iMac Intel 21.5″ EMC 2889 FaceTime HD Camera and Microphone Cable Replacement
Duration: 45 minutes
Steps: 29 Steps
If your microphone and FaceTime camera are acting wonky, it might just be a pesky cable causing the ruckus. Dive into this guide to swap out the camera and microphone ribbon cable in your iMac Intel 21.5″ EMC 2889. Let’s get you back to chatting and snapping in no time!
Step 1
Be super careful not to mess with the capacitor leads or any exposed solder joints on the back of the power supply. Only handle the board by the edges – it’s like giving it a little boundary space to stay safe.
With the hinge freed up, your iMac might feel a bit wobbly—kind of like trying to work on a seesaw. Using an iMac service wedge makes this repair smoother than butter, but if you don’t have one, no worries—you can totally handle it without.
If you’ve got your hands on the cardboard service wedge, check out these easy assembly steps to get it set up in no time.
– Before you dive into fixing up your iMac, make sure to unplug it and give that power button a good 10-second press. This helps drain the capacitors and keeps things safe while you work!
Tools Used
Step 2
The hub on the iMac Opening Tool is here to save the day by preventing you from pushing the wheel in too far. If you’re using a different tool, remember to insert it carefully—not more than 3/8″ into the display. Going deeper could risk cutting those antenna cables, and trust us, you don’t want that kind of drama!
– Begin on the left side of the display, right by the power button, and gently slide the iMac Opening Tool into the tiny gap between the glass panel and the rear casing. You’ve got this!
Step 3
Always push the handle behind the cutting wheel—trust us, it works way better! If you pull, there’s a good chance the wheel might pop out of the handle, and we definitely don’t want that.
– Treat the tool like a pizza cutter—just roll it along the gap and let it slice through that foam adhesive like it’s nothing.
– Slide the tool smoothly up the left side of the display, keeping a steady hand.
Step 4
– Keep gliding the tool smoothly toward the top left corner.
Step 5
– Let’s get started! Carefully cut the adhesive along the top left of the display to begin the repair process.
Step 6
Take the tool and glide it back and forth over the area you’ve already worked on—just to loosen up as much of that pesky adhesive as you can.
– Keep cruising along the top edge of the display—you’re doing great!
Step 7
– Gently guide your tool along the top right corner of the display.
Step 8
– Gently glide the tool down the right side of the display like you’re giving it a little ride.
Step 9
Alright, time to make sure that adhesive doesn’t stand a chance! Run your tool back around the entire display, working carefully to slice through as much of it as possible. A little patience here will make the next steps way smoother.
– Keep pushing that opening tool down to the bottom of the right side of the display. You’ve got this!
Step 10
Keep the plastic card under 3/8″—any deeper and you risk messing with the internal goodies.
Even though our trusty opening tool has tackled most of that sticky adhesive, the display might still be holding on a bit. No worries! A plastic card will come in handy to gently release the last bits of that adhesive and get everything free. You’ve got this!
– Place your iMac face-up on a sturdy table, ready to get its groove back.
– Start from the top right corner of the iMac and slip a plastic card between the display and frame like you’re getting ready to unlock a hidden treasure.
Step 11
– Carefully twist that plastic card to the side to open up a little gap between the display and the frame. Be gentle!
– Take your time and don’t put too much pressure on the display glass—you’re aiming for just about a 1/4″ gap.
Step 12
Heads up! Be careful not to go too far, or you might damage the iSight camera. Let’s take it one step at a time and get this repair done smoothly!
– Gently glide the card towards the center of the display to slice through any stubborn adhesive hanging out in the top right corner of your iMac.
Step 13
– Slip the plastic card back into the top right corner—like a sneaky ninja—and keep it there to stop the adhesive from making a comeback.
Step 14
– Slide another plastic card into the gap between the display and the frame at the top left corner of the iMac—you’re almost there, keep it steady!
