with scissors. It works You might expose more conductors if you rub off the top layer of plastic with a fibreglass pen

[@markdjdeenix6846]

Cut with the conductors up .the scissors will cut down and make a nice edge

[@richardbriansmith8562]

Awesome Video tronicfix😊😊😊

[@TronicsFixLongs]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@paultomlinson528]

Lovely job

[@steveaustin330]

Oh my how did I not know this second channel,pure gold ,Steve! edit: Subbed

[@bluegizmo1983]

I use BSI Debonder to un-cure CA glue, its amazing stuff. Since cured CA glue is basically plastic, it will also soften plastics, so be careful. It can be done without much harm to the plastics around it though.

[@TronicsFixLongs]

Just ordered some. Thanks for the tip

[@stoyantsalev3109]

I'm pretty sure you've figured it out already, but FFC can be ordered from a bunch of places. I think I last ordered some from Farnell. The things to consider when selecting is of course the length, the number of wires (cores) and most importantly the pitch. Chances are yours is 0.5mm (other common ones are 0.3 and 1mm) You don't really care about the width really. Ah, and also check whether the contacts are same-side or opposites.

[@Del_UK]

Hi Steve, from here I would disconnect the keyboard completely. Re-build the laptop to the point of placing the back cover on without screws. I would then use a USB cable keyboard and see if the laptop boots at all. Amazon UK sell Flexible Flat Cable and checked Amazon USA and they also sell the cable. Workout, how many pins you need and also if the cable is single or dual side pins. The length as well, maximum of 50mm/ 2 inches over length of cable you are replacing. (Generally under $10)

[@evan6568]

You missed your calling as a Surgeon, your skillset and dexterity are truly impressive sir!

[@favioquiros]

This is a wonderful job, I'm pretty sure it will work after you find the stupid flat cable, congratulations for the good micro soldering task

[@lea-rw5cb]

I just realised you sound like Sheldon from big bang theory love it

[@shamon351]

This was nasty ! Great video !

[@danielsalem7624]

Steve you are awesome

[@walterlegere1403]

I think I've heard of this kind of thing before. I think Marry Shelley wrote about this kind of thing in one of her more famous novels! HA! Great stuff as always! THAT was the epitome of "sketchy" my friend! When you tried to reconnect the power button with the power supply still plugged in and the battery connected I admit I cringed a little. Love watching your content!

[@JoseRodriguez-ek8en]

Thaks for the Extended Version... you make it look so easy but I'm sure it's a lot of work. By the way I have a logic board from a 2021 iMac M1 chip that it's not working. would you be able to take a look at it to see if you can repair it for me? Please let me know! Thanks.

[@bastian775]

This is why I like HP probooks: you can order parts.... not cheap unfortunately, but you can! including ribbon cables!

[@TronicsFixLongs]

YES! I love it when manufacturers provide parts.

[@TboneLoyal]

Great job with the trace repair. What iron is that you are using? My micro solder doesn’t get hot enough. Hakko.

[@TronicsFixLongs]

I'm using a Hakko. FM 2023 I think...I don't remember the exact model but I think it's the 2023

[@MasterJediSean]

It may be worth re assembling it as I do know that some laptops wont post without CPU fan/heatsink plugged in. Also I did noticed that when you plugged in the power switch ribbon and the nvme drive, the laptop was still on as you left the battery plugged in. So I think you needed to unplug the battery to hard reset the laptop after you re assemble it. you can get that cable easy, just count the pins and do a search, Or you can try your luck on ebay but you may have to resort to an off brand part that is compatible. Good Luck Steve! It looks like a decent laptop.

[@express496]

here is a tip on the ribbon cable. 1. use the original one, cut of the burnt end, re-expose the pins, use that. 2. Use the replacement one, just fold it differently to make it longer.

[@BrainHurricanes]

31:00 Acetone can dissolve superglue, and of course also most plastics, but I don't think that ribbon cable. Try it on this one and you'll know in future.

[@jbsmith86]

Where did you get those pads for the trace repair? Seem handy to have

[@eredontalan5878]

You should use UV solder mask for the open traces

[@danielhulan3058]

When you melt the ribbon cable it looks like burnt marshmellows.... yum lol

[@TronicsFixLongs]

Lol, it totally does. I can assure you it didn't smell like burned marshmallows though!

