Chemical smell... power supply?

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Apple Thunderbolt Display

27" display with 2560 x 1440 pixels resolution Thunderbolt & MagSafe cable attachments

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Vanx @vanx

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Posted: Dec 18, 2020

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Chemical smell... power supply?

Hello, I started noticing a strong chemical smell coming from the bottom left air-vents of the Thunderbolt Display, but no other signs. The brightness is fine, it powers the MacBook, and no strange behavior. I ordered a PSU replacement, did I make the right choice? Should I also replace the FAN? (but I’m finding only used fans…)

@danj Thanks Dan, mine is different. Look at the photo, I marked what seems to originate the bad smell. Is still the component you mentioned before?

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19 Comments:

Without opening it up to inspect things it could be anything!

Dec 18, 2020 by Dan

Hello Dan thanks, yes it could off course... but I didn't want to open it without first having something to swap, as I have fear for that delicate wires that need to be disconnected to separate the two monitor parts. I wanted to know if, based on experience, this smell could indicate a faulty PSU, as the fan itself shouldn't make burning smell (am I right?), and it pushes air through the PSU pub and then it gets out on the left air vent at the bottom

Dec 18, 2020 by Vanx

I've replaced more logic boards than PS on these monitors. A fan would not be the first thing I would suspect.

Dec 18, 2020 by Dan

Thanks, so I need to open it and check every power rail I suppose? At this time not other sign of malfunctioning (unfortunately). I could keep in using it, but the only thing is I have fear the smell could be toxic.. what did you find on defective logic boards?

Dec 19, 2020 by Vanx

Burnt caps mostly

Dec 19, 2020 by Dan

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Without opening it up to inspect things it could be anything! — Dan
Hello Dan thanks, yes it could off course... but I didn't want to open it without first having something to swap, as I have fear for that delicate wires that need to be disconnected to separate the two monitor parts. I wanted to know if, based on experience, this smell could indicate a faulty PSU, as the fan itself shouldn't make burning smell (am I right?), and it pushes air through the PSU pub and then it gets out on the left air vent at the bottom — Vanx
I've replaced more logic boards than PS on these monitors. A fan would not be the first thing I would suspect. — Dan
Thanks, so I need to open it and check every power rail I suppose? At this time not other sign of malfunctioning (unfortunately). I could keep in using it, but the only thing is I have fear the smell could be toxic.. what did you find on defective logic boards? — Vanx