Installing MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Late 2008 and Early 2009 Display Data Cable Replace the display data cable in you MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Late 2008 and Early 2009. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/iUsRTlysrPvwYc6W Walter Galan Very difficult MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Late 2008 and Early 2009

Use this guide to replace the display data cable.

Use this guide to replace the display data cable.

Tools
 Heat gun or hair dryer Heavy-duty Suction Cups Phillips 00 Screwdriver Plastic Opening Tools Spudger T6 Torx Screwdriver Installing MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Late 2008 and Early 2009 Access Door Installing MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Late 2008 and Early 2009 Battery Installing MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Late 2008 and Early 2009 Lower Case Installing MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Late 2008 and Early 2009 Display Assembly Installing MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Late 2008 and Early 2009 Front Display Glass Installing MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Late 2008 and Early 2009 LCD With the case closed, place the Unibody top-side down on a flat surface. With the case closed, place the Unibody top-side down on a flat surface. Depress the grooved side of the access door release latch enough to grab the free end. Lift the release latch until it is vertical. Depress the grooved side of the access door release latch enough to grab the free end. Lift the release latch until it is vertical. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/SMIreA3NDYKVR4U1 http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/Fn5atRvTUMN1CWVi The access door should now be raised enough to lift it up and out of the Unibody. The access door should now be raised enough to lift it up and out of the Unibody. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/MdrOJSrWnILuwgku Be sure the access door release latch is vertical before proceeding. Be sure the access door release latch is vertical before proceeding. Grab the translucent plastic tab and pull the battery up and out of the Unibody. Grab the translucent plastic tab and pull the battery up and out of the Unibody. If the latch is depressed it will lock the battery in place. If the latch is depressed it will lock the battery in place. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/TCsqVADkseQPKnOH Remove the following eight screws securing the lower case to the chassis: Remove the following eight screws securing the lower case to the chassis: One 5.4 mm Phillips screw. One 5.4 mm Phillips screw. Three 14 mm Phillips screws. Three 14 mm Phillips screws. Four 3.5 mm Phillips screws. Four 3.5 mm Phillips screws. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/Uk6JATrByBcMWnbH Using both hands, lift and remove the lower case off the upper case. Using both hands, lift and remove the lower case off the upper case. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/JXkONAXLQs5HE3sQ If necessary, peel the EMI gasket off the camera cable connector. If necessary, peel the EMI gasket off the camera cable connector. Disconnect the camera cable by pulling the male end straight away from its socket toward the optical drive opening. Disconnect the camera cable by pulling the male end straight away from its socket toward the optical drive opening. Do not try to lift this connector straight up off the board. Pull the connector parallel to the face of the logic board. Do not try to lift this connector straight up off the board. Pull the connector parallel to the face of the logic board. Deroute the camera data cable from the channel in the optical drive. Deroute the camera data cable from the channel in the optical drive. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/HVZasX6deANqWGgf http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/1NVwCkIti1GeHQX2 Remove the two Phillips screws securing the camera cable bracket to the upper case. Remove the two Phillips screws securing the camera cable bracket to the upper case. The leftmost screw may remain captive in the camera cable. The leftmost screw may remain captive in the camera cable. Seperate the camera cable bracket from the camera cable and remove it from the computer. Seperate the camera cable bracket from the camera cable and remove it from the computer. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/dSEtWgrfGVMlpWag http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/RXOERgWKVIqJucAU Grab the plastic pull tab secured to the LVDS cable lock and rotate it toward the DC-in side of the computer. Grab the plastic pull tab secured to the LVDS cable lock and rotate it toward the DC-in side of the computer. Pull the LVDS connector straight away from its socket. Pull the LVDS connector straight away from its socket. When disconnecting the LVDS cable, do not pull on the black tab secured to the LVDS cable lock. We recommend wiggling the cable while applying tension to slowly &quot;walk&quot; the connector out of its socket. When disconnecting the LVDS cable, do not pull on the black tab secured to the LVDS cable lock. We recommend wiggling the cable while applying tension to slowly "walk" the connector out of its socket. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/P6TwjLNseoVA3nar http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/D3MMQfb6G3HMrtNk Remove the 7 mm Phillips screw from the LVDS cable bracket. Remove the 7 mm Phillips screw from the LVDS cable bracket. This screw may remain captive in the LVDS cable. This screw may remain captive in the LVDS cable. Lift the LVDS cable bracket out of the upper case. Lift the LVDS cable bracket out of the upper case. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/uwtcfCdfddrOomvK http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/2JgTDeJoXOKhOwbu Remove the two outer 6 mm Torx screws securing each side of the display to the upper case (four screws total). Remove the two outer 6 mm Torx screws securing each side of the display to the upper case (four screws total). http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/sBA5JYLAduUuolFr Open your MacBook Pro so the display is perpendicular to the upper case. Open your MacBook Pro so the display is perpendicular to the upper case. Place your opened MacBook Pro on a table as pictured. Place your opened MacBook Pro on a table as pictured. While holding the display and upper case together with your other hand, remove the 6 mm Torx screw from the lower display bracket. While holding the display and upper case together with your other hand, remove the 6 mm Torx screw from the lower display bracket. