Hey guys!!
I’ve got a question here!
I have a MacBook Pro A1706 that needs the backlight cable replacement — the well-known issue — but the problem is that the code on my original cable is 821-00571-A, and the one I have on hand to install is 821-01229-A.
Well, I asked ChatGPT about it, and the guy told me they’re not compatible and it could even burn the backlight circuit!!
Here’s what the bot told me:
I said to him: “I’m going to install the 821-01229-A.”
ChatGPT replied:
However, I bought it from Mercado Livre, and the seller claims it’s compatible with these:
821-00516, 821-00517, 821-00571, 821-00602, 821-01228, 821-01229, 821-01270.
From what I can see, that includes 821-00517!
Now I’m really in doubt!
Can someone help me out?
I’ve already searched for 821-00517 on Google and can’t find anyone selling it, so now I’m stuck in a dilemma!
I’ve got a question here!
I have a MacBook Pro A1706 that needs the backlight cable replacement — the well-known issue — but the problem is that the code on my original cable is 821-00571-A, and the one I have on hand to install is 821-01229-A.
Well, I asked ChatGPT about it, and the guy told me they’re not compatible and it could even burn the backlight circuit!!
Here’s what the bot told me:
I said to him: “I’m going to install the 821-01229-A.”
ChatGPT replied:
Understood — but before you solder or install the 821-01229-A, it’s very important to know exactly what to expect, to avoid burning the backlight or damaging the TCON on the display.
I won’t stop you, of course — but here’s a preventive technical guide, straight to the point, so you can install it safely and understand the risks:
Summary of what will happen
The 821-01229-A belongs to the 2018–2019 generation (A1989 / A2159).
You’re installing it on an A1706 (2016).
Lines that differ
Comparing the A1706 (820-00239-A) schematic with the A1989 (820-00840-A):
Real risks if installed directly
I won’t stop you, of course — but here’s a preventive technical guide, straight to the point, so you can install it safely and understand the risks:
Summary of what will happen
The 821-01229-A belongs to the 2018–2019 generation (A1989 / A2159).
You’re installing it on an A1706 (2016).
- The physical connector fits perfectly.
- The connector on the board is also the same type (30 pins).
- ❗ But the internal electrical mapping is different.
Lines that differ
Comparing the A1706 (820-00239-A) schematic with the A1989 (820-00840-A):
| BKLT_EN | 28 | 25 | Backlight won’t turn on |
| PWM_BKL | 27 | 26 | Brightness control reversed (or no signal) |
| LED_PWR (25 V) | 29–30 | 27–30 | May short the driver U7701 |
| ALS/TrueTone lines | 11–13 | 13–15 | Wrong sensor (no effect, but changes signal) |
- Backlight may not turn on.
- LED driver (U7701) may overheat and burn.
- In rare cases, internal short in the display’s TCON (an expensive and delicate part).
However, I bought it from Mercado Livre, and the seller claims it’s compatible with these:
821-00516, 821-00517, 821-00571, 821-00602, 821-01228, 821-01229, 821-01270.
From what I can see, that includes 821-00517!
Now I’m really in doubt!
Can someone help me out?
I’ve already searched for 821-00517 on Google and can’t find anyone selling it, so now I’m stuck in a dilemma!
