My Problem

I chose to replace to Upper Case on my MacBook Pro "15 after a drink splashed across the keyboard, ultimately causing keys not to register. Sometimes I had to press the same key upwards of 4-5 times for the computer to recognize it. But since the repair cost over $350, I tried to get by with an external keyboard; however that didn't solve the prolbem. Occasionally a random key would be "pressed" or get "stuck" and keep repeating. (I did notice, however, that if I ran my hand across all the keys at once the problem with a "phantom" key press went away for a day or so, therefore I knew the built-in keyboard would have to be replaced.) And so finally I got fed up with the erratic behavior and ordered a new Upper Case. Not being under warrenty I decided to fix it myself as in the past it took (what I consider) far too long for AppleCare to fix another unrelated problem and I didn't want to be without a computer for that length of time.

My Fix

Replaced the Upper case. All in all I would consider it to be a fairly painless process as it only took maybe 2.5 hours to tear down and rebuild the entire system. I was able to carry out every step published in the guide to replacing the Upper case on a "15 MacBook Pro (mid-2010).

My Advice

Assuming your follow the guide on iFixit.com to a tee... while undoing each set of screws at any particular point, label them with the step number you're currently on by taping them to a post-it note with that number written down (the step number displayed in the guide). (A little photo is attached if what I'm writing doesn't make any sense). The extra time spent labeling each set of screws was well worth it when it came time to put them back in. (I can actually say I didn't have a single extra or missing screw.)

Also, don't trash your old Upper Case right after you finish disassembling the thing. There was at least one piece I needed that didn't come with the new case, found at step 35. In the guide it's called the "optical drive bracket" and required to put the 4.5 mm Phillips screw circled "red" back in place.

One other piece of advise is to make sure you get ALL the connectors hidden around where the logic board goes, pulled out and into the open before reattaching it (the logic board). I had to unscrew the board 2-3 times as various connectors were discovered "missing" later on.

One final piece of advice is to make sure the Upper case and screen match up when closed. The very first step in reassembly is to attach the screen to the Upper case with six screws. Don't tighten them fully until you've opened and closed the lid and made sure the case and screen line up. (Mine is off by about a millimeter when closed.) And since this is the very first step in reassembly you can't go back to fix any alignment issues unless you're willing to take the entire thing apart again.

All in all it's very doable if you don't mind spending a little time working with small parts. (I've take a few iBooks, an an iMac apart so I kind of had an idea of what I was getting into before hand.)

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE: LABEL EVERYTHING, its worth it in the end.

My Problem

My MacBook Pro flashed up a 'Service Battery' warning. A check a my local Apple Reseller, (no official stores here), came up with a huge fee to get it done. US$90+ in labour costs, + battery + other; total cost US$290. Crazy.

Enter iFixit, US$150 incl shipping half way around the globe. 2minutes to swap it out. Done.

Lucky I did too, the old battery was out of shape - a fire hazard for sure.

My Fix

Super super easy. Literally 2 mins.

My Advice

Don't pay Apple ; do it yourself. Why would you not?

My Problem

Well, the trackpad stopped responding - the pointer would dodge all over the place, and since I had "tap to click" set, things would randomly launch, close, etc.

My Fix

I ordered the replacement trackpad from eBay, the tools I didn't already have from iFixit (BTW -this is the best spudger ever). Took about 90 minutes start to finish. It wasn't the most difficult teardown I've had to do on a Mac device, though, some of the components were the smallest I've ever dealt with.

My Advice

Make sure you have all the right tools ahead of time. Also, some compressed air for cleaning out the computer would be advisable. Since you need to take the fans out anyway, it's easy to get in there and clean it out. I honestly think my computer is running cooler now because of it.

Also, be patient. NOTHING in this repair requires force to remove or put back together. If something seems difficult, re-read the directions, or take a break for a minute. The first time through I missed the latch on the keyboard ribbon cable, and couldn't figure out how to remove it. Once I found it, it was easy.

My Problem

I spilled coffee over keyboard. So the keyboard didn't work anymore.

My Fix

With the instruction on ifixit website, it was quite easy and nothing complicated. Just needed proper tools and took time for me. Because it was the first time that I repair my computer by myself.

My Advice

The most difficult part for me was to get in and out keyboard cable. Be gentle with it.

My Problem

Needed the tools

My Fix

Flawlessly

My Advice

Always order tools from iFixit!

My Problem

Well I'm studying to be a Mac tech, and so I needed the tools to do the job. I am replacing my Battery in my Mac Book Pro as well so I needed the right tools for the job!!

My Fix

Well with the right tools it was a breeze!! Thanks I fixit for getting the tools to me so quick here in Aussie.... You guys rock !!

My Advice

Well if your Mac is out of warranty then give it a Go!! You will save money and you might learn some thing!! All you need to know in on pics and videos on this sight Happy Macing everyone!!

My Problem

I tend to be a klutz. I spilled water on my MacBook that I had just bought in August 2011. I guess I made it 6 months without destroying it! haha.

To make matters worse, I don't live in the United States anymore. My wife and I live in Costa Rica, and there is a store here called iCon that is authorized to sell Apple products. After hearing of terrible experiences my friends have had there, I looked into ifixit.

My Fix

I could not be happier. I was concerned that the water had caused more damage that it actually did. I followed the very clear directions, and it was a piece of cake.

Even better, ifixit included some extra pieces in case something went wrong. Good thing! I stripped one of the screws and ifixit had included some extras.

My Advice

There is not too much to add to this. The directions are plain and simple.

The enlightenment might be that I am able to fix a lot of things myself instead of having to wait to send my laptop back to the United States. Thanks ifixit!

My Problem

My 2010 white unibody 13" MacNook's battery was failing even faster than my iPhone 4's, and I didn't want to pay a king's ransom to Apple to fix it. I was miffed the battery had failed so fast... but maybe I shouldn't have left it on charge for months!

My Fix

The repair was straightforward - I would never have known about the 'hidden screw' under the battery warranty label tho, thanks iFixit! The Y1 screws holding the battery in place would not 'go back in' so I needed to disassemble my Mac a second time to get a snugger fit as the trackpad lost its click... all good now.

My Advice

I would have taken more care removing the battery screws as they simply wouldn't go back in - they don't 'marry up' properly so I am running the MacBook without the battery being screwed in... with no problems I hasten to add.

My Problem

My toddler picked up the Wii and smashed it on the ground while she was smiling at me and before I could get to here. Turned it back on and it worked, then it froze. The fan was not working and so we needed to tear it apart to see what was going on.

My Fix

Went great! We used the guide to tearing apart the wii you have available and it was very easy until we made it to the tri wing screws. A small screw driver worked for 2, but then it started stripping out the rest. We ordered it and were finished with the repair in about 10 minutes. Now we are entertaining our older child with netflix again. :)

My Advice

Don't try to cheap out. Order the tools available. They make the job much easier! Thanks Ifixit!

My Problem

I have a MacBook and after 2/3 years the battery wasn't working. It had to be plugged all the time or it would turn off. It was very easy to find which battery I needed and all the tools necessary for the job. I had no experience fixing anything electronic and have no idea how to find the right part. ifixit made it real easy!

My Fix

Everything arrived in time. The step-by-step instructions are great! I switched the battery and now my macbook is running like new! It took me about 15min to do it.

My Advice

If, like me, you know nothing about this relax. Its very simple. The instructions say "difficulty: moderate", I don't think so. was pretty easy to me.