Installing MacBook Unibody Model A1342 AirPort/Bluetooth Board

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Wireless connectivity issues? Use this guide to replace an inoperative AirPort/Bluetooth board.

Sections
Tools
Relevant parts
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Add Note Edit Step 1 — Lower Case  ¶ 

  • Remove the eight 4 mm Phillips screws securing the lower case to the MacBook.

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Add Note Edit Step 2  ¶ 

  • The lower case is constructed of rubber-coated aluminum. Do not excessively bend the aluminum during removal, as any permanent deformation will cause tolerance issues after reassembly.

  • Slightly lift the lower case near the vent opening.

  • Continue running your fingers between the lower and upper cases until the upper case pops off its retaining clips.

  • The location of these three clips is shown in the third picture.

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Add Note Edit Step 3 — Battery  ¶ 

  • For precautionary purposes, we advise that you disconnect the battery connector from the logic board to avoid any electrical discharge. This step is optional and is not required.

  • Use the flat end of a spudger to lift the battery connector up out of its socket on the logic board.

  • It may be easier to use your fingernails to lift up on both sides of the connector.

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Add Note Edit Step 4 — Rear Vent  ¶ 

  • Remove the following screws from the optical drive side of the rear vent:

    • Two 10 mm T8 Torx

    • Two 5 mm Phillips

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Add Note Edit Step 5  ¶ 

  • Remove the following screws from the port side of rear vent:

    • Two 10 mm T8 Torx

    • Two 5 mm Phillips

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Add Note Edit Step 6  ¶ 

  • Carefully lift the rear vent out of the upper case.

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Add Note Edit Step 7 — Rear Speaker Assembly  ¶ 

  • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the AirPort/Bluetooth cable connector up off the logic board.

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Add Note Edit Step 8  ¶ 

  • Remove the following screws securing the right speaker assembly to the upper case:

    • One 12 mm Phillips screw.

    • One 3 mm Phillips screw.

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Add Note Edit Step 9  ¶ 

  • Remove the single 2.2 mm Phillips screw inserted horizontally into the side of the optical drive.

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Add Note Edit Step 10  ¶ 

  • Pry the AirPort and Bluetooth antenna connectors (3 total) up off the AirPort/Bluetooth card.

  • De-route the long antenna from its channel in the rear speaker housing.

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Add Note Edit Step 11  ¶ 

  • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the rear speaker cable connector up off the logic board.

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Add Note Edit Step 12  ¶ 

  • Remove the rear speaker assembly from the upper case.

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Add Note Edit Step 13  ¶ 

  • Carefully peel the AirPort/Bluetooth cable from its channel within the rear speaker assembly.

  • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the AirPort/Bluetooth cable up off the rear speaker.

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Add Note Edit Step 14  ¶ 

  • Remove three 3 mm Phillips screws securing the AirPort/Bluetooth board to the rear speaker assembly.

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Add Note Edit Step 15  ¶ 

  • Lift the AirPort/Bluetooth board up off the rear speaker assembly.

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Add Note Edit Step 16 — AirPort/Bluetooth Board  ¶ 

  • AirPort/Bluetooth board remains.

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

For more information, check out the MacBook Unibody Model A1342 device page.

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