Apple macbook pro User Manual

							MacBook Pro Take Apart — Keyboard 41
Procedure
Important Notes: The MacBook Pro keyboards are not interchangeable with previous models. Verify that the 
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correct replacement keyboard is ordered, and/or top case if replacing.
The keyboard comes as a multi-layered assembly, and includes backlighting. Do not 
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disassemble the keyboard assembly. Dust, fingerprints, or misalignment, can cause improper 
function and damage.
On a clean flat surface, turn the top case upside down.
1.  
Locate the protective cover over flex cable connectors.  
2.   
						

							MacBook Pro Take Apart — Keyboard 42
Carefully slide a black stick around the perimeter of the cover to release the adhesive.
3. 
Lift off the cover and set aside for reassembly. 
4.   Important: Keep the cover and any residual 
adhesive on the top case clean.  
Rotate the top case and locate the two keyboard flex connectors shown below. Remove any 
5. 
Kapton tape, then very carefully lift the latches of the connectors to release the cables. 
Important: The connectors are delicate. If damaged, the top case must be replaced.   
						

							MacBook Pro Take Apart — Keyboard 43
Note the positioning, then carefully peel off the insulator film covering the back of the 
6.  
keyboard well. Reserve the film and keep it clean for reinstallation.  
Important: Use care at notches and narrow parts to avoid ripping the film.  
 
Important: Do not remove the rubber pads if not replacing the top case. If replacing the top 
case, transfer these to the same locations.  
						

							MacBook Pro Take Apart — Keyboard 44
Use needlenose pliers to straighten the four bend-tabs located along the bottom edge, as 
7.  
shown. These tabs lock down and stiffen 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. 
8.   
						

							MacBook Pro Take Apart — Keyboard 45
Note the six insert-tabs along the middle edge, and two on each side. The following 
9. 
procedures release these tabs so that the keyboard can be removed.  
To prevent the keyboard from falling out, support it with your hand, and raise the top case 
10.  
up vertically. Note: The keyboard does not have adhesive under it, as in previous models.   
						

							MacBook Pro Take Apart — Keyboard 46
If needed, push through one of the top center keyboard screw holes, with the point of a 
11 .  
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.  
Important:
12.    During this procedure, 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.   
						

							MacBook Pro Take Apart — Keyboard 47
Use your finger to hold the bowed out keyboard. Continue to bow it out only enough for the 
13 .  
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 Take Apart — Keyboard 48
Lift the keyboard up to release the tabs along the bottom edge and carefully thread out the 
14.  
flex cables. 
						

							MacBook Pro Take Apart — Keyboard 49
Replacement Procedure
When replacing the keyboard, here are some key points to ensure:Prevention of scratches to the cosmetics of the top case
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All tabs are properly seated
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Keyboard lays flat
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Cables not caught
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Bend-tabs are not damaged
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Screw holes align
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Cable connectors are not damaged and cables are secure
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Kapton tape is applied as before
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Insulator film is correctly installed
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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 Take Apart — Keyboard 50
Guide the keyboard’s flex cables through the slot in the top case, as shown. Make sure that 
2.  
they do not catch or bend behind the keyboard.  
Verify that the small cable routes through the slot, as shown.  
3.