MacBook Air (15-inch, M2, 2023) USB-C Boards

Before You Begin

Remove the following parts before you begin:

Tools

  • Adjustable torque driver (10–34 Ncm)

  • I/O connector cowling tape

  • Nylon probe (black stick)

  • Torque driver (blue, 0.65 kgf cm)

  • Torx Plus 3IP 44 mm half-moon

  • Torx Plus 5IP 50 mm bit

  • USB-C charge cable

Note: The images in this procedure show the removal and reinstallation of only one USB-C board. However, the procedure is the same for both.

Removal

  1. Use the flat end of the black stick to peel up the lower right corner of the I/O connector cowling tape. Then peel the tape off the I/O connector cowling. Discard the tape.

  2. Use the blue torque driver and 3IP bit to remove the three 3IP screws (923-08925) from the I/O connector cowling. Remove the cowling and save it for reassembly.

  3. Use the flat end of the black stick to lift the end of the USB-C flex cable off the connector.

  4. Lift the end of the USB-C flex cable (1) as you use the black stick to loosen the adhesive (2). Then peel the USB-C flex cable off the top case.

  5. Use the 10–34 Ncm adjustable torque driver and 5IP bit to remove the two 5IP screws (923-08978) from the USB-C board.

  6. Tilt up the USB-C board and lift it out of the top case.

Reassembly

  1. If you’re installing a replacement USB-C board, peel the adhesive liner from flex cable.

  2. Position the USB-C board in the top case.

  3. Use the 10–34 Ncm adjustable torque driver and 5IP bit to partially reinstall the two 5IP screws (923-08978) into the USB-C board.

  4. Plug one end of the USB-C charge cable into the port (1) to ensure USB-C board alignment. Adjust the alignment of the USB-C board until the end of the cable is easy to insert and remove.

    • Danger: Ensure that the USB-C charge cable isn't plugged into power.

  5. Set the torque value on the adjustable torque driver to 11.5 Ncm. Use the adjustable torque driver and 5IP bit to fully reinstall the two 5IP screws (2) into the USB-C board.

  6. Remove the USB-C charge cable.

  7. Use the flat end of the black stick to gently press and hold the USB-C board flex cable against the USB-C board (1). Then press the end of the USB-C flex cable to the connector (2).

  8. Press and hold the USB-C board flex cable for 10 seconds to adhere it to the top case.

  9. Position the I/O connector cowling over the ends of the flex cables.

  10. Use the blue torque driver and 3IP bit to reinstall the three 3IP screws (923-08925) into the I/O connector cowling.

  11. Remove the backing from the I/O connector cowling tape. Then align the tape with the right edge of the I/O connector cowling as shown.

    • Caution: Ensure that the I/O connector cowling tape doesn’t extend over the edge of the cowling.

  12. Press along the length of the I/O connector cowling tape to adhere it to the I/O connector cowling.

  13. Slightly peel back the top left corner of the adhesive liner. Then slowly roll the liner off the I/O connector cowling tape.

Reinstall the following parts to complete reassembly:

Published Date: