The correct answer is that the volume buttons become unresponsive. This happens because the volume button flex cable is a dedicated ribbon cable that carries electrical signals from the physical buttons to the mainboard through a ZIF or latch connector; when dislodged, the circuit is broken, and the buttons lose all electrical connection while the rest of the phone functions normally. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of modular smartphone components and the consequences of disrupting a flex cable during a repair—a common trap is assuming the entire phone might fail, but only the connected feature stops working. To remember this, think of a lamp: if you unplug its cord, the bulb goes dark, but the room’s other lights stay on.
220-1101 Mobile Device Hardware Servicing Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device hardware servicing. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
During a repair, you accidentally dislodged a small ribbon cable connecting the volume button flex to the mainboard of a smartphone. Now the volume buttons don't work. What is the most likely result of this mistake?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The volume buttons become unresponsive.
This question tests knowledge of flex cable connections. The volume button flex cable is a separate component that connects to the mainboard via a ZIF or latch connector. If dislodged, the buttons lose electrical connection and become non-functional, but other features remain unaffected.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The phone won't power on.
Why it's wrong here
The power button uses a separate flex cable; dislodging volume flex does not affect power.
✗
The touchscreen becomes unresponsive.
Why it's wrong here
Touchscreen uses a different flex cable connected to the display assembly.
✓
The volume buttons become unresponsive.
Why this is correct
The dislodged flex cable directly controls volume; without connection, buttons don't work.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The speaker stops producing sound.
Why it's wrong here
Speaker uses its own flex cable or soldered connections, not the volume button flex.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Mobile Device Hardware Servicing — This question tests Mobile Device Hardware Servicing — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The volume buttons become unresponsive. — This question tests knowledge of flex cable connections. The volume button flex cable is a separate component that connects to the mainboard via a ZIF or latch connector. If dislodged, the buttons lose electrical connection and become non-functional, but other features remain unaffected.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. During a laptop keyboard replacement, a technician accidentally dislodges a small ribbon cable from the touchpad connector. The touchpad is now unresponsive. The technician has never worked on this model before. What is the best course of action to resolve the issue?
medium
A.Use tweezers to gently push the ribbon cable into any nearby empty connector.
B.Reboot the laptop to see if the touchpad driver reloads.
✓ C.Consult the service manual to identify the correct connector and reseat the cable.
D.Replace the entire keyboard assembly since the touchpad cable is likely broken.
Why C: The technician should consult the device's service manual to locate the correct connector and properly reseat the ribbon cable. This ensures the cable is aligned and locked in place, restoring touchpad functionality. Guessing or forcing the cable can damage the connector.
Variation 2. A customer reports that their laptop's touchpad is unresponsive after they spilled a small amount of liquid on the keyboard. The laptop still powers on and the keyboard works. What is the most likely issue?
easy
A.The touchpad driver is corrupted.
✓ B.The touchpad ribbon cable is damaged or disconnected.
C.The battery is swollen and pressing on the touchpad.
D.The touchpad is disabled in the BIOS.
Why B: The touchpad is likely disconnected or shorted due to liquid ingress, even though the keyboard still works. In many laptops, the touchpad connects via a separate ribbon cable that can be damaged by liquid. The first step should be to inspect and reseat or replace the touchpad cable.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.
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