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Spilled coffee (with milk) on the keyboard. Now the keyboard works sporadically. Works perfectly when connected to an external keyboard. Is there a way I can repair the keyboard? Read some answers on iFixit. Some say replace the top case while others suggest replacing the keyboard. Is there a difference between the two?
Thanks
Abhishek
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You can try Dan's suggestion on cleaning the uppercase but I doubt it will work.
The 13" model's keyboard cannot be replaced as it is bradded into place. It sounds to me like you've only shorted out the uppercase and not the logic board. This is a difficult and expensive repair but you can do it. You'll just need to replace the uppercase. When you get the machine torn down, carefully examine the bottom plastic on the keyboard for evidence of liquid getting through. Then check the bottom of the logic board. Here's where to spend your time cleaning if you see any evidence of contamination. Please do this quickly as corrosion can set in fairly quickly.
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Thank you for the answers. The coffee spill happened a year ago and the laptop came in my possession recently. Looks like I will have to replace the uppercase. I will definitely check for other damages.
I forgot to mention before that if I leave the laptop sitting idle for a few days, the keyboard starts to function perfectly for a day or two. Not sure why or how!!
What would be part no for the uppercase? There seems to be multiple parts relating to "uppercase" on ebay.
I need to know your exact machine to get you the correct part number please give us the last three figures of your serial number.
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It's a lot of work just to get to the keyboard to try to clean it if you can.
This model has two different top case versions 661-5396 (side by side serial numbers - '09 model) & 661-5590 (stacked seal numbers - '09 & 10 models)
Follow this guide: MacBook Unibody Model A1342 Upper Case Replacement.
To try to clean it:
Get a gallon of distilled water (don't use tap water!) in a shallow pan, After removing as much of the hardware as possible (speakers) & pop off the keycaps as well. Try dipping the whole top case moving it about in the water to try to get all of the dried coffee & milk dissolved into the water. Change out the water a few times then dip the case into a pan of a high grade of isopropyl alcohol (85% or better). You want to dip it into a second fresh pan to make sure you have fully displaced the water with the alcohol. Now shake out the case of whats left and let it air dry a couple of days near a window to warm it a bit. Hopefully you can recover your keyboard Vs replacing it.
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