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/BmLswTB4RdO2gHyT Be sure to hold the display and upper case together with your other hand. Failure to do so may cause the freed display/upper case to fall, potentially damaging each component. Be sure to hold the display and upper case together with your other hand. Failure to do so may cause the freed display/upper case to fall, potentially damaging each component. Remove the last remaining 6 mm Torx screw securing the display to the upper case. Remove the last remaining 6 mm Torx screw securing the display to the upper case. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/AdqCwBUUtefganVr Grab the upper case with your right hand and rotate it slightly toward the top of the display so the upper display bracket clears the edge of the upper case. Grab the upper case with your right hand and rotate it slightly toward the top of the display so the upper display bracket clears the edge of the upper case. Rotate the display slightly away from the upper case. Rotate the display slightly away from the upper case. Lift the display away from the upper case, minding any brackets or cables that may get caught. Lift the display away from the upper case, minding any brackets or cables that may get caught. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/1hKECZjFToiAQZSF http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/j1EJdXZFIuFoca1y http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/6UvZRXDHSPX2qnO5 In the following steps, you will use a heat gun to soften the adhesive securing the outer black border around the underside of the front glass panel to the display. The area the adhesive is applied to is shown in red in the second picture. In the following steps, you will use a heat gun to soften the adhesive securing the outer black border around the underside of the front glass panel to the display. The area the adhesive is applied to is shown in red in the second picture. Before starting, be sure to clean the display glass with lint-free cloth moistened with a mild solution; it will make the suction cup adhere better, and will make checking for dust on reassembly easier Before starting, be sure to clean the display glass with lint-free cloth moistened with a mild solution; it will make the suction cup adhere better, and will make checking for dust on reassembly easier With the heat gun set to low, start by heating the outer black border near the upper right corner of the glass panel. With the heat gun set to low, start by heating the outer black border near the upper right corner of the glass panel. Always aim the heat gun away from the soft rubber strip around the display glass. Heating the rubber will cause it to melt slightly, turning its finish from matte to glossy. Touching overheated rubber can cause it to permanently deform. Always aim the heat gun away from the soft rubber strip around the display glass. Heating the rubber will cause it to melt slightly, turning its finish from matte to glossy. Touching overheated rubber can cause it to permanently deform. Due to the heat applied, it is normal for a layer of condensation to develop on the inside of the glass panel and/or the outside of the LCD. It can be removed with glass cleaner once the glass is separated from the display. Due to the heat applied, it is normal for a layer of condensation to develop on the inside of the glass panel and/or the outside of the LCD. It can be removed with glass cleaner once the glass is separated from the display. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/ZUHkrFANKCRoSIBF http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/ZcAloHY1OYVkkSnD With the panel sufficiently heated, fasten a heavy-duty suction cup near the upper right corner of the display glass. With the panel sufficiently heated, fasten a heavy-duty suction cup near the upper right corner of the display glass. Don't fasten the suction cup on top of the rubber strip around the edge of the display glass. Don't fasten the suction cup on top of the rubber strip around the edge of the display glass. To attach the <a href="/Tools/Heavy-duty-Suction-Cups-Pair/IF145-023?utm_source=ifixit_guide&amp;utm_medium=wiki_text&amp;utm_term=if145-023&amp;utm_content=product_link">suction cups</a> we sell, first position the suction cup with the movable handle parallel to the face of the glass panel. While lightly holding the suction cup against the glass, raise the movable handle until it is parallel with the other handle. To attach the [product|IF145-023|suction cups] we sell, first position the suction cup with the movable handle parallel to the face of the glass panel. While lightly holding the suction cup against the glass, raise the movable handle until it is parallel with the other handle. Slowly and gently pull the corner of the display glass up off the display assembly. Slowly and gently pull the corner of the display glass up off the display assembly. If only the top edge of the glass lifts up (as seen in the third picture), repeat steps one and two until you can lift up the corner of the panel. If only the top edge of the glass lifts up (as seen in the third picture), repeat steps one and two until you can lift up the corner of the panel. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/UDRobaRBfJZHQUIF http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/py4SFtHRvbf2UZy2 http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/OmdWwfXYOuwXjjjI Gently lift the corner of the display glass enough to insert a spudger between it and the display assembly. Gently lift the corner of the display glass enough to insert a spudger between it and the display assembly. Use the flat end of a spudger to gently pry up the adhesive securing the front glass to the display. Use the flat end of a spudger to gently pry up the adhesive securing the front glass to the display. Pry up the glass panel a few inches away from the upper right corner along the top and right edges of the display. Pry up the glass panel a few inches away from the upper right corner along the top and right edges of the display. