Macbook 13" Repair - Top Case Removal

[jamma]

I love Mac, and I really love my macbook, been with it since mid 2007....

But there's really an issue with white macbook, mine already has two problems, first if i don't do anything (push any key or move the trackpad) it just turn off... some says i have to replace logic board and that's too expensive!

And second, about 20 min my macbook started doing some crazy noises, maybe is the fan,,, i bet i have to replace it too!

That just sucks, i mean its supused last for life!

[PowerbookMedic]

@jamma - Both issues are likely the logic board. These machines are not built to last forever.

[bartonpoulson]

Woo Hoo! After my daughter spilled bubble juice in the keyboard and I had to let all my kids use my external keyboard for about three months, my MacBook is back in business. (Mine looks a little like a Frankenstein job, though, because my replacement keyboard from China doesn't seem to fit exactly right. Close enough, though.)

As a tip, a magnetized screwdriver is an absolute must! (And you can magnetize any screwdriver temporarily by rubbing a magnet up and down it for a while.)

Thanks!

[CH0622]

Three of the four screws on the RAM side are stuck. I can't remove them. :'(

[PowerbookMedic]

@CH0622 - I'd recommend having a professional remove them.

[mw2liker100]

my mac just turned black can some one help me cuz it doesnt go on any more

[PowerbookMedic]

@mw2liker100 - It's likely you have a logic board issue. Give us a call at -1-866-726-3342.

[mw2liker100]

@PowerbookMedic owh thnx but my macbook is already 2 the appele people they gonna repair but thanks for saying that

[TheMayovic]

Thx voor the vid. helpend me a lot

THX...

[SkittyGirl300]

Whoa the inside looks so cool! Thnx. I do need to get a new cover anyway.

[edfunk]

Can't get this damn screws off in the battery slot!! All of them are very hard tightened! Any tricks?

[PowerbookMedic]

@edfunk - It shouldn't be that hard unless you are using the wrong size driver.

[scott93257]

Great tutorial... Question: one of my clients spilled water in to his laptops keyboard...it's a Mac Book... Is the keyboard sealed to protect water from going down in to the MB? Maybe I should try an electronic spray on it... Hope its not shot.

[PowerbookMedic]

@scott93257 - It is not sealed.

[aaaaariiiiielllll]

right side is being stupid and wont come off, what do i do??

[PowerbookMedic]

@aaaaariiiiielllll - There are clips above the optical drive which require lifting up the top case to disengage them. If that isn't the issue, make sure you have moved the correct screws (specifically the ones in the battery bay.)

[remwiers]

Thanks for this how to !

i succesfull repaird my macbook whit it.

after I had fallen on it, the optical drive failure.

After opening the input was only slightly bent.

Now back to work 100%

1000x thanks

[Connorhey92]

Hi, is it the same in a late 2007/ early 2008 macbook? Also can I replace the broken keyboard and top unit with one of those fancy multi-touch pads? Thanks a million, great video!

[PowerbookMedic]

@Connorhey92 - The procedure is the same. You can't replace it with a Multi-Touch trackpad

[Connorhey92]

@PowerbookMedic Thanks a million!

[tonchebe]

Hi Guys I broke my macbook screen in a concert in Czech Republic ... My question is , How I can know whitch screen I should bay ? there is a number of model... thanks in advance

[PowerbookMedic]

@tonchebe - You can call us at 1-866-726-3342, option 1, and we can assist you in ordering the correct part.

[jaydog3355]

My macbook doesnt even come on

[PowerbookMedic]

@jaydog3355 - You likely need a professional diagnosis. We offer free diagnosis. You can call us at 1-866-726-3342.

[sonofsam70]

Just a question. My mac speakers don't work. There is a red LED on when I pull out the headphones from the plug and I still get sound from head phones or speakers external speakers when plugged in. I read some forums and most of them said to wiggle a match stick or a q-tip without the cotton in the plug until the light goes out. Neither one of these methods worked for me. Is there a way to tackle to this issue from the inside? Any feedback would be welcome and thanks in advance.

[PowerbookMedic]

@sonofsam70 - Sometimes that trick will work, but if it doesn't you'll have to replace the logic board to fix the issue.

[jason83685]

I have the same laptop it still a good laptop after 5years out

[pinoyALLmotorEVOIXMR]

I have the latest one. How do I open the monitor? I just wanted to fix the Apple logo or put a colored film behind it so it'll be a different color instead of white. Please help!! I need to clean the inside too the dirt in the corner of my screen is bothering me and I can't get in there without scratching the screen :/

[bumbleblumonkey]

lol wtf so complicated compared to new laptops :(

[dacs1081]

my keyboard and track pad sudden went dead! but still operates fine with external mouse and keyboard plugged thru usb. I purchased new macbook top case and installed it. It work for some seconds then went out like dead again. I am wonder what was wrong.. PLEASE HELP! thank you much..dacumijo@yahoo.com

[PowerbookMedic]

@dacs1081 - You likely bought a bad trackpad top case assembly.

