Thinkpads Forum

Im repairing a IBM ThinkPad 600 Pentium II 333MHz and the keyboard/Audio connector on the ribbon fell off, So I reconnected the connector back on and the pins slid in and the entire keyboard works fine "Thats the good Part", but the audio is not working as the pins are broke off for them by the looks of it. But the audio does work when pressed down on the cable. touching the pins. And for the 600, the keyboard and audio run through the same ribbon. Is there any 3rd party place that sells ribbons since for sure IBM no longer makes replacement parts for 98 laptops.

It's highly doubtful to me that you would be able to find ribbon cables "off-the-shelf" for replacing/repairing connections from keyboards and LCDs. These must have been custom designed for each application. Your best bet for replacements would be to find a similar "parts" system on eBay or craigslist. If it's a matter of the trace(s) being broken, rather than a complete tear of the plastic substrate, then you could try using some conductive paint to restore the connection(s). Stuff like what you can find in auto parts supply stores that repair rear window defrosters.

I used cazyglue and the connection for the sound is working now and have it all put back together. Wish IBM used wires then ribbons, probably was cheaper, although they where never intended to be opend up too.