Apple MacBook Air 08-01 Service Manual
Service Source
MacBook Air
January 30, 2008
© 2008 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
Apple Inc.
© 2008 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
Under the copyright laws, this document may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the
written consent of Apple.
Every eort has been made to ensure that the information in this document is accurate. Apple is
not responsible for printing or clerical errors.
Apple
1 Innite Loop
Cupertino, CA 95014-2084
USA
+ 1 408 996 1010
www.apple.com
Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, and Macintosh are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and
other countries.
ii
MacBook Air
Contents
Basics
General Information 7
Product View 7
Overview 7
Main Service and Feature Dierences of This Model 8
Quick Tour 10
Using the Trackpad and Keyboard 11
New Parts and Procedures 13
General Module Notes 17
Support Tools 17
Tools 18
Take Apart
Bottom Case 21
Removal Procedure 22
Serial Number Transfer Instructions 24
Reassembly Procedure 25
Battery 28
Removal Procedure 29
Reassembly Procedure 31
AirPort/BlueTooth Card 33
Removal Procedure 34
Reassembly Procedure 35
Speaker Assembly 37
Removal Procedure 38
Reassembly Procedure 41
Port Hatch Assembly 43
Procedure 44
Replacement Notes 45
MagSafe Assembly 46
iii
Hard Drive 49
Removal Procedure 50
Replacement Notes 58
Thermal Module 59
Removal Procedure 60
Replacing the Thermal Paste 62
Reassembly Procedure 65
Logic Board 68
Removal Procedure 69
Reassembly Procedure 70
Thermal Module and Logic Board Combined 72
Removal Procedure 73
Reassembly Procedure 74
Display Assembly 75
Removal Procedure 76
Reassembly Procedure 78
Audio Flex Cable 80
Input Devices (IPD) Board Flex Cable 84
Airport/Bluetooth Card Flex Cable 87
Top Case with Keyboard 90
Anatomy of the top case 91
Additional Procedures
Replacing Keycaps 93
Preliminary Steps 93
Part Location 93
Procedure 94
Troubleshooting
General Information 110
How to Use the Symptom Charts 110
Wire and Flex Cables 110
Hardware Diagnostics 111
Sharing Discs with Remote Disc 113
Reinstalling software using Remote Install Mac OS X 115
Reinstalling software using the MacBook Air SuperDrive 116
Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks 116
iv
MacBook Air Firmware Updates 118
Software Troubleshooting Tips and Tools 118
MacBook Air 45W MagSafe Power Adapter Compatibility 120
Troubleshooting Steps 122
Hardware Symptoms 125
How to Use the Symptom Charts 125
Startup 125
Battery 130
Bluetooth 134
Display 134
Hard Drive 135
Apple Remote 136
Infrared Receiver 137
Built-in Camera 138
Keyboard 139
Microphone 140
Modem (External) 140
MagSafe Power Adapter 142
Sound 143
Trackpad 144
Video 145
Miscellaneous Symptoms 147
Block Diagram 149
Views
Exploded Views 152
Screw Maps 153
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Service Source
Basics
MacBook Air
© 2008 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
Product View
General Information
Overview
At only three pounds, the MacBook Air is the most mobile Macintosh yet. Its sleek, new, ultra-thin
enclosure streamlines it for portability while its features oer a completely wireless experience.
Components in this system are smaller and more integrated than previous Macintosh portables;
thus, a watchmaker’s nesse is crucial when handling repairs. Likewise, the MacBook Air’s new
system architecture requires troubleshooting methodology specic to its design.
Because there are fewer parts, repair can seem deceivingly simple. Pay close attention to
warnings and cautions throughout the procedures in this manual to avoid repair issues.
MacBook Air Basics — General Information 7
Main Service and Feature Differences of This Model
Microprocessor• : 1.6 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo; optional 1.8 GHz available congured to order (CTO)
On-Chip L2 cache• : 4 MB shared by two cores
RAM• : 2 GB DDR2 soldered on logic board (not upgradable)
Hard drive• : 80GB PATA, 4200 rpm (1.8 in.); optional CTO 64GB PATA Solid State Drive (SSD)
Graphics• : Integrated Intel GMA X3100 (GM965 Express chip set), uses 144 MB system memory
Display• : 13.3-inch glossy 1280 x 800dpi, LED Backlit display
Video• : Built-in iSight camera; new micro-DVI port supports DVI, VGA, S-video and composite
Audio (In):• Built-in omnidirectional microphone, no input/audio line in
Audio (Out):• Built-in mono-speaker; analog audio output /headphone out
Wireless• : Built-in AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi (802.11n); built-in Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
Keyboard• : Built-in full-size backlit keyboard with ambient light sensor
Trackpad• : Solid-state scrolling trackpad for precise cursor control; supports two-nger
scrolling, tap, double-tap, drag, pinch, swipe, and rotate capabilities
Included standard with the MacBook Air:
45W MagSafe Power Adapter• — While it has the same MagSafe interface as all Intel-based
notebooks, the adapter’s DC plug is more streamlined to t under the curved bottom case.
