2015 Macbook Pro charges but won't turn on - already tried resetting SMC

[steiney]

I have a 2015 Macbook Pro that will charge but won't turn on. I am trying to figure out what component has gone bad. When I last used the computer, everything was working fine. I slept the computer and left it for several days. When I came back to it, I expected the battery to be dead. I plugged it in to charge. The light turns orange, but the computer won't turn on.

I've tried resetting the SMC, but that did not help.

Does anyone have any idea what component could have gone bad? I am fairly good with hardware repairs, so I'm thinking I can replace the component if I can identify it.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

So nothing happens pressing on button for a duration? No chime, screen flicker, just silence? Do the 2015 still have the LED row on the side for batt capacity? Could your battery finally just be toast?

I had the opposite with a much older MBP where the charge light stayed on green and needed the mag safe board replaced (twice) in its life. Also check there's no crud build up in the charging port.

There was a recall re 2015 model batteries, probably long finished but I'll post you the link:

15-inch MacBook Pro Battery Recall Program - Apple Support

15-inch MacBook Pro Battery Recall Program

support.apple.com

 

[steiney]

So nothing happens pressing on button for a duration? No chime, screen flicker, just silence? Do the 2015 still have the LED row on the side for batt capacity? Could your battery finally just be toast?

I had the opposite with a much older MBP where the charge light stayed on green and needed the mag safe board replaced (twice) in its life. Also check there's no crud build up in the charging port.

There was a recall re 2015 model batteries, probably long finished but I'll post you the link:

15-inch MacBook Pro Battery Recall Program - Apple Support

15-inch MacBook Pro Battery Recall Program

support.apple.com

Hey! Thanks for the reply. No, nothing happens when I press the power button, whether for less than one second, one second, two seconds, seven seconds, ten seconds, etc.

When I reset the SMC, the light on the charging cable briefly turns from orange to green, then back to orange.

I have never seen any LEDs on the side of the computer, so I would guess it does not have that feature. This computer is a refurb, but I'm not sure if the battery in it was replaced or not, however the fact that the charger light turns orange seems to indicate to me that the battery is charging.

Thanks for the link. I'll check that out, but you're probably right that it's expired. I remember hearing about that a long time ago.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

@steiney any trackpad anomalies? Perhaps remove the bottom case and inspect the batteries for swelling.

 

[steiney]

@Me any trackpad anomalies? Perhaps remove the bottom case and inspect the batteries for swelling.

No, it was working fine before the computer died. It's looking like it's the logic board, after doing a bit more research. It could possibly be the DC-in board. That part is only ~$5.00, so I'm going to give that shot first. If not, I'll part this computer out and buy a working one on eBay. I've done that once before and ended up profiting almost a couple hundred dollars. It's just a bit of a hassle, taking it apart, listing all the components and then driving to the post office every time something sells.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

No, it was working fine before the computer died. It's looking like it's the logic board, after doing a bit more research. It could possibly be the DC-in board. That part is only ~$5.00, so I'm going to give that shot first. If not, I'll part this computer out and buy a working one on eBay. I've done that once before and ended up profiting almost a couple hundred dollars. It's just a bit of a hassle, taking it apart, listing all the components and then driving to the post office every time something sells.

Yup, the DC board I had replaced, twice. My symptoms though were batt 10% charged and charging light remaining on green (so not charging). Much much older model MBP though. Be interesting nonetheless checking the physical battery state and entering your serial number into that recall link.

 

[steiney]

Yup, the DC board I had replaced, twice. My symptoms though were batt 10% charged and charging light remaining on green (so not charging). Much much older model MBP though. Be interesting nonetheless checking the physical battery state and entering your serial number into that recall link.

I'm going to pop the bottom case off and will let you know what I find, but I actually can't get the serial number unless I can get the computer to turn on, so I won't be able to check on the battery recall.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

@steiney have they stopped writing the S/N on the bottom case? Could be wrong but still tipping battery. Yup, pls do let us know what the problem was.

 

[steiney]

@Me have they stopped writing the S/N on the bottom case? Could be wrong but still tipping battery. Yup, pls do let us know what the problem was.

Yeah, I was surprised. That's where I looked, but there is definitely not a serial number written on the bottom.

Are you saying you still thing the battery is the problem? It doesn't seem likely to me because the battery was in decent condition prior to this happening, and still holding a decent charge. Also, the battery is pretty much the most complicated thing to change because everything else has to be removed to get to it, plus it's glued down, etc. I'd honestly rather her swap to another of the same model and let me part this one out and make a few bucks rather than

 

[DeltaMac]

Try a sequence of "something should happen now" steps.
When you have the bottom cover off, disconnect the battery connector, and leave disconnected for 12-24 hours. Also, do not connect the power adapter during this time.
Before connecting anything - do an SMC reset. (nothing at all should happen, just press the keys for the reset)
Now plug in the connector for the battery. Do another SMC reset.
Plug in the power adapter. Press and release the power button, count to five, then press and hold the power button for a count of 10.
Release the power button
Wait at least 30 seconds. Try an NVRAM reset (press and release the power button - immediately press and hold Command-Option-P-R.
Do you get ANY response/boot chime? Continue to hold the same 4 keys for a minimum of 1 minute, then release all keys and wait. Is there any response at all?

