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MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement

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Use this guide to replace a noisy MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 fan, or simply remove it for cleaning.

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  1. MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement, Lower Case: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
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    P5 Pentalobe Screwdriver Retina MacBook Pro and Air
    $5.99
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    • Before proceeding, power down your MacBook. Close the display and lay it on a soft surface, top-side down.

    • Use a P5 Pentalobe driver to remove ten screws securing the lower case, of the following lengths:

    • Two 9 mm screws

    • Eight 2.6 mm screws

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  2. MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0

    • Wedge your fingers between the display and the lower case and pull upward to pop the lower case off the Air.

    • Remove the lower case and set it aside.

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  3. MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement, Battery Connector: crwdns2935265:03crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement, Battery Connector: crwdns2935265:03crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0

    • To ensure that everything is de-energized and won't turn on while you're working, it is recommended that you disconnect the battery.

    • Grab the clear plastic pull tab attached to the battery connector and pull it parallel to the board toward the front edge of the Air.

    • Do not lift upward on the connector as you disconnect it or you risk damage to the connector socket.

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  4. MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement, I/O Board Cable: crwdns2935265:04crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the I/O board cable connector up out of its socket on the I/O board.

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  6. MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement: crwdns2935265:05crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0

    • Carefully peel the I/O board cable from the adhesive securing it to the top of the fan.

    • During reassembly, make sure this cable is in the correct orientation. It will fit if reversed, but the laptop will not boot.

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  7. MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement: crwdns2935265:06crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement: crwdns2935265:06crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0

    • The following connector has an especially deep socket. Use care when disconnecting it.

    • While gently pulling the I/O board cable upward near its connection to the logic board, use the flat end of a spudger to pry up on alternating sides of the connector to help "walk" it out of its socket.

    • Remove the I/O board cable.

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  8. MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement, Fan: crwdns2935265:07crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0

    • Use the tip of a spudger to carefully flip up the retaining flap on the fan cable ZIF socket.

    • Be sure you are prying up on the hinged retaining flap, not the socket itself.

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  9. MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement: crwdns2935265:08crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0

    • Peel the rubber gasket off the adhesive on the top of the fan.

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  10. MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement: crwdns2935265:09crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0

    • Remove the following three screws securing the fan to the upper case:

    • One 5.2 mm T5 Torx screw

    • One 3.3 mm T5 Torx screw

    • One 4.4 mm T5 Torx screw with a short head

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  11. MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement: crwdns2935265:010crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 MacBook Air 13" Early 2017 Fan Replacement: crwdns2935265:010crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0

    • Lift the fan from the I/O board side and pull it free from the upper case.

    • Removing the fan will also disconnect the fan ribbon cable. Be careful not to snag it.

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

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.

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