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Installing MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Early 2013 AirPort Board

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  1. Installing MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Early 2013 AirPort Board, Lower Case: step 1, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    Magnetic Project Mat
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    • Remove the following ten screws securing the lower case to the upper case:

    • Two 2.3 mm P5 Pentalobe screws

    • Eight 3.0 mm P5 Pentalobe screws

    • Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your device.

  2. Installing MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Early 2013 AirPort Board: step 2, image 1 of 1
    • Wedge your fingers between the upper case and the lower case.

    • Gently pull the lower case away from the upper case.

    • Remove the lower case and set it aside.

  3. Installing MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Early 2013 AirPort Board: step 3, image 1 of 3 Installing MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Early 2013 AirPort Board: step 3, image 2 of 3 Installing MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Early 2013 AirPort Board: step 3, image 3 of 3
    • During reassembly, gently push down the center of the lower case to reattach the two plastic clips.

    • The lower case is connected to the upper case at the center, with two plastic clips.

  4. Installing MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Early 2013 AirPort Board, Battery Connector: step 4, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the plastic cover adhered to the battery contact board.

  5. Installing MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Early 2013 AirPort Board: step 5, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the following screws securing the battery connector board to the logic board:

    • Two 2.8 mm T6 Torx screws

    • One 7.0 mm T6 Torx shouldered screw

  6. Installing MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Early 2013 AirPort Board: step 6, image 1 of 2 Installing MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Early 2013 AirPort Board: step 6, image 2 of 2
    • Use tweezers to remove the small plastic cover located near the bottom right of the battery connector board.

  7. Installing MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Early 2013 AirPort Board: step 7, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the wide head 6.4 mm T6 Torx screw securing the battery connector to the logic board assembly.

  8. Installing MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Early 2013 AirPort Board: step 8, image 1 of 2 Installing MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Early 2013 AirPort Board: step 8, image 2 of 2
    • Carefully lift the battery connector board up off the logic board.

    • It is recommended to bend the battery cables just slightly, to keep the board suspended up above the logic board and out of the way.

    • Do not fold the board completely over, or crease the cables, as this may damage the battery.

  9. Installing MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Early 2013 AirPort Board, AirPort Board Assembly: step 9, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the single 2.7 mm T5 Torx screw securing the AirPort board to the I/O board.

  10. Installing MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Early 2013 AirPort Board: step 10, image 1 of 3 Installing MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Early 2013 AirPort Board: step 10, image 2 of 3 Installing MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Early 2013 AirPort Board: step 10, image 3 of 3
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry and disconnect the three antenna cable connectors from the AirPort board.

    • The three cables are coded with black sleeves of different lengths. During reassembly:

    • Connect the long-sleeved cable to the center socket.

    • The short-sleeved cable connects next to the screw.

    • The remaining cable has no sleeve, and connects in the last empty socket, next to the fan.

  11. Installing MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Early 2013 AirPort Board: step 11, image 1 of 2 Installing MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Early 2013 AirPort Board: step 11, image 2 of 2
    • Move the antenna cables aside, clear of the AirPort board.

  12. Installing MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Early 2013 AirPort Board: step 12, image 1 of 2 Installing MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Early 2013 AirPort Board: step 12, image 2 of 2
    • Wedge a plastic opening tool between the AirPort board (side nearest the I/O ports) and the I/O board.

    • Gently pry the AirPort board upwards, but do not remove it.

    • Only lift the AirPort board as much as is necessary to get a grip on it. Lifting it too high above the I/O board may damage the board or the socket.

  13. Installing MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Early 2013 AirPort Board: step 13, image 1 of 2 Installing MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Early 2013 AirPort Board: step 13, image 2 of 2
    • Pull the AirPort board straight out of its socket on the I/O board.

  14. Installing MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Early 2013 AirPort Board, AirPort Board: step 14, image 1 of 1
    • AirPort board remains.

Sam Goldheart

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