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A1418 / EMC 2833 / Late 2015 / 3.1 GHz Core i5 or 3.3GHz Core i7 Processor. Released October 13, 2015.

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Cable from power button broke during hard drive replacement.

Dear ifixit,

I was in the process of upgrading my (iMac 21.5" 4k) and whilst I was removing the speaker (for easier access to SATA cable) the cord joining from the power button to the logic board (which travels along the left speaker) broke. I was not applying much force and am very surprised that it broke. This means I am now unable to power up my iMac. Is there anything I can do to replace this part or somehow rejoin the wire? Any information would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!! (Even if it is "there is nothing you can do")

Thanks very much!

Joe

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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Can you get to the ends of the broken wires? Where did it break?

I have a button and cable from an older model but do not know if it will work on your machine. Maybe post a photo?

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Thanks very much for your help! Unfortunately after speaking with several repairers my only option is to replace the whole aluminium shell as the power button is built into it and cannot be changed. Certainly not ideal and will come at some expense but don't have much choice..! Quite devastating.

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i just did the same thing on a 2013. it is glued in. it can be pried out. soldered on some new wire and back in business

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Ouch!

The power button cable will be very difficult to find as a spare. I've never seen it on the older systems as a repair part in Apple's service manuals.

I think you'll need to try to splice the cable together somehow or carefully put the system together and bring it into an Apple Store and let them fix it. I suspect they may have a way to get the part or they'll replace the entire rear shell.

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Thanks for the help with this!! You are correct and unfortunately the whole rear shell has to be replaced. I spoke with several repairers and because the button cannot be removed from the shell in this model that is the only (and rather costly..) option. Thanks again for the swift response!

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OK, so, it IS possible to get that little power button housing out of the case, but it’s hard. I got so mad at the prospect of having to buy an entire new rear shell because of one little broken cable that I resolved to find a way. It’s epoxied in, so take a deep breath, find some inner calm and then arm yourself with a heat gun. Remove all the extra stuff anywhere near the button housing (including that little strip of black folds that runs along the bottom of the screen area, held in by five tiny screws). Point the heat gun at the back of the case, just where the button housing sits. Let it heat up real good, and then take a spudger or small flat screwdriver and try prying at the button housing. Be patient, it took me about ten minutes of heating and poking to get it out. But it is do-able, and when you get it, you will attain a deep and magnificent joy. When putting it back, use hot glue to make life easier for anyone who might have to get it out again.

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It is absurd to apple not to have this as a spare!

It does not make sense to have to change the entire housing of the computer, because of a defect in the Power Button ...

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I agree!!! Very frustrating design feature

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...me happens the same! That is not good!!!

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I use a hair dryer to blow the back shell for about 5 minutes and I can take it off.

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Put it back after repair, and put an eraser inside.

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Placed heat gun on back of unit until power button started to push slightly up. Then proceed to run heat gun on top side near power button for 2 minutes. Used a nylon probe tool to pry the power button out.

Next ordered a soldering kit from amazon for $12. Soldered the broken cables back together and back in business. When we reseated the power button we used silicone adhesive. Powers on with no issues and costed us $12 and the client had to wait 3 more days. He wasn’t happy but it’s better then having to file an insurance claim or buy a whole new rear housing.

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Josef Bisits will be eternally grateful.
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