Ted Teske

We have a very odd issue happening here. The clients iMac passes all of our diagnostic tests and works fine at our office....

So we partially broke the input connector on the logic board that holds the HD cable. Attached are pics of the mistake...

We snapped the power button cable. We’ve done this before on 2015 iMac and we were able to solder the cable together and...

Placed heat gun on back of unit until power button started to push slightly up. Then proceed to run heat gun on top side near power button for 2 minutes. Used a nylon probe tool to pry the power button out. Next ordered a soldering kit from amazon for $12. Soldered the broken cables back together and back in business. When we reseated the power button we used silicone adhesive. Powers on with no issues and costed us $12 and the client had to wait 3 more days. He wasn’t happy but it’s better then having to file an insurance claim or buy a whole new rear housing.

Note: be sure to pull away but not hard. Wiggle and pull slowly. These are delicate especially due to age.

Overall this is a moderate repair. Follow step by step and you are good.

Also, use tape and/or labels to mark which cables go where per the MLB and other parts. Resulting in easier reassembly.

A breeze until you get to the display cables and sliding them through the tiny hole that leads the cables under the heat sink and onto the logic board. We gently pry the heat sink up (be careful not to bend too far as it could cause heat sink issues) then use iFixit tweezers to pull the 3 cables through the tiny hole and onto the logic board.

One of the more straight forward display swaps. Compared to the Touch Bar displays these are cake. Takes 30-60 mins.

The tiny P2 screws are the only challenge - get a sturdy P2 driver. After you do a few of these they’re cake. I can swap out the display and touch bar in 60-90 mins max. Use ESD safe mat and tweezers so you don’t break any fragile cables.

Based on ESD safety guidelines: You should remove all components from top case prior to replacing battery.

in reality it’s a waste of 2-3 hours. I swap these in 45 mins max. Disconnect battery, ribbon cable, and speakers.

afterwards use floss and card to pry up battery. Be careful not to damage cables underneath (riskiest part) mini heat gun does the trick.

This repair honestly should not be listed as max difficulty. It’s misleading and Apple overcharges for this: $1,000 - $1,500 as they treat it as a top case swap.

Ted