🔥 Get our lowest price on the MacBook Pro 16-inch. | Shop Now

How to Replace a Cracked LCD on a 13″ MacBook Pro A2159 2019 – LCD Replacement Guide

How to Replace a Cracked LCD on a 13″ MacBook Pro A2159 2019 – LCD Replacement Guide


OVERVIEW:

Replacing the LCD on a 2018 or 2019 MacBook Pro 13″ (Model A2159) requires careful disassembly of the top case, hinges, and Wi-Fi antenna assembly. This guide walks you through the entire process using only standard precision tools and safe disconnection techniques. You’ll learn how to remove the bottom case, disconnect the battery safely, extract the faulty LCD, and install a new one. Every step is clearly outlined to ensure you complete the repair successfully. Let’s dive into the process and restore your display.

See official Apple specs for this model


REPAIR TIME & SKILL LEVEL:

This repair is estimated to take about 2–3 HOURS to complete and is of INTERMEDIATE difficulty, requiring careful handling of delicate internal components and multiple screwdriver types.


STEPS:

Tools You Need

For this repair, you will need a heating mat set between 70 to 90 degrees Celsius, a Pentalobe screwdriver, T5, T3, T1, and T8 Torx drivers, a suction cup for bottom case removal, a plastic spudger for disconnecting fragile cables, tweezers for antenna routing, and isopropyl alcohol for cleaning adhesive residue.


Remove the Bottom Case

  • Use a Pentalobe screwdriver to remove six screws; remember, the top-left and top-right screws are longer than the rest.
  • Apply a suction cup to gently lift the bottom case off.
  • Set the bottom case aside and proceed with internal disassembly.

Disconnect the Battery Safely

  • Locate the battery connector shield under the small cover.
  • Rather than disconnecting the flex cable directly, remove the T5 pancake screw connecting the battery to the logic board.
  • Gently bend the jumper cable aside to safely cut power to the board.

Remove Screws Securing Wi-Fi and LCD Connectors

  • Using the same T5 driver, remove four screws securing the LCD and Wi-Fi vent module to the top case.
  • These are located around the top inner edge near the hinge area.

Remove LCD Hinge Cover Screws

  • Switch to a T3 screwdriver.
  • Remove two T3 screws (one on each side) securing the LCD hinge covers.
  • Set the hinge covers aside carefully.

Remove LCD Retention Screws

  • Use the T3 driver to remove four long screws on the inner side securing the LCD assembly.
  • Then remove two small T3 screws at the top and two in the middle that hold down the retention plates for the display connector.

Detach Wi-Fi Antenna Module

  • Use a T1 driver to remove small screws on either side of the Wi-Fi antenna module.
  • Be sure to save all screws and note their locations for reassembly.

Disconnect Wi-Fi Antenna Cables

  • Use a plastic spudger to disconnect both antenna cables from the board.
  • Use a T5 to remove the screw and small bracket securing the cables in place.

Remove LCD Assembly Hinges

  • Switch to a T8 screwdriver.
  • Remove six screws total—three on each hinge

Disconnect LCD and Remove Display Assembly

  • Carefully unplug the LCD connector and lift out the Wi-Fi vent module.
  • Open the laptop all the way and pull the display straight back to remove it from the top case.

Prep New LCD Assembly

  • Before removing cardboard from the new LCD, use the Pentalobe screwdriver to loosen and open both hinges.
  • This reduces stress during installation.

Install New LCD Assembly

  • Line up the hinges with the top case, ensuring no cables are obstructed.
  • Close the hinge slightly, then fold the LCD down and manually push the hinges flat into place.

Refasten Hinges to Top Case

  • Use the T8 driver to secure all six hinge screws.
  • Confirm that the hinges are tight and even.

Reattach LCD Retention Plates

  • Click the LCD bungees into place.
  • Secure each with the long T3 screws—two per side.

Reinstall Wi-Fi Antenna Module

  • Carefully route the antenna cables through the top case cutouts and under the heat pipe.
  • Use tweezers to guide them properly and ensure they exit through the correct port.

Plug in Wi-Fi Cables and Secure Bracket

  • Connect the antenna cables in sequence using a spudger or your fingers.
  • Fasten the bracket and cables with the T5 screw.

Reinstall LCD and Wi-Fi Screws

  • Use the T5 driver to reattach the screws securing both the Wi-Fi vent and LCD board areas.

Secure LCD Connector and Covers

  • Plug in the LCD connector and place the retention plates over it.
  • Use the T3 driver to secure the brackets.
  • Reinstall the hinge covers with their corresponding T3 screws.

Reinstall Final Screws on Wi-Fi Module

  • Use the T1 driver to reinstall the small screws on either side of the Wi-Fi antenna module.

Reconnect Battery and Test

  • Feed the pancake screw beneath the battery jumper cable and secure it with a T5 driver.
  • Plug in the charger, turn on the MacBook, and verify that the display works correctly.
  • If you still see lines, the issue may lie with the display connector.

Reattach Bottom Case

  • Align the bottom case at the hinge side and press it down.
  • Insert and fasten the two long screws at the top.
  • Reinstall the remaining four shorter screws to complete the reassembly.

CONCLUSION:

Replacing the LCD on a MacBook Pro 13″ (Model A2159) is a meticulous task that requires patience and precision. By following each detailed step carefully, you can successfully restore your display. Always double-check screw types and locations during reassembly. If problems persist after replacing the LCD, the display connector might also need replacement. Congratulations on a successful repair!

Before and After Cracked LCD Replacement

VIDEO TUTORIAL:

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


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.


SHOP PARTS:


SHOP TOOLS:

Using precision tools ensures a safe and efficient repair. Always use the right tools to prevent damage to delicate components. Our recommended tools are listed in the video description and available on our site.


HAVE QUESTIONS?

We’re here to help! Contact us:

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

YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS:

Related Posts

Inside the 2024 M4 MacBook Air! A3240 Complete Teardown & Parts Guide

Curious about the M4 MacBook Air? We cracked open the A3240 to show you every screw, cable, and serialized part. Watch the full teardown and find replacement parts inside.

Technician removing the motherboard from a disassembled Razer Blade 18 laptop.

The Definitive Teardown & Repair Guide: Razer Blade 18 (RZ09-0484)

Looking to upgrade your Razer Blade 18? In this comprehensive guide, we tear down the RZ09-0484 model to show you exactly how to access the motherboard, install dual NVMe SSDs, upgrade to 64GB DDR5 RAM, and replace the battery safely.

iMac 2019 21.5 Repair, A2116 Logic Board Removal, iMac EMC 3195 Upgrade

Complete Teardown & Repair Guide: iMac 21.5-inch 4K (2019) | Model A2116

Inside the 2019 iMac 4K: We strip the A2116 (EMC 3195) down to the screws. Learn the correct way to cut the adhesive, remove the 'Dust Catcher,' and safely extract the Logic Board without damaging the 4K display.

Official TEKDEP Tutorials

Subscribe for expert tutorials, pro tech tips, and teardowns.

Configure Specs