[@AlpHa-fw1dp]

You can cut damaged part of ribbon cable than u can use sandpaper for open fresh connector . I fixed a few ribbon cable with this merhod when i cant find same cable.

[@jacquesb5248]

good attempt.also had two laptops that don't charge and repair shop want a price close to a new laptop price which is pointless

[@markjamesromeroo8217]

check all missing voltage and try to work out sort of all supply and if complete the try to flash the bios chip

[@kazinwho]

I bought a Sega 32X on eBay that had one of the ribbon cables inside superglued to the connector, and anyone that knows 32Xs knows that those are the big failure point, so I had to buy another whole 32X and replace the ribbon cables on that one to get it working, so I feel your pain.

[@toofine9]

I have a Alienware R3 laptop that wont power on if youd like to tackle it?

[@bustenarule]

Laptop vidéos y liké... Super..

[@richgross144]

Acetone removes super glue pretty much immediately. I would have tried surgically using some acetone on a Q-tip. Worst case scenario would be slight damage to the connector, which you had written off already.

[@mashrien]

PS; To remove CA glue (crazy/super glue) .. acetone usually does quick work of it and it's not likely to cause any damage to the PCB, plastic, or anything else around there.

[@snakeatwar]

If you still need the FFC cable, I took the time to count the pins and it's a 40 pin 0.5mm pitch. Not sure if you need same or opposite side connector or what length but you can just look at the original cable and check. :) Edit: Nevermind I see you found a suitable cable!

[@sleepwalker6825]

Hi .. I had an exact same situation a few weeks ago .. Someone tried to swop out a keyboard and Broke the Keyboard cable locking connector and Superglued it down .. Used WD40 ( on a towel ) rubbed it around left it for 15 minutes and Viola loosened the glue ( just a tip ) cleaned it all up with rubbing Alchohol ..

[@TronicsFixLongs]

Nice!

[@M1LAD81]

Always a good idea to have a bottle of superglue de-bonder in storage. 😊

[@karthikms3128]

To remove superglue you can try using acetone(nail polish remover).

[@xo_plays_]

This keyboard connector has the perfect amount of super glue 👏

[@tollietime]

mmmm 2 things, you can buy ribbon cable on the roll and cut it to the desired width FYI and acetone kills superglue but also some plastics (nail varnish remover)

[@gehummel5756]

model rc shops have CA / super glue solvent. may be worth trying , for situations like this

[@Alan2E0KVRKing]

It would also melt the plastic

[@BharmaArc]

feels like the "screwed a screw too long and messed up a ribbon cable" is a common occurrence for laptop repairs

[@fu1r4]

Open the lid in the middle instead of the edges. It will be less stress on the hinges if you do that. You can use salt to remove superglue ...

[@phoenragon]

18:40 Wondering where these replacement trace pads came from. If Steve made them or they are something he bought. I have a few projects I need these for

[@gstarscream]

have you any live video while repairing anything? if not, will you ever do any?

[@user-nm6pz6rn7q]

what was that goop he used to help get rid of the super glue?

[@galbraith69]

You need to invest into Debonder for CA glue ;)

[@dnam16]

I remembered seeing the original video. It sill seems like he left us hanging by not getting a replacement cable. There were posts about getting used cables from ebay or buying a new one from ribbon cable sellers.

[@mashrien]

3:10 Holy crap.. that looks damn-near IDENTICAL to my Razer Blade Pro (Early 2020 model).. I wonder if it's more-or-less the same components just with small changes and a different chassis I *do* know that no matter what company you order from, like 99% of laptops are all made in the same 2-3 factories in Ghanzhou China.. They're sometimes final-assembled in the US so they can claim "made in the usa" but everything is really made in that city in China lol (hp, dell, lenovo, razer, asucks, acer, msi, all of'em)

[@Zujanbre]

Alcohol may dissolve hot glue, for superglue I think your best bet was using a small handheld grinder tool or a grinder pen and gently scrape off the metal and plastic then finish the ribbon with a polishing bit. Soldering iron would be out of the question here. An iron can melt through kapton tape, a ribbon cable is less heat resistant than that. Another way I'd tried is to sacrifice a few mm of ribbon by cutting it with a x-acto knife and saving the rest.

[@lemagreengreen]

It's a Clevo laptop by the way if you're struggling to find parts, lots of different companies just rebrand them.

