Broken wire connector to Intel 3168 WiFi Module in x360 Convertible

[panepinto1959]

I need the 2 connectors that are attached to wires in the laptop that plug into the Intel 3168 Module.  Intel says HP can provide them to me, since the wire connectors came from HP, not Intel.  Please let me know how I can get those connectors.  They are for antenna wires.  Thank you!

I have photos if that helps, but do not know how to attach them.  Can you see the 2 photos in this album?

https://link.shutterfly.com/Dd43Rben3Ab 

I spent 2 hours trying to reach a live person at HP to ask, quite unsuccessfully.  Hopefully, this channel will work.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Unfortunately, the wire connector itself is not replaceable

You need to order the entire antenna wire kit and also need to completely disassemble the notebook including the display panel in order to install the antenna wire.

The antenna kit part number can be found in chapter 3, page 22 of the service manual.

HP Pavilion x360 Convertible PC (model numbers 15-bk100 through 15-bk199 and 15-bk000 through 15-bk0...

You can order the kit from HP.

HP Parts Store - HP Computer Parts - HP Printer Parts - Compaq Parts

Your other option is to use the remaining good wire on the Main terminal of the Wi-Fi card and do without Bluetooth.

[panepinto1959]

Thank you for the quick reply.  Well, rather than do that HUGE job... perhaps I could order the antenna kit and just cut the wire to get the connector I need.  Then, I could solder that connector to the existing antenna wire in the laptop, without having to take all those parts apart.  Wouldn't that be easier and better?  I assume soldering an antenna wire is not going to interfere.

Those connectors are sooooooo small and fragile.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Yes, they are, and yes I broke mine too trying to upgrade the wifi card.

I was a bit luckier than you were.

I broke the connector off the card itself and it got lodged inside of the connector.

It took me over an hour to pick and gouge that part out of the connector using a strong needle, needle nose pliers and a jeweler's loupe so I could see what I was doing.

I do not believe you can just cut the end off the bad wire and solder a new connector on.

Aren't those wires coaxial having a thin inner wire and an insulated outer wire (like a cable TV wire but much smaller)?

The connector connects in two places on the card. 

The connector snaps over the outer ring of the Wi-Fi card's antenna terminal, and the middle part of the connector makes contact with the center of the Wi-Fi card terminal.

[panepinto1959]

Thank you for the excellent information, Paul!  I appreciate it.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Glad to have been of assistance.

I hope you can get your Wi-Fi fixed.

One thing I have learned from my M.2 form factor Wi-Fi card upgrade fiasco.

I will never try that again.

I have upgraded many older notebook Wi-Fi cards in the past, but the antenna wires and connectors on the older form factor cards were larger and easier to deal with.