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MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Display Replacement

Written By: Walter Galan (and 7 other contributors)
  • Comments: 33
  • Favorites: 46
  • Completions: 76

Difficulty

Difficult

Steps

14

Time Required

15 - 45 minutes

Sections

4

Flags

0

Introduction

Use this guide to replace a broken display on your MacBook Unibody Model A1342.

Video Overview

  1. Remove the eight 4 mm Phillips screws securing the lower case to the MacBook.

    • Remove the eight 4 mm Phillips screws securing the lower case to the MacBook.

    Edit

  2. The lower case is constructed of rubber-coated aluminum. Do not excessively bend the aluminum during removal, as any permanent deformation will cause tolerance issues after reassembly. Slightly lift the lower case near the vent opening. Continue running your fingers between the lower and upper cases until the upper case pops off its retaining clips.

    • The lower case is constructed of rubber-coated aluminum. Do not excessively bend the aluminum during removal, as any permanent deformation will cause tolerance issues after reassembly.

    • Slightly lift the lower case near the vent opening.

    • Continue running your fingers between the lower and upper cases until the upper case pops off its retaining clips.

    • The location of these three clips is shown in the third picture.

    Edit

  3. For precautionary purposes, we advise that you disconnect the battery connector from the logic board to avoid any electrical discharge. This step is optional and is not required.

    • For precautionary purposes, we advise that you disconnect the battery connector from the logic board to avoid any electrical discharge. This step is optional and is not required.

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to lift the battery connector up out of its socket on the logic board.

    • It may be easier to use your fingernails to lift up on both sides of the connector.

    Edit

  4. Remove the following screws from the optical drive side of the rear vent:

    • Remove the following screws from the optical drive side of the rear vent:

    • Two 10 mm T8 Torx

    • Two 5.2 mm Phillips

    Edit

  5. Remove the following screws from the port side of rear vent:

    • Remove the following screws from the port side of rear vent:

    • Two 10 mm T8 Torx

    • Two 5.2 mm Phillips

    Edit

  7. Carefully lift the rear vent out of the upper case.

    • Carefully lift the rear vent out of the upper case.

    Edit

  8. Remove the single 3 mm Phillips screw securing the AirPort/Bluetooth antenna ground strap to the rear speaker.

    • Remove the single 3 mm Phillips screw securing the AirPort/Bluetooth antenna ground strap to the rear speaker.

    Edit

  9. Use the tip of a spudger to pry the AirPort and Bluetooth antenna connectors (3 total) up off the AirPort/Bluetooth card. De-route the long antenna from its channel in the rear speaker housing.

    • Use the tip of a spudger to pry the AirPort and Bluetooth antenna connectors (3 total) up off the AirPort/Bluetooth card.

    • De-route the long antenna from its channel in the rear speaker housing.

    Edit

  10. Grab the plastic pull tab secured to the display data cable lock and rotate it toward the DC-In side of the computer. There is also a thin metal lock clip under the plastic tab that has to be released ( Use the tip of a spudger ) before you can disconnect the display data cable.

    • Grab the plastic pull tab secured to the display data cable lock and rotate it toward the DC-In side of the computer.

    • There is also a thin metal lock clip under the plastic tab that has to be released ( Use the tip of a spudger ) before you can disconnect the display data cable.

    Edit

  11. Gently pull the display data cable connector away from its socket on the logic board. Pull the socket parallel to the face of the logic board.

    • Gently pull the display data cable connector away from its socket on the logic board.

    • Pull the socket parallel to the face of the logic board.

    • The display data cable socket is made of very thin metal and is easily bent. Be sure to pull the connector straight away from its socket.

    Edit

  12. Open your MacBook so the display is perpendicular to the upper case.

    • Open your MacBook so the display is perpendicular to the upper case.

    • Place your opened MacBook on a table as pictured.

    • While holding the display and upper case together with your left hand, remove the remaining 7.8 mm with lock washer T8 Torx screw from the lower display bracket.

    Edit

  13. Be sure to hold the display and upper case together with your left hand. Failure to do so may cause the freed display/upper case to fall, potentially damaging each component.

    • Be sure to hold the display and upper case together with your left hand. Failure to do so may cause the freed display/upper case to fall, potentially damaging each component.

    • Remove the last remaining T8 Torx screw securing the display to the upper case.

    Edit

  14. Grab the upper case with your right hand and rotate it slightly toward the top of the display so the upper display bracket clears the edge of the upper case. The display data cable may cause the upper display bracket to get caught on the upper case. It may be helpful to slightly rotate the upper case away from the display for more clearance.

    • Grab the upper case with your right hand and rotate it slightly toward the top of the display so the upper display bracket clears the edge of the upper case.

    • The display data cable may cause the upper display bracket to get caught on the upper case. It may be helpful to slightly rotate the upper case away from the display for more clearance.

    • Rotate the display slightly away from the upper case.

    Edit

  15. Lift the display up and away from the upper case, minding any brackets or cables that may get caught.

    • Lift the display up and away from the upper case, minding any brackets or cables that may get caught.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

76 other people completed this guide.

3 Comments

Great guide worked perfectly....

The problems I encountered….

1) (IMPORTANT) The vent cover has a small beveled slot were the picture cable fits into nicely and the first time I reassembled my mac I did not allow the cord adequate space between the vent cover and the computer housing. This lead to a red, green, and blue alternating screen upon booting and troubleshooting the issue to find out that it was just a pinched cable took longer than I would have liked.

2) The picture cable removal and reassembly was not as seamless as it seemed in the picture. The metal connector under the cable was very flimsy and weak. It did not break however it did bend slightly and I wasn’t the happiest about it.

3) The power cord broke (chipped) a small amount. As previously mentioned. Not a big deal but not fun. (Be careful)

Whole process took 45 min… very easy

Couldn’t have done it without the guides and the tools

Thanks for saving me like $300

Joshua Poe - Responder

In your opinion, could I replace the screen of my A1342 (2011) by the screen of a A1181 (mid 2009)?

They seem to be identical.

Benjamin Lecorps - Responder

Wow, what an excellent guide. I watched the video first and it looked easy enough. I ensure I had the right equipment first, followed the steps as per the instructions. Had to be careful with Step 9; i.e. removing the plastic pull tab secured to the display data cable lock as it’s fragile. Step 13/14 was difficult too but followed the advice and got there eventually. Reversing back, step 13/14 took a while as did Step 10 and Step 8. Step 8 was a pain actually as I found it really difficult to get the AirPort and Blue tooth antenna back in again.

All in all, as I’m a novice I think it took me almost 90 minutes but I did it and I now have a new screen working perfectly so have renewed my Apple mac laptop. I’ve been meaning to do this for 2 years, but was too scared and thought hey just buy the part and give it a go. If I mess it up, i’ve not used the laptop in 2-years+ so it can go in the bin. Fortunately, even I (complete novice) was able to follow the instructions! Thank you as I now have use of my mac again.

Aminur Choudhury - Responder

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