Installing MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Left Ambient Light Sensor

  • Add Note x

This detects the light level in the room to adjust the backlit keyboard.

Sections
Tools
Relevant parts
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Add Note Edit Step 1 — Battery  ¶ 

  • Use your fingers to push both battery release tabs away from the battery, and lift the battery out of the computer.

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Add Note Edit Step 2 — RAM Shield  ¶ 

  • Remove the three identical 2mm Phillips screws from the memory door.

  • Lift the memory door up enough to grip it and slide it toward you, pulling it away from the casing.

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Add Note Edit Step 3 — Upper Case  ¶ 

  • Remove the two 2.8 mm Phillips screws in the battery compartment near the latch.

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Add Note Edit Step 4  ¶ 

  • Remove the following 6 screws:

    • Two 10 mm T6 Torx screws on either side of the RAM slot.

    • Four 14.5 mm Phillips screws along the hinge.

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Add Note Edit Step 5  ¶ 

  • Remove the four 3.2 mm Phillips screws on the port side of the computer.

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Add Note Edit Step 6  ¶ 

  • Rotate the computer 90 degrees and remove the two 3.2 mm Phillips screws from the rear of the computer.

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Add Note Edit Step 7  ¶ 

  • Rotate the computer 90 degrees again and remove the four 3.2 mm Phillips screws from the side of the computer.

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Add Note Edit Step 8  ¶ 

  • Do not yank the upper case off quickly. The case is attached to the logic board via a ribbon cable.

  • Lift up at the rear of the case and work your fingers along the sides, freeing the case as you go. Once you have freed the sides, you may need to rock the case up and down to free the front of the upper case.

  • There are four plastic clips above the DVD slot, and another above and to the left of the IR sensor. These clips can be very difficult to disengage without prying. They can also be difficult to re-engage during reassembly.

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Add Note Edit Step 9  ¶ 

  • Disconnect the trackpad and keyboard ribbon cable from the logic board, removing tape as necessary.

  • Note: It is possible to replace the hard drive without disconnecting the keyboard from the chassis, but it will need to be held upright to keep it out of the way, while still allowing you both hands to work on the drive removal. Be careful when removing the keyboard-trackpad ribbon cable to ensure that the rear of the upper case is disengaged from the area near the hinge. It is easy to accidentally bend the screw receivers on either side of the keyboard.

    • Remove the upper case.

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Add Note Edit Step 10 — Left Ambient Light Sensor  ¶ 

  • Disconnect the left ambient light sensor cable from the logic board by placing a spudger beneath the connector and lifting up.

  • Peel up the left ambient light sensor cable from above the left fan, removing tape as necessary.

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Add Note Edit Step 11  ¶ 

  • Remove the single silver Phillips screw securing the clear plastic shield over the left ambient light sensor.

  • Lift the clear plastic shield off the left ambient light sensor.

  • Use a spudger to pry the left ambient light sensor board out of its housing on the left speaker.

  • Lift the left ambient light sensor board out of the computer.

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

For more information, check out the MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 device page.

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