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Released in July 2018, the 15" MacBook Pro, model A1990, features a 15.4 inch LED-Backlight display with True Tone technology, TouchID, and up to 6 Core i9 Processor.

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How to fix 15" MacBook Pro Retina 2018 spacebar key?

Hello everyone, I have one of those less-than-ideal 15” Macbook Pro Retina 2018 (Touch Bar). Unfortunately, my spacebar key got stuck a few days ago, after investigating and trying to remove the spacebar key, I accidentally broke the hinge clips that are secured to the transparent baskets, rendering the key useless, I did order a particular kit from Replacement Laptop Keys, that comes with the key, the hinge and the button cup (small transparent piece in the middle on the hinge).

It seems like the only way to fix this would be to remove the cup and then put it back in place after securing the hinge clips to the transparent side baskets first, then securing the middle piece after. It seems like it’s stuck with glue, I was just wondering if I could apply adhesive remover to loosen that part? I could use something like a very small amount of glue to put it back in place perhaps.

My situation is that it will not be covered under Apple warranty because I changed my own battery recently, making me an unauthorized third party repair. And because of that I will not be eligible to get the keyboard replaced. As the machine is almost 3 years old, I certainly do not wish to pay 600$ to fix that (they won’t fix it even if I pay them apparently). It’s one of those machines that is just bricked from official Apple repairs I’m afraid.

I want to thank everyone in advance if there are any solutions available that don’t deal with Apple directly. Cheers.

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Good news! You are covered under the extended warranty program! Replacing of your battery doesn’t alter things!

Keyboard Service Program for MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro

Find your way to an Apple Store or authorized service center.

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Can I just get confirmation on that? I was told that they could see if a battery was changed by a 3rd party, is that correct or are they bluffing and couldn't actually tell if the battery was changed. Is there somewhere on the motherboard that registers these interactions? Thanks !

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@sakura_bonsai - Confirmed! They are legally responsible to fix the keyboard. You don't see any exceptions in the TN do you? Nope!

I have heard of AASP's complain as they don't get paid enough for the job. So I would recommend just going to the Apple Store as my first option.

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@danj Okay great ! That is reassuring me a whole lot, what if the plastic membrane is destroyed or removed under the key, would that be an issue to them or do they have to need to change the whole keyboard anyway? I'll just pretend one of the key corners was stuck and upon pressing at another corner the hinge just snapped, rendering the key unfunctional.

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@sakura_bonsai - Don't volunteer anything.

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So after reaching to the Apple store, they agreed to replace the keyboard under their keyboard service, until they opened the laptop to find the replaced battery, and then denied the repair as it was flagged for unauthorised modification, is there any other way I could get that repaired? Apparently it is now unservicable according to their policy, man do I hate this company sometimes. I instantly regret trying to change the battery myself at this point...

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you are left with nothing but an unauthorized replacement of the spacebar key or whole keyboard possibly. I had to do the same 3 years ago... Apple never leaves a chance to deny you free service. Make sure you go to a good repair shop, get your spacebar key replaced, and test it with a space bar clicker to be double sure... If that does not work, go for the full keyboard replacement.

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@irwinnick - The Butterfly keyboard repair program has a time window! "for 4 years after the first retail sale of the unit." A 2015 ~ 2017 are now no longer covered! 2018 is on the edge! Depending on the sale date.

Even still I would try hard to get it covered as a warranty exception but you need to keep your composure and weep profusely, rivers help!

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Philip Roy will be eternally grateful.
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