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/W1lDnu6V55EFLhxy http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/sycwwpTOFyYMhAaR http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/fOPEjlLX2jGIp5Kc Use a heat gun to soften the adhesive under the black strip along the right side of the front glass panel. Use a heat gun to soften the adhesive under the black strip along the right side of the front glass panel. Attach a suction cup along the right side of the front glass panel. Attach a suction cup along the right side of the front glass panel. Pull up on the glass panel while you use the flat end of a spudger to separate it from the rest of the display assembly. Pull up on the glass panel while you use the flat end of a spudger to separate it from the rest of the display assembly. Continue working along the right edge of the front display glass until it is separated from the display. Continue working along the right edge of the front display glass until it is separated from the display. It may be helpful to use a guitar pick or another thin plastic object to keep the upper right corner of the front glass panel from sticking back down to the display assembly. It may be helpful to use a guitar pick or another thin plastic object to keep the upper right corner of the front glass panel from sticking back down to the display assembly. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/WYhocb5QTXJeqHvT http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/IbE3VqTwXDvbPaAa Use your heat gun to soften the adhesive under the black strip along the top edge of the glass display panel. Use your heat gun to soften the adhesive under the black strip along the top edge of the glass display panel. Attach a suction cup near the top edge of the glass display panel and use it to pull the glass panel up off the display. Attach a suction cup near the top edge of the glass display panel and use it to pull the glass panel up off the display. Work along the top edge of the glass panel, carefully using the flat end of a spudger to separate the adhesive if necessary. Work along the top edge of the glass panel, carefully using the flat end of a spudger to separate the adhesive if necessary. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/JJdSUU3FC4VWobTm http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/FHZ315NScC5MK1Jc Use a heat gun to soften the adhesive under the black strip near the upper left corner of the glass display panel. Use a heat gun to soften the adhesive under the black strip near the upper left corner of the glass display panel. Attach a suction cup near the upper left corner of the glass display panel. Attach a suction cup near the upper left corner of the glass display panel. Pull up on the suction cup and use the flat end of a spudger to carefully pry the glass display panel out of the display assembly. Pull up on the suction cup and use the flat end of a spudger to carefully pry the glass display panel out of the display assembly. Once the upper left corner has been separated from the display, it may be helpful to use a guitar pick or another thin plastic object to keep the glass from sticking back down to the display assembly. Once the upper left corner has been separated from the display, it may be helpful to use a guitar pick or another thin plastic object to keep the glass from sticking back down to the display assembly. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/xWA6KbUC1NOX2YsS http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/BCjBlRVBEWAePEdc Use a heat gun to soften the adhesive under the black strip along the left side of the front glass panel. Use a heat gun to soften the adhesive under the black strip along the left side of the front glass panel. Attach a suction cup along the left side of the front glass panel. Attach a suction cup along the left side of the front glass panel. Pull up on the glass panel while you use the flat end of a spudger to separate it from the rest of the display assembly. Pull up on the glass panel while you use the flat end of a spudger to separate it from the rest of the display assembly. Continue working along the left edge of the front display glass until it is separated from the display. Continue working along the left edge of the front display glass until it is separated from the display. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/dO5W2cFAaUWJBHEX http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/jgALlBdKLdPPAFAq Now that the top, left, and right edges of the glass are free from the display, slowly lift the top edge of the glass panel and gently rotate it out of the display. Now that the top, left, and right edges of the glass are free from the display, slowly lift the top edge of the glass panel and gently rotate it out of the display. If necessary, use the flat end of a spudger to free the bottom edge of the glass display panel from the display assembly. If necessary, use the flat end of a spudger to free the bottom edge of the glass display panel from the display assembly. Before reassembling, be sure to clean both the inside of the glass display panel and the LCD as any dust or fingerprints trapped inside will be annoyingly visible when the machine is on. Before reassembling, be sure to clean both the inside of the glass display panel and the LCD as any dust or fingerprints trapped inside will be annoyingly visible when the machine is on. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/xZGqtW3MLOnYetlI http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/ReIWnURorEMfCKdb Insert the edge of a plastic opening tool between the display glass and the camera bracket, and run it around the camera bracket to separate it from the display glass. Insert the edge of a plastic opening tool between the display glass and the camera bracket, and run it around the camera bracket to separate it from the display glass. Do not forget to stick the camera bracket down to the new front display glass before reassembly. Do not forget to stick the camera bracket down to the new front display glass before reassembly. