MacBook Pro Mid-2017 A1708 (Non-Touch Bar) Battery Replacement – Tips & Tricks Guide

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OVERVIEW:

In today’s guide, we’ll walk you through replacing the battery in a MacBook Pro 13-inch model A1708. This unit came to us in rough condition, showing signs of prior poor repair attempts. We’ll go over the complete battery replacement process, provide some useful tips along the way, and even touch on minor restoration steps like replacing missing screws. Follow the detailed steps below to bring your MacBook back to life with a fresh OEM battery installation.

See the official Apple specs for the Mid-2017 MacBook Pro

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REPAIR TIME & SKILL LEVEL:

This repair is estimated to take about 1 to 1.5 HOURS to complete and is of INTERMEDIATE difficulty, requiring careful handling of internal components and some experience with adhesive removal and screw reinstallation.

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STEPS:

Tools You Need

For this repair, you will need a pentalobe screwdriver to remove the MacBook’s bottom case, a suction cup for lifting the housing, a T5 screwdriver for battery disconnection and reassembly, isopropyl alcohol to loosen the adhesive, a flat-edge plastic spudger for safely prying the battery, and a razor blade to scrape off leftover adhesive.

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Remove the Bottom Case

• Flip the MacBook over and use a pentalobe screwdriver to remove all bottom screws, making note of their locations.
• Apply a suction cup to the lower case and gently lift to release the clips holding it in place.
• Inspect internal components—this unit showed signs of prior repair, such as missing screws, damaged heatsink, missing grommets, and non-OEM tags.

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Inspect for Previous Repairs

• Check for bent heatsinks, missing rubber grommets, or absent tape over the SSD.
• Note any quality control stickers, marks on the logic board, or non-OEM serialized tags.
• Identify any missing screws, particularly from retention brackets or the daughterboard.

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Disconnect the Battery Management Flex Cable

• Start the repair by fully unplugging the battery management unit Flex cable to ensure safety.
• This cable will later be transferred to the new battery, so remove it carefully.

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Disconnect the Battery via T5 Jumper

• Use a T5 screwdriver to remove the screw securing the battery jumper connection from the logic board.
• Gently pull the jumper cable from its socket to cut all power to the logic board before continuing.

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Disconnect and Move the Trackpad Cable

• Unplug the trackpad cable and fold it back carefully to prevent interference during battery removal.
• Using the T5, remove the two screws securing the battery daughterboard to the chassis.

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Unscrew the Battery Board From the Top Case

• Use the same T5 screwdriver to remove the two screws holding the battery board to the case.
• Keep track of each screw’s location as some may differ in size or thread.
• Prepare to remove the battery by clearing surrounding components.

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Loosen Battery Adhesive with Isopropyl Alcohol

• Apply isopropyl alcohol around each battery cell, allowing it to seep under the adhesive strips.
• Let it sit for a minute or two to effectively weaken the adhesive.

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Pry Out the Swollen Battery

• Insert a flat-edge plastic spudger under each battery cell and gently work your way around to lift the battery free.
• Take your time during this step to avoid puncturing or damaging the battery cells.

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Remove Adhesive Residue from the Chassis

• After lifting the battery, apply more isopropyl alcohol to any remaining adhesive strips.
• Use a razor blade to carefully scrape off the leftover glue, ensuring a clean surface for the new battery.

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Install the New Battery

• Unbox the new OEM battery and peel off the protective film from its adhesive strips.
• Set the battery into the chassis carefully, aligning it with the original position.
• Remove the top-side protective plastic to expose the surface of the battery.

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Secure Battery Daughterboard

• Reinsert and tighten the two T5 screws to secure the battery daughterboard.
• Due to the previous poor repair, verify screw type and length—replace incorrect screws as needed for proper mounting.

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Restore Missing Screws and Components

• Go around the entire board and replace or reinstall all missing or incorrect screws noted during the inspection.
• Ensure all brackets and components, such as the trackpad retention bracket, are re-secured properly.

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Reconnect Trackpad and Battery Flex Cables

• Reconnect the trackpad cable and ensure it’s firmly seated in its connector.
• Plug the battery management Flex cable back into the daughterboard and secure the jumper to the logic board.

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Test the Battery Installation

• Before closing the unit, connect a charger to the MacBook and observe for signs of power.
• Wait a few seconds for the system to recognize the battery, and confirm boot-up into macOS.
• Check the System Report to ensure battery health reads correctly—cycle count should be 0, and charging should function.

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Reinstall Bottom Case

• Align and press the bottom case onto the chassis.
• Use the pentalobe screws to re-secure it, with the two longest screws going in the top corners.
• Confirm all clips are snapped into place and screws are tightened appropriately.

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CONCLUSION:

Replacing the battery in a MacBook Pro A1708 requires attention to detail and careful handling of sensitive parts. In this repair, we also corrected several issues from a previous improper repair. With a fresh OEM battery installed and all internal screws restored, the MacBook is now in much better condition. This guide should help you confidently replace your MacBook’s battery. If the battery still shows “Service Recommended,” a restart may be required.

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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 toolset makes teardown and reassembly much smoother.

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HAVE QUESTIONS?

We’re here to help! Contact us:

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

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