How to Reattach a Disconnected FFC Cable in Your Printer After the Lid Falls

Question:
I let my printer rest, but the lid accidentally fell, and now a cable has disconnected. Is there a way to reattach it?

Answer:

Now, regarding your situation, when the printer lid falls unexpectedly and a cable disconnects, it’s almost always the Flat Flexible Cable (FFC) that comes loose. The good news is that this is typically fixable, provided the cable or its connector hasn’t been physically damaged.

Here’s how to reattach the FFC cable safely and correctly:

1. Inspect the Cable and Connector:

   • First, check to make sure the cable has no visible damage—no bends, creases, or dirt near the metal contacts.

   • Also, inspect the connector socket on the printer board for any signs of breakage.

2. Identify the Locking Mechanism:

   • Most FFC connectors use a flip-up or sliding lock—usually a small latch that’s either brown or black.

   • Gently lift or slide this locking tab up. Do not force it—these locks are delicate and can snap easily.

3. Reinsert the Cable:

   • Align the exposed metal contacts of the FFC cable facing the correct direction (often downwards, but this can vary by printer model).

   • Carefully insert the cable straight into the connector slot. Ensure it goes in evenly—uneven pressure may cause poor contact or long-term damage.

4. Lock the Connector:

   • Once the cable is fully inserted, press or slide the locking tab back into place to secure it.

   • Lightly tug on the cable to ensure it’s firmly in place—if it slips out, the connection isn’t secure.

If the cable feels loose or refuses to stay in place:

• Recheck for bends, debris, or wear on the contact end.

• If necessary, trim a small portion of the cable’s end (only if it’s too damaged and there’s some extra length).

We've covered close-up demos in several repair videos if you're unsure about orientation or connector type. You can find them by using Google to search for:
“FFC cable site:youtube.com/@bchtechnologies”
Or directly visit our YouTube channel [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies] and use the magnifying glass/search icon near the “About” tab to search for “FFC cable” or your printer model.

Thank you again for subscribing and watching our videos. Your support really helps the channel grow and allows us to continue supporting the community.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we cannot provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service]. Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. It may take a few weeks to get your printer to drop it off. Our services are structured to repair a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we acknowledge that our rates aren't the most economical. Thus, we highly recommend that you resort to self-help via online research. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel's homepage [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]. Look for specific videos using the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of queries every day asking about videos for specific topics. Having created videos over the past nine years, it's challenging to remember every single one. Therefore, using YouTube's search function would be most efficient. Plus, YouTube might suggest relevant videos from other channels that could assist you.

Thanks again for your patience and support. We hope your printer is back in action soon!