MacBook Pro A1989 Battery Replacement – Walkthrough & Tips

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OVERVIEW:

In today’s repair guide, we’re tackling a battery replacement for a 13-inch MacBook Pro model A1989. This unit was mailed in after signs of battery puncture or possible liquid damage were found. The repair involves carefully disconnecting the battery, safely removing the old adhesive-stripped battery cells, and installing a new one. Special attention is paid to safety and cleanliness during the process to ensure no damage or hazards arise. Follow along step-by-step for a thorough and safe battery swap.

See official Apple specs for this model

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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 adhesive-stripped batteries and precision when dealing with delicate flex cables.

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STEPS:

Tools You Need

For this repair, you will need a suction cup to remove the back cover, a T5 and T3 Torx screwdriver for internal screws, 99% isopropyl alcohol to soften adhesive, a flat plastic scraper for battery removal, and a plastic prying tool for lifting components without damage.

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Remove the Bottom Case

• Flip the MacBook over and use a suction cup to lift the bottom case.
• Pull upward gently until the case detaches.
• Set the cover aside and inspect for visible battery damage or residue.

This step opens up the MacBook Pro and reveals the internal layout. In this case, signs of battery puncture and possible liquid damage were clearly visible.

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Disconnect the Battery Flex Cable

• Peel off the tape cover protecting the battery daughterboard flex cable.
• Unfasten both ends of the battery daughterboard cable.
• Inspect your replacement battery to ensure it includes this cable; most replacements do not.

This cable connects the battery to the logic board and must be carefully removed to safely power down the system for repair.

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Disconnect and Isolate the Battery Power

• Use a T5 screwdriver to remove the pancake screw at the battery connection point.
• Bend the battery connection upwards and away from the logic board to isolate power.

This step ensures that no current flows through the MacBook during the rest of the repair, preventing short circuits or shocks.

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Disconnect the Trackpad Flex Cable

• Switch to a T3 screwdriver and remove the two screws securing the trackpad flex cable.
• Gently disconnect the cable from the board and fold it back out of the way.

This clears space for battery removal and prevents damage to the trackpad during the process.

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Soften Adhesive Under the Battery

• Apply 99% isopropyl alcohol around the battery edges, especially near the damaged cell.
• Let it sit for a few moments to weaken the glue.

Be especially cautious around visibly punctured cells to avoid chemical reaction or combustion. The alcohol helps loosen the battery without forcing it.

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Pry Up the Battery Cells

• Using a flat plastic tool, gently pry up the side battery cells first.
• Work slowly to avoid puncturing any cells with sharp tools.
• Reapply isopropyl alcohol as needed, especially to the damaged center cell.

Patience is key here. Let the alcohol do the work and avoid any sharp or metal tools.

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Remove Battery Retaining Screws

• Take your T5 screwdriver and remove the two screws that hold the battery to the top case.
• Confirm that the battery is completely loose before attempting to lift it.

This step releases the battery entirely from its mounting points so it can be safely extracted.

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Clean Adhesive Residue

• Soak remaining glue strips with more alcohol.
• Use a flat plastic scraper to gently peel up all leftover adhesive.

Cleaning the top case thoroughly ensures the new battery will sit flat and adhere properly.

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Install the New Battery

• Peel off protective covers from the new battery’s adhesive.
• Align it using the two center screw holes on the top case as a guide.
• Press down to fully seat the battery in place.

Proper alignment helps avoid strain on flex cables and ensures correct placement.

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Reconnect the Battery Flex and Screws

• Secure the two T5 screws holding the battery daughterboard in place.
• Plug in the smaller end of the battery flex cable to the daughterboard.

These connections must be snug but not forced. Check the orientation before inserting.

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Reconnect the Trackpad Cable and Battery Power

• Plug in the trackpad flex cable and secure it with two T3 screws.
• Insert the T5 pancake screw to reconnect battery power.
• Plug in the other end of the battery daughterboard flex cable and replace the tape cover.

Reassembling these components restores functionality to both the power system and trackpad interface.

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Close the MacBook and Test

• Reattach the bottom cover and press it down until fully seated.
• Plug in the charger, open the lid, and power on the unit.
• Confirm the MacBook powers on and that the new battery is charging correctly.

If everything boots successfully and the battery indicator shows charging, the replacement was a success!

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CONCLUSION:

This MacBook Pro A1989 battery replacement involved careful disassembly, adhesive removal, and safe installation of a new unit. Ensuring clean surfaces and using the proper tools were essential to a smooth process. Always isolate power before working with internal components, especially when a battery is visibly damaged. The repair finished successfully, and the device powered on with the new battery charging properly. Patience and precision are key to this intermediate-level task.

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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 battery 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. Investing in quality tools makes repairs smoother and more professional.

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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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