Step 15
Just like the other side, give it a slow twist—patience is key! Let the adhesive peel away gradually, and remember, your display glass isn’t a stress test champion, so take it easy.
– Carefully twist the card upward, creating just enough space between the display and frame to get things moving.
Step 16
– Gently slide the plastic card toward the center, but stop just before you reach the iSight camera. Take it slow, you’ve got this!
Step 17
– Slide that trusty plastic card back into the top left corner with confidence!
Step 18
Lift the display gently—only a few inches, please! Those display data and power cables are still snugly connected to the logic board.
If you encounter any stubborn sections that just won’t budge, take a breather from twisting and grab one of those handy cards to slice through the leftover adhesive.
– Time to get your display off! Carefully insert two plastic cards near the corners and gently pry them open by twisting the cards – creating a little gap between the display and the case.
– Now it’s time to lift the display – start with the top and work your way around the frame. Remember to take your time.
Tools Used
Step 19
Gently raise the display just enough to get a good look at the connector—about 8 inches should do the trick—but be careful not to stretch those cables or put too much stress on their connections. You’ve got this!
– Grab the display with one hand like you’re cradling a precious gem, then use your other hand to gently unplug the display power cable—smooth and steady, no sudden moves!
Step 20
Gently slide the display data cable connector out of its socket, keeping it nice and level with the motherboard. This will help you avoid any accidental damage. Patience here goes a long way!
– While keeping one hand on the display for support, lift up the metal bracket that holds the display data cable in place.
– Gently tug the display data cable out of its socket on the logic board.
Step 21
There’s still a strip of sticky adhesive along the bottom of the display that acts like a hinge, keeping the display attached to the frame. Gently wiggle the display up and down a few times to loosen things up.
– Tilt the display upward into an almost-upright stance.
Step 22
Handle with care—steer clear of those capacitor leads and any exposed solder joints on the back of the power supply (highlighted in red).
If you happen to break one of those pesky adhesive strips before you’re done, just grab a plastic card and gently slice through the remaining sticky stuff. You’ve got this!
– Grab the little tab at the end of one of those sneaky adhesive strips lurking along the bottom edge of your iMac’s display and give it a gentle pull toward the top to peel it away. You’re doing great!
– Now, let’s do the same thing with the other adhesive strip and pull it off. Keep it up!
Step 23
Handle the display with care—it’s large, hefty, and crafted from glass. Think of it like a gentle giant that deserves some respect!
– Gently lift the display from the frame and set it aside.
– Go slow and steady—it helps to lift from one edge to work against the adhesive still holding it down.
– Once the adhesive is cut, it’s game over for reuse! Don’t fret—follow this guide to replace those adhesive strips so the display stays securely in place.
Step 24
– Gently use the tip of a spudger to lift the metal bracket holding the camera cable in place. A little nudge and it should pop right down.
Tools Used
Step 25
Make sure to only disconnect the camera connector—leave the microphone connector alone, as it’s on a different part of the cable.
– Carefully tug the camera cable straight down from its cozy spot on the camera board. You’ve got this!
Step 26
– Gently unplug the microphone connector from its cozy spot on the camera board.
Step 27
– Grab a spudger and gently pop up the metal retaining bracket holding the camera cable connector to the logic board. You’re doing great—keep it up!
Tools Used
Step 28
Handle this delicate connector with care—it’s a bit of a drama queen and can break easily! When you’re ready to remove it, gently pull it straight out, keeping it parallel to the logic board. You’ve got this!
– Gently tug the camera cable straight out from its connector on the logic board. You’ve got this!
Step 29
Having trouble getting that cable to peel away from the rear enclosure? No worries, just grab a spudger and gently pry it loose – it’s like a little helping hand!
– Now, to bring your device back to life, just follow these steps in reverse and whip out our special Adhesive Strips Guide to get that display glass back where it belongs. It’s a cinch!
– If you find yourself in a tough spot, don’t hesitate to schedule a repair for a little extra support!
Tools Used
Success!
