Apple MacBook Pro (17-inch) 06-05 Service Manual

 Service Source

MacBook Pro (17-inch)

5 May 2006

© 2006 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved.

MacBook Pro (17-inch)

Contents

Basics

General Information 6

Product View 6
Overview 6
What’s New 7
New Parts and Procedures 7
Identifying the MacBook Pro (17-inch) 12
Serial Number and Ethernet ID 13
Tools 13
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) 14
Service Manual Note 14
Kapton® Tape Note 14
Cable Routing Note 14
Screw Measurement Note 14

Take Apart

Foot 16

Battery 19

Memory 2

Replacement Procedure 24

Top Case 27

Replacement Procedure 32

Keyboard 38

Replacement Procedure 51

AirPort Extreme Card 60

Hard Drive 64

Bluetooth Card and Antenna 6

Infrared Board 73

Replacement Procedure 75

1

8

ii

Optical Drive 77

Replacement Procedure 82

Backup Battery 83

Ambient Light Sensors 86

Speakers and Microphone 88

Left I/O Board 94

ExpressCard Cage 100

Fans 101

Logic Board 107

Replacement Procedure 115

Battery Cable Assembly 122

Thermal Sensors 124

Heatsink 128

Bottom Case 130

Display Assembly 132

Replacement Procedure 136

Troubleshooting

General Information 140

Microphone and Camera wires 141
Hardware Diagnostics 141
Troubleshooting Aids and Tips 142
Software Troubleshooting Tips and Tools 144
Application compatibility 145
Universal Binary 145
Rosetta 145

Hardware Symptoms 147

Startup 147
AirPort Extreme 153
Battery 154
Bluetooth 157
Display 157
ExpressCard/34 159
Hard Drive 159
Apple Remote 160

iii

Infrared Board 161
Built-in iSight Camera 161
Keyboard 163
Microphone 164
Modem (External) 164
Optical Drive 165
Ports 167
Power Adapter 168
Sound 169
Trackpad 171
Video 172
Misc. Symptoms 173

Views

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Exploded View 176

iv

 Service Source

Basics

MacBook Pro (17-inch)

© 2006 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved.

Product View

General Information

Overview

The MacBook Pro (17-inch) is built upon the Intel Core Duo chip.

From the exterior, the MacBook Pro has a similar look to the previous 17-inch aluminum
PowerBook notebook computers. However, as far as major part compatibility only the power cord
and power adapter AC plug are the same.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Basics— General Information 6

What’s New

Main feature differences from the PowerBook G4 (17-inch Double-Layer SD):

For complete details go to http://support.apple.com/specs/macbookpro/MacBook_Pro_17-

inch.html.

Intel Core Duo microprocessor architecture: 2.16GHz

•
Higher resolution 17 inch display, 1680 x 1050, 116 dpi (previously 1440 x 960, 114 dpi)

•
Supports PC-5300 DDR2 (667MHz) memory up to 2GB

•
256MB VRAM with dual link DVI option is standard

•
120GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA hard drive standard (optional 100GB 7200 RPM SATA)

•
Three USB ports (two on the left side of the system)

•
No built-in modem, support the optional Apple USB modem

•
ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot replaced PCMCIA

•
Infrared sensor

•
iSight camera built in

•
MagSafe magnetic power connector

•
Enhanced speaker system (four speaker drivers)

•

New Parts and Procedures

Main Logic Board

The major change is the Intel Core Duo design with the ATI Mobility Radeon x1600 graphics chip.
The microprocessor is soldered to the main logic board. It is not upgradable.

On the right side, the S-video connector has been removed. Composite and S-video connection
is still available using the optional Apple DVI to Video adapter. The security lock slot was moved
from the left to the right side of the system.

On the left side, the MagSafe power port replaced the old barrel design and a second USB port
was added. The previous PCMCIA card slot has been replaced with ExpressCard/34.

Due to all the port re-arrangements, this new logic board will not t in any previous Macintosh

17-inch notebook computers or vice versa.

To accompany these hardware changes, the boot architecture is now based on Extensible Firmware
Interface (EFI). EFI replaces the Open Firmware (OF). Services provide by OF such as boot snag
keys such as “C” for boot from optical, “N” for network boot, and “T” for Target Disk Mode are still
available under EFI. A key change is the “D” key is used to launch Apple Hardware Test (AHT)
from the Mac OS X Install disc. AHT can no longer be selected from the system boot picker.

Main Memory

The memory connector has changed to the same stacked memory design as the 15-inch
MacBook Pro.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Basics— General Information 7

Main Battery

MacBook Pro (17-inch) uses a new battery pack. It is built with lithium polymer battery cells. This
technology is used with our iPod product line and the base chemistry is the same as the previous
lithium ion cells. This battery pack uses the same battery controller as the PowerBook G4 (15-inch
Double-Layer SD).

