Introduction
Use this guide to replace your Retina MacBook's lower case assembly together with the battery as a single unit. Follow this guide if you’d like to separate the battery from the case.
To avoid logic board damage, when your MacBook repair is complete but before powering it on, connect it to low-voltage power using a 5-Watt iPhone charger and a USB-C to USB-A cable. These accessories are not included with your MacBook, so make sure you have them ready before you begin.
What you need
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Tool used on this step:Magnetic Project Mat$19.95
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Remove the following eight screws securing the lower case:
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Two 1.8 mm P5 Pentalobe screws
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Four 2.9 mm P5 Pentalobe screws
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Two 6.1 mm P5 Pentalobe screws
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Use the flat end of a spudger to press and hold the small gold 'battery disconnect' button.
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If the power LED is lit up, continue holding the button until the LED goes dark, and then release. This may take up to 10 seconds.
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If the LED does not light, release the button after 5-10 seconds. Press and hold it again for 5-10 seconds, and release. Finally, press and hold it a third time for 5-10 seconds, and release.
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Carefully turn the MacBook over, so that the lower case lays flat.
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Raise the upper case/display assembly to about a 90° angle, and prop it up against something sturdy so you don't have to hold it.
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Add a piece of tape near the track pad to secure the upper case and prevent accidental movement.
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Tool used on this step:Battery Blocker$3.99
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As an added precaution, you may physically disconnect the battery by inserting a battery isolation pick between the logic board and the battery connector.
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Tool used on this step:Tweezers$4.99
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Use tweezers to peel back the tape covering the display cable connector.
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Tool used on this step:Tweezers$4.99
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Use tweezers to peel up the tape covering the two ZIF connectors—one for the right speaker cable, and one for the audio jack board cable.
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Tool used on this step:Tweezers$4.99
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Using tweezers, remove the foam pad covering the screw on the left side of the right speaker.
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Prepare an iOpener and heat the lower case directly beneath the right speaker for 1-2 minutes, in order to soften up the adhesive securing the speaker.
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Tool used on this step:Tweezers$4.99
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Using tweezers, remove the foam pad covering the screw on the right side of the left speaker.
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Prepare an iOpener and heat the lower case directly beneath the left speaker, in order to soften up the adhesive securing the speaker.
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Carefully peel away the audio board ribbon cable from the adhesive securing it to the lower case.
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Remove the audio board ribbon cable.
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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order. To avoid logic board damage, when your MacBook repair is complete but before powering it on, connect it to low-voltage power using a 5-Watt iPhone charger and a USB-C to USB-A cable.
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order. To avoid logic board damage, when your MacBook repair is complete but before powering it on, connect it to low-voltage power using a 5-Watt iPhone charger and a USB-C to USB-A cable.
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3 Comments
Nice guide and though indeed not easy, not difficult if you're careful... note I invested in the set of iFixit tools and having those really is a good investment... given they saved me a Macbook that the repair shop said would cost 2000Eur to repair (and would give me 200Eur as a scrap price)... found the bottom case/battery set on eBay for 150... did the guide, and back in business :)
Does anyone know the correct orientation of that touchpad cable?
