MacBook Pro 16" 2023 Antenna Bar Replacement

Written By: Clay Eickemeyer

Comments: 0

MacBook Pro 16" 2023 Antenna Bar Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

30 - 45 minutes

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the antenna bar in your MacBook Pro 16" 2023.

If your battery is swollen, take appropriate precautions.

Some photos in this guide are of the previous model MacBook Pro and may contain slight visual discrepancies, but they won't affect the procedure.

Tools

Step 1

Use a P5 pentalobe driver to remove the eight screws securing the lower case:
Four 9.1 mm‑long screws
Four 6 mm‑long screws
Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from.

Step 2

Apply a suction handle to the center of the lower case's front edge.
Pull up on the suction handle to create a gap between the lower case and the frame.
Insert an opening pick into the gap.

Step 3

Slide your opening pick around the bottom right corner and up the right edge of the lower case.
If your pick gets stuck at the cutout, use your fingers to lift the lower case up slightly to allow your pick to slide underneath.
Slide your pick until it reaches the middle of the cutout, or until the rightmost clip stops it from sliding.
Twist your pick to release the two right clips.
You'll hear and feel a pop when each of the two clips releases.

Step 4

Slide your opening pick around the bottom left corner and up the left edge of the lower case.
If your pick gets stuck at the cutout, pry the lower case up slightly to allow your pick to slide underneath.
Slide your pick until it reaches the middle of the cutout, or until the leftmost clip stops it from sliding.
Twist your pick to release the left two clips.
You'll hear and feel a pop when each of the two clips releases.

Step 5

Sliding clips along the back edge of the MacBook further secure the lower case. Separating these clips may require a lot of force—consider using gloves to protect your hands from the sharp edges of the lower case.
Firmly pull the lower case away from the back edge, one corner at a time, to disengage the sliding clips.
Keep the lower case flat to the MacBook. Don't pull upward until it's completely separated.

Step 6

Remove the lower case.
To reinstall the lower case:
Lay it down and align the sliding clips with the back edge of the MacBook. Press down on the lower case and slide it toward the back edge to engage the clips.
When one side is engaged, it may push the other out of alignment. Check both sides as you push.
Once the back corners of the lower case are secured and flush with the frame, press down along the middle of the lower case to engage the four remaining clips.
You'll hear and feel each clip snap into place.

Step 7

Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 2.1 mm screws securing the trackpad cable bracket.
Remove the bracket.

Step 8

Use the flat end of your spudger to pry up and disconnect the trackpad cable press connector from the logic board.
To re-attach press connectors like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Don't press down in the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend and cause permanent damage.

Step 9

The trackpad cable is lightly adhered to the battery board.
Peel the trackpad cable from the battery board.
Move the cable over the front edge of the MacBook.
Be careful not to crease the cable.

Step 10

Peel back the tape covering the battery data cable connector on the logic board.

Step 11

Use the point of a spudger or a clean fingernail to flip up the small locking flap on the battery data cable ZIF connector.

Step 12

Slide one arm of your blunt nose tweezers under the battery data cable.
Grip the cable just below the head of the connector.
Slide the connector straight out of its socket.

Step 13

Peel back the tape covering the battery data cable connector on the battery board.

Step 14

Use the point of your spudger or a clean fingernail to flip up the small locking flap on the battery data cable ZIF connector.
Use blunt nose tweezers to grab the battery data cable just under the head of the connector and slide it straight out of its socket.

Step 15

The battery data cable is adhered to the battery board and logic board.
Peel the cable from the battery board and the logic board.
Remove the cable.

Step 16

Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the 3.9 mm pancake screw securing the battery connector.

Step 17

Use the flat end of your spudger to lift the battery connector away from the battery board, disconnecting the battery.
Lift the connector high enough that it doesn't accidentally make contact during the repair, but no more than 45 degrees to prevent damaging its hinge.
For added safety, place a barrier, such as a piece of a playing card, between the connector and board.

Step 18

Use your T3 Torx driver to remove the three 2.1 mm screws securing the antenna cable cover and bracket.
Remove the antenna cable cover.

Step 19

Use the point of your spudger to pry up and disconnect the three antenna cables from the logic board.
Pry only on the metal heads of the connectors. Avoid prying on the cables themselves.
To reconnect antenna cables like these, hold each one in place over its socket and press down with the flat end of your spudger. The connector will snap into place.

Step 20

Use a P2 pentalobe driver to remove the nine 1.5 mm screws securing the antenna bar.
Due to their small size, these screws strip very easily. Make sure your driver is in good condition. Keep it vertical and apply constant downward pressure as you loosen the screws.
During reassembly, don't overtighten these screws—ensure that they're threading in properly, then tighten only until they're snug.
Use your T5 Torx driver to remove the six remaining screws securing the antenna bar:
Four 3 mm screws
Two 7.5 mm screws