As such the battery calibration procedure is the same.

Power Adapter

The system was designed to use the new Apple 85-Watt Portable Power Adapter. This power
adapter comes with the new MagSafe power connector. It is not compatible with any previous
notebook computer.

The MagSafe connector consists of a magnet and an attraction plate. The magnet is placed within
the computer. The attraction plate is part of the DC plug on the power adapter. Since the power
port has the magnet, whenever you are servicing the system it is recommended to put a piece of
tape over the connector to avoid materials such as screws and washers from being inadvertently
drawn into it.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Basics— General Information 8

The DC plug consists of ve pins. Each pin is spring loaded. The center pin is a sense pin (2). This

center pin must make contact with the computer before power is applied. Power is carried on the
remaining four pins (4). The outer pins are positive terminals, the inner pair are the return paths.

There is no up side to the DC plug, it can be put in two ways. To support this design, the power
LED (1) is on both side of the connector. The behavior of the LED is the same as before, amber for
charging the battery, green for supplying power to the system, but not to charge the battery.

Top Case

As the sleep magnet has been relocated to the side of the display bezel, the sleep sensor is now
located to the right side of the top case just around the bottom of the perforated speaker openings.

Keyboard

The keyboard is the same design as shipped with the PowerBook G4 (15-inch/17-inch Double

Layer SD) and 15-inch MacBook Pro except the ex cables. In particular, the keyboard backlight
ex has changed. As such no prior internal keyboard is compatible with MacBook Pro (17-inch)
and due to ex cable dierence, the 15-inch MacBook Pro keyboard is not compatible with the

MacBook Pro (17-inch)

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Basics— General Information 9

Mass Storage (Hard drive and optical drive)

The hard drive has changed to a Serial ATA interface. This hard drive is new and previous
PowerBook drives will not work in this system. The optical drive is basically the same mechanism

used in the PowerBook G4 (17-inch Double-Layer SD), but it has updated rmware. You should

not interchange the two parts.

AirPort Extreme

The AirPort Extreme card is the same used in the 15-inch MacBook Pro. This card does not
support Bluetooth, It is the same form factor as used on the iMac (Early 2006). However, there are
two version of these cards. We have structured our service parts to keep the two separate.

The AirPort antenna is no longer in the display housing. In the clutch barrel underneath the gray
plastic window.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth has returned as a separate card. In addition, it has its own antenna. It is a little board
which is placed in a plastic bracket to the left side of the hard drive.

Backup Battery

The backup battery is no longer a rechargeable. It only provides power to the real time clock and
does not support system memory.

If you don’t have a power adapter connected, when you swap a battery in a running system, it
must be done from sleep. The system will shutdown when you remove the battery. When you
power back up, it will boot up from SafeSleep, a hibernation state.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Basics— General Information 10

ExpressCard

ExpressCard has replaced the PCMCIA card cage. The ExpressCard standard supports two sizes
cards, 34mm and 54mm width. MacBook Pro supports the 34mm standard.

Unlike the previous PCMCIA design, there is no eject button. The card itself is used to engage and
disengaged itself from the card cage. In some designs like Ethernet ExpressCard, the card sticks

out beyond the card cage. It is easy to push on the card to release it. Other cards will be ush

with the MacBook Pro enclosure and will take a little more care to pop out.

Speakers

There are now four speakers! There are two separate speaker modules (left and right), with two
speakers each. Each module has expanded housing to produce greater sound energy. Since the
system can now output more sound, it is very important to make sure screws are properly
tightened down. As a mobile product, a loose screw can eventually work itself free, and using the
speakers at elevated volumes can also work toward loosening a screw that is not properly installed.

In addition, each speaker is driven by its own amplier, as is the headphone port. As such,

troubleshooting between speaker and left I/O board failures will require some part swapping to
pinpoint the problem module (see the Sound heading in Troubleshooting section).

Infrared Board and the Apple Remote

Infrared port is placed on the front of the unit just to the left of the display latch button. This port
is used in conjunction with the Apple Remote provided with each unit. It can be used to control
Front Row software that manages your music, photos and videos. The remote can also be used to
control other applications as well.

iSight Camera

An iSight Camera has been built-in into the display bezel. It allows a user to capture video and
take still photos. The green LED to the right of the camera is on when the camera is on.

Unlike the standalone iSight camera, the microphone is not integrated with the camera. It is
located as previous Mac notebooks by the left speaker.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Basics— General Information 11

Identifying the MacBook Pro (17-inch)

Below are views of the MacBook Pro, with identifying features.

Left side: MagSafe™ magnetic power connector with two USB and ExpressCard.

Right side: Security lock slot, FireWire 800 port, no S-video.

Front: Infrared sensor window.

Rear: Grey antenna window in the clutch cover.

