Skip to main content

MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement

Prerequisite Only
This guide is only intended to be used as a prerequisite for other guides. It's incomplete by itself.

What you need

  1. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement, Disable Auto Boot: step 1, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement, Disable Auto Boot: step 1, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement, Disable Auto Boot: step 1, image 3 of 3
    • Before starting this procedure, you must disable your Mac's Auto Boot feature. Auto Boot powers on your Mac when you open the lid, and may be accidentally triggered during disassembly. Use this guide or follow the abbreviated instructions below to disable Auto Boot. This command may not work on all Macs.

    • Power on your Mac and launch Terminal.

    • Copy and paste the following command (or type it exactly) into Terminal:

    • sudo nvram AutoBoot=%00

    • Press [return]. If prompted, enter your administrator password and press [return] again. Note: Your return key may also be labeled ⏎ or "enter."

    • You can now safely power down your Mac and open the bottom case, without it accidentally powering on.

    • When your repair is complete and your Mac is successfully reassembled, re-enable Auto Boot with the following command:

    • sudo nvram AutoBoot=%03

  2. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement, Lower Case: step 2, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    Magnetic Project Mat
    $19.95
    Buy
    • Completely power off and unplug your MacBook Pro before you begin.

    • Close the display and flip the entire laptop upside-down.

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

    • Four 4.7 mm screws

    • Two 6.6 mm screws

    • Note the orientation of the screws as you remove them—they need to be reinstalled at a slight angle.

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

  3. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 3, image 2 of 2
    • Press a suction handle into place near the front edge of the lower case, between the screw holes.

    • Lift up on the suction handle just enough to open a small gap under the lower case.

  4. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3
    • Slide the corner of an opening pick into the gap you just created underneath the lower case.

    • Slide the opening pick around the nearest corner and then halfway up the side of the MacBook Pro.

    • This releases the first of the hidden clips securing the lower case. You should feel and hear the clip pop free.

  5. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 5, image 3 of 3
    • Repeat the previous step on the opposite side, using your opening pick to release the second clip.

  6. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 1
    • Lift the front edge of the lower case (the side opposite the display hinge) just enough to slide your fingertips underneath and get a good grip on it.

    • Two additional hidden clips near the middle of the cover may pop free at this point, if they haven't already.

    • Don't lift very far and don't try to remove the lower case yet.

  7. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 7, image 3 of 3
    • Pull the lower case firmly towards the front of the MacBook (away from the hinge area) to separate the last of the clips securing the lower case.

    • Pull first at one corner, then the other.

    • Pull to the side—not up.

    • This may require a lot of force.

  8. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the lower case.

    • To reinstall the lower case:

    • Set it in place and align the sliding clips near the display hinge. Press down and slide the cover toward the hinge. It should stop sliding as the clips engage.

    • When the sliding clips are fully engaged and the lower case looks correctly aligned, press down firmly on the lower case to engage the four hidden clips. You should feel and hear them click into place.

  9. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement, Battery Connector: step 9, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement, Battery Connector: step 9, image 2 of 2
    • Peel up and remove the large rectangular battery board cover, on the edge of the logic board nearest the battery.

    • If the cover doesn't peel up easily, apply mild heat with an iOpener, hair dryer, or heat gun to soften the adhesive underneath, and try again.

    • If the cover doesn't seat securely during reassembly, try rotating it 180 degrees. It must be oriented correctly in order for the adhesive pads underneath to contact the board screws.

  10. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 2
    • Peel back the tape covering the battery board data cable connector.

    • The tape may not detach completely; just peel it back enough to access the connector.

  11. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 11, image 3 of 3
    • Use a spudger to gently pry up the locking flap on the ZIF connector for the battery board data cable.

  12. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 12, image 2 of 2
    • Disconnect the battery board data cable by sliding it out from its socket.

    • Slide parallel to the logic board, in the direction of the cable.

  13. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 2
    • Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the 3.7 mm pancake screw securing the battery power connector.

  14. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 14, image 2 of 2
    • Use a spudger to gently lift the battery power connector, disconnecting the battery.

