Apple Pro Keyboard M7803 Disassembly

In the following guide I explain how to disassemble a MacBook Pro 15″ (Mid 2010) in order to remove and replace the keyboard.

1. Apple Pro Keyboard M7803 Disassembly Tool
2. Apple Pro Keyboard M7803 Disassembly Kit
3. Apple Pro Keyboard M7803 Disassembly Instructions
4. Apple Pro Keyboard M7803 Disassembly Manual

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In my case something sticky was spilled on the keyboard and it stopped working completely. In fact, the laptop didn’t even start with the damaged keyboard connected to the motherboard.

I confirmed that this is just a failed keyboard by turning it on using the power-on pads.

The keyboard is attached to the internal side of the top cover assembly. In order to remove and replace the keyboard the entire MacBook Pro (MBP) has to be disassembled.

You can find the year of your MBP by running the serial number on Apple website.

The serial number can be located on the bottom case or memory slot.

For this repair you’ll need the following tools:
– T-6 torx screwdriver.
– PH000 Phillips screwdriver.
– 1.5 mm slotted screwdriver ( I used it for removing battery screws).

MBP has a very small screws. I recommend using only high quality precision screwdrivers. I prefer Wiha screwdrivers.

Before you start the disassembly process make sure the computer is turned off.

Also, keep track of all screws (they are all different). Make notes, pictures, etc… This will make your life much easier during the reassembly process.

STEP 1.

Remove ten screws securing the bottom cover.

STEP 2.

Separate the bottom cover and remove it.

Under the bottom cover you can access the following internal MBP components:
– Memory modules.
– Optical drive.
– Cooling fans.
– Hard drive.
– Notebook battery.
– Motherboard aka logic board.

STEP 3.

The battery is secured by three special screws (tri-wing screws). I was able to remove them using a small 1.5mm slotted screwdriver without any problem.

Be careful, using a wrong screwdriver can easily strip the screw.

STEP 4.

Lift up the battery and unplug the battery cable from the motherboard.

Remove the battery.

STEP 5.

Unscrew two screws securing the hard drive mounting bracket.

STEP 6.

Lift up and remove the hard drive bracket.

STEP 7.

Carefully lift up the hard drive and disconnect the hard drive cable.

Remove the hard drive.

STEP 8.

Apple Pro Keyboard M7803 Disassembly Tool

Remove both memory modules.

Spread latches on both sides of the memory slot. The top memory module with pop up at a 30 degree angle. Pull the top memory module from the slot.

After that pull the bottom memory module.

Apple Pro Keyboard M7803 Disassembly Kit

STEP 9.

Remove six screws securing the cooling fans (three screws per one fan).

STEP 10.

Disconnect both fan cables from the motherboard.

STEP 11.

Remove both cooling fans.

STEP 12.

Remove two screws securing the keyboard and trackpad connectors shield.

Remove the shield.

STEP 13.

Disconnect 10 cables from the motherboard.

Be very careful with connectors 6 and 8. I’ll explain how to unlock different types of connectors in the following pictures.

Unplug the video cable (connector 10).

Here’s how to disconnect the keyboard backlight cable (connector 6).

Carefully lift up the left side of the connector retainer with a small screwdriver.

The retainer will open up at a 90 degree angle.

Now you can pull the keyboard backlight cable from the connector.

Remove the keyboard cable (connector 8) the same way.

First, lift up the connector retainer.

After that pull the keyboard cable from the connector.

Lift up and disconnect the speaker cable (connector 4).

Lift up and disconnect the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth assembly connector. Unlock connectors 1,3,5,7,9 the same way.

Unplug the camera cable form the connector on the motherboard.

STEP 14.

Remove nine screws securing the motherboard and MagSafe board.

STEP 15.

Start removing the motherboard from the left side.

Lift up the left side and work the right side of the motherboard out of the notebook case.

Note: you can leave the MagSafe board connected to the notebook case but in this case you’ll have to unplug it from the motherboard.

I found it easier to remove the motherboard with the MagSafe board attached.

STEP 16.

Remove the motherboard.

STEP 17.

Remove two screws securing the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth assembly.

STEP 18.

Move the the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth assembly aside.

STEP 19.

Remove three screws securing the optical drive.

STEP 20.

Lift up and remove the optical drive.

STEP 21.

Remove two screws securing the mounting bracket.

STEP 22.

Remove the mounting bracket.

STEP 23.

The keyboard almost ready for the removal and replacement.

Carefully separate the trackpad cable from the keyboard assembly.

STEP 24.

Now you can start separating the keyboard backlight from the keyboard.

