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Dropped Macbook 13"- Battery Door moved and now won't line up properly

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Plasmatic

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jan 14, 2010
11
0
As the title says.

A dad dropped my aluminuim Macbook 13" and the system runs fine, no issues with that, but I noticed the battery door had moved and wedged itself so there were gaps at the edges. I removed the door, and try as I might, I can't get it to line up properly.

I'm really upset about this, as I've had it for a year now and really looked after it.

I have the three year Apple Care plan, and I'm going to an Apple shop on Saturday about my iPhone anyway- do you think this problem is fixable?

Thanks,

Katie
 
I dropped mine as well and it doesn't line up. I also have an extended applecare, but it doesn't cover accidental damage, they will only replace if you come in for a non related issue and for some reason you need a new body. I could be wrong though.
 
That's a shame.

I don't mind paying though, if it can be fixed.

Does anyone know if this can be repaired?
 
Not a pointless bump, it's just I have an update.

There is a noticeable dent in the right side (disc drive side) of my macbook, right next to the corner. I'm not 100% sure, but it is possible the corner has 'changed shape' and this is why the battery door doesn't fit now?

Again, is there anything that can be done to restore it's beautiful aesthetic without replacing the whole machine. It still works fine, I just hate it that it's dented and wonky underneath :(

Please help!
 
Plasmatic said:
Not a pointless bump, it's just I have an update.

There is a noticeable dent in the right side (disc drive side) of my macbook, right next to the corner. I'm not 100% sure, but it is possible the corner has 'changed shape' and this is why the battery door doesn't fit now?

Again, is there anything that can be done to restore it's beautiful aesthetic without replacing the whole machine. It still works fine, I just hate it that it's dented and wonky underneath :(

Please help!
Click to expand...

Disassemble it and take a small ball-tipped hammer to the corner and re-shape it?
 
That's a good idea, but I'm not sure if I'd be the best person to do it :D

Could I pay Apple to do this?
 
Get your ****ing friend to pay for it, this is why I never let anyone handle my 1k laptops. :/
 
NewMacbookPlz said:
No. They'll charge you for a whole new case.
Click to expand...

Do you know roughly how much this would cost?

Xbox: Obviously I'm annoyed, but he thought I wanted it moved (odd, because I never let people touch it) and as he went to give it to me, it just slipped out of his hands.
 
They'd charge way too much...several hundred I'd wager.

www.ifixit.com sells the top cases used. $199 for non backlit models and $249-$299 for backlit models.

Even if yours is backlit, you can buy the non-backlit model and swap over your keyboard/backlighting parts and save $100 or so, it's just a fair bit of work, ~50 screws to remove the key section I believe.
 
Okay, thanks for that! I'll look into it.

Woah, several hundred? I guess I'll stick with this one for a while then and save up for a brand new Macbook in a couple of years. :/ Gutted though.
 
Alright this is a much 'easier' situation now. My suggestion (considering topcase replacement will cost a LOT) is to just save up, wait for the new mb's to come out, then buy one of those. (And sell your dented one to me ;))
 
My AppleCare is void?!

Noooo..... I still have two years on it. This is so unfair.
 
Plasmatic said:
My AppleCare is void?!

Noooo..... I still have two years on it. This is so unfair.
Click to expand...

That's the policy. Since the machine was dropped with a fair amount of force (enough to dent the case), any damage/component failures (HDD, logic board) may be due to that drop/shock on the component, and Apple can't be held liable for it.

It does suck, majorly, but it is the case.
 
This is terrible! I'm a student, and I can't afford to buy plans that become void, and then have to pay for repairs that should be covered by that. AFAIK, everything is working on this, I've checked most of it. Surely something that happens next year won't be related to a dent?

I've loved having this Macbook, but this has really upset me. I'm a Photography student and this is vital for my studies.
 
Plasmatic said:
This is terrible! I'm a student, and I can't afford to buy plans that become void, and then have to pay for repairs that should be covered by that. AFAIK, everything is working on this, I've checked most of it. Surely something that happens next year won't be related to a dent?

I've loved having this Macbook, but this has really upset me. I'm a Photography student and this is vital for my studies.
Click to expand...

We're not talking about a dent — we're talking about a case where the shell has warped to the point where the battery door won't even line up anymore.
 
Ah right, I thought you were referring specifically to the dent I'd mentioned on the corner.

Do you think it will cause issues later on for?
 
I don't quite understand what the problem is. However if it's just the bottom casing, you can ask Apple to send you a new door.

EDIT:
There is a noticeable dent in the right side (disc drive side) of my macbook, right next to the corner. I'm not 100% sure, but it is possible the corner has 'changed shape' and this is why the battery door doesn't fit now?
Click to expand...
Oh, that's a bummer. I doubt a new door would help you there. :(
 
Well, I guess this means I'm stuffed really.

From what I've now read, the chance of subsequent problems is pretty high, and I won't be able to afford it.

Going to ring the insurers today, see if there's anything they can do.

Apart from that, is there any point in getting one of those cover/shell things they sell on the Apple shop to ensure the battery door is fixed on better?
 
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