This is an official Powerbookmedic.com take-apart guide to the MacBook Pro 17" Unibody with model number A1297.

Comments

Mark

2 years ago
My 17 Inch Macbook Pro Unibody will not go to sleep when I close the lid. Do you have suggestion on how to fix this problem? Thanks.

Jonathan

5 years ago
I have changed ram sticks many times in my macbook pro but this time while I tried to change the crucial memories I accidentally got it jammed (I did not fully insert it) and got stuck in place. How can I remove it without disassemble the logic board? Is there any replacement part for this broken bracket?

Powerbook Medic

5 years ago
@Jasper - Do you know if it is booting up but you just can't see anything? Like if you adjust the volume after a minute can you hear the volume sound? If so it is most likely an issue with your display, display cable, the connection to the logic board, or the GPU.

Jasper

5 years ago
I replaced my A1297s logic board with a reconditioned one. I bought on eBay my idea was to then send you my logic board for repair so that I have a backup. But now the machine is not working. 1. When I press the power button it does not react at all - battery shows 3 green points. 2. When I connect power the machine gives Apple sound and fans start running. Battery shows it is charging. But no screen nothing. I do not just want to take everything out again in a mindless fashion. Any ideas where to search.

Ismael

8 years ago
This is the right Apple Reportedly Set to Launch new Mac Mini with iPad Mini | Think Tek journal for anoyne who wants to seek out out almost this substance. You request so overmuch its near wearing to present with you (not that I really would want…HaHa). You definitely put a new prolong on a message thats been typewritten nigh for age. Overnice lug, simply uppercase!

Powerbook Medic

9 years ago
@Mauro - we have a separate video for the 13-inch glass and LCD removal. You can use that as a guide. It is similar.

Mauro Diaz @YoSoyElDiestro

9 years ago
How do I remove and replace the screen? Thx :D

Josue

10 years ago
I have a 17inch MacBook Pro. some water got in and now it won't turn on. Where do you recommend, getting a new board from? The battery meter shows full battery. When I press the power button, to computer does not do anything. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Steve

10 years ago
Guide neglects to mention anything about wireless card or the connector.

Powerbook Medic

10 years ago
@Sunil - that would typically be an issue with the backup (PRAM) battery, but I believe on that model it is built into the main battery, so that may need to be replaced.

Sunil

10 years ago
i have macbook pro A1297 its giving time and date error every time when i start computer have u any video where is coms battery in this model or how to solve this problem?

Powerbook Medic

11 years ago
@Joseph - read the previous comment by me.

Joseph

11 years ago
Would u please show how to replace the led screen in this model

Powerbook Medic

11 years ago
@Mina - if you take a look at our other MacBook Pro video guides, there should be one for glass removal. It is for a 13-inch model, but the process is the same.

Mina

11 years ago
Hello, I have a 17" macbookpro, LCD not working but my hard drive still running great..any videos on how to replace the LCD before I buy it from you guys?

shayla

11 years ago
if you want to remove your ram don't bother watching any of these videos.

Ashwin

11 years ago
@powerbookmedic - thanks for your advice. The Apple service here helped out by removing the stripped screw (they basically cut (maybe filed) a notch and made it a flathead). They still wouldnt undertake replacement of the old hinge since its not part of their regular process. However, I could then remove the old hinge and swap in the new one I got from you folk! Saved me atleast $900. Thanks. Much.

miles

11 years ago
i have a 17inch macbook pro model A1297...i also have 3 kids who broke the display screen. i see many videos on how to take this macbook apart, but nothing on screen replacement. if you can walk me thrunit ill be happy to videotape the event and post it for you. your thoughts?? thanks, miles

Powerbook Medic

11 years ago
@Ashwin - if it is strong enough glue it may work.

Ashwin

11 years ago
@powerbook medic - thanks again. I take that as my cue for you could do it, but dont :)) The screw head is not fully stripped, there *maybe* some traction and I was thinking of trying just one thing - using some quick glue to fill the head and let a T6 driver bind. Would that work?

