2016 MacBook Pro 15″ A1707 Battery Replacement – Step-by-Step How-To Repair Guide

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OVERVIEW:

In today’s repair, we’re working on a 2016 15-inch MacBook Pro that was mailed in due to a severely swollen battery. This type of issue can pose serious safety risks and needs to be addressed promptly. The MacBook battery is glued underneath components, requiring full logic board removal before battery replacement. The video walks us through this intricate teardown, from removing multiple screws and connectors to safely removing adhesive and replacing the battery. This guide is a thorough breakdown based strictly on the video content to help you perform this repair step by step.

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REPAIR TIME & SKILL LEVEL:

This repair is estimated to take about 2–3 HOURS to complete and is of ADVANCED difficulty, requiring careful handling of delicate components and full disassembly of the logic board.

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STEPS:

Tools You Need

For this repair, you will need a T3, T5, and T8 Torx screwdriver, a flat plastic spudger for safe prying, 98% isopropyl alcohol to loosen adhesive, and optionally a razor or metal spudger for stubborn glue. You may also need a pentalobe screwdriver to remove the bottom cover.

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Remove Bottom Case Screws

• Use a pentalobe screwdriver to remove six screws from the bottom cover.
• Note: The top two screws (left and right) are longer than the remaining four.
• Carefully lift the bottom case and set it aside.

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Disconnect Battery Management Cable

• Remove the small black cover to reveal the battery management flex cable.
• Disconnect the cable from the logic board by gently lifting the connector.
• Be careful—this connector is delicate and easily damaged.

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Disconnect Battery from Logic Board

• Unscrew the T5 screw located under the cable to fully disconnect the battery from the board.
• Keep the screw in a safe place for reassembly.
• Confirm the battery is no longer delivering power to the board.

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Remove Logic Board Screws and Covers

• Use a T3 driver to remove all screws securing various covers on the logic board.
• Remove covers for Type-C ports, speakers, fingerprint sensor, and proximity sensor.
• Work your way from the right side upward and around to the left.

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Remove Hinge Cover and Additional T8 Screws

• Remove the top-right hinge cover to access hidden T8 screws.
• Unscrew the T8 screws holding the top of the logic board.
• This allows easier removal of the board later in the process.

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Disconnect All Logic Board Connectors

• Carefully disconnect every cable from the logic board.
• Be sure to disconnect the hidden Touch ID cable under the headphone jack.
• Missing a cable can result in damage or non-functionality.

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Free the Fans and Rubber Seals

• Use a spudger to break the seal around the fans.
• Remove rubber seals designed to stop hot air recirculation.
• These seals are difficult to reinstall—consider replacements if damaged.

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Peel Back Trackpad Cable

• Lift the trackpad cable from the chassis.
• Though optional, it’s recommended for easier battery removal.

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Final Check Before Removing Logic Board

• Double-check that all T3 screws and connectors are removed.
• Make sure no cables are still attached under the board.
• Gently lift the board out using a fin-angling motion.

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Remove Battery Daughterboard

• Use a T5 screwdriver to unscrew and remove the daughterboard connected to the battery.
• Set aside safely.

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Loosen Battery Adhesive

• Apply 98% isopropyl alcohol to battery cells.
• Let it soak in to weaken the adhesive holding the battery in place.
• Avoid using a sharp spudger—opt for flat plastic tools.

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Remove Battery from Chassis

• Gently pry up each battery cell using a flat spudger.
• Take your time; rushing can puncture the cells and cause fire risk.
• Once fully loosened, lift and remove the battery.

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Clean Adhesive Residue

• Use a metal spudger or razor to scrape off adhesive.
• Apply more alcohol if glue pads are stubborn.
• This process is time-consuming—be patient for a clean surface.

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Install New Battery

• Line up new battery using daughterboard standoff screw holes as guides.
• Add extra adhesive strips in key areas to secure battery long-term.
• Press down firmly across all cells to ensure good contact.

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Reconnect Battery and Reassemble Trackpad Cable

• Reinstall the two T5 screws securing the daughterboard.
• Lay down the trackpad cable into position.
• Peel off any protective covers.

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Reinstall Logic Board

• Gently place the logic board back, starting with Wi-Fi antennas.
• Make sure no cables are trapped underneath—check speaker and mic cables carefully.
• If cables are missed, you must remove the board again.

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Secure Logic Board with Screws

• Use T5 screws to secure the board into the chassis.
• Then insert the T8 screws at the top and T3 screws across the center.

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Reconnect All Logic Board Components

• Plug in each cable one by one, ensuring firm connection.
• Don’t forget the small Touch ID cable under the headphone jack.
• Reattach the mic array, keyboard, Type-C, and speaker cables.

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Replace Rubber Grommets and Antenna Brackets

• Remove and replace rubber fan grommets if damaged.
• Secure Wi-Fi antenna brackets using screws and triple-check cable placement.

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Reinstall Display Covers and Brackets

• Secure display connector brackets with T3 screws.
• Be cautious with the proximity sensor bracket—it hooks in from below.
• Take your time with tricky parts to avoid functionality issues.

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Final Battery and Bottom Case Assembly

• Reinstall the main T5 screw connecting the battery to the logic board.
• Reconnect the battery management cable—close the latch carefully.
• Reattach bottom case using original screws, remembering size placement.

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CONCLUSION:

Battery replacements in MacBook Pros of this generation are complex, requiring full logic board removal. Following each step carefully ensures a safe and effective repair. Take your time, check connections twice, and always prioritize safety, especially when handling swollen or glued-in batteries. If done correctly, your MacBook will be ready for more years of service. Let this guide be your step-by-step companion in navigating this advanced repair.

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VIDEO TUTORIAL:

Looking for a more in-depth tutorial? Check out our complete teardown video for a detailed step-by-step walkthrough.

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MAIL-IN REPAIR SERVICE:

We offer professional screen replacement services. If you’re unsure about doing this repair yourself, send your device to our expert technicians for fast and reliable repair.

https://tekdep.com/device-repair/

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SHOP PARTS:

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SHOP TOOLS:

Using precision tools ensures a safe and efficient repair. Always use the right tools to prevent damage to delicate components. A proper toolkit makes complex repairs much easier and safer.

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HAVE QUESTIONS?

We’re here to help! Contact us:

• Phone: 818-456-4479
• Email: [email protected]

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