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MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to remove and replace the keyboard in your MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo A1226 or A1260.

This guide shows where to find all the hidden screws you must remove when replacing the keyboard.

What you need

  1. MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement, Battery: step 1, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement, Battery: step 1, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement, Battery: step 1, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingers to push both battery release tabs away from the battery, and lift the battery out of the computer.

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  2. MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement, RAM Shield: step 2, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement, RAM Shield: step 2, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the three identical 2mm Phillips screws from the memory door.

    • Lift the memory door up enough to grip it and slide it toward you, pulling it away from the casing.

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  3. MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement, Upper Case: step 3, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the two 2.8 mm Phillips screws in the battery compartment near the latch.

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  4. MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the following 6 screws:

    • Two 10 mm T6 Torx screws on either side of the RAM slot.

    • Four 14.5 mm Phillips screws along the hinge.

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  5. MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the four 3.2 mm PH00 Phillips screws on the port side of the computer.

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  6. MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 1

    • Rotate the computer 90 degrees and remove the two 3.2 mm Phillips screws from the rear of the computer.

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  8. MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 1

    • Rotate the computer 90 degrees again and remove the four 3.2 mm Phillips screws from the side of the computer.

    Edit

  9. MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • Do not yank the upper case off quickly. The case is attached to the logic board via a ribbon cable.

    • Lift up at the rear of the case and work your fingers along the sides, freeing the case as you go. Once you have freed the sides, you may need to rock the case up and down to free the front of the upper case.

    • There are four plastic clips above the DVD slot, and another above and to the left of the IR sensor. These clips can be very difficult to disengage without prying. They can also be difficult to re-engage during reassembly.

    • Reassembly Tip: Press down firmly on the tip of the top case above the location of each clip until you hear a snap to reseat them in their slots.

    • Reassembly Tip: The two center DVD clips will rarely snap back into place properly without help, and downward pressure will instead simply deform the frame around the DVD slot. Support the frame by inserting a plastic spudger into the DVD slot directly under the clip location until it is snug, then press down until you hear the snap.

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  10. MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 2

    • Disconnect the trackpad and keyboard ribbon cable from the logic board, removing tape as necessary.

    • Note: It is possible to replace the hard drive without disconnecting the keyboard from the chassis, but it will need to be held upright to keep it out of the way, while still allowing you both hands to work on the drive removal.

    • Be careful when removing the keyboard-trackpad ribbon cable to ensure that the rear of the upper case is disengaged from the area near the hinge. It is easy to accidentally bend the screw receivers on either side of the keyboard.

    • Remove the upper case.

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  11. MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement, Keyboard: step 10, image 1 of 1

    • Use a spudger to pry up the translucent plastic sheath covering the keyboard connector.

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  12. MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 2

    • Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the black plastic flap locking down the keyboard ribbon cable.

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  13. MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 1

    • Peel up the orange tape covering the keyboard backlight connector.

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  14. MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement: step 13, image 3 of 3

    • Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the brown plastic flap locking down the keyboard backlight ribbon cable.

    • Use a spudger or your finger to slide the keyboard backlight ribbon out of its connector.

    Edit

  15. MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement: step 14, image 2 of 2

    • Peel back the black protective sheath on the right side of the upper case.

    • It is not necessary to fully remove this shield. Simply peel it back enough to access the screws beneath.

    • Similarly, peel the black protective sheath on the left side of the upper case.

    • Again, it is not necessary to fully remove this shield. Simply peel it back enough to access the screws beneath.

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  16. MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the 12 identical Phillips screws attaching the keyboard to the casing.

    • There are six locking tabs along the back edge of the keyboard holding it in place. These tabs must be straightened before you can remove the keyboard.

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  17. MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement: step 16, image 1 of 1

    • Slide the keyboard ribbon out of its connector.

    • If the keyboard ribbon won't slide out, make sure that the black plastic flap holding the ribbon in place is vertical.

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  18. MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement: step 17, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Models A1226 and A1260 Keyboard Replacement: step 17, image 2 of 2

    • Place the upper casing on its edge and use a spudger to push the keyboard away from the casing, poking the spudger through the central keyboard screw hole. Grasp the keyboard as it separates from the casing.

    • Maintaining your hold on the keyboard, lay the casing flat and gently bow the keyboard until the two tabs on either side of the keyboard come free.

    • Slide the keyboard away from the trackpad and out of the upper case.

    • When installing the new keyboard, remember to slip the keyboard backlight ribbon cable through the slot in the top casing.

    Edit
Conclusion

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

152 other people completed this guide.

2 Guide Comments

Excellent guide as always. Both the keyboard I got from iFixIt and the guide worked perfectly. Thanks!

Brandon Hart - Reply

This was such an excellent fix-it guide. I was able to swap out my keyboard while watching the Seahawks lose to the St. Louis Rams (sadly). One recommendation: have 12 or so ziplock bags each numbered with a step number that requires a screw or part to be removed and put the screws/parts from that step in the bag and zip it closed. You won't mix up screw sizes from the various steps.

Thanks again to ifixit.com for this excellent repair tool. My new keyboard functions perfectly!!

reb - Reply

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