Over the weekend between me and a relative I managed to spill some of a sticky protein type drink on the Kb. Immediately flipped it over and rested it on some clothing. It seems it hasn’t immediately shorted as the desktop was still visible till I forced power off. I was able to remove the bottom and start with the ifixit remove logic board steps, but won’t be able to even disconnect the battery fully till a couple of ifixit driver bits arrive. So in the meantime I’d appreciate your thoughts on where I’m at. Despite the significant number of steps involved, I think I should go for a full logic board removal - before using 99% Isopropanol to try to clean the keyboard. Yes there’s risk in the strip down/reassembly, but I feel outweighed the risk of thinner alcohol/ drink mix reaching the logic board if I don’t. Appreciate any experience/ thoughts shared. I should say no AppleCare
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Liquid spill on MBP M3 Max - advice?
- Thread starter tigerintank
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JPack
macrumors P6
Given the time sensitivity of the issue (corrosion starts happening quickly) and the value of the device, bring it to a shop which specializes in MacBook repairs for cleaning and KB replacement.
I have had a 14" MBP killed by liquid earlier in the year.
I don't think this is a good DIY task. Replacing logic board is not only physically challenging, but the re-pairing of the components might be difficult or impossible without Apple software.
Going through Apple is def going be $$$. I think my charge was $1400.
I don't think this is a good DIY task. Replacing logic board is not only physically challenging, but the re-pairing of the components might be difficult or impossible without Apple software.
Going through Apple is def going be $$$. I think my charge was $1400.
Thanks for the replies - some good things to think about there.
Sorry for the delay in following up - I’m distracted by something vm unrelated.
Expense associated with a professional repair might be an issue - but I should do some investigating for sure. I’m in London UK so I’d think there’ll be a few 3rd party options. Using Apple direct I definitely expect to be out of reach for what I’m currently willing / able to pay.
I’m currently assuming the liquid didn’t reach the logic board - thickness of liquid, speed of my flipping it over and the system staying operational whilst it was inverted - before I powered off.
So from there I’m not considering a need to replace the logic board with those pairing challenges etc - it’s more that using alcohol to try to clean the keyboard feels like it’ll definitely allow that much thinner liquid to flow through the top of the case - meaning everything needs to be removed before that.
I suppose if I could figure out a way to clean it whilst it was inverted then that might work - can’t come up with one tho!
Also saw some info that removing keycaps brings some significant challenges including some that you just can’t - space bar for example.
Sorry for the delay in following up - I’m distracted by something vm unrelated.
Expense associated with a professional repair might be an issue - but I should do some investigating for sure. I’m in London UK so I’d think there’ll be a few 3rd party options. Using Apple direct I definitely expect to be out of reach for what I’m currently willing / able to pay.
I’m currently assuming the liquid didn’t reach the logic board - thickness of liquid, speed of my flipping it over and the system staying operational whilst it was inverted - before I powered off.
So from there I’m not considering a need to replace the logic board with those pairing challenges etc - it’s more that using alcohol to try to clean the keyboard feels like it’ll definitely allow that much thinner liquid to flow through the top of the case - meaning everything needs to be removed before that.
I suppose if I could figure out a way to clean it whilst it was inverted then that might work - can’t come up with one tho!
Also saw some info that removing keycaps brings some significant challenges including some that you just can’t - space bar for example.
I’ll definitely test that before I go further. Just need to reconnect the battery data cable - the one that’s the earliest disconnect step in the ifixit logic board removal article. I’ll probably do that this weekend - I was planning on using an external screen and kb - to copy off some key files before delving into the strip down.
Yes agreed if I need to replace the full MBP or even just the top case - I’ll do what I can to avoid a new Apple price. Would even consider buying an M2 or M3 from someone who’s upgrading say to an M5 - that’d be a new experience for me as I’ve always bought new / refurb Apple.