[dacs1081]

@PowerbookMedic , thank you for reply, you know I have noticed my old top case, works sudden for few seconds before install the new one. 

[gunsrocks0978]

i dropped my macbook with the charger on it the monitor stopped working please help thanks

[PowerbookMedic]

@gunsrocks0978 - A monitor being dark could be any number of issues. I'd recommend getting it professionally diagnosed.

[dacs1081]

hi.. got problem with my macbook, my keyboard and tracking pad all of the sudden stop working like dead. initially, I thought of frozen screen bcoz mouse pointer doesnt respond, thescreen boots until the log in screen ( where you put paswrd for users). tried reset everything says on the handbook. One time I thought of putting mouse through usb port & external keyboard through usb as well and it works fine. I thought now it was keyboard and tracking pad dead! what could be the possible cont':

[socroni]

very helpful video, I totally fixed my win machine but...but you pointed at the wrong screw at 1:36. But you win man, keep drinking the tiger blood.

[SenoreQueso]

Hey there, the keyboard on my black Macbook has stopped working. Some keys work, but other don't. Will replacing the entire top case (keyboard and trackpad seem to be part of that) fix this problem? And what are the odds that I do some serious, unrepairable damage to the laptop? I build computers for fun, but have never worked on a laptop.

Thanks!

[PowerbookMedic]

@SenoreQueso - A replacement top case should get you fixed up. They're available from our website.

[Chopinco]

hahaha i hate i cant do this while playing the video xD

[dsniper17]

excuse me, my fan is stop working, 0 rpm

i hear i can fix it permanently by opening the top case and cleaning the fan cause it could be dirty, is that true?

also is there a video of how to assembly and put back the top case all over again? thank you

[PowerbookMedic]

@dsniper17 - If it isn't spinning at all, it likely needs to be replaced unless there is an obstruction.

[Elan2jay]

the headphone jack on my college laptop got damaged a litile and now there is a red led coming out of the hole. iv got experiecnce in fixing pc's but i dont want to attempt it myself until i inform them, however i am curious as to wether doing this will void the laptops waranty ?? or if there is any seal i have to avoid breaking? any feed back would be highly apreciated, thanks.

[PowerbookMedic]

@Elan2jay - That means it is stuck in optical out mode. You can try to plug your headphones in and out a few times and see if that fixes the issue, but more often then not, you'll have to have the logic board repaired.

[advoce]

hi, i've removed all the screws, but the bottom left and top right of the keyboard are apparently still jammed. As you don't need to put any force to remove the keyboard, what could be the problem with mine? thanks!

[PowerbookMedic]

@advoce - If all the screws are out, it should pop right off. You may need to use a little force, but the general rule is that if you have to use force something wasn't removed properly.

[advoce]

@PowerbookMedic - apparently where the screws needs to be fixed, there are some small hooks. Gently removing the white cover from the base in the horizontal direction was all that it took. Also there were some firm clips above the CD drive holding it back. Problem solved, thanks!

[matijipi]

on of the screws wont come off what shud i do

[jackr1956]

While instructing how to remove the screws inside the battery recess, you first point to screws # 2,4,7 and 8. Then you proceed to remove 2,4,7 and 9! Huh?

[daraboss]

Very useful! Thanks!

[marcelos815]

thank for your video!.i just wat to open my macbook black one,just to do a cleanup....compress air?i need to clean the dvd or cd player,just becouse works on and off....i think becouse a very dirty....any advice? i will apreciate!.thanks again....good video.

[PowerbookMedic]

@marcelos815 - Compressed air won't fix the drive. The drive has likely failed as it is extremely common on your model. You'll likely need a replacement drive. Replacements are available from our website.

[Fiannanova]

Thanks for your videos. They're very helpful. :) However, I'm having a problem putting the topcase back on. The big clip on the lower right (near the hard drive) seems to be preventing the plastic clips above the superdrive from sliding into place. Any advice? Thanks again!

[PowerbookMedic]

@Fiannanova - You may need to use your nylon tool to push on that part while pushing down to have it properly line up in the bottom case.

[16mmDJ]

Wow. 19 screws just to remove the top case. Impressive.

[blckshdw95]

how do i get to the clips near the cd drive, do i just insert the nylon probe tool around there and it'll come undone?

[PowerbookMedic]

@blckshdw95 - Yes, it will just pop out of the clip and snap back in.

[georgpeltzer]

thx for the video

[cheesechiu]

With a Philips #0 screwdriver, I can't remove the small screws underneath the RAM rack, they seemed to be 'struck', what can I do?

[PowerbookMedic]

@cheesechiu - You may have stripped the screws. Try a size #00 screwdriver and use enough pressure to turn the screw without stripping it.

[ckendr21]

I have found this video very helpful, how ever my advice is to check other videos as well because you will learn from all of them different things to do or not to do. also read the comments, that will give you quality control. thanks

[justroge]

it still does not work thou... is it a new logic board that is needed?? pls look it up for me in your records and tell me what needs to be fixed and how much!

thanks

[PowerbookMedic]

@justroge - You can give us a call at 1-866-726-3342, and we'll be able to help you with your unit.

