Chosen Solution
I’m wondering where it goes and whether it’s essential. It’s black, flat, and about 1/4". It looks like the little one that’s glued above the trackpad, but quite a bit larger. From images on this site, I can’t see that it goes anywhere on the motherboard, or anywhere else immediately visible when first opening the laptop up and removing the battery. Appreciate any help.
Probably one of the plastic tabs that holds the battery in place. They break off easily. Most of the time just one secured one will hold the battery in place. I see them all the time. See them in step #5 of this guide: MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Early 2011 Battery Replacement