    • Lift the connector high enough to keep it separated from its socket while you work. If it accidentally makes contact, it could damage your MacBook Pro.

  15. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement, Trackpad Assembly: step 15, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement, Trackpad Assembly: step 15, image 2 of 2
    • Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 1.9 mm screws securing the trackpad cable's cover bracket.

    • Remove the bracket.

  16. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 16, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 16, image 2 of 2
    • Use a spudger to disconnect the trackpad cable by prying its connector straight up from the logic board.

  17. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 17, image 1 of 1
    • Apply mild heat to the trackpad ribbon cable to soften the adhesive securing it to the battery.

    • You can use an iOpener, hair dryer, or heat gun, but be careful not to overheat the battery. The cable should be warm, but not too hot to touch.

  18. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 18, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 18, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 18, image 3 of 3
    • Carefully peel the trackpad cable up off the battery, and push it out of the way.

    • Don't fold or tear the cable. If you have trouble, don't force it—apply more heat and try again.

  19. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 19, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 19, image 2 of 2
    • Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the 13 screws securing the trackpad assembly:

    • Nine 5.8 mm screws

    • Four 4.9 mm screws

    • These screws look very similar, so don't mix them up.

    • These screws can loosen over time due to the clicking action on the Force Touch trackpad. Adding a little blue threadlocker as you install them can help keep them secure.

    • Install the screws loosely and check the trackpad alignment before tightening them down.

  20. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 20, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 20, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 20, image 3 of 3
    • Swing the display open slightly, but keep the MacBook upside-down. The trackpad assembly should separate and lay flat on the display.

    • Gently feed the trackpad's ribbon cable through its slot in the chassis.

    • Carefully note the correct slot for the trackpad cable during reassembly—it goes through the narrow slot alongside the battery, not the bigger slot near the MacBook Pro's front edge.

  21. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 21, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 21, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 21, image 3 of 3
    • As you remove the trackpad assembly, be very careful not to lose the nine small metal washers resting on the screw posts. (They will fly off and get lost with very little provocation.)

    • Remove the trackpad assembly.

  22. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement, Logic Board Assembly: step 22, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement, Logic Board Assembly: step 22, image 2 of 2
    • Using a T3 Torx driver, remove the two 1.9 mm screws securing the keyboard connector cover bracket.

    • Remove the bracket.

  23. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 23, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 23, image 2 of 2
    • Use your spudger to disconnect the keyboard by prying its connector straight up from the logic board.

  24. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 24, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 24, image 2 of 2
    • Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 3.5 mm screws securing the cover on the display board flex cable.

    • Remove the display board flex cable cover.

  25. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 25, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 25, image 2 of 2
    • Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 1.7 mm screws securing the bracket for the display board cable connector.

    • Remove the bracket from the display board cable connector.

  26. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 26, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 26, image 2 of 2
    • Pry straight up with your spudger to disconnect the display board flex cable.

  27. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 27, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 27, image 2 of 2
    • Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 2.0 mm screws securing each hinge cover (four screws total).

  28. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 28, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 28, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 28, image 3 of 3
    • Remove both hinge covers.

  29. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 29, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 29, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 29, image 3 of 3
    • Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 2.4 mm screws securing the cover bracket for the Touch ID and headphone jack cable connectors.

    • Remove the bracket.

  30. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 30, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 30, image 2 of 2
    • Disconnect the headphone jack cable by prying its connector straight up from the logic board.

  31. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 31, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 31, image 2 of 2
    • Disconnect the power button and Touch ID sensor by prying its connector straight up from the logic board.

  32. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 32, image 1 of 1
    • Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the 1.3 mm screw securing the cover bracket for the Touch Bar digitizer connector.

  33. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 33, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 33, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 33, image 3 of 3
    • Using your tweezers, slide the bracket toward the side edge of the MacBook Pro until it clears the slotted retaining tab on the logic board.

    • Remove the bracket.

  34. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 34, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 34, image 2 of 2
    • Disconnect the Touch Bar digitizer cable by prying it straight up from the logic board.