Two Micro-DVI adapters• — Micro-DVI to VGA and Micro-DVI to DVI adapters are included.
Also, a Micro-DVI to Video (composite and S-video) adapter is available as a standalone kit.
A cleaning cloth•
MacBook Air Basics — General Information 8
Standalone accessories
Along with the Micro-DVI to Video adapter, other standalone options for the MacBook Air include:
MacBook Air SuperDrive• – An external USB slot-loading SuperDrive, solely bus-powered, works
only with MacBook Air, directly connected to the USB port. It will not function through a hub.
USB Ethernet Adapter• – Allows connection to an Ethernet network. While compatible only
with MacBook Air, the adapter comes in an enclosure similar to the Apple USB modem. You can
dierentiate between them by inspecting the ports: the USB Ethernet Adapter uses an RJ-45
connector with eight contacts, and the USB Modem uses an RJ-11 connector with two contacts.
MagSafe Airline Adapter• – This product is a revision of today’s Airline Adapter, utilizing the
MacBook Air MagSafe connector, which works with all other MagSafe notebook computers.
For more product details go to www.apple.com/MacBookAir
MacBook Air Basics — General Information 9
Quick Tour
Following is a quick tour of major features and important repair steps when servicing a MacBook
Air. Please see the specic repair sections to obtain full details on servicing that part.
Basic features
Ports
MacBook Air Basics — General Information 10
Using the Trackpad and Keyboard
Use the trackpad to move the pointer and to scroll, tap, double-tap, and drag. How far the pointer
moves on screen is aected by how quickly you move your nger across the trackpad. To move
the pointer a short distance, move your nger slowly across the trackpad; the faster you move
your nger, the farther the pointer moves. To ne-tune the tracking speed and set other trackpad
options, choose Apple > System Preferences, click Keyboard & Mouse, and then click Trackpad.
Useful trackpad tips and shortcuts
Forward deleting• deletes characters to the right of the insertion point. Pressing the Delete
key deletes characters to the left of the insertion point.
To forward delete, hold down the Function (fn) key while you press the Delete key.
Secondary clicking• or “right-clicking” lets you access shortcut menu commands.
To secondary click, place two ngers on the trackpad while clicking the trackpad button. If
Tap to Click is enabled, just tap two ngers on the trackpad.
You can also secondary click by holding down the Control key while you click.
Two-ngerscrolling• lets you drag to scroll quickly up, down, or sideways in the active window.
This option is on by default.
MacBook Air Basics — General Information 11
The following trackpad gestures work in certain applications, such as Preview or iPhoto. For
more information, choose Help > Mac Help and search for “trackpad.”
Two-ngerpinching lets you zoom in or out on PDFs, images, photos, and more.
Keyboard features
MacBook Air Basics — General Information 12
New Parts and Procedures
Accessing the components
Remove the bottom case to access the components.
Note: Before resting the unit on the workbench, make sure the work area is clear of all debris and
contaminants to avoid damaging the display housing.
Serial number
The system serial number is etched into the bottom case (shown below). It is centered just below
the regulatory markings. See the bottom case section for information on serial number transfer.
MacBook Air Basics — General Information 13
Bottom case angles and curves
Warning: The bottom case screws are inserted at an angle. When reinstalling these screws make
sure you have inserted them at that appropriate angle. Before turning the screw into the boss,
make sure the threads are properly aligned. Use the screwdriver to seat the screw at the correct
angle, and then turn the screw backward (counterclockwise) until you feel the threads “click” into
place. Otherwise, you can damage the screw boss which is part of the top case.
The front edge of the bottom case has ve fragile metal clips that t into ve overhanging tabs
on the top case. Be sure to remove and reinstall the bottom case at a 30º angle.
MacBook Air Basics — General Information 14
A map of the major modules in the MacBook Air
A – Battery C – Combo card E –Hard drive G – MagSafe port I – Logic board
B – Speaker D – Port hatch F – Thermal module H – Flex bracket J – Display (hinge)
MacBook Air Basics — General Information 15
The new MacBook Air contains an internal-only battery that is not accessible from the exterior
and is serviceable by authorized Apple service providers only.