Powerbook Medic

11 years ago
@Ashwin - you'll need some way to grind out a line across the screw so you can unscrew it with a flathead. typically this is done with a dremel but with screws stuck in vital components its dangerous and not recommended.

Ashwin

11 years ago
hello again Powerbook Medic - I can now confirm that the T6 screw IS stripped :( Other sizes have no traction either. Any pointers on how best I can proceed with trying an extraction? Thanks!

Ashwin

11 years ago
It does appear so :( And the stripped screw extraction videos seem pretty scary right now :P The other sizes just wont get in - will need to find another kit and try. Must have ordered a kit from you guys as well. Thanks for your prompt response though - really appreciate your service.

Powerbook Medic

11 years ago
@Ashwin - It sounds like the screw head has been stripped. Sometimes you have to jump to a larger size torx screwdriver.

Ashwin

11 years ago
Hello Powerbook Medic - I received the hinges I bought from you - thanks for the prompt shipping all the way to India. I did knuckle down and get to tearing it down, but got derailed by one of the T6s holding the display which just doesn't grip with any driver. Any suggestions? The Head looks a bit circular inside - maybe there is no grip. Let me know what I can try. Thanks for your help!

Powerbook Medic

11 years ago
@Fitz - you'll definitely need the LCD as it sounds like that broke underneath the glass covering. You should be able to just feel the glass and see if you need that as well.

Ashwin

11 years ago
Thanks for your advice Powerbook Medic. I have placed an order for these hinge/clutches through your portal. Hope I can get around to fixing it soon enough! Really appreciate your guidance and inputs.

Fitz

11 years ago
Hi. I managed to drop a metal door hook on the front of my MBP (Core 2 Duo) display, and it now has dark vertical lines coming from the top and bottom edges, as well as a large white splotch on the right side with a darker border around its left side. It looks as if someone tore half of my screen off, like a piece of paper. There is also a noticeable glass "spiderweb" where I assume the hook hit. Can you tell me what part(s) I need to replace? Is it just the LCD, or do I need to get a whole new display unit? Thanks.

Ashwin

11 years ago
@Powerbook Medic - Thanks! So, is the probable worst-case scenario a broken hinge/clutch? I guess I will gather up some courage and "go in" - thanks again - really appreciate it :)

Powerbook Medic

11 years ago
@Ashwin - yeah there are a bunch of magnets around the display that snap together when it gets close to the bottom case. if it isn't doing that, it typically happens when the top is out of alignment which is usually because of the hinges being loose, bent, or broken. If they are loose.. you can go in and just tighten them back.

Ashwin

11 years ago
Hi! I am having trouble keeping the lid from closing - its really really loose. The laptop has never been dropped or suffered any impact. Apple says that i need to change the display unit without as much as a cursory examination :P Is this related to the hinge clutch? Whats the likelihood of it needing tightening? Or will it need to be replaced? W89094JM2QP serial no. Thanks for your help and advice!

Powerbook Medic

11 years ago
@Dyi - you can just replace the LCD.

Dyl

11 years ago
Is it possible to repair a part to an anti glare screen (where the outer layer is fine and emitting light but appears cracked from within)....or must I replace the whole display unit to fix it ?

RICK WATERMAN

12 years ago
Do you have a video for the display replacement?

Powerbook Medic

12 years ago
@Frank - we don't have a video of that, but the card is in the display. You'll have to take apart the display to get to it.

Frank

12 years ago
Would you do an instructional video on how to replace the airport on the 17" Macbook Pro Unibody? Thx! Great videos.

Powerbook Medic

12 years ago
@Dale - the keyboard is part of the top case. You have to remove everything to replace the top case. Get through these videos and it should be just the top case left.

Dale Grimsal

12 years ago
Great Videos... Can you please do one on the keyboard removal on Macbook Pro Unibldy . I spilled cofffee on mine and so some of the keys aren't working nad need to be replaced. Sorry for the typos, but I'm on it onw. Thanks again

Powerbook Medic

13 years ago
@Jim - the keyboard is part of the top case. You can remove just the keyboard if you want but there are dozens of screws holding it in.

