dbinvt wrote:
The service provider made it clear this would be an out-of-warranty repair and comes with a hefty price tag. Since I know my way around the inside of a laptop, *if* I replace the touch bar it's something I will take care of for myself.
Remember there are two sides here...the Touchbar and the Logic Board...which one actually has the problem?
Plus there are two cables for the Touchbar...one for the Touchbar display and the other for data/programming.
I'm curious about simply disconnecting it, though - wondering if there will be any conflicts or panics because the OS is looking for this interface.
I know if the Touchbar is not working correctly that macOS will not be able to communicate with the Touchbar and will insist on installing "A Criticial software update" as macOS refuses to boot normally without the Touchbar (macOS needs to upload the BridgeOS to the Touchbar....I think it is called BridgeOS anyway). It will boot into Safe Mode without a working Touchbar. Of course the only time I've encountered this issue is when their was liquid damage to the Touchbar/Logic Board connector near the back corner.
It doesn't hurt to try disconnecting it to see if the Panics stop (assuming you don't damage something), but make sure to insulate the cable connector so it does not short out & damage the Logic Board. The cables & connectors on these 2016+ Macs are extremely fragile and easily damaged (especially the battery flex cable & battery connector on the Logic Board...there are two steps for disconnecting the battery..a cable & a BMU screw).
Actually replacing the Touchbar is difficult and requires removing the Logic Board as well. The Touchbar is held in place with strong adhesive.
You do need to be aware that many times Apple may refuse to later repair a Mac if they discover any third party parts are installed (or unauthorized repairs were performed). Just keep this in mind in case you need to get service later for something you are unable to repair yourself. With 2018+ models, Apple does pair a lot of the internal components to the Logic Board & T2 security chip so without this pairing macOS may consider itself in a lowered security state where some macOS features may be unavailable. I doubt the Touchbar is paired, but cannot be sure.