Ribbon cables are not particularly common these days, although you do find them in some sleeker electronics, like gaming systems and flat screen TVs, since they save space. If you’re working on a printer, older TV, or some other electronic though, you may not be able to find a replacement ribbon. A replacement ribbon cable shouldn’t cost more than $15. Ribbon cables are all installed the same way, but the cables themselves come in hundreds of different sizes and shapes. You cannot use a third-party cable to replace the ribbon cable on your specific device. It must come from the original manufacturer.
There are thousands of these connectors, so it’s important to get an exact replacement from the manufacturer. These connectors typically look like 1–3 in (2. 5–7. 6 cm) long rectangular pieces that connect the cable to a port. Most replacement cables will come with the connector you need. It may also come pre-installed on the cable. In some cases you’ll need to install it yourself, though.
Some cables will have “up” or and arrow printed on the cable to show you which direction and orientation the cable should be installed.
This process only applies to ribbon cables that do not have a connector on the end. If you don’t have a rectangular piece of plastic or metal on the end of the cable itself, you do not have a connector. Turn off the power source and let the item sit for at least 10 seconds whenever you’re replacing ribbon cables so you don’t risk accidental discharge. [5] X Expert Source Garnik OvsepyanComputer Specialist Expert Interview. 1 July 2021.
This is typically pretty easy. You can see the opening where the cable slides in just by looking at the base of the clip.
This may sound odd, but if there’s no guideline just push the cable to the other side and let it sit anywhere that it fits. When you install a ribbon cable, there are pins on the clip that puncture the cords to form an electrical connection. You can theoretically install the clip on any part of the ribbon cable.
On a TV, this cable typically runs from the screen to the motherboard. On a computer, these cables connect the screen and keyboard to the motherboard. You usually don’t need to install new components for these repairs. On a printer or gaming system, the ribbon clip often connects two panels together to power up buttons. Attach both ends of the cable using your clips before screwing in or assembling the device.
Do not rip the connector if it won’t come out of the port. Some connectors are built-into the machine and you actually unlock the cable by pushing a button or prying a cover out of the connector itself. [11] X Research source Refer to the instruction manual for your TV, printer, gaming system, or motherboard if you can’t figure out how to remove the connector.
The pins that stick out the end of the connector must be pointing away from the main body of the ribbon cable. There is often a little arrow on the 2 halves of the connector showing you which direction the connector needs to face. The connector comes in 2 halves that fit together using pegs. So long as the 2 halves are lined up over the cable and the pins are sticking out, you can push the 2 pieces together to attach them to the ribbon cable.
If you’re attaching a connector, you should hear the connector click into the clip. If you slide the ribbon cable into the connector, just line the end of the ribbon up with the bottom of the connector and slide it back into the clip.
In a computer, you’re likely attaching the ribbon cable from the motherboard to your keyboard or screen. Each end will have a separate connector. On a gaming device or printer, you will likely need to screw 2 panels together on your device to finish installing the cable.
