MacBook Air (M1, 2020) Antenna Module
Before You Begin
Remove the following parts before you begin:
Tools
Antenna tool
ESD-safe tweezers
Ethanol wipes or isopropyl alcohol (IPA) wipes
Nylon probe (black stick)
Torx T5 screwdriver
Important
This procedure may require replacement antenna gasket and tape.
Removal
Caution
The antenna module is fragile. Don’t bend it.
Use the T5 screwdriver to remove the four T5 screws (923-04700) from the antenna module (1).
Use the T5 screwdriver to remove the two T5 screws (923-03679) from the timing controller (TCON) board (2).
Gently slide the flat end of the black stick below one of the four screw holes (1) to loosen the antenna module from the tape on the top case. Then rotate the black stick until you feel a click (2).
Repeat this motion below the other three screw holes to release the antenna module from the tape.
If the antenna module doesn’t release from the tape, slowly and gently slide the black stick under the module to loosen it.
Lift the antenna module out of the top case.
Reassembly
Caution
If the liner inside the top case looks wrinkled or misaligned, replace the top case before proceeding.
Inspect both sides of the top case for damage to the tape. If the tape looks like these examples, skip to step 7.
If the tape is wrinkled or misaligned but not torn (1), use the pointed end of the black stick to smooth it (2). Then skip to step 7. If the tape is torn away from the top case (3), use ESD-safe tweezers to remove the tape.
Use an ethanol wipe or IPA wipe to clean any adhesive residue from the top case.
Peel the adhesive backing from the replacement tape.
Use ESD-safe tweezers to position the tape in the top case.
Use the flat end of the black stick to smooth the tape into place.
Inspect the gaskets for damage on the right and left sides of the antenna module. If the gaskets look like these examples, skip to step 13.
If one or both of the gaskets are wrinkled (1), use the flat end of the black stick to smooth them (2). Then skip to step 13. If one or both of the gaskets are torn (3), use ESD-safe tweezers to remove the gaskets.
Use an IPA wipe to clean any adhesive residue from the antenna module.
Peel the adhesive backing from the replacement gasket.
Use ESD-safe tweezers to position the gasket on the antenna module (1).
Use the flat end of the black stick to smooth the gasket into place (2).
- Caution: If part of one or both of the gaskets remains adhered to the tape on either side of the top case, replace the affected gasket and tape.
Lower the antenna module into the top case with the gasket side down. Route the TCON board through the opening of the antenna module.
Use the blunt end of the antenna tool to press the middle of the antenna module until you feel it lock into place.
Gently wiggle the antenna module to ensure that it’s securely attached.
Use the T5 screwdriver to reinstall the four T5 screws (923-04700) into the antenna module (1).
Position the TCON board so it lays flat in the opening of the antenna module.
Use the T5 screwdriver to reinstall the two T5 screws (923-03679) into the TCON board (2).
Reinstall the following parts to complete reassembly: