subject: How to do a Macbook Repair on the Airport Card [print this page] If you want to upgrade the AirPort card in your MacBook Pro to a newer model or if it should breaks, you can replace it yourself rather than sending it away for repairs. It is an easy process that only involves you to open the case of your MacBook Pro. This doesn't require any special technical expertise, only some patience and a little delicacy. However, it will void your warranty.
To perform this repair you will need some needle nosed pliers and a Phillips screwdriver.
The first thing that you have to do is to determine the compatibility of the AirPort slot for your particular MacBook Pro computer model. If you bought a wireless card from a third party, it should list the compatible computer models. Never try to install an incompatible AirPort card because it won't operate properly and may damage your Macbook Pro.
The next thing to do is to take the battery out by flipping the locking switches underneath the MacBook Pro computer and then sliding the battery out. Don't try to perform any work internally internal on your MacBook Pro computer with the battery still in place because it risks damage to other components or electric shock.
Then, using the Phillips screwdriver, you need to unscrew the casing that surrounds the keyboard. These screws can be found along the inside the battery housing, underneath the computer as well as on both sides of the Macbook Pro computer. Set the screws aside for replacement later.
Use extreme caution so as not to disturb any of the internal components, carefully lift the casing away from the keyboard. If there is a cable that is connecting the casing to the components, don't twist or not sever the connection.
Find the Airport card that is installed. It can be found just over the hard drive, next to the left side of the casing. There is a strip of yellow tape that is transparent connecting the right side of the AirPort card to the component next to it.
Using the needle nosed pliers, carefully grasp the connectors that are next to the card that is nearest to the screen and disconnect them by lifting straight up. To free it from the housing, lift the disconnected side of the card and slide it towards the screen.
After reconnecting the connecting cords, slide the new card into the free slot. Replace the casing by screwing it into place. Slide the battery back into its slot and turn the MacBook Pro computer back on.
