Repairing Macbook Air not turning on and shorting

Repairing Macbook Air not turning on and shorting in Adelaide

Macbook Air not turning on repair
Macbook Air not turning on repair

Macbook Air is a very popular model, which we do receive on a regular basis. Mainly with not turning on issues caused by either liquid damage or other power-related problems.

We took the Macbook apart and start investigating the issue preventing it from turning on.

Corroded Communication connector with DC board
Corroded Communication connector with DC board

On initial inspection, we have spotted multiple corrosion spots on both sides of the board. But heavier one was around the power rails.

Heavy short on the power circuit stripped protective coating and damaged capacitors
Heavy short on the power circuit stripped protective coating and damaged capacitors

One particular part was badly corroded and even managed to corrode and strip the protective coating of the board. You can see how shiny copper become visible and even some part of it disappeared due to corrosion and constant current flow.

Macbook & Laptop Repair in Adelaide include a couple of simple steps:

  1. Quote for the repair before any work is done, online or over the phone.
  2. Free pick up in Adelaide for eligible repairs. Alternatively, book an appointment to drop in for a quick assessment while you wait if happy with the received cost idea.
  3. Have a look in front of the customer and confirm the repair cost while the assessment is done.
  4. Diagnostic while repairing the equipment. This involves part testing/replacing and component repairing as we progress through the repair.
    If the repair cost has to change, we confirm with the client and give an option to cancel the repair if exceeds the customer’s budget. Diagnostic fees apply!
  5. Repairing the device within the initially agreed or approved amended cost and ensuring everything works as expected. Plus 30 Days warranty and support.
  6. Returning repaired system back, or pick it up from our workshop at the pre-arranged time.

We start working on the heaviest damaged area first to isolate the short and check if any traces were destroyed. The blue/green corrosion visible on the bottom capacitor is not visible on the previous picture. This is due to this Macbook been worked on by another repair shop before us.

They seemed to brush the oxidation off with spirit and toothbrush. But that, unfortunately, is not always enough to get rid of all corrosion on the board.

Isolating the short
Isolating the short

Once we start soldering and replacing the components the corrosion spots hiding underneath showed themselves.

This is how we ensure that our Macbook liquid damage repairs are long-lasting and reliable.

However, this was only half of the battle. One of the voltage regulator chips was not working as expected too. Due to the traces being completely destroyed by the oxidation.

Traces destroyed around the voltage regulator IC

Next step was to replace this chip and re-wire them missing traces.

Once short removed and chip replaced, laptop turned on and fan kicked in.

Testing battery charging circuit
Testing battery charging circuit

Once we replaced all bad components, repaired traces and ensured macbook now accepts power. There were one last step – to dip our logic board in the ultrasonic cleaner. This way we can ensure there is no more liquid residue which may damage other components in the long term.

In case you have a Macbook which is not behaving as expected and need a repair always rely on professionals, These are expensive computers and small mistake may cause you a fortune. Apple electronics are extremely sensitive to ESD and any mishandling may result in damaged logic board.

Successful repair of Macbook Air
Successful repair of Macbook Air

Once assembled we could see how system loaded and managed to jump into the testing bit.

Please note: This is a showcase of our services, not a tutorial in any sense.  We wouldn't recommend following any of the steps of the article or video to repair your Device yourself! These are sensitive electronics and can get damaged unavoidably! You wouldn't want to be in a situation of your Apple Device worth a lot, being bricked.

Do you need Macbook Repair service in Adelaide?

If you have iMac or MacBook causing troubles and need Mac repair service in Adelaide, give us a call and we will advise for the best scenario to get your Mac repaired. We at IT-Solve, specialise in computer and electronics repairs. And will do our best to repair your Mac quickly without involving high cost or long queue in repair shops. Call us now on 0469317177 or drop us an enquiry through our contact form or support @ it-solve.com.au – Our engineers will respond quickly to your enquiry.