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Trackpad Prereq

Prerequisite Only
This is a prerequisite-only guide! This guide is part of another procedure and isn’t meant to be used alone.

What you need

    1. Trackpad Prereq, Remove the trackpad connector screws: step 1, image 1 of 1
      • Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 1.8 mm screws securing the trackpad cable connector bracket.

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    2. Trackpad Prereq: step 2, image 1 of 1
      Tool used on this step:
      Tweezers
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      • Remove the trackpad cable connector bracket with a pair of tweezers.

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    3. Trackpad Prereq, Disconnect the trackpad: step 3, image 1 of 2 Trackpad Prereq, Disconnect the trackpad: step 3, image 2 of 2
      • Use a spudger to disconnect the trackpad ribbon cable by gently prying its connector straight up from the logic board.

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    4. Trackpad Prereq, Heat the trackpad cable: step 4, image 1 of 1
      • Prepare an iOpener and lay it on top of the trackpad ribbon cable for about a minute, in order to soften the adhesive securing the trackpad ribbon cable to the top of the battery.

      • If you don't have an iOpener, use a hair dryer to warm up the cable instead. The cable should be warm, but not too hot to touch. Be careful not to overheat the battery.

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    5. Trackpad Prereq, Peel up the trackpad cable: step 5, image 1 of 3 Trackpad Prereq, Peel up the trackpad cable: step 5, image 2 of 3 Trackpad Prereq, Peel up the trackpad cable: step 5, image 3 of 3
      • Carefully peel the trackpad ribbon cable up off the battery, and push it out of the way.

      • Do not fold or tear the cable.

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    6. Trackpad Prereq, Remove the trackpad screws: step 6, image 1 of 1
      • Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the ten screws securing the trackpad assembly:

      • Two 4.3 mm screws

      • Eight 5.8 mm screws

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    7. Trackpad Prereq: step 7, image 1 of 2 Trackpad Prereq: step 7, image 2 of 2
      • Swing the display open slightly to access the trackpad.

      • Carefully thread the trackpad ribbon cable out through the hole in the MacBook Pro's frame.

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    8. Trackpad Prereq: step 8, image 1 of 3 Trackpad Prereq: step 8, image 2 of 3 Trackpad Prereq: step 8, image 3 of 3
      • Remove the trackpad assembly.

      • Be sure not to lose the six small washers (two circular and four rectangular) resting on the underside of the trackpad.

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Conclusion

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before installing.

To reassemble your device, follow the above steps 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 search our Answers community for help.

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Carsten Frauenheim

Member since: 03/10/20

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