Macbook Pro 15 Touch Bar 2017 Screen Replacement Repair Guide

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Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

                          1 - 2 hours

Sections

Disable Auto Boot
1 step
Lower Case
7 steps
Battery Connector
6 steps
Screen
18 steps

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Introduction

For your safety, discharge your MacBook Pro’s battery below 25% before you begin. A charged lithium-ion battery can create a dangerous and uncontrollable fire if accidentally punctured.

What you need

Step 1

              Disable Auto Boot

Before starting this procedure, you must disable your Mac’s Auto Boot feature. Auto Boot powers on your Mac when you open the lid, and may be accidentally triggered during disassembly. Use this guide or follow the abbreviated instructions below to disable Auto Boot. This command may not work on all Macs.
Power on your Mac and launch Terminal.
Copy and paste the following command (or type it exactly) into Terminal:
sudo nvram AutoBoot=%00
Press [return]. If prompted, enter your administrator password and press [return] again. Note: Your return key may also be labeled ⏎ or “enter.”
You can now safely power down your Mac and open the bottom case, without it accidentally powering on.
When your repair is complete and your Mac is successfully reassembled, re-enable Auto Boot with the following command:
sudo nvram AutoBoot=%03

Before starting this procedure, you must disable your Mac’s Auto Boot feature. Auto Boot powers on your Mac when you open the lid, and may be accidentally triggered during disassembly. Use this guide or follow the abbreviated instructions below to disable Auto Boot. This command may not work on all Macs.

Power on your Mac and launch Terminal.

Copy and paste the following command (or type it exactly) into Terminal:

sudo nvram AutoBoot=%00

Press [return]. If prompted, enter your administrator password and press [return] again. Note: Your return key may also be labeled ⏎ or “enter.”

You can now safely power down your Mac and open the bottom case, without it accidentally powering on.

When your repair is complete and your Mac is successfully reassembled, re-enable Auto Boot with the following command:

sudo nvram AutoBoot=%03

1024

Step 2

              Lower Case

Completely power off and unplug your MacBook Pro before you begin. Close the display and flip the entire laptop upside-down.
Use a P5 Pentalobe driver to remove six screws securing the lower case, of the following lengths:
Four 4.7 mm screws
Two 6.6 mm screws
Note the orientation of the screws as you remove them—they need to be reinstalled at a slight angle.
Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your device.

Completely power off and unplug your MacBook Pro before you begin. Close the display and flip the entire laptop upside-down.

Use a P5 Pentalobe driver to remove six screws securing the lower case, of the following lengths:

Four 4.7 mm screws

Two 6.6 mm screws

Note the orientation of the screws as you remove them—they need to be reinstalled at a slight angle.

Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your device.

Step 3

Press a suction handle into place near the front edge of the lower case, between the screw holes.
Lift up on the suction handle just enough to open a small gap under the lower case.

Press a suction handle into place near the front edge of the lower case, between the screw holes.

Lift up on the suction handle just enough to open a small gap under the lower case.

Step 4

Slide the corner of an opening pick into the gap you just created underneath the lower case.
Slide the opening pick around the nearest corner and then halfway up the side of the MacBook Pro.
This releases the first of the hidden clips securing the lower case. You should feel and hear the clip pop free.

Slide the corner of an opening pick into the gap you just created underneath the lower case.

Slide the opening pick around the nearest corner and then halfway up the side of the MacBook Pro.

This releases the first of the hidden clips securing the lower case. You should feel and hear the clip pop free.

Step 5

Repeat the previous step on the opposite side, using your opening pick to release the second clip.

Repeat the previous step on the opposite side, using your opening pick to release the second clip.

Step 6

Lift the front edge of the lower case (the side opposite the display hinge) just enough to slide your fingertips underneath and get a good grip on it.
Two additional hidden clips near the middle of the cover may pop free at this point, if they haven’t already.
Don’t lift very far and don’t try to remove the lower case yet.

Lift the front edge of the lower case (the side opposite the display hinge) just enough to slide your fingertips underneath and get a good grip on it.

Two additional hidden clips near the middle of the cover may pop free at this point, if they haven’t already.

Don’t lift very far and don’t try to remove the lower case yet.

Step 7

Pull the lower case firmly towards the front of the MacBook (away from the hinge area) to separate the last of the clips securing the lower case.
Pull first at one corner, then the other.
Pull to the side—not up.
This may require a lot of force.

Pull the lower case firmly towards the front of the MacBook (away from the hinge area) to separate the last of the clips securing the lower case.

Pull first at one corner, then the other.

Pull to the side—not up.

This may require a lot of force.

Step 8

Remove the lower case.
To reinstall the lower case:
Set it in place and align the sliding clips near the display hinge. Press down and slide the cover toward the hinge. It should stop sliding as the clips engage.
When the sliding clips are fully engaged and the lower case looks correctly aligned, press down firmly on the lower case to engage the four hidden clips. You should feel and hear them click into place.

