This is a little tricky. Basically you need to just release the pressure on the ribbon cable. There is a small bar that holds it in. It just needs to be slid up very gently, about 1/16". Don't remove it from the socket, and do it very gently. Try to pull up equally on both sides. After you do that the Keyboard ribbon should just slide out.

[quote|gabriel]This is a little tricky. Basically you need to just release the pressure on the ribbon cable. There is a small bar that holds it in. It just needs to be slid up very gently, about 1/16". Don't remove it from the socket, and do it very gently. Try to pull up equally on both sides. After you do that the Keyboard ribbon should just slide out.[/quote]

Is the small bar the black bar that slides to the back of the unit or is part of the white connector that is soldered to the mother board?

[quote|cwirla]Is the small bar the black bar that slides to the back of the unit or is part of the white connector that is soldered to the mother board?[/quote]

Which machine do you have? Do you have a model number?

[quote|gabriel]Which machine do you have? Do you have a model number?[/quote]

Model #A1095 Powerbook G4 15" Aluminum. Sorry for not specifying this earlier. Thanks for your help.

[quote|cwirla]Model #A1095 Powerbook G4 15" Aluminum. Sorry for not specifying this earlier. Thanks for your help.[/quote]

Update: I just disassembled and cleaned an Apple Mighty Mouse. It uses two ribbon connectors similar to the connector used for the keyboard ribbon. Now I get it! I think a spurger would be a better tool to release the bar than fingers; it worked quite nicely on the mouse.

Thanks.

[quote|cwirla]Update: I just disassembled and cleaned an Apple Mighty Mouse. It uses two ribbon connectors similar to the connector used for the keyboard ribbon. Now I get it! I think a spurger would be a better tool to release the bar than fingers; it worked quite nicely on the mouse. Thanks.[/quote]

The part you want to slide is the black bar that is connected to back of the beige piece that is soldered onto the motherboard. If you have any issues, feel free to email me at gabriel@ifixit.com and I would be happy to send you a picture to clarify.

[quote|gabriel]The part you want to slide is the black bar that is connected to back of the beige piece that is soldered onto the motherboard. If you have any issues, feel free to email me at gabriel@ifixit.com and I would be happy to send you a picture to clarify.[/quote]

Thanks.

[quote|cwirla]Thanks.[/quote]

Houston, we have liftoff!! The connector operates just as the instructions say. It seems that Step #13 (diagram) is unnecessary and slightly misleading. You don't pull up on the black bar but push it back toward the screen as per Step #14. New keyboard is installed. Powerbook G4 is working like new with a brand new hard drive and keyboard. iFixit rocks! Thanks guys!

[quote|cwirla]Houston, we have liftoff!! The connector operates just as the instructions say. It seems that Step #13 (diagram) is unnecessary and slightly misleading. You don't pull up on the black bar but push it back toward the screen as per Step #14. New keyboard is installed. Powerbook G4 is working like new with a brand new hard drive and keyboard. iFixit rocks! Thanks guys![/quote]

No problem, glad it worked for you.

[quote|gabriel]No problem, glad it worked for you.[/quote]

The only problem appears to be that in the process of cleaning an incredible amount of gunk from the deck where the keyboard sits, I seems to have lost some of the adhesive that holds the corners of the keyboard down along with the 13 screws. It's most noticeable on the lower left set of keys: function/control/option. In hindsight, a little double sided tape might have been useful.

I can live with it, though the keyboard makes a bit of noise due to sticking/unsticking of the backing. Not a big deal, and my old road warrior is up and running again for more Keynote presentations!

[quote|cwirla]The only problem appears to be that in the process of cleaning an incredible amount of gunk from the deck where the keyboard sits, I seems to have lost some of the adhesive that holds the corners of the keyboard down along with the 13 screws. It's most noticeable on the lower left set of keys: function/control/option. In hindsight, a little double sided tape might have been useful. I can live with it, though the keyboard makes a bit of noise due to sticking/unsticking of the backing. Not a big deal, and my old road warrior is up and running again for more Keynote presentations![/quote]

"I seem" - Sheesh!

[quote|cwirla]"I seem" - Sheesh![/quote]

Gabriel there is a problem in 1 gighz 17inch laptop I am working on. It seems that very connector just let go from the logic board as I was taking the ribbon out to get to the HD. I noticed the actual connectors are at the other side of the ribbon not on the ends. If I adhere the connector to the logic board will I be OK or am I up the creek?

[quote|kdms]Gabriel there is a problem in 1 gighz 17inch laptop I am working on. It seems that very connector just let go from the logic board as I was taking the ribbon out to get to the HD. I noticed the actual connectors are at the other side of the ribbon not on the ends. If I adhere the connector to the logic board will I be OK or am I up the creek?[/quote]

I need to replace my G4 keyboard too, but the guide that I found on this website only has 9 steps, and isn't very detailed. Where can I find the guide with step #13, referred to in this discussion?

[quote|martha]I need to replace my G4 keyboard too, but the guide that I found on this website only has 9 steps, and isn't very detailed. Where can I find the guide with step #13, referred to in this discussion?[/quote]

Martha - Go here: http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Browse/Power... to find your exact model. Click on your model and you will find all the instructions including "keyboard." Mine was a G4 15" Aluminum 1.33 MHz. Yours may be different, as your instructions may be different. Be sure you have the right model. good luck.

[quote|cwirla]Martha - Go here: http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Browse/PowerBook to find your exact model. Click on your model and you will find all the instructions including "keyboard." Mine was a G4 15" Aluminum 1.33 MHz. Yours may be different, as your instructions may be different. Be sure you have the right model. good luck.[/quote]

Thanks, cwirla. I found the instructions, installed my new keyboard, and everything works great. Initially I hadn't plugged the airport antenna back in all the way, and it took me a while to figure that out. Some of the parts feel kind of flimsy, so I hesitated to push too hard, but it does take some pressure to get things fully connected.

[quote|martha]Thanks, cwirla. I found the instructions, installed my new keyboard, and everything works great. Initially I hadn't plugged the airport antenna back in all the way, and it took me a while to figure that out. Some of the parts feel kind of flimsy, so I hesitated to push too hard, but it does take some pressure to get things fully connected.[/quote]

While removing the keyboard ribbon for repairing the DC-in board, I broke the side clips for the keyboard ribbon connector. after rigging it back into place and holding it in place with scotch taper the keyboard works 80%. Many of the keyboard shortcuts do not work. Command+W and others. Any ideas om how to fix this?

[quote|Stevereeno]While removing the keyboard ribbon for repairing the DC-in board, I broke the side clips for the keyboard ribbon connector. after rigging it back into place and holding it in place with scotch taper the keyboard works 80%. Many of the keyboard shortcuts do not work. Command+W and others. Any ideas om how to fix this?[/quote]

I have an Aluminum powerbook g4 17, 1.67GHz, dual side dvd burner.

I have lost the tiny plastic shim that secures the keyboard ribbon to the logic board.

Does anyone know where I can find a replacement?

[quote|J D]I have an Aluminum powerbook g4 17, 1.67GHz, dual side dvd burner. I have lost the tiny plastic shim that secures the keyboard ribbon to the logic board. Does anyone know where I can find a replacement?[/quote]