Reference Files
MacBook (13-inch) service manual (macbook_13in.pdf)
Time
This lesson takes approximately 1 hour to complete.
Goals
Remove a faulty logic board from a MacBook
In the previous lesson, you learned how simple it is to upgrade the MacBook (13-inch), by installing memory and a hard drive. This lesson focuses on a more complete disassembly of the unit leading to the replacement of a faulty logic board.
This lesson is meant to accompany the Apple Service Source manual, provided as a resource on this book’s companion website, www.peachpit.com/ats.deskport3, which demonstrates the procedures in full detail including reassembly. If you are an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP), practice the Take Apart and reassembly at your own speed until you feel confident that you can replace any MacBook component to factory specifications. AASPs should download and refer to the latest service manual before servicing any Apple product. Non-AASPs should read the service manual and this text to become familiar with the procedures.
If anyone other than an AASP opens a MacBook for any reason, and any damage to the unit results, the repair of such damage will not be covered under the Apple warranty or the AppleCare Protection Plan.
In addition to the standard electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap and mat—which you should always use, following the guidelines discussed in Lesson 4, “Safe Working Procedures and General Maintenance”—you will need the following tools and equipment:
• Magnetic Phillips #0 and #00 screwdrivers
• Nylon probe tool (also called a black stick) or other nonconductive nylon or plastic flat-blade tool
• Stack of books, weighted boxes, or other means of support for display while removing and replacing left clutch block
• Alcohol wipes
• Thermal grease syringe
• Felt-tip pen
• Coin
• Clean, soft, lint-free cloth
• Access card
At each stage of the Take Apart procedure, we proceed from component to component, from the outside in. The lead technician has assigned to you the task of replacing a faulty logic board in this unit, after performing the required troubleshooting. Proceed to page 112 of the service manual to review the preliminary steps that you must perform prior to removing the logic board. After reviewing these preliminary procedures, go to page 13 in the service manual to familiarize yourself with the battery removal procedure. Always complete steps in the order they are provided.
A lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery provides power for the MacBook when it is not being powered by its power adapter. Whenever you are opening a MacBook or any portable computer, the first step is to remove all power from the unit, including the power adapter and the battery.
Always shut down the computer before opening it to avoid damaging the internal components or causing injury. After you shut down the computer, the internal components can be very hot. Let the computer cool down for 30 minutes before continuing.
Proceed to page 16 in the service manual to become familiar with the random-access memory (RAM) door removal procedure.
Turn to page 21 of the service manual and review the memory module removal procedure. The memory upgrade you performed in the previous lesson will have made this procedure more familiar to you.
Proceed to page 28 in the service manual to become familiar with the top case removal procedures. You will need an access card for this procedure.
You will remove many screws during this procedure, and it is important to keep track of where they came from. It is possible to place a longer screw in the incorrect hole. One suggestion for noting screw locations is to use a large paper packing slip and draw the shape of the computer on the adhesive layer. When you remove the screws, you can place them in the drawing where they belong. Another technique is to use a plastic ice cube tray, and store the screws by component, in the order they were removed. In either case, the goal is to place the correct screw in the hole to which it corresponds.
To prevent scratching the computer housing, use a soft cloth as a protective layer.
You may remember this clever Apple mnemonic when performing this procedure: “2, 4, 7, 9...loosens the top case every time.”
Inserting a tool too far or performing this step too quickly could result in breaking some of the snaps that secure the top case. Be especially careful with the left front corner of the top case. Starting at the left corner and working in a counter-clockwise direction, use an access card tool to open the gap along the front of the top case, around the perimeter, and to the right side above the optical drive slot.
Having removed the top case, the computer is very vulnerable to damage, either from ESD or by leaving a screw dropped inside during reassembly. Take proper precautions during the next steps. Proceed to the next preliminary step.
Proceed to page 45 of the service manual and become familiar with the procedure necessary to remove the AirPort Extreme Card.
Proceed to page 50 to remove this component.
Proceed to page 54 of the service manual to review the left speaker removal procedure. You completed step 2 of this procedure when you removed the 8.5-mm ground screw during removal of the AirPort Extreme Card. You will not need to perform step 7, as the DC-In was removed during the MagSafe DC-In removal procedure.
Note the routing of the speaker cable so that you can place it in the same position during reassembly.
Review the fan removal procedures on page 70 of the service manual. Pay particular attention to screw placement and size, as well as tape location.
Proceed to page 73 in the service manual to become familiar with the heatsink removal procedure, taking care to note screw placement, thermal grease precautions, and heatsink differences.
Proper heat dissipation is crucial to the operation of any computer, but even more so in portable computers that have miniaturized components, including a smaller case and fan. To prevent serious damage to the unit, take the utmost care in following the precautions regarding thermal foam and thermal grease prior to reassembly.
Having performed all ten preliminary steps, you can review the logic board removal procedures on page 112 of the service manual.
The Take Apart procedures in this lesson have shown you the step you’ll need to take before replacing the logic board. This replacement procedure will require careful attention to detail, since the component can be easily damaged if not replaced correctly.
• Whenever you work on the internal components of any computer, it is imperative that you follow proper ESD procedures and follow steps in the service manual in the order provided.
• Each product has a different Take Apart procedure, which is explained in detail in its particular service manual. The information presented in this lesson applies to the MacBook (13-inch).
• Gaining access to a particular component often requires the removal of several other components first. Each component must be properly protected from damage as it is removed.
• You must unplug the power adapter and remove the battery to prevent the MacBook from turning on during the Take Apart procedure.
• Some parts, such as thermal foam, must be replaced—not reused—when you reassemble the computer.
• Take precautions with fragile internal components to protect them from ESD damage and surface damage. Watch for screws and other small objects that can fall into the computer, shorting the components upon startup.
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