MacBook Pro 16" 2017 Trackpad Replacement
Complete guide to MacBook Pro 16" 2017 trackpad replacement. Cost estimates, difficulty level, time required, and environmental impact.
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💰 Cost Breakdown
💡 Tip: Costs vary by location and repair shop. Authorized service centers typically charge more than independent repair shops.
🔧 Repair Overview
Trackpad Replacement is one of the most common repairs for MacBook Pro 16" 2017. This repair involves replacing the damaged input component with a new or refurbished part. The process typically takes 1-2 hours and requires moderate skill level.
What You'll Need
- Replacement input part (OEM or aftermarket)
- Precision screwdriver set (Phillips #000 or pentalobe)
- Opening tools (plastic spudger, suction cup)
- Adhesive strips or glue
- Clean workspace with good lighting
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Disable Auto Boot
Before starting this procedure, you must disable your Mac's '''Auto Boot''' feature. Auto Boot powers on your Mac when you open the lid, and may be accidentally triggered during disassembly. [https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+Disable+Auto+Boot/110034|Use this guide] or follow the abbreviated instructions below to disable Auto Boot. ''This command may not work on all Macs.''
Power on your Mac and launch '''Terminal'''.
Copy and paste the following command (or type it exactly) into Terminal:
'''sudo nvram AutoBoot=%00'''
Press '''[return]'''. If prompted, enter your administrator password and press '''[return]''' again. ''Note: Your return key may also be labeled ⏎ or "enter."''
You can now safely power down your Mac and open the bottom case, without it accidentally powering on.
When your repair is complete and your Mac is successfully reassembled, re-enable Auto Boot with the following command:
'''sudo nvram AutoBoot=%03'''
Step 2: Remove the pentalobe screws
Before proceeding, unplug and power down your MacBook. Close the display and lay it on a soft surface, top-side down.
Use a P5 Pentalobe driver to remove the six screws securing the lower case:
Two 6.2 mm screws
Four 3.4 mm screws
Throughout this repair, [https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/Magnetic-Project-Mat/IF145-167-4|keep track of each screw|new_window=true] and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your device.
Step 3: Open a gap using a suction cup
Apply a suction handle to the lower case near the front-center area of the MacBook Pro.
Lift the suction handle to create a slight gap between the lower case and the chassis.
Step 4: Separate the clips
Insert one corner of an opening pick into the space between the lower case and the chassis.
Slide the opening pick around the nearest corner and halfway up the side of the case.
This releases the first of the hidden clips securing the lower case to the chassis. You should feel and hear the clip pop free.
Step 5:
Repeat the previous step on the opposite side, sliding your opening pick under the lower case and up the side to pop the second clip free.
Step 6:
Insert your opening pick once again under the front edge of the lower case, near one of the two centermost screw holes.
Give the pick a firm twist to pop free the third clip securing the lower case to the chassis.
Repeat this procedure near the other of the two centermost screw holes, popping the fourth clip free.
Step 7:
Pull the lower case firmly towards the front of the MacBook (away from the hinge area) to separate the last of the clips securing the lower case.
Pull first at one corner, then the other.
Pull to the side—not up.
This can require a lot of force.
Step 8: Remove the lower case
Remove the lower case.
To reinstall the lower case:
When the sliding clips are fully engaged and the lower case looks correctly aligned, press down firmly on the lower case to engage the four hidden clips underneath. You should feel and hear them snap into place.
Step 9: Uncover the battery connector
Carefully peel up the large piece of tape covering the battery connector, on the edge of the logic board nearest the battery.
Remove the tape.
Step 10:
Gently peel back the small piece of tape covering the battery board data cable connector.
The tape is integrated into the ribbon cable and will not detach completely. Simply peel it back enough to access the connector.
Step 11:
Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the small black locking tab securing the cable in its connector.
Step 12:
Disconnect the battery board data cable by sliding it out from its socket.
Slide parallel to the logic board, in the direction of the cable.
Step 13:
Fold the battery board data cable to the side and out of the way.
Step 14:
Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the 3.7 mm pancake screw securing the battery power connector.
Step 15: Disconnect the battery
Use a spudger to gently lift the battery power connector, disconnecting the battery.
Lift the connector high enough so that it stays separated from its socket. If it accidentally makes contact during the course of your repair, it could damage your MacBook Pro.
Step 16: Remove the trackpad connector screws
Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 1.8 mm screws securing the trackpad cable connector bracket.
Step 17:
Remove the trackpad cable connector bracket with a pair of [product|IF145-020|tweezers].
Step 18: Disconnect the trackpad
Use a spudger to disconnect the trackpad ribbon cable by gently prying its connector straight up from the logic board.
Step 19: Heat the trackpad cable
If you don't have an iOpener, use a hair dryer to warm up the cable instead. The cable should be warm, but not too hot to touch. Be careful not to overheat the battery.
Step 20: Peel up the trackpad cable
Carefully peel the trackpad ribbon cable up off the battery, and push it out of the way.
Do not fold or tear the cable.
Step 21: Remove the trackpad screws
Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the ten screws securing the trackpad assembly:
Two 4.3 mm screws
Eight 5.8 mm screws
Step 22:
Swing the display open slightly to access the trackpad.
Carefully thread the trackpad ribbon cable out through the hole in the MacBook Pro's frame.
Step 23: Remove the trackpad
Remove the trackpad assembly.
Be sure not to lose the six small washers (two circular and four rectangular) resting on the underside of the trackpad.
Make sure your new trackpad has a ribbon cable installed before reassembly. If necessary, transfer the old cable, or install the one your new trackpad came with.
📖 Repair guide provided by iFixit - The free repair manual. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.
iFixit Difficulty: Moderate | Time: NaNh NaNm
DIY vs Professional Repair
✋ DIY Repair
- ✅ Lower cost (parts only: $48-$120)
- ✅ Learn new skills
- ❌ Risk of further damage
- ❌ No warranty
- ❌ Requires tools and time
🔧 Professional Repair
- ✅ Expert installation
- ✅ Warranty included
- ✅ Faster turnaround
- ❌ Higher cost ($80-$200)
- ❌ Need to find reputable shop
Environmental Impact
By choosing to repair your MacBook Pro 16" 2017 instead of replacing it, you're preventing approximately 314 kg of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new MacBook Pro 16" 2017 generates 320 kg of CO₂, while this repair only produces about 6 kg of CO₂. That's a 98% reduction in carbon emissions!
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