Service Battery Warning? – 2019 MacBook Pro 15″ A1990 Battery Replacement How-To Guide

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OVERVIEW:

In today’s guide, we’ll walk you through how to replace the battery on a MacBook Pro 15-inch Model A1990, a repair that also applies to the Model A1707 from the year prior. This detailed teardown will help you safely remove the old battery, install a new one, and ensure everything is functioning properly afterward. Using only a few specialized tools and isopropyl alcohol to loosen adhesive, this repair is entirely possible with some patience and care. Follow along step by step to complete your repair with confidence. All tools and parts used in this guide are available on our website.

See the official Apple specs for the 2019 MacBook Pro 15″ A1990

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REPAIR TIME & SKILL LEVEL:

This repair is estimated to take about 1.5 to 2 HOURS to complete and is of INTERMEDIATE difficulty, requiring careful disassembly, safe handling of adhesive and connectors, and minor component reassembly.

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STEPS:

Tools You Need

For this repair, you will need a heating mat set between 70 to 90 degrees Celsius, a Phillips screwdriver (1.5mm), a plastic card for safe glass removal, isopropyl alcohol to loosen adhesive, and a plastic spudger for prying components without damage. You’ll also need a T3, T5, and PL1 screwdriver, a suction cup for lifting the bottom case, and optionally a flat metal pry tool for adhesive cleanup.

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Remove the Bottom Case

• Flip the MacBook over and remove the six Pentalobe screws from the bottom.
• The top two screws are longer than the four on the bottom side.
• Use a suction cup to carefully lift and remove the bottom case.

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Disconnect Battery Power

• Use a plastic spudger to unplug the battery management unit flex cable.
• Take a T5 screwdriver and remove the pancake screw securing the jumper from the logic board to the battery daughterboard.
• This step ensures the device is fully powered down and safe to work on.

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Remove the Battery Daughterboard Flex Cable

• Carefully unplug and remove the flex cable from the battery daughterboard.
• Keep this part for reuse unless it’s faulty—replacements are available online.
• This cable will be transferred to the new battery later in the process.

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Remove Trackpad and Keyboard Retention Bracket

• Use a T3 screwdriver to remove the retention bracket that holds the trackpad and keyboard cables to the logic board.
• Gently peel back the trackpad flex cable to gain access to underlying components.
• With a PL1 screwdriver, remove the two screws securing the battery daughterboard to the top case.

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Loosen the Logic Board

• Use a T3 screwdriver to remove two screws on the left side of the logic board.
• Remove the bracket and two screws on the right side near the fan.
• Switch to a T5 screwdriver and remove the remaining screws from around the logic board, including the one on the Wi-Fi antenna bracket.

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Disconnect Cables to Lift Logic Board

• Unplug the left speaker, keyboard cable, right speaker, a right-hand connector, and the CPU fan connector.
• Use a plastic spudger to gently lift the logic board, allowing enough clearance to remove the battery.

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Soften Battery Adhesive

• Apply 98% or higher isopropyl alcohol around the battery cells to soften the adhesive.
• Let it soak for a few minutes, reapplying 2–3 times as needed depending on how stuck the battery is.
• This makes it easier and safer to pry out the battery without damage.

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Pry and Remove Battery

• Use a flat plastic pry tool to gently lift and loosen each battery cell.
• Start at the edges, working slowly to avoid puncturing the battery.
• Once loosened, lift and remove the entire battery assembly from the top case.

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Remove Leftover Adhesive

• Apply more isopropyl alcohol to remaining adhesive strips.
• Use a flat metal pry tool to carefully scrape off adhesive.
• Clean the area with alcohol and a paper towel to prepare for the new battery installation.

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Insert New Battery – Position Runners First

• Before peeling adhesive covers, slide the battery runners underneath the logic board.
• This prevents premature sticking and allows precise alignment.
• Prop the logic board up and insert the right runner first, then the left.

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Secure New Battery

• Peel off the protective adhesive covers from the new battery.
• Carefully press the battery cells down evenly and firmly to the top case.
• Secure the battery with the two PL1 screws in the center of the daughterboard.

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Reconnect Logic Board Cables

• Plug in the left speaker, keyboard, trackpad, right speaker, right-hand connector, and CPU fan connector.
• Each cable must be reconnected securely to ensure proper operation.

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Reinstall Logic Board Screws and Brackets

• Start with the two T3 screws to align the logic board.
• Switch to a T5 to reinstall the remaining screws.
• Use the T3 again to screw in any retention brackets for cables.

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Reconnect Battery Daughterboard Flex Cable

• Align the S-turn end (smaller) to the daughterboard side and the white dot end (larger) to the logic board.
• Reinstall the T5 pancake screw to secure the jumper cable.
• Reconnect the battery management unit flex cable and close the bracket.

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Test the Battery

• Before reinstalling the bottom case, plug in the charger and let the device sit for a moment.
• Ensure the unit powers on, detects a charge, and continues running when unplugged.
• If it fails to detect a charge or powers off immediately, recheck the battery management unit flex cable.

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Reattach Bottom Case

• Place the bottom case back on the MacBook and reinstall the six Pentalobe screws.
• Remember: the two longest screws go at the top.

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CONCLUSION:

Replacing your MacBook Pro A1990 battery is manageable with the right tools and careful attention to detail. This guide walks you through every step, from safe disconnection to precise reassembly. Always remember to test your work before sealing the device to save time. Using isopropyl alcohol makes adhesive removal far easier and safer. With patience, you can give your MacBook a new lease on life.

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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. We recommend high-quality screwdrivers, spudgers, and pry tools for the best results.

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HAVE QUESTIONS?

We’re here to help! Contact us:

• Phone: 818-456-4479
• Email: support@tekdep.com

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