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Trackpad and keyboard liquid damage

acvaledon -

MacBook Air 13" Mid 2012

MacBook Air 13" Mid 2012 Trackpad Replacement

MacBook Air 13" Mid 2012 Trackpad Replacement

50 minutes - 2 hours

Moderate

My Problem

I spilled coffee on the trackpad and keyboard

My Fix

I used the guide for replacing a top case in order to take apart the computer. Based off of advice I read, I cleaned the parts with 91% isopropyl alcohol. The keyboard cable was crusted in coffee, as was the entire trackpad. I cleaned these off with the alcohol and a baby toothbrush. After putting it back together, the keyboard worked perfectly, but the trackpad was still wonky (wouldn't click and cursor jumped around). I ordered a new trackpad from the ifixit store and used the guide to replace it, and now the computer works perfectly!!

Apple quoted me $755 to "fix" my computer. I did it myself for about $130.

My Advice

The process of taking the Macbook Air apart was a lot easier than I thought it would be. It was just a bit time-consuming. Definitely use the pentalobe screwdriver- I stripped some screws because I was overeager while waiting for my screwdriver to come in the mail, and had to go to a computer repair store to get them back out to replace the trackpad (they were super nice and didn't charge me anything for removing the screws).

Be careful not to over-tighten the screws that keep the battery in place. I cracked the plastic a bit this way.

MacBook Air 13" (Mid 2012) Trackpad Image
MacBook Air 13" (Mid 2012) Trackpad

$94.99

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One Comment

I needed to use a T6 on step 10 instead of a T5 screwdriver.

David Cantu - Reply

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