Display bezel: MacBook Pro.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Basics— General Information 12

Serial Number and Ethernet ID

The Serial Number and Ethernet ID are located in the battery bay.

Tools

This procedure 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)

•
#0 Phillips screwdriver (magnetized)

•
Torx T6 screwdriver (magnetized)

•

Black stick (nylon probe 922-5065) (or other non-conductive nylon or plastic at-blade tool

•
Razor knife

•
Needle-point metal probe

•
Needlenose pliers

•
Kapton tape (922-1731 (0.5-inch x 12-yard roll))

•
Thermal grease (922-7144, Pkg. of 3 syringes)

•
Gasket kit (076-1206)

•
Isopropyl alcohol cleaning wipes

•
Fine-point felt-tip permanent marker

•
Apple Pro keyboard and mouse (for troubleshooting)

•

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Basics— General Information 13

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

Use a properly grounded ESD wrist strap and mat when working on the inside of the computer.

Service Manual Note

In this manual, graphics or photos are intended to help illustrate procedures or information only,

and may show dierent levels of disassembly, board colors, congurations, or computer models,

than your computer.

Kapton® Tape Note

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

The MacBook Pro matches the same one-inch enclosure height established with the PowerBook
G4 17-inch series of systems. More so than ever, the placement of parts and wiring is critical.

During disassembly, note 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 onto other components.

Screw Measurement Note

All screw measurements given are the specied full length. Actual measured lengths may vary.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Basics— General Information 14

 Service Source

Take Apart

MacBook Pro (17-inch)

© 2006 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved.

Foot

Tools

This procedure requires the following tools:

Foot kit

•
Tweezers or needlenose pliers

•
Soft cloth

•

Preliminary Step

Before you begin, check the foot location that needs replacement and verify that the case plug is
attached. Also verify that the case plug, and the case foot in the kit, match the pictures below.

Plug Area on Bottom Case Matching Foot Action

Missing case plug Not available for

replacement

Replace the bottom case, or
send to Apple Repair Center.

Case plug (either one) Case foot Continue with the procedure,

matching the foot to either
plug on the bottom case.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Foot 16

Procedure

Warning: The glue used in this procedure can bond instantly to skin. Do not touch the glue.
In the event of contact, review the safety instructions at the end of this document. For
additional information, refer to the glue manufacturer:

Elmer’s Products, Inc.

Columbus, OH. 43215-3799

www.krazyglue.com

Place the computer upside down on a clean, lint-free cloth or other nonabrasive surface.

1.

Select a foot from the kit. Verify that the case plug and case foot match (refer to the images

2.
shown in the table). Do not use a foot that does not match.

Make sure the plug area on the bottom case is clean. If any portion of the soft rubber foot

3.
remains, remove it so that only the hard plastic plug is visible.

Important: When positioning the foot, make sure the indents and bumps of the rubber foot

match up and t into the corresponding indents and bumps in the plug. This ensures a
balanced and level tting.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Foot 17

Warning: GLUE IS AN EYE AND SKIN IRRITANT. BONDS SKIN INSTANTLY. Do not touch the

4.

glue at any time. Before opening the glue, review the safety instructions at the end of
this document.

Important: The glue tube included in the kit is sealed until rst use. Do not break the seal

until you are ready to use the glue. To break the seal, hold the tube upright and away from
you. Place the hollow nozzle cap on the tube and tighten it all the way down. The tube is
then ready to dispense the glue through the nozzle cap.

Apply one drop of glue to the plug on the bottom case. Do not spread the glue.

5.

Using tweezers or needlenose pliers, carefully position the new foot so its textured surface

6.

ts into the inner ring of the plug.

Using the end of the tweezers or pliers—not your nger—lightly press and hold the foot in

7.
place for 30 seconds.

Before turning over the computer, allow the glue to set for at least 15 minutes.

8.

Discard the tube of glue.

9.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS: GLUE IS AN EYE AND SKIN IRRITANT. BONDS SKIN
INSTANTLY. Contains ethyl cyanoacrylate. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. If eye or mouth
contact occurs, hold eyelid or mouth open and rinse thoroughly but gently with water only for 15
minutes and GET MEDICAL ATTENTION. Liquid glue will sting eye temporarily. Solidied glue
may irritate eye like a grain of sand and should be treated by an eye doctor. If skin bonding occurs,
soak in acetone-based nail polish remover or warm soapy water and carefully peel or roll skin
apart (do not pull). Contact through clothing may cause skin burn. If spilled on clothing, ush with
cold water. Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors. Use with adequate ventilation. KEEP OUT OF
REACH OF CHILDREN.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Foot 18

Battery

Tools

This procedure requires the following tools:

Clean non-marring work surface

•

Preliminary Steps

Warning: Always shut down the computer before opening it to avoid damaging its internal
components or causing injury. After you shut down the computer, the internal components
can be very hot. Let the computer cool down before continuing.

