My Problem

USB port was completely unresponsive despite several software reset and other attempts.

My Fix

Everything was quite straightforward with the guide; however, one aspect was not documented. The I/O board *data* cable replacement has no guidance. After looking at the problem, and because I did not have reason to suspect it was broken, we decided to forgo replacement. The decision was correct. Unfortunately, that means we spent an extra $19 we did not need -- it had been obtained because the parts list indicated it was necessary. We had opened the parts packages up before starting. So I am not sure it can be returned; although, as a simple cable it is unlikely we could have damaged it.

On the other hand, the I/O board cable was needed as it is fairly fragile and removal may or may not leave it in a decent condition.

My Advice

Buy some double sided tape to help stick parts back down.

I have some photos detailing routing of the camera/airport cable.

Be careful not to cover the I/O board data cable as you put the I/O board back. I had to remove the board to extract the hidden cable.

The iFixit magnetic board helped a lot to keep screws in the right place. Be sure to put them on the board in a manner that helps you know which goes where.

My Problem

My battery had the 'Service Now' indicator and my HDMI port hasn't worked for about a year. Time to fix it!

My Fix

Really well, apart from being a bit nerve wracking prying the battery out.

My Advice

Replacing the battery:

1. put the laptop face down on the edge of a table with the screen open (angled so the screen sits off the table). Put a towel under the laptop folded in such a way to make the battery the lowest point. This is to stop excess IPA going into the motherboard area and also to prevent any IPA from seeping into the screen (through the trackpad).

2. You need to leave the Iso propyl alcohol in for a long time, and you need a lot of it (I used about 200-300ml)

3. Start prying the outer two cells first. Once you've got them up there's a metal plate that the middle cells are glued to that lifts up so you can do that removal out of the computer.

I/O Board:

Don't remove the fan cable (which is very firmly glued down - thus risking breaking it), just fold the fan over.