Trackpad Cable Detachment

Written By: Spencer Day

Comments: 1

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

No estimate

Introduction

This guide shows how to detach the trackpad cable from your MacBook Air 15" 2024.

Tools

Step 1

Allow your MacBook's battery to drain below 25% before starting this repair—a charged battery may catch fire if damaged.
Unplug all cables and fully power off your MacBook.
Close the display and lay your MacBook upside down. Keep your laptop closed until you've physically disconnected the battery.

Step 2

Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from.
Use a P5 pentalobe screwdriver to remove the four 6.4 mm‑long screws securing the lower case.

Step 3

Apply a suction handle to the center of the lower case's front edge.
Pull up on the suction handle to create a gap between the lower case and the frame.
Insert an opening pick into the gap.

Step 4

During the next two steps you'll feel and hear six snapping clips release. If a clip doesn't release, insert your opening pick farther and try again.
Slide the pick to the bottom right corner to release the first clip.
Slide the pick around the corner and up the right edge to release the next two clips.

It is possible to break these off of the lid if you do not understand how they lock. They lock by pressing the lid straight down onto the body, not from the side. If I did it again I would find the clip, and just twist the tool to pull the two halves directly away from each other.

Geoff Baker -

Step 5

Insert the opening pick in the original gap created with the suction handle.
Slide the opening pick to the bottom left corner and up the left edge to release the three remaining snapping clips.

Step 6

Four sliding tabs along the back edge of the MacBook firmly secure the lower case. Separating these tabs requires a lot of force—consider using gloves to protect your hands from the sharp edges of the lower case.
Keep the lower case flat to the frame and firmly slide it straight away from the back edge, one corner at a time, to disengage the sliding tabs.
Don't pull up until the cover is completely separated.

Step 7

Remove the lower case.
During reassembly:
Set the lower case in place and align the sliding tabs with the screw heads they slide over. Press down and slide the lower case toward the back edge to engage the tabs—it'll stop sliding as the tabs engage.
When one side is engaged, it may push the other out of alignment. Check both sides as you push, there should be no gap along the back edge.
Once the lower case is flush with the frame, press down firmly along the perimeter to engage the six snapping clips.
You'll hear and feel a distinct click as each clip snaps into place.

Step 8

Use blunt nose tweezers or your fingers to remove the piece of tape covering the battery connector cover.
During reassembly, use the leftover adhesive to secure the tape to the cover.

Step 9

Use a 3IP Torx Plus screwdriver to remove the two 1.5 mm‑long screws securing the battery connector cover.
Remove the cover.

Step 10

Use an opening pick to pry up and disconnect the battery connector.
To reconnect a press connector, align it over the socket and gently press down on one side until it clicks into place, then press down on the other side. It might take a few tries to align the connector.

Step 11

A small piece of black tape hides two trackpad cable cover screws.
Use tweezers or your fingers to remove the tape from the trackpad cable.
During reassembly, use the leftover adhesive to secure the tape to the cover.

Step 12

Light adhesive secures the trackpad cable to its metal cover.
Pull the trackpad cable away from its cover to separate the adhesive securing it.
During reassembly:
Use the leftover adhesive to secure the trackpad cable to the cover. If the cable doesn't stick, use double-sided tape to secure it.
If you have a replacement trackpad cable with adhesive pre-installed, remove the liner and press the cable into place.

Step 13

Use a 3IP Torx Plus screwdriver to remove the two 1.5 mm‑long screws securing the trackpad cable cover.
Remove the cover.

Step 14

Use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the trackpad cable press connector from the logic board.

Step 15

Two small strips of adhesive secure the trackpad cable to the frame.
Heat an iOpener and apply it to the trackpad cable for two minutes to soften the adhesive securing it to the frame.
You can also use a hair dryer—but extreme heat can damage the battery, so proceed with care.

Step 16

Pull the trackpad cable toward the bottom of the MacBook to separate it from the frame.
During reassembly:
Use the leftover adhesive to secure the trackpad cable to the cover. If the cable doesn't stick, use double-sided tape to secure it.
If you have a replacement trackpad cable with adhesive pre-installed, remove the liners and press the cable into place.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Author

Spencer Day

Member since: 14/09/22

95592 Reputation

Trackpad Cable Detachment

Introduction

Tools

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