Fix Your Stuff Community Store

Mid 2012 model, A1278 / 2.5 GHz i5 or 2.9 GHz i7 processor.

1623 Questions View all

Options

Won't power on, fan twitches when power attached, new logic board?

MacBook suffered liquid damage, looked like it was just keyboard, so was sent away for repair under household insurance. When repair company came to send it back it was tested again and failed to boot up. They suggested the logic board needed replaced. I was able to then get a claim for a brand new MacBook from insurance, and I had a recent backup of my old one so everything is fine really, I just feel that the old one might be possible to resurrect yet.

When plugged in the magsafe light turns green, then when I press the power button it turns to red/amber. Also, when the power cable is attached, the fan immediately starts 'twitching' spinning briefly then stopping. There isn't even a hint of anything else when the power butting is pressed. The battery indicator shows one green light, I know the hard drive works as I've had it out to check, there doesn't seem to be much in the way of corrosion on the top side of the logic board. It does look like the DC in board may have a bit of corrosion or damage to it. I guess my main question is could that apparent damage cause the symptoms I describe?

I've not been able to fully take it all apart yet, but if I do and there is obvious damage/corrosion on the other side of the logic board, is that possible to clean?

Any other ideas what might cause the symptoms as described - again, I guess I'm most interested in DC in board vs logic board. Possibly prepared to fork out for new logic board and replace it myself.

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Yes No
Score 0
Add a comment

1 Answer

Filter by:
Most Helpful Newest Oldest
Chosen Solution

Options

Since you have a green light when magsafe is plugged in, I would rule out Dc/in board damage. Your symptoms description points to the dreaded quarter fan spin, a very difficult damage to diagnose as it points to a fairly large number of components potentially involved. Don't want to discourage you but unless you have very good technical skills, proper tools and lots of patience I would avoid putting too many hopes in your logic board resurrection. However, no harm in trying, if you want to this is the initial step: MacBook water damage - The definitive guide

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 1

2 Comments:

Thanks, that's very helpful info. Not discouraging at all, but it does seem as though without the right equipment I might be on to a loser! Am I to understand from your response, however, that a logic board replacement might bring the computer back to life? Not cheap, but I might be prepared to try it,

by

Sometimes even the right equipment is not enough since a few boards are beyond repair and others are not worth the needed time and efforts. The mid 2012 Pro is still a nice machine..but before buying a brand new logic board try and check carefully all the connectors and see if there are signs of damage to keyboard, screen, battery, etc..

Just trying to avoid surprises as much as possible..

by

Add a comment

Add your answer

Lewis will be eternally grateful.
View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 0

Past 7 Days: 0

Past 30 Days: 1

All Time: 675