Part Location

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Battery 19

Procedure

Warning: If the computer has been recently operating, allow it to cool down before
performing this procedure.

Shut down the computer.

1.

Disconnect the power cord and any other cables connected to the computer.

2.

Place the computer upside down.

3.

Slide both battery latches away and lift the battery out of the battery bay.

4.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Battery 20

Memory

Tools

This procedure requires the following tools:

#0 Phillips screwdriver (magnetized)

•
Clean non-marring work surface

•
ESD wrist strap and mat

•

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, remove the following:

Battery

•

Part Location

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Memory 21

Procedure

Warning: If the computer has been recently operating, allow it to cool down before
performing this procedure.

Place the computer upside down.

1.

Remove four screws from the memory door.

2.

Remove the door, as shown.

3.

Notes:

• If only one memory card is installed, the factory installs it in the bottom memory slot.

• Memory must be removed from the top slot before removing from the bottom slot.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Memory 22

To remove memory cards, carefully spread the two locking tabs for the slot (top or bottom)

4.
away from the card on both sides and allow the card to pop up slightly.

Pull the card straight out of the memory slot.

5.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Memory 23

Replacement Procedure

Notes:

DDR memory cards do not t (dierent notch location).

•

If installing two cards, install into the bottom slot rst.

•
Align the notch in the memory card with the tooth in the slot before inserting.

•

When nished installing memory into the bottom slot, use a black stick leveraged against

•

the frame to push the back of the card toward the slot to verify that the card is rmly seated.

To install memory cards, insert them at a 30-degree angle. Note: Insert the bottom card

1.
behind the locking tabs of the top slot.

Firmly push the card straight into the slot until it is fully and securely seated along its length.

2.
Note: If the back of the card drops down before it is fully seated, raise it up enough to push
it fully into the slot.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Memory 24

When the card is fully seated, push the back of the card straight down until the tabs click

3.
onto both sides of the card, locking it into place.

To ensure that the memory cards are fully and securely seated, for the lower card, use a black

4.
stick leveraged against the frame to evenly push along the back of the card.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Memory 25

5.

For the upper memory card, push with your thumbs to verify the card is fully seated.

6.

Check that the cards are secured by the brackets on both sides.

7.

Install the memory door.

8.

Replace the battery.

9.

Use Apple System Proler to verify that the memory is recognized. (Choose the menu
bar Apple logo () > About This Mac, click More Info..., select the System Prole tab,
open the Memory Overview.)

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Memory 26

Top Case

Tools

This procedure requires the following tools:

#0 Phillips screwdriver (magnetized)

•
Torx T6 screwdriver (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

Before you begin, remove the following:

Battery

•

Memory

•

Part Location

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Top Case 27

Procedure

Notes:

This procedure removes the top case and keyboard assembly. The keyboard is removable

•
only after removing the top case.

Place the computer upside down.

1.

Remove the nine screws shown.

2.

Remove the four screws from each side.

3.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Top Case 28

Remove the two screws from the back edge.

4.

.

Face the computer forward and open the display slightly past 90-degrees.

5.

Use a black stick to loosen the top case along the rear of the left and right sides.

6.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Top Case 29

Start at the left, along the front, and slowly encourage the snaps and screw tabs (shown in

7.
graphic below) to release as you move right.

Important: Do not lift the case once it is free—it is still connected to the bottom case by the
keyboard ex cable.
Important: To avoid bending screw tabs along the back edge of the top case, lift the top
case slightly so that it does NOT touch the bottom case, then rotate the front of the case up
and back until you can disconnect the keyboard ex cable from the logic board.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Top Case 30

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Top Case 31

Replacement Procedure

Note: If replacing the top case, remove the Keyboard and transfer to the replacement top case.

Visually check to verify that all cables are connected and routed correctly with nothing raised

1.
up or incorrectly over a component.

Check perimeter wiring and cables around clutches to verify that they will not be caught or

2.
pinched by the top case during replacement.

On the computer, verify that all cables are secure and lay at.

3.

On the top case, check cable connections and routing.

4.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Top Case 32

Check that the perimeter screw tabs and ribs are not bent.

5.

Note: The metal can quickly fatigue and break o. Be extremely careful to gently straighten

tabs, if needed.

Verify that the screw tabs in back are straight and guide them inside the bottom case. Work

6.
your way around guiding the screw tabs into the bottom case along both sides.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Top Case 33

If the back screw tabs are bent out, straighten by pressing the edge of the case on a hard at

7.
surface and rolling to vertical.

Any screw tabs that are not straight will not t or accept screws correctly.

8.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Top Case 34

Use your nger and a black stick to carefully straighten bent screw tabs.

9.

Connect the ex cable from the top case to the logic board.

10.

