Found the issue with my unit: the latch that holds the ribbon connector on the bottom of the midplate is broken. Support sending a new midplate out soon.
It would be even better if that latch were available as spare part.
Thatās not possible. The latch on ffc connectors is a non-removable part.
Wondering whether theyāll send a midplate with the module attached or if Iāll have to move the one Iāve got.
I donāt have my notebook yet, but the moving part might be exchangeable if it isnāt blocked when the connector is soldered in. Depends on the type and make of the connector, see Easy-On FFC-/FPC-Steckverbinder - Molex | Mouser for examples. If the stationary part is damaged, it will require soldering to replace the entire connector.
Is there a close-up photo of the connector used on the mid-plate somewhere?
The latches are not made to be removed / replaced. So they are not available separately. And they are extremely tiny. Iāve dealt with broken ones, and trying to fix them without just replacing the connector. It can be done sometimes, but itās hard, and it would just be impossible for many. Not worth it for Framework, even if they were available as a separate part.
It looks like itās a front flip up style, from one picture Iāve seen.
1 Like
Update: Thanks to the other discussion above^, I realized that my module connector cable was loose and detaching from the mid plate. It actually entirely detached as I was removing the mid plate again to look at it. I reattached it and latched it down and it works now. This might be your issue too as it was working previously but stopped. It seems as though it detaches too easily as it also detached again after I already latched it down, but Iām happy to have a functioning laptop. Hopefully USPS delivers my package soon but allās well.
4 Likes
When flip style ffc connectors get damaged, they sometimes no longer lock firmly. Good that you have a replacement is coming.
2 Likes
That thing is maxed out! I hope you get it working.
1 Like
Yup - my LAST laptop 
, so I went 
with all specs (I did buy my own M.2s and RAM - can confirm that 2x48 GB work just fine.)
THANK YOU @MarkRendle and to @VeSeAr I fixed the whole problem as well. Same here, it detached after I disconnected the other end and all I had to do was to put the latch down and reconnect it! Replacement is on its way as well -so I will use that when it arrives . Seem that this is a weak point and Framework should be aware and make sure that is done properly on the assembly line! I had to reinstall the drivers pack as the fingerprint reader was no longer seen.
1 Like
I received my 16 near the beginning of April. I followed the assembly instructions and had the same issue. I use a USB wireless to load windows and the drivers, It seems to work ok but the keyboard, number pad, and touchpad do not work and I get the error shown above. I got the error before installing windows and the drivers. If the connector at one is pulled out I get the error that the connector is not connected. Framework replaced the mid plate and I got the error. They have now replaced the main computer and I still get the same error. I have check the connector that was suggested above. The latch was down and the connector seems to be inserted fully. I looked at all three mid plates I have. My son also has a 16 but added the video card. His works fine. The connector you discussed above is glued in place and it does not seem movable. Are there anymore suggestions. When I work on the 16 and it is plugged in. The is a red flashing LED near were the connector is. as soon as I connector it starts flasshing green. But when I attach the keyboard it starts flasing red.
Hi Michael, can you please confirm that you have received the email from our support team? Looks like we have contacted you about the replacement 4 days ago, but you have accidentally replied back to the automatic shipment/tracking email we have sent you, instead of the support email. Please feel free to send me a DM if you need help.
I will send the email to the normal support team. The new 16 had the exact same issue that the old one did.
I did. Basically IĀ“m a moron and I thought that the usb-c port in the back was the power in. I didnĀ“t know I had to keep one of the usb-c bays clear for a power input. Sorry and thank you all guys
Iāve had my framework 16 for six months now and this happened to me. Both the keyboard and trackpad did not work in the middle position but did work in the left position. When disassembling I noticed that the ribbon cable on the mid plate I could see was slightly out of square through the window. Following your pictures I removed the cable by flipping up and reseating the flip connector and then it all worked.
Thanks to all in the thread and thanks to framework making a repairable laptop. Scary it can break this way in the middle of use though.