0

Score

Avatar
bradleydad
1

Asked

replacing keyboard on MacBook Pro 13"

History

How difficult is it to replace just the keyboard? (I see that several folks sell them)

Edited by

How difficult is it to replace just the keyboard? (Not the entire top case)

bradleydad,

Post Answer

3

Score

Avatar
mayer
121.8k

Answered

PermalinkHistory

You have to replace the whole upper case, here's the part: http://www.ifixit.com/MacBook-Parts/MacB...

For installation instructions go to the More information on the parts page and click the link to Step-by-step installation instructions.

This is listed as a dificult installation.

Edited by

I've seen the adds on eBay too about buying just the keyboard, but so far have never met anyone that this worked for.

mayer,

Mayer, i've done that several times. I agree that it's not easy but separate keyboards are sold on ebay etc.

remacberlin,

3

Score

Avatar
iphonetechtips
37

Answered

PermalinkHistory

I'm doing it now, will update on how it goes.

Update

Mayer, no I can't find a part number on my keyboard, I saw one on the backlight 815-9996. On the keyboard I see the word "TOP" on the plastic circuitry & I saw some numbers but the were unreadable thought the circuit lines.

Just search ebay they should have the correct models labeled with years & sometimes model numbers.

Edited by

Update: FULLY WORKING, no issues. VERY DIFFICULT. One stripped screw and YOU'RE SCREWED!

iphonetechtips,

please do update, i am looking at doing this as well

elias,

Replacing Just the keyboard is probably the most difficult repair besides pulling the display glass without it breaking, but takes many more steps. A 8/10 - very difficult on the repair scale. That said, it does work just fine. As long as you have some experience with pulling the logic board, can follow instructions & you're careful It's possible. Where to find them? ebay, like everything else. I found keyboard+backlight for $69 new.

iphonetechtips,

Was there a part number?

mayer,

where did you purchase JUST the keyboard?

Cody Scheideman,

0

Score

Avatar
benidebian
1

Answered

PermalinkHistory

Hello could you tell me the steps to change the keyboard?

Pull everything out of the case, HDD, battery, logic board, sub-speaker, optical drive, both left & right rear cable brackets. Now your close - <b>CAREFULLY<b> peel off the black backlight, then remove about 1000 screws the size of a grain of sand. (not really 1000, more like 50-60 & theyre the size of 2-3 grains of sand. HAHA!) Don't be fooled into using a smaller screw driver it takes the same driver as all the phillips in the MacBook pro.

iphonetechtips,

0

Score

Avatar
Alex
1

Answered

PermalinkHistory

Please help I've been doing the same keyboard replacement but have messed up.

On removing the logic board 3 small wires on the underside pulled out, they were covered by a piece of black tape and feed along the speaker unit.

2 are black and 1 grey wire. I don't want to fry the board so can anyone tell me the correct order and is there a way of identifying which black wire does what or doesn't it matter ?

Thanks

This is a PERFECT example of why NOT to skip steps and to follow directions & look VERY CAREFULLY at photos. You probably need a new mic assembly. The cables you pulled out attach to the logic board clip & I have no clue if you can reliably reinstall them. You're suppose to pop the mic out after taking off the display cable bracket, THEN, remove the logic board. Just search for one on ebay & make sure it has the logic board clip attached.

iphonetechtips,

0

Score

Avatar
remacberlin
7.3k

Answered

PermalinkHistory

The keyboard is attached to the topcase with 40+ supertiny screws. Of corse you will have to remove the logicboard, optical drive and the middle bracket to get there. No need to remove the battery. After a liquid spill there are often issues with the keyboard backlight, though. Only a thorough clean, especially of the sides of the six LEDs and the "reflective plate" can remedy that.

0

Score

Avatar
Alex
1

Answered

PermalinkHistory

Not sure what makes you think I skipped steps, I did remove the speaker and found that the 3 wires on the motherboard were only held on with very small, flimsy clips and a piece of tape. Can't really understand why Apple didn't use a socket attachment like most of the other wires and cables onto the board.

FYI the grey cable is on the right hand side of the 3 wires, it may hold but I used a bit of solder once I'd got the right order.

Usually if you pulled wires from there proper sockets it's because of being in a hurry or not doing enough research. There are exceptions for every rule. The Mag-Safe DC board has the same board clip as the Sub Speaker & CPU fan. They need to be removed by sliding the edge of a Black Stick (or similar plastic spudger) under the area where the wires enter there board clip. Although the clips can be flimsy, once you get the hang of it there fairly easy to remove. My experience has also been that some clips break very easily others are much tougher, this is probably because of alternate suppliers & changes in quality. I suggest you leave a comment on the logic board repair tutorial that extra care should be taken with the speaker, fan & Mic cable clips. So others can learn from our "mistakes".

iphonetechtips,

Add Your Answer