Lift the top case o the bottom case slightly and rotate it down (verify that the keyboard

11.
cable stays connected and is folding properly) and align the corners.

Carefully pull or push tabs slightly, if needed. Note: Guarded, controlled pushing with your

12.

thumb may be helpful to nesse the tabs into place.

The two front screw tabs may need to be guided with a black stick through the battery bay.

13.

The top case should lay at along all sides and top, if not, make sure that cables and

14.
components are not interfering.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Top Case 35

Reinstall the left and right side screws.

15.
Important: Do not insert screws into the DVI port screw holes. If they get stuck, it may
require removing the logic board to dislodge.

Install the bottom screws.

16.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Top Case 36

Install the two screws along the back.

17.

.

Install the memory door and replace the battery.

18.

Testing the computer should include:

19.

Powering on, checking the keyboard and trackpad function.

•

Operate the computer in a darkened room to check for keyboard backlight function.

•

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Top Case 37

Keyboard

Tools

This procedure requires the following tools:

#0 Phillips screwdriver (magnetized)

•
Razor knife

•
Needlenose pliers

•

Black stick (nylon probe 922-5065) (or other non-conductive nylon or plastic at-blade tool

•
Kapton tape (922-1731 (0.5-inch x 12-yard roll))

•

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, remove the following:

Battery

•

Top Case

•

Part Location

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Keyboard 38

Procedure

Important Notes:

The MacBook Pro (17-inch) keyboards are not interchangeable with previous models. Verify

•
that the correct replacement keyboard is ordered, and/or top case if replacing.
The keyboard comes as a multi-layered assembly, and includes backlighting. Do not

•

disassemble the keyboard assembly. Dust, ngerprints, or misalignment, can cause improper

function and damage.

On a clean at surface, turn the top case upside down.

1.

Locate the small ex connector, shown.

2.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Keyboard 39

3.

Peel o any tape to gain access to the connector.

4.

Locate the protective cover over ex cable connectors. This will not be removed, but released
only half way around to access the large ex cable connector.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Keyboard 40

Use a razor knife to carefully lift up at the edge just enough to slide in the at side of a black

5.
stick..

To release the adhesive, slide the black stick around the front half perimeter only, as shown.

6.

When disconnecting or installing the large ex cable, carefully lift the front of the cover.

7.
Important: Keep the cover and its adhesive clean.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Keyboard 41

Carefully disconnect the two connectors, shown below, and slide out their ex cables. The

8.
direction that the connector lock bars release is shown in the illustration below. Important:
The connectors are delicate. If damaged, the top case must be replaced. Note: The clear
cover is shown removed here, for clarity only.

Release the adhesive under the large ex cable.

9.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Keyboard 42

Locate the insulator lm covering the back of the keyboard well. The lm will NOT be

10.

removed, but will be peeled back to rst access four bend-tabs along the bottom edge, and

then to access some keyboard screws.

Use a razor knife to carefully lift up at the edge just enough to slide in a black stick.

11.
Important: Do NOT cut the lm with the knife.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Keyboard 43

Use the black stick to defeat the adhesive at the edge so that the lm can be peeled back to

12.
access the bend tabs.
Important: When peeling, use care at perforations, notches and narrow parts to avoid

ripping the lm.

Peel back the lm to access the bend-tabs. Note: Both lms are peeled back here to show

13.
tab location, but you should work on one side at a time.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Keyboard 44

Use needlenose pliers to straighten the four bend-tabs, as shown. These tabs lock down and

14.
stien the top edge of the keyboard. Important: The bend-tabs are delicate. Bend them
carefully to avoid damage. Avoid over-bending.

Remove the ten keyboard screws. Location shown below.

15.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Keyboard 45

Carefully peel back the lm as needed to access the screws.

16.

Note the six insert-tabs along the edge of the keyboard well, and two on each side. The

17.
following procedures release these tabs so that the keyboard can be removed.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Keyboard 46

To prevent the keyboard from falling out, support it with your hand, and raise the top case

18.
up vertically. Note: The keyboard does not have adhesive under it, as in previous models.

If needed, push through one of the top center keyboard screw holes, with the point of a

19.
black stick, to bow out the keyboard slightly.
Important: Ensure that the hole used is a screw hole, or damage to other sensitive
components may result. A black stick is used to avoid damaging the screw boss threads—do
not use a metal tool.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Keyboard 47

Important: During this procedure, do not allow the tabs or metal edge of the keyboard to

20.

scrape along the cosmetic surface of the top case, or damage can result.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Keyboard 48

Use your nger to hold the bowed out keyboard. Continue to bow it out only enough for the

21.
tabs on one side of the keyboard to release cleanly. Repeat for the other side.
Important: Do not bow the keyboard too much, or it may become permanently bent.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Keyboard 49

Lift the keyboard up to release the tabs along the bottom edge and carefully thread out the

