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Released June 2012 / Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost / Up to 1 GB GDDR5 Video RAM

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Troubleshooting the keyboard ffc/zif connector

I have a MacBook Pro where a few columns of keys don't work. I've verified that the issue isn't related to the keyboard by replacing the top case in its entirety.

Resetting the SMC doesn't do anything. I haven't had a chance to try resetting PRAM/NVRAM yet since one of the keys that doesn't work is the P.

Does anyone have recommendations for how to troubleshoot this problem? If it weren't for this, I'd have a perfectly functional MacBook Pro...

I've thought of cleaning it with isopropanol, but I'm not sure how much good that would do.

I have a couple of boards on which I could practice soldering, but I'm not experienced, so I'd like to leave that as a last resort.

Thanks for all your help!

Update (07/30/2018)

Block Image

Picture of the ZIF connector. I think there's some discoloration on the pins on the right side.

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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Does a USB or Bluetooth keyboard work correctly?

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Yes, a USB keyboard worked fine. I was able to reset the PRAM, but nothing changed. A few of the pins on the keyboard ZIF connector look a little discolored. I took a picture, but I'm not sure how to upload it.

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In terms of uploading a picture, upload to Imgur and insert link in a post

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Thanks, @rwalmond

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Have you always owned this Mac since brand new ?

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Apply isopropyl alcohol to both the socket and the metallic fingers on the ribbon and brush with an old (clean!) toothbrush. Also, make sure the ribbon is fully and evenly inserted into the socket and that the clamping bar is engaging properly. The clamping bar on these sockets is easily broken. Should the clamping bar be broken you can sometimes force a piece of card of just the right size and thickness into the socket behind the ribbon in order to maintain the pressure on the contacts.

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Thanks, I'll try that tomorrow. Should I use some distilled water first or will it not really make a big difference?

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Tried using the isopropyl alcohol, but without any success... Is the connector toast?

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Those darker pins could point to a slight liquid damage..maybe the board has already been ultrasonic washed if you can’t see any other sign around and considering you don’ know the history of it. However, I’d check pins also on U5701, where you might find other signs. Probably U5701 needs replaced to solve your issue since zif pins by themselves don’ seem in such a bad shape to prevent regular functioning. Problem here is the IC is a 56pin QFN and if you don’t have experience with QFN soldering, starting with such a big one might not be a great idea.

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Which one is U5701? I looked at the chip next to the keyboard connector where all the lines lead, but I couldn't find any signs of damage

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That IC next to the keyboard connector you checked is U5701

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Got it. Thanks!

How can I figure out if it's the connector or U5701 that's casuing the issues?

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You should have the correct resistance values pin by pin of both known good IC and connector. Repeat testing with suspect faulty one and you should have your hints as to what is not working properly. Don't have them ? That's where one scratches his head and decides to go for try and error..replace the connector, test and if no joy replace the IC too. I'm afraid there are no easy ways out.

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