How to reattach this circuit??

[L2gold]

Some of milk leaked in a bag where my MacBook Pro was in its case. The milk went inside and I opened it up to clean it up. It had mainly dried at this point and I did a decent job. Except the last 30 seconds I had accidentally detached a tiny circuit/chip(?). I don’t know anything about logic boards or fixing computers. (Please save any comments on why I shouldn’t have done this.)

Is this an easy fix? How much can I expect this to cost at the Apple store vs an independent store (I live in SoCal).

Also, it didn’t turn on and there was a file with a question mark on it when I initially opened up my laptop. After trying a bunch of things, it made some noises and intermittent fan noises when I pushed Left shift, control, option and power at the same time, and then let go. And then power on again. Besides the noises and fan, nothing else and it stopped again.

Any help on if this is an easy fix and if my files are salvageable or not would be helpful. I don’t want to be overcharged when taking it in. Please and thank you!

 

[laptech]

Apple store will just charge you cost of a replacement logic board. If the unit is still under warranty or covered by Apple care+, then get it done via that, otherwise take it to an independent repair shop as they will have the tools to replace the part.

 

[leman]

Any help on if this is an easy fix and if my files are salvageable or not would be helpful. I don’t want to be overcharged when taking it in. Please and thank you!

It's a fairly easy fix, they will just have to replace all the insides. Your files are not salvageable. You will be charged for a new logic board + labour.

If that is too expensive, you can always try contacting some third-party electric repair shop and ask them to solder the component on. Chances of success are rather low however and your laptop is most likely fried anyway due to liquid damage and almost inevitable corrosion that will soon follow.

 

[L2gold]

Apple store will just charge you cost of a replacement logic board. If the unit is still under warranty or covered by Apple care+, then get it done via that, otherwise take it to an independent repair shop as they will have the tools to replace the part.

I still have that little piece. So I’ll try that. Thanks! Any idea of what it might cost?

 

[chabig]

Any idea of what it might cost?

Less than a new logic board. Tell us when you find out.

 

[laptech]

I still have that little piece. So I’ll try that. Thanks! Any idea of what it might cost?

Cost will depend on who you take it to. To repair it properly, the motherboard will have to be removed which means a dismantling cost. Then the cost of actually putting the part back on.

Due to the motherboard having to be removed from the chassis it implies that the repair should be undertaken by a independent apple repair shop. The problem is not many offer a very good level of repair, as a certain apple repair tech on youtube can testify to the horrendous repairs done by other independent repair shops.

Due to the expensive nature of apple products, Independent repair shop owners rub their hands we glee as $ signs flash across their eyes because they know they can charge a lot for the repair. Therefore as for cost, you could be looking anywhere between $200-$300 because the repair technically comes under 'fault with motherboard'.

 

[Audit13]

It's a surface-mounted capacitor or resistor. In order to re-attached it, you'll need to find a repair shop that does board-level repairs.

The start-up behaviour indicates to me that there may be problems elsewhere on the board. Again, it's best to take it to a tech that can test the board before making repairs as it may be cheaper to get a replacement board.

 

[leman]

Due to the expensive nature of apple products, Independent repair shop owners rub their hands we glee as $ signs flash across their eyes because they know they can charge a lot for the repair. Therefore as for cost, you could be looking anywhere between $200-$300 because the repair technically comes under 'fault with motherboard'.

To add to this, I doubt that any shop will give you the guarantee that the repair will succeed, due to the very uncertain nature of the problem. They will most likely waive all the responsibility and demand an upfront payment. If they will accept the job at all, that is. Component level repair is expensive and usually not worth it.

 

[Audit13]

I can't speak for all repair shops but I have used one place in Toronto for the repair of approximately 8 liquid-damaged or physically-damaged Macbook Pros and Airs over the past four years with excellent results. Every MacBook was repaired and the repair carried a one year warranty.

I have watched the tech quickly test the major circuits using a multimeter and was able to tell me right away if he could repair it. He either fixes it or there is no charge.

 

[laptech]

To add to this, I doubt that any shop will give you the guarantee that the repair will succeed, due to the very uncertain nature of the problem. They will most likely waive all the responsibility and demand an upfront payment. If they will accept the job at all, that is. Component level repair is expensive and usually not worth it.

Consumer law is on the side of the customer here because repairs have to be guaranteed for x amount of days or
months. The OP is in South Col so it depends on what the consumer law is there.

 

[leman]

Consumer law is on the side of the customer here because repairs have to be guaranteed for x amount of days or
months. The OP is in South Col so it depends on what the consumer law is there.

"Repair" does not necessarily mean "repair" the way the customer wants it. In this case, Apple will gladly replace the affected components and even offer warranty that the repaired machine will work as expected. What the customer wants however, is a custom component level repair on a mainboard that has suffered from liquid damage.
[doublepost=1555594611][/doublepost]

I can't speak for all repair shops but I have used one place in Toronto for the repair of approximately 8 liquid-damaged or physically-damaged Macbook Pros and Airs over the past four years with excellent results. Every MacBook was repaired and the repair carried a one year warranty.

If you have an option like this, thats excellent.

 

[Fishrrman]

In the future....
...never NEVER NEVER pack liquids into a backpack or container in which your laptop is stored.

NEVER!

 

[Audit13]

"Repair" does not necessarily mean "repair" the way the customer wants it. In this case, Apple will gladly replace the affected components and even offer warranty that the repaired machine will work as expected. What the customer wants however, is a custom component level repair on a mainboard that has suffered from liquid damage.
[doublepost=1555594611][/doublepost]

If you have an option like this, thats excellent.

The place I use is macrepaircanada.com. This shop replaced the defective GPU in my late 2011 15" MacBook pro too.

 

[Nautilus007]

Honestly, I would buy a new laptop. If any other components are damaged you will likely not find out until afterwards. You could try and get an external enclosure to attach the SSD or HD to and extract files providing the disk works.

 

[L2gold]

So I turned on the laptop today and it works perfectly fine. I didn’t keep it on very long (30 seconds) in case something happens. I’m wondering what those chips are for and if the laptop can do without it. I’m sure they all have a purpose (otherwise, why would they be there?). I have an appointment with Apple today just so I can see what they recommend and before I got it to work, but considering if I should backup all my files before taking it in. If anyone has insight on this, please let me know!

 

[L2gold]

Less than a new logic board. Tell us when you find out.

At the Apple store, I was quoted a flat fee of $750.

I took it to an authorized Apple repair store. He said it can’t be done by component parts because they have to do it the Apple way. He said the $750 is a steal as I would essentially be getting a new laptop.

In the end, I decided to extract my data and sell it for parts.

 

[Audit13]

Sounds to me like the repair shop can't do board level repairs like the Rossman Group.

 

[sokzzuka]

Apple store will just charge you cost of a replacement logic board. If the unit is still under warranty or covered by Apple care+, then get it done via that, otherwise take it to an independent repair shop as they will have the tools to replace the part.

don't go to apple unless you have a warranty. they'll charge you 1k+. Go to some electronic repair shop, they'll should to this with a hot air in a 5 mins. it's an easy fix (if this is the only thing missing)