Warning: Unlike previous systems, when you remove the bottom case, power is still available to
the logic board. Before any further work, disconnect the battery from the logic board connector.
WARNING: Because the battery is internal and connected to the logic board via cable, it MUST BE
DISCONNECTED before performing service procedures. If you fail to do so, live current from the
battery will short circuit the components and render the logic board and/or LVDS cable unusable.
Cables and Connectors
Many cables and cable connectors are very delicate and require specic removal procedures.
Also, new, environmentally friendly Halogen-free materials tend to be stier and less pliable, and
thus require careful handling to avoid damage.
Sleep Sensor
The sleep sensor is located to the left of the sleep indicator light. Like the MacBook Pros, the
magnet is in the display assembly, but since this system is so thin, it is possible to trigger the
sleep sensor with external magnets. For example, when you stack a MacBook Air one on another,
the sleep magnet in the bottom system’s display assembly will trigger the sleep sensor on top.
Battery Icon
A new battery icon, with a triangle and exclamation point inside it means the battery is not
performing to specications (low capacity). It informs the user to have the battery replaced.
Display Repair
Display replacement is with a whole clamshell service part only.
MacBook Air Basics — General Information 16
General Module Notes
Module name Notes
Combo AirPort/Bluetooth card Both functions are on a single card.
Hard drive, 80GB, PATA This part comes with shock mounts pre-applied, including foam pad and
rubber ring (snubber) and ex cable. Do not remove any of these parts.
Hard drive, 64GB, SSD, PATA
(SSD = Solid State Drive)
Battery, lithium ion Not a user-installable part. Handle with care as the enclosure is not
Power adapter, 45W The connector is compatible with other Intel-based MacBook and
Logic board There are two main logic board congurations: 1.6GHz and 1.8GHz. Both
Display clamshell The clamshell contains the display, built-in camera, ambient light sensor
MacBook Air SuperDrive,
external
Top case w/ keyboard The top case houses the keyboard, backlit panel, LED, and (IPD) Input
Thermal module Metal heatsink with attached fan.
Speaker assembly Speaker assembly contains a mono speaker plus an audio board
MagSafe port assembly This MagSafe connector is compatible with all the other MagSafe
Port hatch assembly The port hatch assembly includes the hatch, ports, and ex cable. The
Audio board The board is located in the integrated speaker assembly.
Although a solid state drive, the same shock mounts are applied like the
conventional hard drive.
designed to withstand being dropped or exposed to air.
MacBook Pro units. However, with a 45W rating, it has limited capability
to charge or even start up previous MacBook and MacBook pro models.
have 2 GB of soldered-on RAM and use Intel Graphics X3100. The display
LED’s DC-to-DC converter is on this board.
and microphone. The LVDS cable carries data signals for the display
video, camera, and ambient light sensor.
The external MacBook Air SuperDrive only works with the MacBook Air.
Other systems can see the drive itself but cannot load the media.
Devices board. The IPD board provides control logic for the trackpad on
the top, which is calibrated to the top case. The values are stored on the
IPD board. Thus, the two are a matched set. Do not disconnect any ex
cables from the IPD board other than the main IPD cable to the logic
board. All other ex cables connect to parts that are not replaceable.
integrated into a plastic housing.
adapters. However, the overmolding on those adapters causes the
system to sit unevenly, resulting in stress to the DC connector cable.
ex cable connects to the audio board to provide analog audio out.
Support Tools
MacBook Air has an optional external USB SuperDrive that can be purchased separately. This
option allows you to use the Mac OS X Install Disc 1 tools such as Disk Utility and password reset.
You can also reinstall system software.
However, MacBook Air Mac OS X Install Disc 1 also comes with software drivers to share an
optical disk drive on another machine. This remote machine can be a Macintosh running Mac OS
X v10.4.10 or later, or a PC running Windows XP or Windows Vista.
With Remote Disc installed, you can share content of DVDs or CDs, or restore system software
MacBook Air Basics — General Information 17
and applications over AirPort or through an Ethernet connection (facilitated by a separate USB
Ethernet adapter). In both cases, the two computers must be on the same subnet.