Jim

13 years ago
Do you have a video for removal of the keyboard on a 1286

Powerbook Medic

13 years ago
@mj - yea replace the fan. most likely the bearing inside the fan is damaged.

mjmeindl

13 years ago
Hey. I really enjoy your vids. They make everything so clear. I have a 17" Pro Unibody. Every so often, the left fan makes A LOT of noise. Usually this happens after the laptop gets bumped a little or if I pick it up while its running. If I shut the computer down and do a PRAM reset the problem usually goes away (for a few hours or a few days). I recently opened up the bottom to go over everything with canned air and noticed that while the right fan spins fast and doesn't stop right away after i remove the air, the left fan doesn't spin at all with the air and when i spin it with my finger it doesn't go far. Do I just need to replace the fan? Is there anything else that could be the problem? When it doesn't work it is LOUD and can heat up the area around it to a pretty high degree. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

irulethe70s

13 years ago
or dont remove the sticker at all like me:)

Powerbook Medic

13 years ago
@James - The logic board would seem a logical assumption based on your circumstances.

James

13 years ago
PowerbookMedic I also noticed my fans where not working and the MBP would over heat.. then of course shut down... i guess this points to the Logic board to, as the fans are powered from there.. Could my assumption be right Cheers James

JAMES

13 years ago
Thank you for your advice ... I will have it checked out .. Cheers James

Powerbook Medic

13 years ago
@James - That is typically going to be either a problem with the battery connector or the logic board. You may want to have it professionally diagnosed at this point.

James

13 years ago
hi I have a MacBookPro SN W871307PW0J I get ''NOT CHARGING'' in the Battery display (top right hand corner in Screen) Althought the battery and charger are both changed '' bought New'' I still have the same problem. There must be some board between both that could be the problem .. ANY IDEAS !!! would be appreciated Greetings from Oslo Norway

Powerbook Medic

14 years ago
@ Blabla - The procedure is basically the same. We sell the glass and displays at our online store. You can replace a Matte with a Glossy LCD.

Blabla

14 years ago
Hello, thanks for the easy and understandble guide. I have a Macbookpro 17"unibody with MATT!-Glass Display with really nasty black lines/fields. I have to replace the display so this is my questions is this replace- procedure the same like for the macbookpro 13" Glass dispaly? How do i replace the matt display? Where to buy the new Display? Can i replace the Matt Dispaly with a Glass Display?THX for the answer in advance

Powerbook Medic

14 years ago
@Ruud - If anyone other than an authorized Apple service center opens up your machine, the warranty is void.

Ruud

14 years ago
Will this effect my apple care?

Joe

14 years ago
Awesome. Thank you. Don't make fun of me but what is the music?

Powerbook Medic

14 years ago
The #00 Phillips should be all you need unless you are doing a battery removal.

Hessel

14 years ago
can anyone tell me exactly what size of screwdrivers I will need?

Scott

14 years ago
That video segment still isnt up and I want to replace my top case.

NomAtter

14 years ago
Why removed the Sticker "Do not remove the Battery"? And why remove the 2 screws from the Superdrive (2:22-2:30) ?? They don't need to remove that !

Powerbook Medic

14 years ago
The procedure is actually the same as the 13" Unibody glass replacement. We do have a video of this up. We'll try to get a 17" glass video up, but in the meantime you can use the other guide to get the job done.

kyle

14 years ago
Hi i wanted to buy a replacement glass for the macbook pro unibody but cant see a guide for installation. Is this likely to be uploaded soon? thanks

Powerbook Medic

14 years ago
Hey Sean, There are pretty much just three screws on each hinge, and once you remove those the display comes off and you should be left with the top case. We should have that video segment up soon.

sean

14 years ago
I want to buy the top case with keyboard and keypad for macbook pro 17'' unibody from your online shop, but there is no video showing how to replace it. Are you going to upload in the future?
Hide All