[@whiteshadow918]

plug in an HDMI and see if the screen is just not working but its actually on. ive ran into that a few times where it would show on an external display but it wouldnt show on the laptop screen. then you backtrack from there if thats the case. you said it was getting warm without the cooler. so check that and you might get lucky.

[@davidpriest5253]

Nice job Steve. I agree about the parts, and I believe in Europe there is a push for "right to fix" legislation, which would force manufacturers to provide spares. Just a thought though, could that ribbon cable in question be trimmed?

[@user-ju9mq9wm4s]

suggestion. cut the original ribbon cable and splice it with your new shorter cable. I have seen you do this with another similar cable. Sure it's a lot of work but it might work.

[@MrDinakdakan]

you cannot cut the end of the flex and scrape for nee connection

[@diegomartinez7180]

I just want to tell you that "maybe" you could've fixed that ribbon cable by using acetone instead of heating the plastic. You might still fix it like that. Acetone is the correct solvent for cleaning superglue. The problem with acetone is that it also melts plastic, so you need to be careful. By the way, most nail polish compounds have acetone as a main component.

[@optimizelogicrepair2784]

Nice Shirt!

[@liduardo]

Lo que yo hago es que compro más grandes y luego los corto del tamaño que necesito, o bien, corto lo que está malo, luego lijar la superficie plástica hasta hacer uno nuevo con el mismo FLEX, solo remover un poco la parte mala y volver a hacerlo.

[@davidgutting4317]

Acetone cuts superglue, unfortunately it also cuts ABS and acrylic, and it will take the ink off the motherboard. Some connectors are resistant to acetone, it’s worth experimenting with it if you need superglue off the part.

[@yukuku]

try a 40 pin ribbon cable might have to measure the pitch of the cable

[@xristosglezellis3025]

Cut the ribbon cable before connector and scratch with grinding tool the traces

[@jurgenkruger3932]

Try Digikey for this cable.

[@user-dx7ei4zx8l]

Check the CPU chip if it is heating up, if it does, it means that it is turning on but you should have reheat the GPU.

[@polarstar]

Shame the cable got destroyed. Personally, I would have gone after it with some acetone on a cotton swab. Also, there must be electronics depots that sell ribbon cables to a specific length, # of connectors, connection type, etc?

[@crowdaddy6472]

Nail polish remover works best for super glue not sure how good it is for plastics and electrics though

[@Alan2E0KVRKing]

It does melt plastic unfortunately

[@nicoful86]

to test the keyboard, why not assembly it and use display out via HDMI? Also, I'd def try to clean up that ribbon cable, maybe even cut it back

[@leemunroe7077]

Acetone u use for nails might of worked for the glue

[@GTOMAN04]

Doesn't fingernail polish remover remove super glue? Or am I tripping?

[@maxtornogood]

Hmm, this is why I prefer the Framework laptop!

[@GrundleGrump]

Could I politely request you add original airdates to these long episodes so I can work out if I've seen the edited ones please?

[@TermitesRGood1]

Whats the Laptop Brand and Model Number?

[@allifrodrigues3462]

Glue remover would come in handy.

[@npreyssler]

It is creasy how the flux help to clean the glue!!!

[@dennisjamolin6905]

it will not display because the heatsink is not connected also scrap the old flex cable for the keyboard and use it again.

[@mantenimientorincon1459]

Use a cutter on the ribbon an soft erase y plástico and cut the old damage part indo allá timen

[@Hello-nh3my]

I think you should have put on the Fans of the motherboard. Because it’s a important part if not the laptop won’t start

[@nickjohnson217]

Acetone is what you use to dissolve cyno glue.

[@saint4985]

Guys you're killing us, you call it "Longs" but only 40 mins? :(

[@cinlung]

Sometimes, some laptops don't turn on if you don't put the heatsink and fan back.

[@user-uk7uu9us1w]

Acetone can clean up super glue it works better than ipa

[@Google_Is_Evil]

It is very likely manufactured by Clevo. Find the equivalent Clevo model and you can get parts all over the place.

[@Rainbow__cookie]

18:45 thats not important it doesnt go anywhere it says c178 so it was prob meant to be a capacitor there but it wasnt needed or its just a testing pad from factory

[@rudolfo36]

need the fans connected