Migrate data (Mac only)
via AirPort Remote Mac OS X software
via USB Ethernet Remote Mac OS X software
via USB Hard Drive Time Machine software
Install application software, use disk-based tools (Disk Utility, Reset Password)
via MacBook Air SuperDrive Use Mac OS X Disc 1 or application Disc
via AirPort through remote Mac/Windows system Use Mac OS X Disc 1 or application Disc
with Mac OS X Remote Disk software
via Ethernet (with USB adapter) through
remote Mac/Windows system
Re-install system software
via MacBook Air SuperDrive Use Mac OS X Disk 1
via AirPort through remote Mac/Windows system Use Mac OS X Disc 1 with Mac OS X
via Ethernet (with USB adapter) through
remote Mac/Windows system
Use Mac OS X Disc 1 or application Disc
with Mac OS X Remote Disk software
Remote Install software
Use Mac OS X Disc 1 with Mac OS X
Remote Install software
Tools
Servicing the MacBook Air requires the following tools:
Clean, non-marring work surface•
ESD wrist strap and mat•
Multi-compartment screw tray (such as a plastic ice cube tray)•
#000 Phillips screwdriver (magnetized)•
#00 Phillips screwdriver (magnetized)•
Torx T6 screwdriver (magnetized)•
Black stick (nylon probe 922-5065) or other non-conductive nylon or plastic at-blade tool•
Display Repair Fixture (922-8538)•
Cosmetic cover kit (076-1284)•
Gasket kit (076-1285)•
Suction cup (922-8252)•
Thermal paste (922-7144)•
Alcohol pads•
Kapton tape (922-1731) •
Fine-point felt-tip permanent marker•
Standard #2 graphite pencil•
MacBook Air Basics — General Information 18
Ruler or straight edge•
Needle-point metal probe•
Needlenose pliers•
Tweezers•
Apple Pro keyboard and mouse (for troubleshooting)•
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
Use a properly grounded ESD wrist strap and mat when working on the inside of the computer.
Service Manual Component Photos
In this manual, graphics or photos are intended to help illustrate procedures or information only.
Some photos may show dierent levels of disassembly, board colors, congurations, or computer
congurations than the computer you are working on.
Kapton® Tape Note
New Halogen-free Kapton tape is used to secure cables and connectors where necessary.
During disassembly, note any Kapton tape use and locations—reapply in the same manner. Do
not over apply or build up tape on top of old tape; space tolerances are tight and build up or
extraneous use of tape may cause pressure on other components.
Cable Routing Note
With the MacBook Air’s thin enclosure height, the placement of parts and wiring is more critical
than ever before. During disassembly, note the cable routing. Reassemble in the same manner.
Verify that cables do not route over components when they should route into lower positions or
channels. Verify that the cables are not strained or applying pressure to other components.
Screw Measurement Note
All screw measurements given are the specied full length. Actual measured lengths may vary.
MacBook Air Basics — General Information 19
Service Source
Take Apart
MacBook Air
© 2008 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
Bottom Case
Tools
This procedure requires the following tools:
#00 and #000 Phillips screwdrivers (magnetized)•
Black stick (nylon probe 922-5065) or other non-conductive nylon or plastic at-blade tool•
Multi-compartment screw tray (such as a plastic ice cube tray)•
Preliminary Steps
This procedure requires placing the unit upside down on its display housing. Always use a clean,
debris-free static mat to avoid scratches and other cosmetic damage to the unit.
Part Overview
MacBook Air Take Apart — Bottom Case 21
Removal Procedure
Critical: Each screw boss leading from the top case to the bottom case is angled at a dierent
pitch; thus, the angle at which you drive or loosen the screws must correspond accordingly.
Remove ten Phillips #000 screws, starting from the top center and moving outward in a 1.
circular fashion in both directions.
Note: See the screw map in the Views chapter for the exact placement and size of each screw.
MacBook Air Take Apart — Bottom Case 22
Use your ngernails to grip the edge of the bottom case in the rear corners near the display 2.
hinge, or use a black stick as a wedge to gently pry up the bottom case a few millimeters—
enough to grab the edges with your ngers. You may need to pull with slightly more force
on the right side to lift the corner near the MagSafe adapter port.
Pivot the rear edge upward a few inches to a 303.
º
angle. At that same angle, pull the bottom
case outward from the front edge of the top case to preserve the integrity of the front clips.
MacBook Air Take Apart — Bottom Case 23
Serial Number Transfer Instructions
IMPORTANT: When replacing the bottom case of a MacBook Air, retain the customer’s original
bottom case until the repair is complete.
CRITICAL: Before installing the replacement bottom case, transfer the serial number from the
original bottom case to the replacement.
Locate the serial number on the top center of the bottom case (near the vent holes), etched 1.
below the FCC verbiage as below. You may need a magnifying glass to read the characters.