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/cYIS2jRBXoYmJHcd http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/UwQ5fvSIj6mpI3uM During the glass removal process, the camera cable may stick to the adhesive on the glass panel, disconnecting it from the camera board as the panel is lifted. If your camera cable is still connected to the camera board, skip this step. During the glass removal process, the camera cable may stick to the adhesive on the glass panel, disconnecting it from the camera board as the panel is lifted. If your camera cable is still connected to the camera board, skip this step. To reconnect the cable, first use the tip of a spudger to remove the piece of foam tape over the camera cable ZIF socket. To reconnect the cable, first use the tip of a spudger to remove the piece of foam tape over the camera cable ZIF socket. Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the ZIF cable retainer on the camera cable socket. Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the ZIF cable retainer on the camera cable socket. Insert the camera cable into its socket on the camera board and use the tip of a spudger to snap down the ZIF cable retainer, locking the cable in place. Insert the camera cable into its socket on the camera board and use the tip of a spudger to snap down the ZIF cable retainer, locking the cable in place. Reapply the piece of tape covering the camera cable socket. Reapply the piece of tape covering the camera cable socket. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/buuDPQSQqiePItS4 http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/Vpj6dyDPQtoWA1nv http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/AJKAGoexXIrxGPap Slide the clutch cover toward the right edge of the display. Slide the clutch cover toward the right edge of the display. The clutch cover will move approximately .25&quot; and stop. Do not force it too far to the right. The clutch cover will move approximately .25" and stop. Do not force it too far to the right. When reinstalling the clutch cover, be sure to slip it over the components protruding from the lower edge of the display about .25&quot; to the right of its final installed position on the display. When reinstalling the clutch cover, be sure to slip it over the components protruding from the lower edge of the display about .25" to the right of its final installed position on the display. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/PbrsvoaMOWkU1VPY http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/OLbS52UetDqeMJAJ Starting at its far left end, rock the clutch cover along its long axis while pulling it away from the clutch hinge. Starting at its far left end, rock the clutch cover along its long axis while pulling it away from the clutch hinge. Working from right to left, carefully continue to release and lift the clutch along the lower edge of the display assembly. Working from right to left, carefully continue to release and lift the clutch along the lower edge of the display assembly. Lift the clutch cover up off the front bezel and set it aside. Lift the clutch cover up off the front bezel and set it aside. When reinstalling the clutch cover, be sure to widen the opening when slipping it over the small black plastic cosmetic cover that fills the open end of the clutch cover when it is in place. The cosmetic cover has very thin and delicate plastic arms that hold it to the right clutch hinge. When reinstalling the clutch cover, be sure to widen the opening when slipping it over the small black plastic cosmetic cover that fills the open end of the clutch cover when it is in place. The cosmetic cover has very thin and delicate plastic arms that hold it to the right clutch hinge. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/xAWfCPnQQruJOUKf http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/I1oRc56ILcfMp1rB Remove the six 2.9 mm Phillips screws securing the LCD panel to the front bezel. Remove the six 2.9 mm Phillips screws securing the LCD panel to the front bezel. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/qeHkRaVJKBTLEGcG Pull the LCD toward the top edge of the display to slide the circuitry along its lower edge out of the recess in the aluminum display assembly. Pull the LCD toward the top edge of the display to slide the circuitry along its lower edge out of the recess in the aluminum display assembly. It may be helpful to use one hand to feed the display data cable through its channel in the aluminum display assembly as you pull the LCD toward the top edge of the display with the other hand. It may be helpful to use one hand to feed the display data cable through its channel in the aluminum display assembly as you pull the LCD toward the top edge of the display with the other hand. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/tyeff6iOHEwWEANM Peel the piece of tape covering the display data cable connector away from the edge closest to the LCD. Peel the piece of tape covering the display data cable connector away from the edge closest to the LCD. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/f4eVYJDP1N4sf2Pl Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the thin steel retaining clip securing the display data cable to its socket on the LCD. Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the thin steel retaining clip securing the display data cable to its socket on the LCD. Pull the display data cable straight away from its socket on the LCD. Pull the display data cable straight away from its socket on the LCD. Lift the LCD out of the display assembly and set it aside. Lift the LCD out of the display assembly and set it aside. If you are replacing the LVDS/display data cable, simply de-route it from its slot cut into the display casing. If you are replacing the LVDS/display data cable, simply de-route it from its slot cut into the display casing. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/dv1UTwkhRsoJkLQS http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/pVKp3v5IeLxeyfR3 Carefully pull the display data cable through the recess located near the left hinge. Carefully pull the display data cable through the recess located near the left hinge. Do not use excessive force to pull the cable through as it may damage the connector. Do not use excessive force to pull the cable through as it may damage the connector. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/iUsRTlysrPvwYc6W http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/DQulNpec3s3NSFTW Display data cable remains. Display data cable remains. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/BeLDkXJRCdw2EJ1b

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