The backlight has a few layers. Do not separate them from each other.

Be careful if you plan to use the backlight with a new keyboard.

I purchased a new keyboard WITH backlight so I didn’t care much about the original backlight.

STEP 25.

Remove the keyboard backlight.

STEP 26.

Now remove about 70 very small screws securing the keyboard.

STEP 27.

Remove two screws securing the display cable mounting bracket.

STEP 28.

Lift up and remove the bracket.

STEP 29.

Remove two screws securing the power button.

NOTE: the power button is permanently attached to the keyboard. It’s part of the keyboard.

STEP 30.

Start removing the keyboard.

STEP 31.

While removing the keyboard pay attention to the power button.

There is a metal ring (spring) located under the power button. Do not lose it. Do not forget to install this spring back in place under the new power button.

After the old damaged/failed keyboard removed you can install a new keyboard.

New keyboards available on eBay.

Install a new (or old) backlight on the keyboard and assemble the laptop following all steps in the opposite direction.

By the way, If you have damaged keys it might be not necessary to replace the entire keyboard. In some cases it’s possible to fix individual keyboard keys.

Related article:

Learn how to get your Mac desktop or Mac notebook fixed and how much it will cost.

How do I get service for my Mac?

To get service for your Mac, you can make a reservation at an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Make sure you know your Apple ID and password before your appointment. Or, if you have a Mac notebook, contact us and we'll send you a box you can use to ship it to an Apple Repair Center. We'll return your repaired product to you as quickly as possible. Depending on where you get service, you might be able to check the status of your repair online.

How much will it cost?

There's no charge if the issue is covered under warranty, AppleCare+, or consumer law. If your issue isn't covered, the price depends on the type of repair. Ask your service representative for an estimate.

Battery service

If you're experiencing an issue with your battery, your Mac notebook might not require a repair. These tips show you how to maximize your battery performance. If you can't turn on your Mac or if the screen turns black, follow these steps to resolve the issue.

Your Mac notebook battery service might be covered by warranty, consumer law, or AppleCare+. These prices are for out-of-warranty service. We might need to test your product to determine the final service fee.

Pricing and terms might vary at other service providers. All prices are in U.S. dollars ($) and are subject to tax. Shipping (if required) is an additional $ 19.95.

Accessories

Apple-branded accessories are covered under the Apple One Year Limited Warranty. Our warranty doesn't cover batteries that wear down from normal use. If your accessory's battery is depleted and your warranty has expired, you can replace the accessory’s battery for a fee.

Pricing and terms might vary at other service providers. All prices are in U.S. dollars ($) and are subject to tax. If shipping is required, we'll add an additional $ 6.95 shipping fee.

Is your Mac covered by AppleCare+?

Apple Pro Keyboard M7803 Disassembly Instructions

AppleCare+ gives you expert technical support and hardware coverage from Apple, including accidental damage protection. Each incident of accidental damage is subject to a service fee.
If you don't have AppleCare+, you'll pay the out-of-warranty fee for that type of repair.

These fees apply in the United States. All prices are in U.S. dollars ($) and are subject to tax. AppleCare+ does not cover excessive physical damage, including catastrophic damage due to liquid contact or submersion, or damage caused by the presence of hazardous materials. Devices modified by unauthorized service providers are not eligible for AppleCare+ accidental damage coverage unless all original parts are returned to Apple.

Not sure if you're covered? Check if you have AppleCare+ coverage by entering your Mac's serial number.

Get ready for service

Apple Pro Keyboard M7803 Disassembly Manual

Before you return your Mac to us, be sure to enable FileVault and back up your data. You may need the backup if your Mac needs to be reformatted during the repair process. Apple isn't responsible for lost data.

Apple Limited Warranty and proof of purchase

The Apple Limited Warranty covers your Mac and the accessories that come with it against manufacturing defects for one year from the date you bought your product. The Apple Limited Warranty is in addition to rights provided by consumer law.

Our warranty doesn't cover damage caused by accidents or unauthorized modifications. See the warranty for complete details. You can check your coverage status online and update your proof-of-purchase information if there's an error in our records. If our warranty, your AppleCare plan, or consumer law don't cover your repair, you'll pay out-of-warranty fees.

Consumer law

Your country or region might have consumer-protection laws for some repair issues.

Our guarantee after service

We guarantee our service, including replacement parts, for 90 days or the remaining term of your Apple warranty or AppleCare plan coverage, whichever is longer. We offer this whenever you get service from us or from an Apple Authorized Service Provider. This is in addition to rights provided by consumer law.

Apple Pro Keyboard M7803 Disassembly