Apple Powerbook 5300 Trackpad Replacement

Written By: Scott

Comments: 1

Apple Powerbook 5300 Trackpad Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

No estimate

Introduction

This guide provides instructions for removing the trackpad on your Apple Powerbook 5300 so it can be replaced. The trackpad is used to control the cursor on the computer with your fingers so you can interact with websites and applications. This guide may be necessary if your trackpad is not working properly or is unresponsive to your touch. Before replacing the trackpad, try restarting the computer and checking cables and connections. Check out the Apple Powerbook 5300 Troubleshooting page for more troubleshooting details. Be sure to power down the device before beginning this guide.

Tools

TR8 Torx Security Screwdriver

Step 1

Position the Powerbook towards you with the monitor closed.
Press the battery removal latch located on the right side of the front panel.
Gently slide the battery out.
The keyboard, front pane, and hard drive are connected to the laptop's logic board via a ribbon cable. Lift up slowly on each component with one hand and disconnect the ribbons from their ports on the logic board.

Step 2

Turn the laptop over and remove the three T8 torx screws from the bottom panel.

Step 3

Turn the laptop back over and open the monitor.
With the monitor facing towards you, gently pull up on the keyboard panel from the bottom.
With the keyboard turned over as pictured, carefully remove its ribbon cable from the connection port on the logic board. Use a spudger to lift the white plastic retainer about 1/16" to release the cable.

Use a spudger under one of the keys on the bottom row to very gently lift until you can use your hand to lift the keyboard.

Mike Polek - 28/06/16

Step 4

Lift up and forward on the front portion of the laptop. Watch out for the ribbon cable, and disconnect it by pulling the cable straight up and out of its connector.