MacBook Pro 2016-2017 Repair — Pre-T2 Specialist
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The 2016-2017 MacBook Pro is the first generation of Apple’s “thin” Touch Bar redesign — Intel 6th / 7th gen, pre-T2 era (so SSDs are less locked-down for recovery), first-generation butterfly keyboard (highest failure rate), introduced flexgate display cable issue. This is the most problematic generation Apple shipped but also the most-serviceable for data recovery because of the lack of T2 encryption.
2016-2017 MBP-specific issues: butterfly keyboard failure (first-gen was worst — Apple extended its service program for this specifically through 2022), flexgate display dimming + dark spots, SSD controller failure on certain configurations (Apple service program through 2024), and battery swell at year 5-6. Out-of-warranty service is now our domain — Apple support has officially ended for these.
Models We Service
Every generation we currently service:
| Model | Display | CPU | GPU | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Pro 15″ 2017 | Retina 2880×1800 IPS | i7-7700HQ / i7-7820HQ | Radeon Pro 555 / 560 | First Touch Bar redesign |
| MacBook Pro 13″ 2017 | Retina 2560×1600 IPS | i5-7267U / i5-7287U / i7-7567U | Iris Plus 640 / 650 | Touch Bar + non-Touch Bar |
| MacBook Pro 15″ 2016 | Retina 2880×1800 IPS | i7-6700HQ / i7-6820HQ | Radeon Pro 450 / 455 / 460 | Touch Bar introduction |
| MacBook Pro 13″ 2016 | Retina 2560×1600 IPS | i5-6360U / i5-6267U / i7-6567U | Iris 540 / 550 | Touch Bar + non-Touch Bar |
Our Repair Process
- Free quote.
- Drop-off, onsite (software) or insured courier.
- Data image safety net.
- Workshop turnaround 1-3 days typical.
- 90-day warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
MacBook Pro 2016-2017 Repair faults we repair every week
First-generation butterfly keyboard failure
Symptom: Keys stop registering, repeat letters, or sink below deck
How we fix it: Remove top case assembly, replace entire butterfly mechanism and scissor assembly with revised 2018-spec parts, then recalibrate SMC.
Repair or replace? replace — the original mechanism cannot be reliably repaired.
Flexgate display cable fatigue
Symptom: Screen flickers or dims on one side after opening the lid past 90 degrees
How we fix it: Replace the 30-pin display flex cable routed through the left hinge; re-route with extra service loop and test lid-angle sensor.
Repair or replace? repair — cable replacement restores full brightness and angle range.
SSD controller / NAND failure
Symptom: Mac boots to question mark folder or shows S.M.A.R.T. errors on APFS volumes
How we fix it: Image the NVMe drive via external enclosure before board work, then replace the PCIe SSD module with a compatible Samsung PM991 or equivalent.
Repair or replace? depends — data recovery first, then replace drive.
Battery cell swell after 5–6 years
Symptom: Trackpad lifts, case bows, or intermittent shutdowns under load
How we fix it: Remove swollen 11.4 V 74 Wh pack, clean adhesive residue from aluminium frame, install genuine-spec A1713 replacement and reset SMC.
Repair or replace? replace — swollen cells present fire risk and must be exchanged.
Left I/O board USB-C port damage
Symptom: No charging on left port or 20 V negotiation failure
How we fix it: Desolder damaged USB-C receptacle on the I/O board, install new receptacle with high-temperature solder, then re-flash SMC firmware.
Repair or replace? repair — board-level port replacement avoids full logic-board cost.
MacBook Pro 2016-2017 Repair price guide
| Repair | Indicative price | Typical turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Butterfly keyboard replacement (13-inch) | $380-$520+ | 1-2 days |
| Butterfly keyboard replacement (15-inch) | $420-$580+ | 1-2 days |
| Flexgate display cable replacement | $260-$340+ | same day |
| Battery replacement (A1713) | $190-$260+ | same day |
| SSD data recovery + replacement | from $295 | 2-3 days |
| USB-C I/O board port repair | $165-$225+ | 1 day |
| No-fix-no-fee diagnostic | from $149 | 2-5 business days |
Prices are indicative only — every job is confirmed with a free, no-obligation quote after diagnosis. No Fix, No Fee.
MacBook Pro 2016-2017 Repair — your questions answered
Can you recover my files if the MacBook Pro 2016 SSD has failed?
Yes. We first create a sector-level image of the NVMe drive using a PCIe adapter before any board-level work. Most 2016-2017 models allow direct chip-off or controller bypass recovery if the NAND is still intact.
Is the butterfly keyboard still covered by Apple even though the program ended in 2022?
Apple’s extended service program closed in 2022. We now handle these repairs using revised 2018-spec butterfly mechanisms that last longer than the original 2016-2017 parts.
How long does a flexgate cable repair take on a 15-inch 2016 model?
The job usually takes 90-120 minutes in workshop. We replace the 30-pin flex routed through the left hinge and add extra service loop so the cable lasts the remaining life of the machine.
Will a swollen battery damage the trackpad or logic board on my 2017 MacBook Pro?
Continued swelling can lift the trackpad and press against the underside of the logic board. We replace the battery and inspect the aluminium frame for distortion before reassembly.
Do you charge for diagnostics if you cannot fix my 2016 MacBook Pro?
No. Our no-fix-no-fee policy means you only pay if we identify a repairable fault. If the machine is beyond economical repair we return it with the diagnostic findings at no charge.
