MacBook Air (15-inch, M3, 2024) MagSafe 3 Board

Before You Begin

Warning

Read Battery Safety and follow workspace and battery handling guidelines before you begin.

Remove the following parts before you begin:

Tools

  • Adjustable torque driver (10–34 Ncm)

  • Ethanol wipes or isopropyl alcohol (IPA) wipes

  • I/O connector cowling tape

  • Nylon probe (black stick)

  • Torque driver (blue, 0.65 kgf cm)

  • Torx Plus 3IP 25 mm bit

  • Torx Plus 3IP 44 mm half-moon bit

  • Torx Plus 5IP 50 mm bit

  • USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable

Refer to a full list of tools required for all repairs.

Note: This procedure requires input/output (I/O) connector cowling tape, which is included with a replacement logic board, but can also be ordered separately.

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 44 mm half-moon 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 MagSafe 3 board flex cable off the connector.

  4. Lift the end of the MagSafe 3 board flex cable (1) and use the flat end of the black stick to loosen the flex cable adhesive. Then peel the flex cable off the top case (2).

  5. Use the 10–34 Ncm adjustable torque driver and 3IP 25 mm bit to remove the two 3IP screws from the MagSafe 3 board wedge.

  6. Use the adjustable torque driver and 5IP bit to remove the two 5IP screws (923-08977) from the MagSafe 3 board.

  7. Slide the MagSafe 3 board wedge out of the top case.

    • Note: If you're replacing the MagSafe 3 board during reassembly, dispose of the wedge. If you're reinstalling the same MagSafe 3 board, save the wedge for reassembly.

  8. Lift the MagSafe 3 board out of the top case.

  9. Use the flat end of the black stick and an ethanol wipe or an IPA wipe to remove any residual adhesive from the top case.

    • Caution: Don't touch any other parts or flex cables near the area you're cleaning.

Reassembly

  1. If you’re installing a replacement MagSafe 3 board, continue to step 2. If you’re reinstalling the existing MagSafe 3 board, skip to step 3.

  2. Peel the adhesive backing from the MagSafe 3 board flex cable.

  3. Position the MagSafe 3 board in the top case.

  4. Use the 10–34 Ncm adjustable torque driver and 5IP bit to partially reinstall the two 5IP screws (923-08977) into the MagSafe 3 board.

  5. Plug the MagSafe 3 end of the USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable into the MagSafe 3 port to ensure alignment.

    • Danger: Ensure that the USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable isn't plugged into power.

  6. Position the MagSafe 3 board wedge in the top case.

    • Important: If you're replacing the MagSafe 3 board, use the wedge included with the MagSafe 3 board replacement kit. If you're reinstalling the same MagSafe 3 board from the removal steps, reinstall the original wedge.

  7. Use the adjustable torque driver and 3IP 25 mm bit to partially reinstall the two 3IP screws into the wedge.

    • Important: If you're replacing the MagSafe 3 board, use the 3IP screws included with the MagSafe 3 board replacement kit. If you're reinstalling the same MagSafe 3 board from the removal steps, reinstall the original 3IP screws (923-08976).

  8. Set the torque value on the adjustable torque driver to 10 Ncm. Use the flat end of the black stick to push and hold the MagSafe 3 board wedge against the top case. Use the adjustable torque driver and 3IP 25 mm bit to fully reinstall the two 3IP screws into the wedge.

  9. Set the torque value on the adjustable torque driver to 17.5 Ncm. Use the adjustable torque driver and 5IP bit to fully reinstall the two 5IP screws (1) into the MagSafe 3 board.

  10. Unplug the USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable from the MagSafe 3 port (2).

  11. Use the flat end of the black stick to push and hold the MagSafe 3 board flex cable against the MagSafe 3 board (1). Press the end of the flex cable to the connector (2).

  12. Press and hold the MagSafe 3 board flex cable for 30 seconds to adhere it to the top case.

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

  14. Use the blue torque driver and 3IP 44 mm half-moon bit to reinstall the three 3IP screws (923-08925) into the I/O connector cowling.

  15. Remove the adhesive backing from the replacement 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.

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

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

Reinstall the following parts to complete reassembly:

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