22.

ex cables.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Keyboard 50

Replacement Procedure

When replacing the keyboard, here are some key points to ensure:

Prevention of scratches to the cosmetics of the top case

•
All tabs are properly seated

•

Keyboard lays at

•
Cables not caught

•
Bend-tabs are not damaged

•
Screw holes align

•
Cable connectors are not damaged and cables are secure

•
Kapton tape is applied as before

•

Insulator lm is correctly installed

•

Before replacing or installing a replacement keyboard, verify that the four bend-tabs along

1.
the bottom edge of the keyboard, are straight and parallel with the bottom edge (two are
shown close-up, below).
Important: Do not bend any other bend-tabs on the keyboard other than the four along the
bottom. Other tabs hold the keyboard assembly together.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Keyboard 51

Guide the keyboard’s ex cable through the slot in the top case, as shown. Make sure that it

2.
does not catch or bend behind the keyboard.

Verify that the small cable routes through the small slot, as shown.

3.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Keyboard 52

Lower the keyboard and seat all six tabs along the bottom, so that the keyboard sits at and

4.
straight.

Important: During the next steps, do not allow the tabs or metal edge of the keyboard to
scrape along the cosmetic surface of the top case, or damage can result.

While ensuring that the keyboard bottom stays straight and secure, hold the top of the

5.
keyboard in the middle, then with your other hand, bow in one side of the keyboard to
engage the two tabs at the top into the top case.
Important: Do not bow the keyboard too much, or it may become permanently bent.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Keyboard 53

Use the heel of your hand to hold in place the edge of the keyboard that was just inserted

6.

while holding the top of the keyboard with a nger on that hand, then use your other hand

to help bow in the remaining side of the keyboard until it can be engaged.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Keyboard 54

While supporting the keyboard in the top case, verify that the keyboard lays at and that all

7.
the tabs have seated properly.

Note: The keyboard will not lay at if any of the tabs have not seated correctly. If the side

tabs are not seating or are binding, check the bottom edge of the keyboard to verify that all
the tabs are seated and the bottom of the keyboard is straight.

On the underside of the top case, peel back the lm that covers the two tabs along each

8.
side. These tabs must be fully seated, as shown below, for the keyboard to seat properly.
Carefully press on the opposing keyboard keys to help these seat, if needed.

Verify that the bend-tabs are not caught.

9.

Lay the top case upside down.

10.

Pull on the ex cables to verify that they are not bent or caught under the keyboard, and

11.
that they extend to their connectors.

Verify that the screw holes align with the screw bosses.

12.

Install all ten keyboard screws, starting from the middle and work out.

13.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Keyboard 55

Bend the four bend-tabs over the metal of the bottom case to secure the bottom edge of

14.
the keyboard. Push up on the opposing part of the keyboard to raise it, as needed.
Important: The bend-tabs are delicate. Bend them carefully to avoid damage and no more
than 90-degrees, or to, or within, any etch marks, if present. Avoid over bending.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Keyboard 56

15.

To install the small ex, use the pointed end of a black stick to support its middle, then with
your nger, guide the loose end back and into the open connector. Secure the locking tab.

16.

Install Kapton tape over the ex and connector as shown.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Keyboard 57

If installing a replacement keyboard, peel the adhesive protector o of the back of the large

17.

ex cable.

Support the cable with a black stick to prevent it from sticking to the top case and insert it

18.
straight and fully into the open connector. Secure the locking tab.

Press the cable at to secure its adhesive.

19.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Keyboard 58

With a black stick, burnish down the edges of the protective cover that were lifted.

20.

Run your nger along the lm, where shown, to secure it over the edges.

21.

Reassemble the computer.

22.

Testing the computer should include powering on, checking the keyboard and trackpad

23.
function.
Operate the computer in a darkened room to check for keyboard backlight function, and
light leakage around the perimeter of the keyboard, speaker grill openings and side ports.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Keyboard 59

AirPort Extreme Card

Tools

This procedure requires the following tools:

Torx T6 screwdriver (magnetized)

•

Black stick (nylon probe 922-5065) (or other non-conductive nylon or plastic at-blade tool

•

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, remove the following:

Battery

•

Top Case

•

Part Location

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — AirPort Extreme Card 60

Procedure

Remove two antenna connectors. Lift straight up.

1.

Remove the one screw. The card should rise up slightly.

2.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — AirPort Extreme Card 61

Pull the card straight out.

3.

Replacement Notes:

• Verify that the antenna cables lay at within the channel along the edge of the speaker.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — AirPort Extreme Card 62

• If not, use Kapton tape to secure, as shown.

• And verify that the cables for the antennas, and camera and inverter, route to the left of
the pin and screw hole at the top right corner of the speaker.

Reassemble the computer.

4.

Testing should include AirPort function.

