Introduction
Use this guide to replace a broken or noisy left fan in your MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013. This fan is located on the left side of the computer, as seen when it is open and in use.
Tools
Parts
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Remove the following P5 pentalobe screws securing the lower case to the MacBook Pro:
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Eight 3.0 mm
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Two 2.3 mm
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Lifting from the edge nearest the clutch cover, lift the lower case off the MacBook Pro.
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Set the lower case aside.
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Using the flat end of a spudger, gently pry the battery connector straight up out of its socket on the logic board.
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Bend the battery cables back and out of the way, ensuring that the battery connector doesn't accidentally make contact with the logic board.
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Remove the following three screws securing the left fan to the logic board:
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One 4.4 mm T5 Torx screw with 2 mm collar
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One 5.0 mm T5 Torx screw with 2 mm collar
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One 3.9 mm T5 Wide Head Torx screw
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Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the retaining flap on the left fan ribbon cable ZIF socket.
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Starting at the top of the cable, slide a plastic opening tool under the left fan cable to free it from the logic board.
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Lift the left fan out of the device.
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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
2 comments
Very handy and easy guide. No difficulties at all. The only problem i had was the replacement fan (bought on iFixit 2th hand). The screw openings where not exact as original (4mm of the left side bottom side of right fan), but i managed to first soft place the screws in and then all make them tighter. This was the only way it fits. Tested and approved. (you can even feel the broken fan as u hold it and turn it with your vacuum cleaner). Thanks to the author for his work. Happy client..
Jonas -
I attempted to follow this guide for the purpose of removing the fan for cleaning and re-installation. Trouble is, I messed up Step 7 and did lift off the entire ZIFF socket, damaging it in the process. For good measure I did the same thing on the right fan. (Obviously, I'm not practiced at this kind of thing!) My question is: Does this mean the computer is now ruined? Or is there a way to recover from this?
To remove the back panel there are two different pentalobe screws 2.3mm and 3mm however on the tools list there is only one screwdriver. Will I be able to remove both screws with the same screwdriver?
lantzero -
The 2.0 and 2.3 mm measurements are screw lengths, the screw heads are the same sized P5 pentalobe heads. We include the screw lengths so you don't put the wrong screws in the wrong places and end up with screw heads poking out of your device. Hope that clears up some confusion =)
Sam Goldheart -
Yes the same screwdriver will remove both screws, the difference in screws I believe is the length and width but the head is the same.
Mike -
Just be careful to store the 2 shorter screws in a seperate space then the other 3mm screws.
The first time I opened up my Macbook, I put the screws in the wrong order.
Shahzad Arif -