MacBook Pro 13″ A1708/A1706 – LCD & Display Cable Replacement Guide for Screen Shutoff Issues

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OVERVIEW:

In today’s tutorial, we’re repairing a 13-inch MacBook Pro A1708 (Late 2016) with a screen issue where the display works only when the lid is opened to about 20°, but shuts off if opened further. This is a common issue usually caused by a damaged LCD cable or a faulty display assembly. We’ll walk through how to properly diagnose the issue and replace either the display cable or the full LCD screen assembly.

See the official Apple specs for this model

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REPAIR TIME & SKILL LEVEL:

This repair is estimated to take about 1.5 to 2.5 hours to complete and is of MODERATE to ADVANCED difficulty, requiring careful logic board removal and reinstallation along with precise cable management.

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STEPS:

Tools You Need

You’ll need a Pentalobe screwdriver, suction cup, T3, T5, and T8 Torx screwdrivers, and a plastic pry tool. Optional but recommended: tweezers and magnetic project mat.

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Remove the Bottom Case

• Flip the MacBook Pro over and remove all six pentalobe screws from the bottom case.
• Top two screws are longer than the bottom four—keep track of each.
• Use a suction cup to gently lift and remove the bottom case.

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Disconnect the Battery

• Remove the taped cover over the battery connector.
• Use a T5 screwdriver to loosen (not fully remove) the pancake screw holding the jumper from the logic board to the battery board.
• Carefully pry up the jumper cable to disconnect the battery. It’s now safe to proceed.

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Prepare for LCD Cable Diagnosis

• If only replacing the LCD cable, you’ll mainly work in the upper area, but first, we’ll fully diagnose the display.
• This requires removing the logic board, so proceed with internal disassembly.

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Disconnect Flex Cables and Speakers

• Disconnect the trackpad flex cable near the bottom.
• Disconnect the audio/headphone board cable.
• Remove two T5 screws securing the right speaker, then remove the speaker.

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Remove Logic Board Screws and Components

• Start removing logic board screws: begin from the left side, moving right.
• Remove the Wi-Fi antenna retaining screw and two T5 screws that hold the SSD.
• Switch to a T3 screwdriver to remove the left LCD hinge cover.
• Switch back to T5 and remove the screw holding the heat pipe to the top case.

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Disconnect Remaining Cables

• Unplug the remaining flex cables on the logic board.
• When unplugging the right speaker, lift it out entirely.
• Peel back the tape on the SSD and remove the SSD itself.

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Detach the LCD Cable from Logic Board

• Remove four T3 screws that secure the LCD display connection bracket.
• Unplug the LCD cable.
• Don’t forget to unplug the battery management unit (BMU) flex cable.
• Remove the logic board carefully.

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Replace the LCD Cable

• Flip over the logic board and use a T3 screwdriver to remove two screws holding the LCD cable.
• Swap in the new LCD cable and secure it using the same screws.

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Reinstall Logic Board and Components

• Carefully align and reinstall the logic board. Ensure:
  • Type-C ports align with the top case.
  • No cables (trackpad, Wi-Fi, keyboard, etc.) get trapped.
• Reinstall:
  • Top T5 screw for heat pipe.
  • Remaining logic board screws.
  • Plug in LCD cable, Wi-Fi antennas (start with the top).
  • Reinstall SSD and secure with T5 screws.
  • Reinstall right speaker, plugging it in as you place it.
  • Plug in all remaining cables: trackpad, keyboard, left speaker, audio board, and BMU flex cable.

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Secure All Brackets and Hinge Covers

• Secure LCD connection with 4 T3 screws and brackets.
• Reinstall LCD hinge cover using T3.
• Use T5 to reinstall:
  • Audio board bracket screw.
  • Trackpad bracket screw.
• Reinstall the T5 pancake screw to reconnect the battery jumper.

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Test LCD Display

• Plug in the MacBook and open the lid.
• In this case, the screen still doesn’t display correctly—indicating that the full LCD assembly must be replaced.

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Remove Wi-Fi and LCD Assembly

• Disconnect the battery jumper screw again.
• Remove:
  • T5 screw securing Wi-Fi antennas.
  • Four T5 screws holding the Wi-Fi vent and LCD connections.
• Switch to T3:
  • Remove hinge covers (2 screws per side).
  • Remove 4 long T4 screws securing the LCD daughter board.
  • Remove 4 screws for LCD cable bracket.

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Detach LCD Hinges

• Use a T8 screwdriver to remove 6 screws total (3 per hinge).
• Use a plastic pry tool to uncouple Wi-Fi antennas.
• Remove the Wi-Fi vent module.
• Unplug the LCD display connector and lift off the LCD assembly.

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Install the New LCD Assembly

• Unbox your replacement LCD and remove protective cardboard.
• Use the pentalobe screwdriver to open LCD hinges slightly.
• Align the top case and carefully close until hinges click into place.

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Reattach Hinges and LCD Assembly

• Use T8 to reinstall 6 hinge screws (3 on each side).
• Thread the Wi-Fi antenna cables and mount the vent module.
• Use T3 to reinstall 4 long screws at the center.
• Use T5 to secure:
  • LCD board to top case.
  • Wi-Fi vent module.
• Plug in Wi-Fi antenna cables and LCD connector.

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Final Assembly

• Reinstall LCD hinge covers and brackets using T3.
• Use a P1 screwdriver to reinstall remaining Wi-Fi vent screws at the top.
• Reinstall the T5 pancake screw to reconnect the battery.
• Power on the device—this time, the screen works perfectly even at a full open angle.

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Close the Device

• Cover the battery connector with the taped shield.
• Reinstall the bottom case and snap it into place.
• Insert all pentalobe screws:
  • 2 longest at the top
  • 2 mid-length in corners
  • 2 shortest in the center

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CONCLUSION:

This MacBook Pro A1708 had a faulty LCD assembly, causing intermittent display. After verifying the issue wasn’t the cable, a full LCD replacement restored full functionality. The repair requires attention to detail, especially during disassembly and re-cabling. Now the screen works smoothly across all angles.

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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.

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HAVE QUESTIONS?

Need help? Contact us anytime.

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

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