5.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — AirPort Extreme Card 63

Hard Drive

Tools

This procedure requires the following tools:

Torx T6 screwdriver (magnetized)

•

Black stick (nylon probe 922-5065) (or other non-conductive nylon or plastic at-blade tool

•
Kapton tape (922-1731 (0.5-inch x 12-yard roll))

•

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, remove the following:

Battery

•

Top Case

•

Part Location

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Hard Drive 64

Procedure

Disconnect the hard drive/bluetooth ex cable connector from the logic board.

1.

Remove the two screws securing the hard drive holder.

2.

Lift out the holder.

3.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Hard Drive 65

Carefully peel up any tape that may be securing the hard drive ex cable to the drive.

4.
Important: Avoid tearing the hard drive label.

Use a black stick to lift the right side of the hard drive and slide it right slightly to release its

5.
left side from the rubber grommets in the frame and to gain access to the ex connector.

Note: Do not put strain on the ex cable extension that connects to the bluetooth card, as it

can be dislodged from its connector.

Disconnect the hard drive ex connector by pulling it straight back away from the hard drive.

6.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Hard Drive 66

Transfer the hard drive screws and two grommets on the right side to the replacement drive.

7.

Verify that the two rubber grommets are installed on the bottom case frame

8.

Replacement Note: When installing the hard drive, verify that the two screw heads installed

9.

on its left side, t securely into the two grommets on the frame.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Hard Drive 67

Bluetooth Card and Antenna

Tools

This procedure requires the following tools:

Black stick (nylon probe 922-5065) (or other non-conductive nylon or plastic at-blade tool

•
Kapton tape (922-1731 (0.5-inch x 12-yard roll))

•

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, remove the following:

Battery

•

Top Case

•

Part Location

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Bluetooth Card 68

Procedure

The bluetooth assembly includes the bluetooth card and antenna installed onto a bracket.

Lift the bluetooth bracket assembly out of its channel.

1.

Slide the bluetooth card out of the bracket.

2.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Bluetooth Card 69

Lift the antenna cable connector straight o to disconnect.

3.

If replacing the bluetooth card, disconnect the ex cable by releasing the sliding lock.

4.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Bluetooth Card 70

To replace the antenna, pry the antenna board o the plastic bracket. Make sure that the

5.
adhesive strip stays on the bracket, and keep it clean.

Important: If the bracket adhesive is damaged or missing, order a replacement bracket. The

6.

adhesive must be in good condition and perfectly level for proper antenna alignment.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Bluetooth Card 71

7.

Verify that the rubber pad is in place on the bottom of the bracket. Order a new bracket, if
needed.

8.

Install a replacement antenna as shown below. Note: The antenna cable is attached on the
bottom of the antenna board, and routes in a channel in the bracket.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Bluetooth Card 72

Infrared Board

Tools

This procedure requires the following tools:

Torx T6 screwdriver (magnetized)

•

Black stick (nylon probe 922-5065) (or other non-conductive nylon or plastic at-blade tool

•

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, remove the following:

Battery

•

Top Case

•

Part Location

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Infrared Board 73

Procedure

Note: The infrared board cable (which is combined with the sleep LED light cable) is part of the
bottom case assembly and is not replaceable separately.

Remove the screw.

1.

Lift out the infrared board.

2.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Infrared Board 74

Disconnect the infrared board cable.

3.

Replacement Procedure

Install the cable onto the infrared board.

1.

Insert the card into the channel and verify that the notch in the board rests over the

2.
rounded bead, shown.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Infrared Board 75

Push the card forward with a black stick while installing the screw, to ensure that the card

3.
secures straight.

Verify that the top of the board is level with the top edge of the bottom case.

4.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Infrared Board 76

Optical Drive

Tools

This procedure requires the following tools:

#0 Phillips screwdriver (magnetized)

•
Torx T6 screwdriver (magnetized)

•

Black stick (nylon probe 922-5065) (or other non-conductive nylon or plastic at-blade tool

•
Kapton tape (922-1731 (0.5-inch x 12-yard roll))

•

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, remove the following:

Battery

•

Top Case

•

Part Location

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Optical Drive 77

Procedure

Disconnect the ex connector. Peel up tape, if any.

1.

Remove the three screws. Use a black stick to carefully move wires to access two of the

2.
screws, as shown below.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Optical Drive 78

3.

Lift up the front of the drive and slide it forward and out.
Note: The ex cable guides under the right speaker cable.

4.

If replacing the drive, transfer three brackets, the ex cable, and one EMI gasket (or install

new) to the replacement drive.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Optical Drive 79

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Optical Drive 80

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Optical Drive 81

Replacement Procedure

Verify that the EMI gasket is installed on the bottom case in the back of the drive bay.

1.

Important: The optical drive must be installed so that it does not sit on top of the gasket.