Remove the lower case.

To reinstall the lower case:

Set it in place and align the sliding clips near the display hinge. Press down and slide the cover toward the hinge. It should stop sliding as the clips engage.

When the sliding clips are fully engaged and the lower case looks correctly aligned, press down firmly on the lower case to engage the four hidden clips. You should feel and hear them click into place.

Step 9

              Battery Connector

Peel up and remove the large rectangular battery board cover, on the edge of the logic board nearest the battery.
If the cover doesn’t peel up easily, apply mild heat with an iOpener, hair dryer, or heat gun to soften the adhesive underneath, and try again.
If the cover doesn’t seat securely during reassembly, try rotating it 180 degrees. It must be oriented correctly in order for the adhesive pads underneath to contact the board screws.

Peel up and remove the large rectangular battery board cover, on the edge of the logic board nearest the battery.

If the cover doesn’t peel up easily, apply mild heat with an iOpener, hair dryer, or heat gun to soften the adhesive underneath, and try again.

If the cover doesn’t seat securely during reassembly, try rotating it 180 degrees. It must be oriented correctly in order for the adhesive pads underneath to contact the board screws.

Step 10

Peel back the tape covering the battery board data cable connector.
The tape may not detach completely; just peel it back enough to access the connector.

Peel back the tape covering the battery board data cable connector.

The tape may not detach completely; just peel it back enough to access the connector.

Step 11

Use a spudger to gently pry up the locking flap on the ZIF connector for the battery board data cable.

Use a spudger to gently pry up the locking flap on the ZIF connector for the battery board data cable.

Step 12

Disconnect the battery board data cable by sliding it out from its socket.
Slide parallel to the logic board, in the direction of the cable.

Disconnect the battery board data cable by sliding it out from its socket.

Slide parallel to the logic board, in the direction of the cable.

Step 13

Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the 3.7 mm pancake screw securing the battery power connector.

Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the 3.7 mm pancake screw securing the battery power connector.

Step 14

Use a spudger to gently lift the battery power connector, disconnecting the battery.
Lift the connector high enough to keep it separated from its socket while you work. If it accidentally makes contact, it could damage your MacBook Pro.

Use a spudger to gently lift the battery power connector, disconnecting the battery.

Lift the connector high enough to keep it separated from its socket while you work. If it accidentally makes contact, it could damage your MacBook Pro.

Step 15

              Screen

Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 3.5 mm screws securing the cover on the display board flex cable.
Remove the display board flex cable cover.

Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 3.5 mm screws securing the cover on the display board flex cable.

Remove the display board flex cable cover.

Step 16

Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 1.7 mm screws securing the bracket for the display board cable connector.
Remove the bracket from the display board cable connector.

Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 1.7 mm screws securing the bracket for the display board cable connector.

Remove the bracket from the display board cable connector.

Step 17

Pry straight up with your spudger to disconnect the display board flex cable.

Pry straight up with your spudger to disconnect the display board flex cable.

Step 18

Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 2.0 mm screws securing each hinge cover (four screws total).

Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 2.0 mm screws securing each hinge cover (four screws total).

Step 19

Remove both hinge covers.

Remove both hinge covers.

Step 20

Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the single 2.9 mm screw securing the antenna cable bundle.

Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the single 2.9 mm screw securing the antenna cable bundle.

Step 21

Disconnect all three antenna cables by prying each one straight up from its socket.
Slide your tweezers or the flat end of your spudger underneath each cable until it’s near the socket, and then gently twist or pry up to disconnect it.
To reconnect each cable, align the connector directly over its socket, and then press down so it snaps into place.

Disconnect all three antenna cables by prying each one straight up from its socket.

Slide your tweezers or the flat end of your spudger underneath each cable until it’s near the socket, and then gently twist or pry up to disconnect it.

To reconnect each cable, align the connector directly over its socket, and then press down so it snaps into place.

Step 22

Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the four 3.3 mm screws securing the display board.
Before reinstalling these screws:
Make sure the display board flex cable lies on top of the board, not trapped underneath.

Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the four 3.3 mm screws securing the display board.

Before reinstalling these screws:

Make sure the display board flex cable lies on top of the board, not trapped underneath.

Step 23

Use a P2 Pentalobe driver to remove the sixteen 1.5 mm screws securing the antenna assembly.

Use a P2 Pentalobe driver to remove the sixteen 1.5 mm screws securing the antenna assembly.

Step 24

Use an opening pick to pry up the antenna assembly and separate it from the MacBook Pro.
Watch out for the delicate ribbon cables in the middle section. Avoid sliding the pick from side to side so as not to damage the cables.

Use an opening pick to pry up the antenna assembly and separate it from the MacBook Pro.