  35. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 35, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 35, image 2 of 2
    • Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 1.9 mm screws securing the bracket for the Touch Bar display cable connector.

    • Remove the bracket.

  36. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 36, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 36, image 2 of 2
    • Disconnect the Touch Bar display cable by prying its connector straight up from the logic board.

  37. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 37, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 37, image 2 of 2
    • Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the four 1.3 mm screws securing the Thunderbolt flex cable covers:

    • Two screws on the left

    • Two more on the right

  38. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 38, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 38, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 38, image 3 of 3
    • Disconnect the left-side Thunderbolt flex cable by prying it straight up from the logic board.

    • Pry from the inside edge, nearest the fan.

    • Gently push the flex cable connector off to the side so it doesn't interfere with logic board removal.

  39. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 39, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 39, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 39, image 3 of 3
    • Repeat to disconnect the Thunderbolt flex cable connector on the opposite side.

    • Carefully push the flex cable connector aside so there's clearance for the logic board to come out without snagging.

  40. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 40, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 40, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 40, image 3 of 3
    • Disconnect the two speaker connectors by sliding the flat end of your spudger underneath each cable near its connector.

    • Gently twist or pry up to disconnect both speakers.

  41. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 41, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 41, image 2 of 2
    • Peel up any tape covering the microphone cable connector socket.

  42. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 42, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 42, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 42, image 3 of 3
    • Open the locking flap on the microphone cable's ZIF connector by prying it straight up from the logic board.

  43. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 43, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 43, image 2 of 2
    • Disconnect the microphone by pulling its cable toward the fan until it releases from its socket.

    • If possible, pull on the tape attached to the cable, rather than the cable itself, to reduce the risk of damage.

  44. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 44, image 1 of 1
    • Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the single 2.9 mm screw securing the antenna cable bundle.

  45. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 45, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 45, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 45, image 3 of 3
    • Disconnect all three antenna cables by prying each one straight up from its socket.

    • Slide your tweezers or the flat end of your spudger underneath each cable until it's near the socket, and then gently twist or pry up to disconnect it.

    • To reconnect each cable, align the connector directly over its socket, and then press down so it snaps into place.

  46. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 46, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 46, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the ten screws securing the logic board assembly:

    • Two 2.8 mm T3 Torx screws

    • Five 2.9 mm T5 Torx screws

    • One 3.7 mm T5 Torx screw

    • One 3.9 mm T8 Torx screw

    • One 3.8 mm T8 Torx screw

    • During reassembly, install these screws only loosely. Adjust the board position if necessary until all the connectors line up, and then tighten the screws.

  47. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 47, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 47, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 47, image 3 of 3
    • Peel up (but don't remove) the two rubber vibration damping strips from the adhesive holding them to the fans.

    • If needed, apply mild heat with an iOpener, hair dryer, or heat gun to soften the adhesive and make the dampers easier to separate.

  48. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 48, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 48, image 2 of 2
    • The logic board assembly is a tight fit, but you can make it easier to remove by inserting a spudger under the left edge and levering it up slightly.

    • There should be no resistance as you remove the logic board. Check all cables carefully and hold them out of the way if needed so they don't snag on the board.

    • Lifting from the left side, remove the logic board.

  49. MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 49, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 49, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 15" Touch Bar Late 2016 Logic Board Assembly Replacement: step 49, image 3 of 3
    • When reinstalling the logic board assembly:

    • Check the alignment of the rubber vibration dampers, and adjust them as needed.

    • Feed the antenna cable bundle through the gap between the logic board and heat sink, and make sure it lines up correctly as you lower the board into place.

    • Verify that no cables get trapped under the board as you install it. Check each marked location carefully.

Conclusion

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

Jeff Suovanen

Member since: 08/06/13

426,575 Reputation

259 Guides authored

Team

iFixit Member of iFixit

Staff

135 Members

16,476 Guides authored

0 Comments

Add Comment

View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 0

Past 7 Days: 0

Past 30 Days: 0

All Time: 234