[stiffler2785]

is it possible that you can provide the different sizes of the screw drivers that you used. thank you and very detailed video btw!

[PowerbookMedic]

@stiffler2785 - Phillips size #00 and nlyon spudger tool. All the tools are available from our website.

[cryp06457]

So_I_CAN_CHANGE_Y_KEYBOARD_BLA­CK/-i-have-an_a1181

[PowerbookMedic]

@cryp06457 - Yes, the black and white keyboard /top case pieces are interchangeable.

[tkthecat]

Hello, this is a great video! I have 3 buttons that dont work on my macbook,( the enter button, the large shift button and the back slash) , if i replaced the keyboard, is there a chance they may work again? Thanks

[PowerbookMedic]

@tkthecat - Replacing the keyboard / top case assembly should fix your problems. They are available from our website.

[slacroze]

Thank you for this video It help me a lot.

Spanish if you understand:

Gracias al video pude desarmar y arreglar el herraje que une el top case con el LCD , se me cayo al piso y se rompio el herraje. Aca en Argentina reparar ese problema costaba 300 USD , lo arregle yo por 15 USD .

Thank you again

[bbs3721]

I'm missing one of the three screws on the bottom of the laptop and during removal, I didn't realize that they aren't the same length. Since I only have two, I'm not sure where the long screw goes. Any ideas? I don't want to put the long screw where the short one should be then short something out. Thanks.

[cRaZyFaCKa]

Just let me thank you for this awesome tutorial. I could easily remove the top case from my Macbook, and access to the Sata connector, in order to properly connect it to the board :)

Again, thanks!

[armandation10]

I have been looking around online for top cases, and your website has them for 120 dollars, but i have seen on others for 50. Why is that.

[PowerbookMedic]

The ones you are looking at on our site are brand new. You can not get a new case for much less than that. If someone is advertising a new top case for $50, then it likely either isn't new or it is a pull.

[beanerico]

hey the button on my track pad gets stuck and it clicks really bad, i dont know if something is stuck in there or its the button itself. HELP

[PowerbookMedic]

Blow it out with compressed air. If you can't see anything however, you'll likely need to replace the top case to replace the trackpad assembly.

[WeaskNsta]

men i have the same macbook 13 white, and all the case is like broken because the use not so bad but the part of the keyboard yes, i wanted to know if i cant change it all, where can i get it or what, also i wanted to know if i cant change it like a conversion of the matte color for a white one, dont u sell it or some like dat tanks!

[PowerbookMedic]

The top case getting cracked is extremely common, and you can change it out yourself. The part is available from our website. You can change to black if you like, but you'll have to change a lot of case components if you want to make your machine completely black.

[PowerbookMedic]

No, you don't have to remove the ram before removing the top case.

[phxdrummer16]

Is it easy? I've got some web cracks in my top case 2007 macbook.. Thinking of buying the top case and fixing it my self..

[PowerbookMedic]

Yes, changing out the top case is fairly simple.

[phxdrummer16]

I meant... I wanna change the top case. the lid. the back of the lcd. Is that super hard?

[PowerbookMedic]

That's much more involved and requires a fair amount of disassembly.

[pofcross]

Do you have to remove your RAM before you do this?

[PowerbookMedic]

On the optical drive side, on the frame above the optical drive are 4 plastic (light grey in color) clips. These need to be slid into the grooves on the bottom case. Sometimes these can work loose, and one of those may be blocking the top case from going on properly. The top case snaps into those clips to form a seal.

[Winja42]

Hi, the description is excellent. Thank you.

I followed it step by step and ran into a problem at the end: The keyboard panel sticks on the side of the cd-Rom drive and I cannot lift it up. I am 100% sure that there is no disc in the drive. I do not want to use brote force. Any ideas?

[dankeane1]

Works great, thanks. Great tutorial.

[aly369]

Your videos are great nice music easy instructions  5/5

[arma182]

Hi, i just bought a MacBook (white) keyboard from your website, and i got some weird problems...i installed the new keyboard, and it worked just fine the first time, but then my mac turnd off, and i tryd to turn it back on, and it didnt work, as if the on/off button was always pushd down, then my fan started making a loud noise, the battery and the power supply stopped workin, i took the keyboard off and replace it with the old one, and...everything worked just fine....any ideas? =(

[PowerbookMedic]

Replacing the top case / keyboard should fix your issue. The part is available from our website.

[PowerbookMedic]

If the repair is done properly there should not be a gap.

-Bradley

[lewa90210]

what about where the keyboard meets the shell has a small gap?

[ekkohfew]

Mine cracked where you put your palms. Googled it and found it was a common problem. I'm out of warranty, bought in 2006 and mac is still replacing the cracked case for me tomorrow. Just wanted to pass along the news BCbbanga4

[PowerbookMedic]

You can't remove the keyboard from the top case. You can however purchase replacement parts from our website.

[bcbbanga4l]

is it tricky to remove the keyboard part? mine cracked and im no longer under warranty...

[obamabidin]

cool!