- 0 Phillips screwdriver (magnetized)
- Black stick (nylon probe 922-5065) (or other non-conductive nylon or plastic flat-blade tool.
- The MacBook Pro keyboards are not interchangeable with previous models. Verify that the correct replacement keyboard is ordered, and/or top case if replacing.
- The keyboard comes as a multi-layered assembly, and includes backlighting. Do not disassemble the keyboard assembly. Dust, fingerprints, or misalignment, can cause improper function and damage.
- On a clean flat surface, turn the top case upside down.
- Locate the protective cover over flex cable connectors.
- Carefully slide a black stick around the perimeter of the cover to release the adhesive.
- Lift off the cover and set aside for reassembly.
- Important: Keep the cover and any residual adhesive on the top case clean.
- Rotate the top case and locate the two keyboard flex connectors shown below. Remove any Kapton tape, then very carefully lift the latches of the connectors to release the cables.
- Important: The connectors are delicate. If damaged, the top case must be replaced.
- Note the positioning, then carefully peel off the insulator film covering the back of the keyboard well. Reserve the film and keep it clean for re-installation.
- Important: Use care at notches and narrow parts to avoid ripping the film.
- Important: Do not remove the rubber pads if not replacing the top case. If replacing the top case, transfer these to the same locations.
- Use needle nose pliers to straighten the four bend-tabs located along the bottom edge, as shown. These tabs lock down and stiffen the top edge of the keyboard. Important: The bend-tabs are delicate. Bend them carefully to avoid damage. Avoid over-bending.
- Remove the ten keyboard screws.
- Note the six insert-tabs along the middle edge, and two on each side. The following procedures release these tabs so that the keyboard can be removed.
- To prevent the keyboard from falling out, support it with your hand, and raise the top case up vertically.
- Note: The keyboard does not have adhesive under it, as in previous models.
- If needed, push through one of the top center keyboard screw holes, with the point of a black stick, to bow out the keyboard slightly.
- Important: Ensure that the hole used is a screw hole, or damage to other sensitive components may result. A black stick is used to avoid damaging the screw boss threads do not use a metal tool.
- Important: During this procedure, do not allow the tabs or metal edge of the keyboard to scrape along the cosmetic surface of the top case, or damage can result
- Use your finger to hold the bowed out keyboard. Continue to bow it out only enough for the tabs on one side of the keyboard to release cleanly. Repeat for the other side.
- Important: Do not bow the keyboard too much, or it may become permanently bent.
- Lift the keyboard up to release the tabs along the bottom edge and carefully thread out the flex cables.
REPLACEMENT
When replacing the keyboard, here are some key points to
ensure:
- Prevention of scratches to the cosmetics of the top case
- All tabs are properly seated
- Keyboard lays flat
- Cables not caught
- Bend-tabs are not damaged
- Screw holes align
- Cable connectors are not damaged and cables are secure
- Kapton tape is applied as before
- Insulator film is correctly installed
- Before replacing or installing a replacement keyboard, verify that the four bend-tabs along the bottom edge of the keyboard are straight and parallel with the bottom edge (two are shown close-up, below).
- Important: Do not bend any other bend-tabs on the keyboard other than the four along the bottom. Other tabs hold the keyboard assembly together.
- Guide the keyboard’s flex cables through the slot in the top case, as shown. Make sure that they do not catch or bend behind the keyboard.
- Verify that the small cable routes through the slot, as shown.
- Lower the keyboard and seat all six tabs along the bottom, so that the keyboard sits flat and straight.
- Important: During the next steps, do not allow the tabs or metal edge of the keyboard to scrape along the cosmetic surface of the top case, or damage can result.
- While ensuring that the keyboard bottom stays straight and secure, hold the top of the keyboard in the middle, then with your other hand, bow in one side of the keyboard to engage the two tabs at the top into the top case.
- Important: Do not bow the keyboard too much, or it may become permanently bent.
- Use the heel of your hand to hold in place the edge of the keyboard that was just inserted while holding the top of the keyboard with a finger on that hand, then use your other hand to help bow in the remaining side of the keyboard until it can be engaged.
- While supporting the keyboard in the top case, verify that the keyboard lays flat and that all the tabs have seated properly.
- Note: The keyboard will not sit flat if any of the tabs have not seated properly. If the side tabs are not seating or are binding, check the bottom edge of the keyboard to verify that all the tabs are seated and the bottom of the keyboard is straight.
- Verify that the bend-tabs are not caught.
- Lay the top case flat, and upside down.
- Pull on the flex cables to verify that they are not bent or caught under the keyboard, and that they extend to their connectors.
- Verify that the screw holes align with the screw bosses and install all ten keyboard screws, starting from the middle and work out.
- Bend the four bend-tabs over the metal of the bottom case to secure the bottom edge of the keyboard.
- Important: The bend-tabs are delicate. Bend them carefully to avoid damage and no more than 90-degrees, or to, or within, any etch marks, if present. Avoid over bending.
- Insert the two flex cables into their connectors and secure. Verify that the cables are fully inserted and secured straight. Kapton tape will be applied to the small connector, later.
- Re-install the protective cover over the area shown. Line up the edges carefully with the residual adhesive, then carefully burnish down the edges to secure. (top case shown rotated)
- Replace the insulator film in the same locations as they were removed. Ensure the holes in the film match up correctly with the screw bosses. Avoid wrinkles and bulges. If installing a replacement top case, use the new film if supplied.
- Important: The film must be installed and in the same location to protect against contact and electrical shorting in certain areas and to allow contact with the EMI spring on the logic board.
- Install Kapton tape to secure the small flex cable connector.
- Verify that the rubber pads (mentioned earlier) are installed in the correct locations.
- If the film extends over the edge of the keyboard well, run your finger along the edges to secure it to the top case.
- Note: Picture for illustration only. The insulator film may be different.
- Reassemble the computer.
- Testing the computer should include powering on, checking the keyboard and track pad function.
- Operate the computer in a darkened room to check for keyboard back-light function, and light leakage around the perimeter of the keyboard, speaker grill openings and side ports.
