MacBook Air Dead after an Ice Cream accident - LFC#390

Summary

In this tech repair video, a liquid-damaged MacBook Air model A2337 is meticulously inspected. The technician removes the back cover, disconnects the battery, and carefully examines the logic board, finding it surprisingly clean. After cleaning the USB-C ports with isopropyl alcohol and window cleaner, a power issue is resolved by replacing the damaged USB-C connectors. The laptop powers on successfully, and a full charge cycle confirms the repair's success, highlighting the importance of thorough inspection and component replacement in fixing electronic devices.

Takeaways

• 💻 The video is a repair tutorial for a liquid-damaged MacBook Air model A2337.
• 🔧 The repair process begins by removing the back cover and disconnecting the battery to inspect the damage.
• 👀 Initial inspection reveals a surprisingly clean condition, suggesting the possibility of a quick repair.
• 🔌 The technician proceeds to disconnect various connectors from the logic board, including those for the keyboard, trackpad, battery, speaker, microphone array, Wi-Fi antennas, and USB-C ports.
• 🛠 After removing the logic board, it is found to be in good condition, leading to the hypothesis that the keyboard might be the issue.
• 🔄 The MacBook is tested after reassembling, but it exhibits power cycling issues, indicating a problem with the USB-C ports.
• 🔍 Upon closer inspection, the USB-C ports are found to be tarnished and damaged, likely causing the power issues.
• 🧼 The technician cleans the ports with window and glass cleaner followed by isopropyl alcohol to remove residue and tarnish.
• 🔌 After cleaning, the ports are tested with different USB-C connectors to confirm the issue with the original connectors.
• 🆕 Replacing the damaged USB-C connectors resolves the power cycling issue, and the MacBook begins charging normally.
• 🔑 A final keyboard test confirms that the keys are functioning correctly, completing the repair.

Q & A

What type of MacBook is being repaired in the video?

The MacBook being repaired is a MacBook Air, model number A2337.

What is the primary issue with the MacBook in the video?

The primary issue with the MacBook is that it has been liquid damaged, as evidenced by the spots visible on the device.

What is the first step taken in the repair process?

The first step taken is to remove the back cover of the MacBook to inspect the internal components for any signs of damage.

Why does the repairer decide to disconnect the battery?

The repairer disconnects the battery as a safety measure to prevent any electrical issues while working on the internal components.

What tools are used to disconnect the connectors from the logic board?

A T3 screwdriver is used to disconnect the various connectors going to the logic board, including those for the keyboard, trackpad, speaker, microphone array, and USB-C ports.

Why does the repairer suspect the keyboard might be the problem after inspecting the logic board?

The repairer suspects the keyboard might be the problem because the logic board appears to be clean and undamaged, leaving the keyboard as a likely source of issues.

What is the initial test to check if the MacBook powers on after reassembling?

The initial test is to plug in the power and observe if the MacBook powers on, which in this case, it does not, indicating further issues.

What is the observed behavior when the repairer tries to charge the MacBook with the original USB-C ports?

The charger cuts out and does not provide power when plugged into the original USB-C ports, suggesting a problem with the ports or internal connections.

What cleaning method does the repairer use on the USB-C ports?

The repairer first uses window and glass cleaner due to its assurance properties, followed by isopropyl alcohol to clean and remove any residues from the USB-C ports.

What part number is mentioned for the USB-C connectors that were replaced?

The part number mentioned for the USB-C connectors is 821-D01-658.

How does the repairer confirm that the replacement USB-C connectors are working correctly?

The repairer confirms the connectors are working by plugging them into the laptop and observing that the charger does not cut out, and the laptop begins charging at a normal rate.

What final test does the repairer perform on the MacBook before concluding the repair?

The final test is to check the functionality of the keyboard by typing a sentence and using various keys to ensure all keys are working properly.