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MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Mid 2012 Left Fan Replacement

Jake Devincenzi and 14 other contributors

Last updated on May 15, 2024

20 minutes - 1 hour

Moderate

Introduction

Go to step 1

Use this guide to install a new left fan (left when the device is resting with the logic board side closest to you.)

What you need

Parts

MacBook Pro 15" Retina (Mid 2012‑Early 2013) Left Fan
Sale price $44.99

Tools

Step 1 Lower Case

MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Mid 2012 Left Fan Replacement, Lower Case: step 1, image 1 of 1

Remove the following P5 pentalobe screws securing the lower case to the MacBook Pro:
Eight 3.0 mm
Two 2.3 mm

Step 2

Lifting from the edge nearest the clutch cover, lift the lower case off the MacBook Pro.
Set the lower case aside.

Step 3 Battery Connector

MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Mid 2012 Left Fan Replacement, Battery Connector: step 3, image 1 of 1

Peel back the warning label covering the battery connector.

Step 4

Using the flat end of a spudger, gently pry the battery connector straight up out of its socket on the logic board.
Bend the battery cables back and out of the way, ensuring that the battery connector doesn't accidentally make contact with the logic board.

Step 5 Left Fan

MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Mid 2012 Left Fan Replacement, Left Fan: step 5, image 1 of 1

Use the flat end of a spudger to lift the rubber heat sink cover up off the left fan.

Step 6

Remove the following three screws securing the left fan to the logic board:
One 4.4 mm T5 Torx screw with 2 mm collar
One 5.0 mm T5 Torx screw with 2 mm collar
One 3.9 mm T5 Wide Head Torx screw
When reinstalling the fan and its screws, don't fully torque the screws until you've first installed all of them loosely, so that the fan can move a little and position itself properly as you insert the screws into their threaded standoffs.

Step 7

MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Mid 2012 Left Fan Replacement: step 7, image 3 of 3

Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the retaining flap on the left fan ribbon cable ZIF socket.
Be sure you are prying up on the hinged retaining flap, not the socket itself.
Starting at the top of the cable, slide a plastic opening tool under the left fan cable to free it from the logic board.
Use caution when freeing the cable, as it is strongly adhered to the logic board. If necessary, use an iOpener or hair dryer to heat the cable in order to soften the adhesive and make it easier to remove.
Lift the left fan out of the device.
When reinstalling the fan, it's easier to connect the fan ribbon cable as you drop the fan in place, rather than after you've installed the three fan screws.