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Model Number A1707. Released June 2017, this MacBook Pro features Kaby Lake processors up to the 2.8 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost up to 3.8 GHz.

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Best Course Of Action With Flooded Powered-Down MacBook On The Road?

I was unpacking my bag at my hotel and apparently a water bottle leaked directly into my MacBook Pro

I immediately opened it, disconnected the battery, and proceeded to take all of the components of the topcase out that aren't glued in (logic board, trackpad, etc.)

The main areas that seemed to get hit hard were the touchpad, and left battery. The only indicator to go Reed was the one by the touchpad

I dried up all the water I could see, used the hairdryer on the topcase, left it venting until no more moisture came out, let it dry in my hotel overnight, then used the hairdryer again in the morning to be safe for about 20 minutes

I just reassembled it now. Seeing as I'm on tour and leaving this hotel tonight, I can't leave it in pieces to keep drying

I guess my biggest question is, how long should I wait now after all of that before testing it? There's no visible moisture anymore, and again, I left it disassembled and propped up to dry overnight, and then used a hair dryer in the morning

Also… given that the only place I saw moisture was in the topcase components (battery area, trackpad area, possibly keyboard area), and the computer was off when this happened… is it a good idea to turn on at all? Or would it be a better idea to just buy a replacement topcase for $350 on eBay and install all of the elements I'm more confident are not compromised into it, before trying to turn it on?

Like… if the keyboard / trackpad / battery have a short in it, and I test it by turning it on, how great is there risk of damaging the rest of the machine in doing so?

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It seems you’ve done all that’s reasonable to do without being a pro on a workbench. However, you got an expensive Mac there and it seems you use it for work too. Thus, i’d suggest to go one step forward and not trust what you’ve done so far, since a single droplet of water might create a damage worth hundreds of $ in repairs. To be on the safe side don’t try to turn it on until you’ll have access to a basin you can fill with >90% isopropyl alcohol enough to dip in at least the logic board, the most precious part. It would be great if you could do that with the whole top case too, may sound weird but it might save you the 350$ replacement bill. After a good half an hour soaking, remove all and let it dry, it might be useful to blow it with canned air to speed up things and get a better cleanup. If you are in a sunny area, afterwards let it dry at the sun for a few hours or allow a day air drying in a warm place. Reassemble and cross your fingers, if it isn’t already damaged the procedure should dispose properly of any liquid residue. Keep us posted..

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5 Comments:

Is that a good idea - to puposefully submerge the lithium battery, even if it's in alcohol? I would think that could do further damage??

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@andraleia That's not something I would recommend in normal circumstances. Honestly I rinsed batteries with IPA, but never soaked them for longer times and if I had to do the job what I would do also in this case would be remove, rinse the elements briefly, let them dry..

IPA is a very delicate alcohol, it doesn't even harm delicate plastics, it doesn't short components, but cannot guarantee your battery won't be harmed as well as we don't know if your battery has already been killed by the water spill. Just trying to help out of good will and experience here..

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I would add you really only need to wipe the battery down with a damp cloth with IPA. I would hold the battery up and splash some IPA over the logic board part. Letting it fully dry after doing anything.

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@danj Yes, I agree, problem would be the keyboard and other small parts which are very prone to retain droplets that can stay there for ages.

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Likely wouldn't get all of the spill anyway's in the keys. Best to just replace it.

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