2.

Insert the drive toward the logic board so that the gasket is pushed behind the drive.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Optical Drive 82

Backup Battery

Tools

This procedure requires the following tools:

Needle-point metal probe

•

Black stick (nylon probe 922-5065) (or other non-conductive nylon or plastic at-blade tool

•

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, remove the following:

Battery

•

Top Case

•
Optical Drive

•

Part Location

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Backup Battery 83

Procedure

Use a needlepoint probe to disconnect the cable connector from the logic board, as shown

1.
in the blowup window, below.

Warning: When using a needlepoint probe, great care must be used to avoid slipping o

the connector and damaging components.

Pry up the backup battery from the well in the right speaker.

2.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Backup Battery 84

To install a replacement backup battery, remove the adhesive protector and press the

3.
battery into place in the same well that it was removed from the right speaker.

Guide its cable into the channel along the right speaker.

4.

Connect the cable to the logic board. Note: The connector is keyed to install only one way.

5.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Backup Battery 85

Ambient Light Sensors

Tools

This procedure requires the following tools:

Torx T6 screwdriver (magnetized)

•

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, remove the following:

Battery

•

Top Case

•

Part Location

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Ambient Light Sensors 86

Procedure

The right ambient light sensor is part of the logic board and is not separately replaceable, but
has a removable dust cover that attaches with a small screw to the right speaker.

The left ambient light sensor is part of the left I/O board and is not separately replaceable, and
has a dust cover glued onto the left speaker that is also not separately replaceable.

To remove the right sensor’s dust cover:

Remove the screw shown. 1.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Ambient Light Sensors 87

Speakers and Microphone

The right and left speakers are two separately replaceable parts.

The left speaker also contains a separately replaceable microphone.

Tools

This procedure requires the following tools:

Torx T6 screwdriver (magnetized)

•

Black stick (nylon probe 922-5065) (or other non-conductive nylon or plastic at-blade tool

•
Kapton tape (922-1731 (0.5-inch x 12-yard roll))

•

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, remove the following:

Battery

•

Top Case

•
AirPort Extreme Card (for left speaker)

•
Logic Board (for right speaker)

•

Part Location

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Speakers 88

Procedure

To remove the microphone:

Note: The microphone does NOT have to be removed from the left speaker if not replacing the
microphone or speaker.

Use the at end of a black stick to pry the microphone boot out of its well in the left speaker.

1.

Disconnect its connector from the left I/O board.

2.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Speakers 89

To remove the left speaker:

Lift the antenna wires out of the channel along the right side of the speaker.

1.

Remove two screws.

2.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Speakers 90

Disconnect the speaker cable and the microphone cable, and lift out the speaker.

3.

Replacement Notes:

Verify that the antenna cables lay at within the channel along the edge of the speaker.

•

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Speakers 91

If not, use Kapton tape to secure, as shown.

•

And verify that the cables for the antennas, and camera and inverter, route to the left of the

•
pin and screw hole at the top right corner of the speaker.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Speakers 92

To remove the right speaker:

Once the logic board is removed, lift out the right speaker, guide its cable out of the channel

1.
above the battery well, and disconnect its connector from the left I/O board.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Speakers 93

Left I/O Board

Tools

This procedure requires the following tools:

Torx T6 screwdriver (magnetized)

•
#0 Phillips screwdriver (magnetized)

•

Black stick (nylon probe 922-5065) (or other non-conductive nylon or plastic at-blade tool

•

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, remove the following:

Battery

•

Top Case

•
AirPort Extreme Card

•
Left Speaker

•

Part Location

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Left I/O Board 94

Procedure

Disconnect the hard drive and ExpressCard ex cables..

1.

Disconnect the left I/O cable and right speaker cable.

2.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Left I/O Board 95

Remove the four screws.

3.

Lift slightly and slide the left I/O board assembly away from the port openings to remove.

4.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Left I/O Board 96

The ExpressCard cage assembly is attached to the left I/O board. Peel back the Mylar and

5.
remove the four screws.

Lift o the card cage.

6.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Left I/O Board 97

Replacement Notes:

• Install the two EMI gaskets.

• Install the ex cable in the orientation shown.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Left I/O Board 98

When the board is in place and the ports are seated, hold the power adapter port tightly

•

against the port opening while installing screws.

• After securing the board, exercise the ExpressCard slot door to verify clearance.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — Left I/O Board 99

ExpressCard Cage

Tools

This procedure requires the following tools:

#0 Phillips screwdriver (magnetized)

•

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, remove the following:

Battery

•

Top Case

•
AirPort Extreme Card

•
Left Speaker

•
Left I/O Board

•

Part Location

Procedure

See the Left I/O Board chapter for removal of the ExpressCard cage.

MacBook Pro (17-inch) Take Apart — ExpressCard Cage 100