Chosen Solution
Hi, WiFi on my MacBook has had minimal reception and even then doesn’t function enough to keep a network connection unless the AP is within a foot of the MacBook Pro. I am using an external adapter (802.11ac) but it’s a bit inconvenient to be trucking around and I’m sure it’s wearing-down the USB port contacts. So long story short, i’d like to know what part I should be ordering (for the internal WiFi antenna) and a pointer to instructions on how to install it (getting past that clutch cover as well).. Bought used: MacBook Pro Late 2011 “MacBookPro8,2” BTO A1286 2.5GHz 16GB RAM, Crucial SSD installed in it, glossy non-high-resolution display. The clutch cover which i believe houses the antenna PCB had a hairline crack in it when I bought it I suspect the PCB and/or antenna cables might have sustained damage at one point. I’d bought one similar to this, labelled “A1286” and for a 15" 2011 though, but on arrival it had a less # of connecting wires than the original. Maybe it was the wrong model in the description: https://bit.ly/2vbzGc0 I’m getting the feeling that I might need one of these, but even still I don’t know how I’d install it: https://bit.ly/2LySrkJ Because I’d seen a post somewhere claiming the these cables are problematic in this model, I’d also replaced the AirPort card flex cable with a “new” one (ordered from somewhere else, this is just for pic purposes): https://bit.ly/2LvlWU9 I ordered that after trying to put reseating the cable & putting additional pressure on the ends & holding down with tape (didn’t help). Also bought a clutch cover but I don’t know how to remove the broken one and install the new one. Do I have to remove the glass from the screen to install & run wires, or is everything behind that clutch cover and wires inside the top case/keyboard area? Do I need to do purchase a specific item to avoid losing iSight & Bluetooth? Thanks.
Unless you’ve damaged the cable end of the antenna connections to the AirPort board. I would focus on the board cable MacBook Pro 15" Unibody (Early 2011-Mid 2012) Airport/Bluetooth Cable. Here’s the IFIXIT guide: MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Late 2011 AirPort/Bluetooth Cable Replacement. Besides its just easier to put in ;-} Yes, the Antenna cable assembly P/N 818-2020 is the correct cable.