Note: In a bootable system, you can also nd the serial number in “About this Mac” or Apple
System Proler. If the bottom case of the customer’s unit has been previously replaced, see
the subsequent steps for the intended nal written location.
CAUTION: Take great care in deciphering the small typeface of the etched serial number on the
bottom case. It is imperative that you transfer the correct alphanumeric characters. Keep in mind
that Apple serial numbers always use the numbers 1 and 0 instead of the Roman letters “I” and “O.”
On the 2. inside surface of the replacement bottom case, use a ne tip permanent marker to
write the original serial number clearly and legibly in uppercase box letters in the location
below. Look in this location for the serial number on a previously replaced bottom case.
MacBook Air Take Apart — Bottom Case 24
Reassembly Procedure
Caution: Each screw boss leading from the top case to the bottom case is angled at a dierent
pitch; thus, the angle at which you drive or loosen the screws must correspond accordingly.
Before actually turning the screw into the boss, make sure the threads are properly aligned.
Use the screwdriver to seat the screw at the correct angle, and then turn the screw backward
(counterclockwise) until you feel the threads ‘click’ into place. You may need to do this a few
times to get the exact thread placement. If you feel resistance, back the screw out and start
again. Failure to do so can strip the boss and render the entire top case unusable.
While holding the bottom case at a 301.
tabs on the top case before lowering into place. Make sure no cables are pinched (e.g., the
Airport/Bluetooth antenna assembly on the right side and the microphone cable in the rear).
º
angle, insert the clips on its front edge into the
MacBook Air Take Apart — Bottom Case 25
Insert ten #000 Phillips screws in the following order, paying close attention to the angle. If 2.
922-8337 (2)
7.9 mm
922-8330 (2)
5.4 mm
922-8328 (6)
3 mm
a particular screw does not seem to mate easily with its screw boss, set that screw aside and
try another of the same size. It should take little eort to screw it in. See note below.
Caution: Each screw boss leading from the top case to the bottom case is angled at a dierent
pitch; thus, the angle at which you drive or loosen the screws must correspond accordingly.
Before actually turning the screw into the boss, make sure the threads are properly aligned.
Use the screwdriver to seat the screw at the correct angle, and then turn the screw backward
(counterclockwise) until you feel the threads ‘click’ into place. You may need to do this a few
times to get the exact thread placement. If you feel resistance, back the screw out and start
again. Failure to do so can strip the boss and render the entire top case unusable.
MacBook Air Take Apart — Bottom Case 26
Quick Test
Before restarting the system to verify the repair, check for structural and cosmetic integrity by
performing the following tests:
Hold the unit rmly in both hands and gently rock it back and forth; then carefully turn the •
unit over, listening for any loose components or connectors.
Place the unit on a clean, at surface and check for wobble.•
MacBook Air Take Apart — Bottom Case 27
Battery
Tools
This procedure requires the following tools:
#00 and #000 Phillips screwdrivers (magnetized)•
Black stick (nylon probe 922-5065) or other non-conductive nylon or plastic at-blade tool•
Multi-compartment screw tray (such as a plastic ice cube tray)•
Preliminary Steps
This procedure requires placing the unit upside down on its display housing. Always use a clean,
debris-free static mat to avoid scratches and other cosmetic damage to the unit.
Before you begin, remove the bottom case.
CAUTION: The battery must be disconnected from the logic board before proceeding further.
Failure to do so is likely to result in irreparable damage to expensive components such as the
logic board and/or LVDS cable.
Part Location
MacBook Air Takeapart — Battery 28
Removal Procedure
Disconnect the battery cable connector from the logic board, taking care to keep the cable 1.
connector at when pulling it out of its mate. Use your thumb on top and a black stick
beneath to prevent too much bend in the cable. An alternative is to use your index ngers
(and nails) to grab the sides of the connector and pull straight out, level with the board.
Note: Halogen free cables and connectors are delicate. Handle with care to avoid damage.
MacBook Air Takeapart — Battery 29
Remove nine #00/000 Phillips screws in the following order.2.
Note: You may nd screws tightly wedged in their sockets. If so, avoid stripping the head by
bearing down rmly (albeit carefully) to release the screw and its locktight adhesive.
Lift the battery out evenly with both hands on either side to avoid bending or straining the 3.
battery pack. Always handle by the edges to avoid pressure to its inner surfaces. To keep the
battery cable intact, do not lift or hold the battery using the cable or connector.
MacBook Air Takeapart — Battery 30
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