Chosen Solution
Palmrests for these units are being sold without the TouchID / power button on the far right end of the touchbar. The TouchID button has a small integrated flex/ribbon cable (labeled “00920-A”) that then plugs into a secondary flex/ribbon that extends the original and changes its plug type so it can connect to the logic board under the headphone jack ribbon. That extender cable is labeled with “821-00645-A // MFC0517” and I’ve been able to find them for sale, but I can’t find replacement TouchID sensor anywhere. Powerbookmedic’s listing for the palmrest claimed that the TouchID sensor is not included with the palmrest as they are “married to the logic board”. Does that mean that if the TouchID sensor/button is damaged or if its cable is ripped, the ENTIRE LOGIC BOARD needs to be replaced? Please, somebody, tell me that this isn’t true.
Definitive answer: You can use the original TouchID button with a new board, or a new TouchID button with the original board, but you’ll lose the ability to use biometrics without having Apple do something with AST2, which independent repair shops do not have access to. Some degree of onboard component swapping MAY be possible, but I have yet to experiment with that personally. This and tons of other great information is available at https://logi.wiki !
PowerBookMedic is correct! An independent servicer or you can’t fix this. If the sensor is broken you’ll need to bring your system into an Apple Store or ship to Apple for them to repair it. Apple is the only one that can fix this. Think of it this way this is a deterrent for someone to steal your laptop as well as offer a level of privacy. Just like your iPhone or iPad the TouchID or FaceID protects you.
This is partly correct. You can replace the touch id sensor, but you will lose the ability to use the fingerprint. I think it depends on if you encrypted your disk if you might be able to just reinstall it, but I have not read that you cannot do it, just that fingerprint unlock is not possible. There is a specific chip in it that binds it to the board. With the right equipment you could perhaps transfer it, but that is high level skill - check out Rewa if you’re interested, they do that for some parts and have videos.It’s something I personally skip on - and on Apple products all together because of the horrors of repairing them. If indeed the board does not work at all without the flex cable, then the cable has the chip on it. Since I have seen these boards boot without it attached, I cannot imagine it will not work at all, but if that is the case, please be very specific in the how and why before you claim it. Thank you.
Have bought a TID button and installed it. But yes, you have to get Apple to do the AST2 thing.
