Macbook pro motherboard repair component

Forums › Laptops and mobile computers › Macbook pro motherboard repair component - Help / Repairer

Wood

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#211656 5-Apr-2017 16:23

Hi Guys,

I am coming on this forum today because this is my last chance to find a solution for me according to my macbook pro. A situation that last for 3 months now and I can't anymore.

To sum up :

I got a macbook pro 13’ from 2012 (A1278).

From one day to the next my keyboard started to be out of control even if, and this is the truth, no liquid was spilled on it. Problem of keys writing nothing consistent and the click-pad doing only the right click on both buttons every other time. Finally the on/off button is not working any more.

Then the first time I found myself without the possibility to restart my computer, having some knowledge in this I used the method consisting to pull out the behind bonnet of the computer. I unplugged the battery cable linked to the logic-board, put it back and finally close the bonnet and plug again the mac to a power point for it to start on its own.

It worked and I did this for two weeks trying to find what was wrong with my computer. But the other day I made a big mistake because I foolishly removed the battery flat cable linked to the logic-board with iron tweezers…

This provoked a short circuit between the different pin of the component J950 on the logic-board. Since that my computer doesn’t start any more, when I plug the magsafe cable, a really feeble green light appear on the diode at the end of the cable.

One of my friend repair Iphone, so he has some knowledge in electronic. He made several test with a multimeter and apparently the component U7000 is dead and needs to be replaced. Unfortunately, we just moved in New Zealand and we don’t have the material needed here ( SMD rework station ) to remove the dead component and place a new one.

And I cannot afford the 500 $ that shops are asking me to pay, as a fix price what ever if they spend only one hour on my computer, If I had the money I would have done that since those three months.

The keyboard has been changed by my friend but I still need to fix the motherboard. And I am fighting to find someone that could change that dead component on the logic-board obstructing all my computer power. Someone that would like extra money or someone that needs an other service in exchange ?

If anybody knows someone that could be interested or maybe that person is you, please let me know !

Thank you very much.

Claire

1101

3122 posts

Uber Geek

#1757447 6-Apr-2017 11:54

Why not tell us what city you're in , thats the very 1st thing to do if seeking this sort of repair :-(

Also, did you want a proper component level diag & repair , or just that one chip replaced (& hope it fixes the issue)

There are local repairs here that do board level repairs and reasonable prices . Not sure if the do Macs, but they do chip replacement

Wood

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1760176 10-Apr-2017 13:11

You are absolutely right, I was too much focused on the details and I forgot to say were I am living.

I am living in AUCKLAND CBD.

I would prefer a replacement just for chips, as I know what needs to be changed. The charging IC(U7000) and Power IC was damaged due to the power surge and they need to be fixed.

Do you know some of the local repairs you are talking about ?

Thank you anyway for responding to my message !

gehenna

8499 posts

Uber Geek

Moderator

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1760199 10-Apr-2017 13:33

Unlikely any repairers will do that, they'll just swap out the logic board.

CYaBro

4583 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#1760216 10-Apr-2017 13:57

Send it to Louis Rossmann in New York!

Opinions are my own and not the views of my employer.

richms

28172 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1760227 10-Apr-2017 14:10

Because of CGA requirements on repairs and unreasonable customers, board level repair is basically extinct in NZ now.

Richard rich.ms

darylblake

1162 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1760245 10-Apr-2017 14:28

CYaBro:

Send it to Louis Rossmann in New York!

This guy is soo funny. He will probably repair it during a live stream on youtube and talk about how someone peed on it. While talking about how stupid the tech's are at apple.

In all seriousness. Talk to the core. If they know someone who can fix it they will help you. If they don't then you will probably be out of luck.

BTR

1527 posts

Uber Geek

#1760569 11-Apr-2017 09:04

TBH and you are not going to want to hear this BUT the 2012 model of machine is 5 years old even if you only bought it 2 years ago. We have a heap of these at work and they are to the point they are failing and dropping to bits. Of all of the Apple laptops we have had over the years this model has been the worst, they have major issues with the HDD cable failing.

If you are going to spend money you would be better to buy a new machine inside of throwing money at something that Apple will soon consider obsolete.

Tradepub

Free professional, reference and technical white papers (affiliate link).

1101

3122 posts

Uber Geek

#1760624 11-Apr-2017 09:47

richms:

Because of CGA requirements on repairs and unreasonable customers, board level repair is basically extinct in NZ now.

No its not. Just a matter of finding them. I know of 2 in Ak that do component level laptop repairs (PC , not Mac) , replace chipsets etc.
Also , they only give very limited warranty on board level repairs (3 months)
$200+ charge for that sort of thing , so is it worth the cost on an older Mac ?

However, if you go to them & say I want this chip replaced , they may not be so keen as will be all sort of issues if it doesnt fix the fault
Could be more trouble than its worth for a repairer. You are basically telling them how to do their job, something they have considerably more experience in.

richms

28172 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1760627 11-Apr-2017 09:53

1101:

No its not. Just a matter of finding them.

We use them often, they do board level chip/chipset/component replacement

Chances are they offer it as a trade service to other people in the IT industry inorder to not be a consumer service.

The thing that sucks is that even with making people sign on the order form that they are buying for a business and that CGA does not apply, pricks can turn around and say they didnt know what they were signing at disputes and get some muppet adjudicator that sides with them.

Richard rich.ms

1101

3122 posts

Uber Geek

#1760633 11-Apr-2017 10:07

richms:

Chances are they offer it as a trade service to other people in the IT industry inorder to not be a consumer service.

Initially a trade service, but they do consumer repairs now . Money is money , and they need enough work to stay in business.
Their success rate is pretty good , only had a few that refailed . I guess they just factor that into the cost .

The CGA can be a nightmare for those on the retail side. Every company I worked for did their best to
ignore/deny any CGA responsibilty . Look the other way, total denial of possible future CGA issues .
Even the big retailers will try & con their way out of CGA commitments. Hence them selling 'extended warranties'

1024kb

1167 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#1781943 14-May-2017 15:51

Are you still looking for someone to do this job, Claire? I use Sergio for board-level repairs on Macs, if anybody can fix your
A1278, he can.

WhatsApp him on 021 204 5763

Megabyte - so geek it megahertz