 

[steiney]

Try a sequence of "something should happen now" steps.
When you have the bottom cover off, disconnect the battery connector, and leave disconnected for 12-24 hours. Also, do not connect the power adapter during this time.
Before connecting anything - do an SMC reset. (nothing at all should happen, just press the keys for the reset)
Now plug in the connector for the battery. Do another SMC reset.
Plug in the power adapter. Press and release the power button, count to five, then press and hold the power button for a count of 10.
Release the power button
Wait at least 30 seconds. Try an NVRAM reset (press and release the power button - immediately press and hold Command-Option-P-R.
Do you get ANY response/boot chime? Continue to hold the same 4 keys for a minimum of 1 minute, then release all keys and wait. Is there any response at all?

Wow! Thank you for providing those steps. I will give that shot tomorrow and see what happens. Just to jump the gun a bit here, if I go through those steps and the computer still will not turn on, would you say that is indicative of a faulty logic board?

Just to be clear, the charging cable did seem to respond to the SMC reset, despite the SMC reset not causing the computer to become usable. When I would do the SMC reset while the computer was charging and the charging light was green, the charging light would briefly turn green, then back t orange after the SMC reset. So, either the DC-in board itself is receiving communication from the SMC or the logic board is functioning enough to cause that charging light change.

 

[DeltaMac]

I think all you can surmise from the SMC reset is that the hardware appears to be responding to that reset.
Of course, when the battery is fully charged, you won't get any change to the magsafe LED. It would just be green.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

I'm going to pop the bottom case off and will let you know what I find, but I actually can't get the serial number unless I can get the computer to turn on, so I won't be able to check on the battery recall.

Another thought re S/N. If registered to your Apple ID and you've another Apple device, S/N of the MBP is listed under Device Info. But you prob already knew this.

 

[DeltaMac]

Another thought re S/N. If registered to your Apple ID and you've another Apple device, S/N of the MBP is listed under Device Info. But you prob already knew this.

I don't see serial number - only the device network name, model and macOS version. I have 8 devices listed, and none of those show any serial numbers in device info.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

I don't see serial number - only the device network name, model and macOS version. I have 8 devices listed, and none of those show any serial numbers in device info.

Bizarre, all 3 of my devices show S/N. In iOS>settings>AppleID section at top. I scroll all the way down where the devices appear, select one and for the MBP it shows me the Model, OS version and S/N. The iPhone additionally shows the actual service number and IMEI.

 

[DeltaMac]

I was only looking through AppleID account on my Mac mini, so thought the difference could be looking from an iOS device - so I checked on my iPhone. No, still just the devices, with the hardware name, but no serial numbers on any device in that list - not even the iPhone that I am using to look at that device information. Just model, and OS version, no serial. There is the phone number and IMEI, but that's not a serial number, either.
I don't have any idea what the difference might be...

 

[Alpha Centauri]

@DeltaMac then I got curious and looked via Apple ID on my MBP (it's old), sure enough and not surprising, it mirrored all on the iPhone. It's an OG SE and I recall it showing the S/N of the mac in 2016. Skip forward 2018 and an OG HomePod was added with a S/N displayed.

Stumped why it's not showing on your devices, or why more so on mine. Perhaps someone can join the discussion and check theirs? @steiney perhaps?

Here's a screenshot from the phone pertaining to the MBP, obviously name and elusive S/N blacked out.

ps sorry OP for slightly derailing your thread.

 

[steiney]

@DeltaMac then I got curious and looked via Apple ID on my MBP (it's old), sure enough and not surprising, it mirrored all on the iPhone. It's an OG SE and I recall it showing the S/N of the mac in 2016. Skip forward 2018 and an OG HomePod was added with a S/N displayed.

Stumped why it's not showing on your devices, or why more so on mine. Perhaps someone can join the discussion and check theirs? @Me perhaps?

Here's a screenshot from the phone pertaining to the MBP, obviously name and elusive S/N blacked out.

ps sorry OP for slightly derailing your thread.

View attachment 2033274

Hey! Haha, no worries at all, and sorry to both you and @DeltaMac for not replying today. I was swamped today and didn't get a chance to do any further diagnosis.

However, that was a great idea about getting the serial number from the Apple ID info. I just checked and was able to find the serial number in the same location you're showing in your screenshot. So, that's a step of progress!

Anyway, I should have time to mess with the computer tomorrow since it'll be the weekend. I'll see where I can get with it.

Thanks again so much to you and @DeltaMac for your help! I sincerely appreciate it.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

Hey! Haha, no worries at all, and sorry to both you and @DeltaMac for not replying today. I was swamped today and didn't get a chance to do any further diagnosis.

However, that was a great idea about getting the serial number from the Apple ID info. I just checked and was able to find the serial number in the same location you're showing in your screenshot. So, that's a step of progress!