Watch out for the delicate ribbon cables in the middle section. Avoid sliding the pick from side to side so as not to damage the cables.

Step 25

Carefully remove the antenna assembly, while simultaneously feeding the antenna cable bundle out from underneath the heat sink.
During reassembly, gently pinch the cable bundle together and guide it under the heat pipe into the correct position on the board. If needed, use your tools to help guide it through, but don’t force it.

Carefully remove the antenna assembly, while simultaneously feeding the antenna cable bundle out from underneath the heat sink.

During reassembly, gently pinch the cable bundle together and guide it under the heat pipe into the correct position on the board. If needed, use your tools to help guide it through, but don’t force it.

Step 26

Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the four 3.9 mm screws securing the display cable cover springs.

Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the four 3.9 mm screws securing the display cable cover springs.

Step 27

Use a T8 Torx driver to remove two 4.9 mm screws from each hinge (four screws total).
Each hinge has a third screw, which you should leave in place for now.

Use a T8 Torx driver to remove two 4.9 mm screws from each hinge (four screws total).

Each hinge has a third screw, which you should leave in place for now.

Step 28

During reassembly, first install the hinge screws without tightening them. Then adjust the screen until it is correctly centered and aligned on each side. Finally, tighten the screws.
If your screen clicks or snaps upon opening, loosen the hinge screws and adjust the alignment. Make sure the screen doesn’t sit too far forward, or it can catch on the body when opening and closing.
If desired, add a little blue threadlocker to the screw threads to prevent them from loosening over time.

During reassembly, first install the hinge screws without tightening them. Then adjust the screen until it is correctly centered and aligned on each side. Finally, tighten the screws.

If your screen clicks or snaps upon opening, loosen the hinge screws and adjust the alignment. Make sure the screen doesn’t sit too far forward, or it can catch on the body when opening and closing.

If desired, add a little blue threadlocker to the screw threads to prevent them from loosening over time.

Step 29

If you plan to re-use your screen, open it and apply a piece of tape to the glass directly above each hinge. This helps protect the glass from getting scratched in the following step.
Fully open the screen and stand your MacBook Pro up on one side.

If you plan to re-use your screen, open it and apply a piece of tape to the glass directly above each hinge. This helps protect the glass from getting scratched in the following step.

Fully open the screen and stand your MacBook Pro up on one side.

Step 30

Use a T8 Torx driver to remove the two remaining 4.9 mm hinge screws (one from each hinge).
Remove the topmost screw last, using one hand to steady both halves of the MacBook Pro to make sure they don’t separate and fall over unexpectedly.

Use a T8 Torx driver to remove the two remaining 4.9 mm hinge screws (one from each hinge).

Remove the topmost screw last, using one hand to steady both halves of the MacBook Pro to make sure they don’t separate and fall over unexpectedly.

Step 31

Keep a firm grip on both the screen and main body of the MacBook Pro. Either half can fall unexpectedly during this step.
Push both halves of the MacBook Pro together so that the hinges can be lifted clear of their recesses in the chassis.
Push the main body of the MacBook Pro away from you while pulling the screen toward you to separate it.

Keep a firm grip on both the screen and main body of the MacBook Pro. Either half can fall unexpectedly during this step.

Push both halves of the MacBook Pro together so that the hinges can be lifted clear of their recesses in the chassis.

Push the main body of the MacBook Pro away from you while pulling the screen toward you to separate it.

Step 32

Remove the screen.

Remove the screen.

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before installing.

To reassemble your device, follow the above steps in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Check out our Answers community for troubleshooting help.

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                                                                                      48 other people completed this guide.

Author

                    Jeff Suovanen

Member since: 08/06/2013

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maccentric - Jun 4, 2021

I think you can safely bump the difficulty from moderate to very for this one.

fararai - Jun 2, 2022

Just completed it; works great but took me no less than 3 hours.

marcinr - Sep 19, 2022

I just did this replacement, but hit the strangest issue. The screen works great in EFI firmware, but as soon as OS X starts, it goes dark. Diagnostics say “VFD003; there may be an issue with the display”. I ordered a brand new display from eBay, and I wonder if they sent me the right one.The guide itself is phenomenal, thanks for putting this together.

John Fresk - Nov 15, 2022

Very succinct, detailed, accurate instructions, thanks! I took it SLOW, kept careful track of everything and survived the replacement process. I’m in Prague, and I found a VERY reasonable and well-stocked source in Poland for used Mac parts, called Dekanex. If you’re in the E.U. and you think you need to grit your teeth for import duties and shipping from the U.S. for parts, Dekanex is a great choice to get around that nonsense. I paid about $425 for the replacement, a few minor case scratches, but the screen works perfectly. Website: dekanex.pl

Hussein Abdi - Dec 27, 2022

Great presentation, where can i get the kit with the tools to use in this guide?

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