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MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to replace a noisy MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 fan, or simply remove it for cleaning.

What you need

  1. MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement, Lower Case: step 1, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    P5 Pentalobe Screwdriver Retina MacBook Pro and Air
    $5.99

    • Before proceeding, power down your MacBook. Close the display and lay it on a soft surface, top-side down.

    • Use a P5 Pentalobe driver to remove ten screws securing the lower case, of the following lengths:

    • Two 9 mm screws

    • Eight 2.6 mm screws

    Edit

  2. MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 1

    • Wedge your fingers between the display and the lower case and pull upward to pop the lower case off the Air.

    • Remove the lower case and set it aside.

    Edit

  3. MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement, Battery Connector: step 3, image 1 of 2 MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement, Battery Connector: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • To ensure that everything is de-energized and won't turn on while you're working, it is recommended that you disconnect the battery.

    • Grab the clear plastic pull tab attached to the battery connector and pull it parallel to the board toward the front edge of the Air.

    • Do not lift upward on the connector as you disconnect it or you risk damage to the connector socket.

    Edit

  4. MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement, I/O Board Cable: step 4, image 1 of 1

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the I/O board cable connector up out of its socket on the I/O board.

    Edit

  6. MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 1

    • Carefully peel the I/O board cable from the adhesive securing it to the top of the fan.

    • During reassembly, make sure this cable is in the correct orientation. It will fit if reversed, but the laptop will not boot.

    Edit

  7. MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 2 MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 2

    • The following connector has an especially deep socket. Use care when disconnecting it.

    • While gently pulling the I/O board cable upward near its connection to the logic board, use the flat end of a spudger to pry up on alternating sides of the connector to help "walk" it out of its socket.

    • Remove the I/O board cable.

    Edit

  8. MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement, Fan: step 7, image 1 of 1

    • Use the tip of a spudger to carefully flip up the retaining flap on the fan cable ZIF socket.

    • Be sure you are prying up on the hinged retaining flap, not the socket itself.

    Edit

  9. MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 1

    • Peel the rubber gasket off the adhesive on the top of the fan.

    Edit

  10. MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the following three screws securing the fan to the upper case:

    • One 5.2 mm T5 Torx screw

    • One 3.3 mm T5 Torx screw

    • One 4.4 mm T5 Torx screw with a short head

    Edit

  11. MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 2 MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 2

    • Lift the fan from the I/O board side and pull it free from the upper case.

    • Removing the fan will also disconnect the fan ribbon cable. Be careful not to snag it.

    Edit
Conclusion

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

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.

9 other people completed this guide.

Author

with 1 other contributor

Adam O'Camb

Member since: 04/11/15

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