Is there any way to repair a broken (ripped) fan connector

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MacBook Air 13" Late 2010

1.86GHz or 2.13GHz Processor, 128GB or 256GB Flash Storage

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Kevin @kevin94073

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Posted: Apr 26, 2013

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Is there any way to repair a broken (ripped) fan connector

Hello everyone,

The title is pretty much self-sufficient.

More precisely: when trying to clean the dust in my MacBook Air 13" (late 2010 model), I stupidly destroyed the fan connector for the fan. And by destroyed, I alas really mean it: two of the pins have been ripped away (only soldering points remain)!

Is there any chance to fix this, without having to change the whole logic board?

Edit: here are some photos of the broken connector; they are of poor quality, but they should nonetheless show you the problem...

Edit2: Agh, I knew these crappy photos wouldn't do. I managed to make some better shots with a borrowed camera:

You can compare it with the normal state of the connector herafter (from the photo of step 6 of the "MBA 13inch 2010 replacement for logic board" guide) to see what it should be like...

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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Kevin, it might be possible to resolder it, or a replacement, but to be for sure, it might help if you post an image of your damage with your question. Use this guide Adding images to an existing answer to add images to your question.

Apr 26, 2013 by oldturkey03

Hello oldturkey,

I joined some (poor) photos of the broken connector. I have no access to a real camera, so I had to take them with some mobile phone...

May 3, 2013 by Kevin

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oldturkey03 @oldturkey03

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Posted: May 3, 2013

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Kevin, that actually looks pretty good. Thanks for posting the images.

Looks like I got the pics mixed up:-) okay, your solder pads still look good and your traces are okay, which is great. It is your connector that is definitely in need of replacement. I think if we can find a replacement for that, you can solder it back on, of course you will need to have some good tools and good skills to do that. But, overall I think this is doable. Looks like the connector is available at places like this. I will start looking for a proper connector and keep you informed. Hope this helps, good luck.

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Ah, but it is not this connector that is broken (this one connects to the I/O board, and AFAIK it is just fine).

I knew my crappy photos weren't clear enough... I have uploaded a couple of better ones, and as you will be able to see, it is not nearly as good: half of the pins are just gone.

May 4, 2013 by Kevin

Hello oldturkey.

Thanks for your answer. Did you find a way for me to get a suitable replacement connector?

Jun 3, 2013 by Kevin

Kevin did you check on the above link in my answer http://www.amazon.com/CyberDoc-LLC-conne...

Jun 3, 2013 by oldturkey03

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Kevin, it might be possible to resolder it, or a replacement, but to be for sure, it might help if you post an image of your damage with your question. Use this guide Adding images to an existing answer to add images to your question. — oldturkey03
Hello oldturkey,

I joined some (poor) photos of the broken connector. I have no access to a real camera, so I had to take them with some mobile phone... — Kevin
Ah, but it is not this connector that is broken (this one connects to the I/O board, and AFAIK it is just fine).

I knew my crappy photos weren't clear enough... I have uploaded a couple of better ones, and as you will be able to see, it is not nearly as good: half of the pins are just gone. — Kevin
Hello oldturkey.

Thanks for your answer. Did you find a way for me to get a suitable replacement connector? — Kevin
Kevin did you check on the above link in my answer http://www.amazon.com/CyberDoc-LLC-conne... — oldturkey03