what is cost to replace keyboard on model A1502 MacBook Pro with Retna?

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us70mc Author

Level 1

16 points

what is cost to replace keyboard on model A1502 MacBook Pro with Retna?

what is cost to replace keyboard on model A1502 MacBook Pro with Retna? Mid-204.

Tab key completely non-functional.

iPhone 7 Plus, iOS 10.3.3

Posted on May 29, 2018 10:32 AM

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Answer 1

us70mc Author

Level 1

16 points

May 29, 2018 10:54 AM in response to JimmyCMPIT

I know the keyboard is screwedup for just that key. Everything functions except the TAB key. The area under the key was blown out with air, same results. A ‘tech spray’ (high quality mil-spec) spray used, same results. Non-conductive probe used to depress contact, same results. I figure on total keyboard replacement and trying to decide on how much it will cost to replace the keyboard for continued use on a 4-year old machine vs. cutting my losses and sell at a drastic cost cut and buy something new and more up-to-date. What is my MBpro13 worth as is? How much with KB replaced? Spent a lot on the MB when new. What is long term plan if I do fix? This is what I’m trying to figure out. Sorry for being long winded.

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Answer 2

JimmyCMPIT

Level 7

29,258 points

May 29, 2018 11:25 AM in response to us70mc

you can put up to 2TB of SSD storage on it, but your RAM is maxed to whatever you bought it with

SSD Upgrade Kits for MacBook Pro Retina Display 2013-2015

short term you could get a USB or BT keyboard until you figure out if it's something you want to keep or unload.

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Answer 3

us70mc Author

Level 1

16 points

May 30, 2018 3:31 PM in response to JimmyCMPIT

Stopped by the Apple store... $425-$450 to repair!!!! It seems that the motherboard is tied directly (hard connected) and total replacement of both as part of a repair is required. Warranty including extension expired. Possibly my end for expensive small laptops. Will look to sell cheap at a later time. Thanks for ideas and reply.

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Answer 4

etresoft

Level 9

51,412 points

May 30, 2018 4:57 PM in response to us70mc

Hello us70mc,

Look for an independent repair shop. I would expect they could do it for much less. The keyboard itself only costs about $50. But the entire machine has to be disassembled to get to the keyboard. You don't need to replace the motherboard as long as you don't break off any of the virtually microscopic connectors on it.

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Answer 5

us70mc Author

Level 1

16 points

May 30, 2018 5:29 PM in response to etresoft

But they said it was an intregal unit that was a single part.

Micro Center tech-type said $70 minimum plus parts. Will have to check their repair reputation. What I don’t want to happen is having someone open my unit and have it all apart then tell me more crap has to be replaced or the cost will be higher than want to pay.

Adding a portable keyboad is not an option because it is no longer the small and portable and powerful workhorse that snuggles on my lap in a waiting room in outpatient or on the couch at home. I’d have a linux desktop if I want a desk-bound box at home.

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Answer 6

y_p_w

Level 6

17,696 points

May 30, 2018 6:01 PM in response to us70mc

us70mc wrote:

Stopped by the Apple store... $425-$450 to repair!!!! It seems that the motherboard is tied directly (hard connected) and total replacement of both as part of a repair is required. Warranty including extension expired. Possibly my end for expensive small laptops. Will look to sell cheap at a later time. Thanks for ideas and reply.

A battery replacement service ($199) simply replaces the top case/battery together for a battery replacement cost. I don't know how it's handled when someone comes in with a Retina MBP for a battery service, where it might have a keyboard issue. At this point they probably have a record of you bringing it in for a keyboard issue.

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Answer 7

etresoft

Level 9

51,412 points

May 30, 2018 7:02 PM in response to us70mc

That seems low. I did a little checking and this machine is even more difficult than the 2011 model where I replaced my keyboard. The keyboard on your machine is held on with about 100 rivets. Perhaps Apple was quoting a price including the top case with battery. People on iFixit report that you can just rip out all the rivets and install a new keyboard with new screws. The steel screws will self-tap into the softer aluminum case. What a mess.

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Answer 8

May 30, 2018 7:05 PM in response to us70mc

Stopped by the Apple store...

$425-$450 to repair!!!!

did you see someone at the genius bar, or someone on the sales floor?

A big problem with random individuals at the Apple Store is that they may have no Institutional memory. Many of them only know about what is on the Sales Floor today. It's as if no older Macs ever existed.

If you your bought in TODAY's MacBook Pro, its field-replaceable unit is the top-cover, including keyboard, trackpad, glued-in battery, and the aluminum plate. It does not include the motherboard. The motherboard (alone) is MORE money that your quote.

On your specific model, I suspect the field-replaceable unit is more likely to be the keyboard alone. But only the genius bar employees have that training for certain, and you are not likely to "walk in" and get seen by them, unless you have an appointment.

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Answer 9

us70mc Author

Level 1

16 points

May 30, 2018 7:19 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

The ‘greeter’ on the floor called over someone who gave the laptop a quick look and told me that it was in the range I said. Genius Bar was swamped and was told could be an hour (or more based on the number of people I observed) wait time. The real shame on all this is that it is only the tab key, which I use in word processing and ‘need’ to work. Thought about re-mapping another key but it is not what I really want. Going to clean my data off after a time machine backup and see what I can dump it on Craigs List for ‘as-is’. Disappointed in the whole thing. 👎-1F3FB;

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Answer 10

JimmyCMPIT

Level 7

29,258 points

May 29, 2018 10:34 AM in response to us70mc

you would need to take it to an Apple Store for an evaluation.

Mac Service Answer Center - Apple Support

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what is cost to replace keyboard on model A1502 MacBook Pro with Retna?

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