m11x ribbon cable frayed

Hi all -- last time I posted I was having my screen replaced for the third time in a year and a half (typical hinge issue -- this was the out of warranty fix), and something went wrong with the repair, causing my alien fx lights to stop working (keyboard, grill, alienware logo, power button, etc). After some disassembling/reconnecting and messing around, I got they keyboard lights to work, though nothing else. One of the ribbon cables had frayed ends, which I think was causing a loose connection. After a week or so they turned back off with no warning, but everything else was fine.

Now, while just sitting browsing on the computer, the colors on the screen completely messed up. I took it apart and tried to straighten out the frayed cable again, but to no avail. I need help, if you guys are willing -- I think the problem is due to the frayed ribbon cable, but I may be wrong -- if it's not, I need help figuring out what it is. If I am right, I need either a makeshift solution to fix it myself or a place/person I can buy a replacement cable from (Google has yielded some results but only for the whole ledboard+cable combo, and like $40 or more).

I've attached some pictures -- 1 close up of the frayed end, 1 far away of it to clarify which one I'm talking about, 1 of the Alien logo during bootup to show what the colors do, and 1 of the other end of the cable just to clarify which one again, and also to show what I assume the messed up end is supposed to be. The picture of the frayed cable is after I have tried to straighten it some, but a couple stripes are missing and several are still bent or shortened. The frayed cable picture is after my attempts at straightening, but some stripes are missing and several are bent or shortened still.

If you guys have any ideas or suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it!

 

I needed the same cable myself a while back. I searched around a while and the cable alone is basically impossible to find from what I remember.

Ended up buying the entire palm rest assembly. That is the cheapest solution (I think) and my recommendation. I got a used assembly for $30 on ebay link.

And you'll have an extra power/mouse board and fresh mouse buttons if you ever need them. =]

 

Thanks for the idea, I just ordered one off eBay; saw a "good condition" used one where I could see the cord in the pictures for $10. Figure even if it sucks I'm only out $10, but I'm hoping for the best.

Now here's hoping the frayed ribbon cable is the actual cause of the discoloration...

...and speaking of which, the computer now won't even pass POST. I have taken it apart again and tried to reconnect, it's hit or miss whether it does anything now, usually just the fan spins up and then stop and nothing else. Glad I kept this old netbook...

But hopefully the part I ordered will fix it.

 

You can get just the ribbon cable here: Alienware M11X LCD VIDEO Screen Flex Cable P/N F8W3Y on eBay!

 

That's not what he's looking for

 

Iirc, mine was having the same symptoms - wouldn't boot, no backlights, etc. You should be good to go. Congratz on finding that good of a price.

 

Had the same exact problem as OP, just sent it in for Dell to repair. Forgot I had warranty.

 

I have a similar problem where after I swapped the HDD in my M11x r1, the laptop does not boot or shows any signs of power going through it.

I gave it a few lil tap at the edge to get a screw that got lost inside when the laptop was opened up.

After I put it back together the laptop will not switch on, even when plugged to charger.

I am so gutted. It is out of warranty and recently the screen was replaced.

Is there any cable that might have come loose?