Anyway, I should have time to mess with the computer tomorrow since it'll be the weekend. I'll see where I can get with it.

Thanks again so much to you and @DeltaMac for your help! I sincerely appreciate it.

Serial number is a good start. Never did even ask what size the MBP of yours is, the link for the battery recall only addresses the 15 inch model unfortunately. If it is eligible still, that'd be a win on getting a new battery and upper case.

Yer life goes on, be interesting to hear about your progress/ findings when you get a chance to attack it.

 

[steiney]

Serial number is a good start. Never did even ask what size the MBP of yours is, the link for the battery recall only addresses the 15 inch model unfortunately. If it is eligible still, that'd be a win on getting a new battery and upper case.

Yer life goes on, be interesting to hear about your progress/ findings when you get a chance to attack it.

It's a 13 inch model. I took the link you gave me and was able to find a battery recall program for the 13-inch Macbook Pros. I believe mine falls into that category of computers, but unfortunately the site says my serial number is not eligible.

 

[steiney]

@Alpha Centauri @DeltaMac

I ended up finding instructions for something called "minimum configuration", which is apparently one of the ways an Apple tech would diagnose a bad logic board. Basically, opening up the bottom case, unplugging everything from the logic board except the DC-in board and a fan, and then plugging in the computer to see if the fan turns. If not, the logic board is bad.

I did this test today and the logic board is indeed the culprit. I just wanted to circle back with you both to let you know how it turned out. Thanks again both of you for your help here!

 

[Alpha Centauri]

@Alpha Centauri @DeltaMac

I ended up finding instructions for something called "minimum configuration", which is apparently one of the ways an Apple tech would diagnose a bad logic board. Basically, opening up the bottom case, unplugging everything from the logic board except the DC-in board and a fan, and then plugging in the computer to see if the fan turns. If not, the logic board is bad.

I did this test today and the logic board is indeed the culprit. I just wanted to circle back with you both to let you know how it turned out. Thanks again both of you for your help here!

apologies, totally missed or overflew your last reply.

So did you source another board, component level repair yours or just permanently delete it in the trash?

 

[Amazon Rainforest]

I'm glad you figured this out (I am seeing this thread for the first time). I had something similar happen on my MBP. One time, I powered it up and it appeared to do nothing. Blank screen. I followed the same steps as you, resetting the SMC and PRAM but nothing worked. On a whim, I fiddled with the brightness and lo and behold... login screen. The computer had decided on its own to turn the brightness down all the way. If I had seen your thread earlier, I would have suggested you plug in an external monitor just to see if you had an image.

 

[steiney]

apologies, totally missed or overflew your last reply.

So did you source another board, component level repair yours or just permanently delete it in the trash?

No worries at all! Well, actually, the decomposed computer is still sitting in my wife's closet. She told me to go ahead and find her another of the same model Macbook Pro to buy, and swap the SSD from her current to the new one, and part-out the old one on eBay, but I just haven't gotten around to it yet. She is a pretty light computer user and has a nice iPad Pro, so it hasn't been an issue yet, but it's funny you posted today because I was just thinking about it this morning after I woke up.

It should be smooth sailing, though. This will actually be the second time I've done this for her with this same model of Macbook Pro. Her first one died a couple years ago, so I did the same thing once before.

I'm glad you figured this out (I am seeing this thread for the first time). I had something similar happen on my MBP. One time, I powered it up and it appeared to do nothing. Blank screen. I followed the same steps as you, resetting the SMC and PRAM but nothing worked. On a whim, I fiddled with the brightness and lo and behold... login screen. The computer had decided on its own to turn the brightness down all the way. If I had seen your thread earlier, I would have suggested you plug in an external monitor just to see if you had an image.

Hah! That is definitely something that has happened to me in the past, however if you power off a Macbook Pro that has the screen brightness turned to 0% and power it back on, the screen brightness will no longer be at 0%. I definitely tried a hard shut down and reboot. The logic board is shot so there's just nothing happening at all. I appreciate the input, though!

 

[Alpha Centauri]

No worries at all! Well, actually, the decomposed computer is still sitting in my wife's closet. She told me to go ahead and find her another of the same model Macbook Pro to buy, and swap the SSD from her current to the new one, and part-out the old one on eBay, but I just haven't gotten around to it yet. She is a pretty light computer user and has a nice iPad Pro, so it hasn't been an issue yet, but it's funny you posted today because I was just thinking about it this morning after I woke up.

It should be smooth sailing, though. This will actually be the second time I've done this for her with this same model of Macbook Pro. Her first one died a couple years ago, so I did the same thing once before.

Lol "decomposed". Did you get as far as replacing the DC in board? Sometimes you just get to a point with diagnostics where it's better to revisit after some timely distance and separation.

Tbh, once financially able, mine's getting the boot. Just too much effort lately to keep a patched system stable as SW issues start masquerading as HW problems, more so if it's the main and only machine. My latest project, adding a newer second internal SSD, failed somewhat due to unexpected Firmware compatibility issues.