Liquid spill on MBP M3 Max - advice?

[tigerintank]

Over the weekend between me and a relative I managed to spill some of a sticky protein type drink on the Kb. Immediately flipped it over and rested it on some clothing. It seems it hasn’t immediately shorted as the desktop was still visible till I forced power off. I was able to remove the bottom and start with the ifixit remove logic board steps, but won’t be able to even disconnect the battery fully till a couple of ifixit driver bits arrive. So in the meantime I’d appreciate your thoughts on where I’m at. Despite the significant number of steps involved, I think I should go for a full logic board removal - before using 99% Isopropanol to try to clean the keyboard. Yes there’s risk in the strip down/reassembly, but I feel outweighed the risk of thinner alcohol/ drink mix reaching the logic board if I don’t. Appreciate any experience/ thoughts shared. I should say no AppleCare

 

[JPack]

Given the time sensitivity of the issue (corrosion starts happening quickly) and the value of the device, bring it to a shop which specializes in MacBook repairs for cleaning and KB replacement.

 

[Royksöpp]

You might be able to start an Applecare One Plan and add it. You might have to turn it on to confirm coverage though. I would think about that before trying anything else on your own.

 

[BeatCrazy]

I have had a 14" MBP killed by liquid earlier in the year.

I don't think this is a good DIY task. Replacing logic board is not only physically challenging, but the re-pairing of the components might be difficult or impossible without Apple software.

Going through Apple is def going be $$$. I think my charge was $1400.

 

[tigerintank]

Thanks for the replies - some good things to think about there.

Sorry for the delay in following up - I’m distracted by something vm unrelated.

Expense associated with a professional repair might be an issue - but I should do some investigating for sure. I’m in London UK so I’d think there’ll be a few 3rd party options. Using Apple direct I definitely expect to be out of reach for what I’m currently willing / able to pay.

I’m currently assuming the liquid didn’t reach the logic board - thickness of liquid, speed of my flipping it over and the system staying operational whilst it was inverted - before I powered off.

So from there I’m not considering a need to replace the logic board with those pairing challenges etc - it’s more that using alcohol to try to clean the keyboard feels like it’ll definitely allow that much thinner liquid to flow through the top of the case - meaning everything needs to be removed before that.

I suppose if I could figure out a way to clean it whilst it was inverted then that might work - can’t come up with one tho!

Also saw some info that removing keycaps brings some significant challenges including some that you just can’t - space bar for example.

 

[BeatCrazy]

Thanks for the replies - some good things to think about there.

Sorry for the delay in following up - I’m distracted by something vm unrelated.

Expense associated with a professional repair might be an issue - but I should do some investigating for sure. I’m in London UK so I’d think there’ll be a few 3rd party options. Using Apple direct I definitely expect to be out of reach for what I’m currently willing / able to pay.

I’m currently assuming the liquid didn’t reach the logic board - thickness of liquid, speed of my flipping it over and the system staying operational whilst it was inverted - before I powered off.

So from there I’m not considering a need to replace the logic board with those pairing challenges etc - it’s more that using alcohol to try to clean the keyboard feels like it’ll definitely allow that much thinner liquid to flow through the top of the case - meaning everything needs to be removed before that.

I suppose if I could figure out a way to clean it whilst it was inverted then that might work - can’t come up with one tho!

Also saw some info that removing keycaps brings some significant challenges including some that you just can’t - space bar for example.

Does it even power on?

 

[Fishrrman]

"So in the meantime I’d appreciate your thoughts on where I’m at."

It's probably time to start giving thought on what you'll buy to replace it.

I'd look to Apple's online refurbished store. I've bought from there on two different occasions, satisfied both times...

 

[tigerintank]

Does it even power on?

I’ll definitely test that before I go further. Just need to reconnect the battery data cable - the one that’s the earliest disconnect step in the ifixit logic board removal article. I’ll probably do that this weekend - I was planning on using an external screen and kb - to copy off some key files before delving into the strip down.

 

[tigerintank]

"So in the meantime I’d appreciate your thoughts on where I’m at."

It's probably time to start giving thought on what you'll buy to replace it.

I'd look to Apple's online refurbished store. I've bought from there on two different occasions, satisfied both times...

Yes agreed if I need to replace the full MBP or even just the top case - I’ll do what I can to avoid a new Apple price. Would even consider buying an M2 or M3 from someone who’s upgrading say to an M5 - that’d be a new experience for me as I’ve always bought new / refurb Apple.

 

[benholt]

Worth thinking through before the full teardown — sugary drinks are actually harder to clean than water. Sugar recrystallizes as it dries and bridges traces you can't see, and 99% IPA on its own won't touch it. A pass with distilled water first to lift the sugar, then IPA to displace the water, is what my repair shop guy walked me through last time this happened to a friend. Also, if it still powers on, pull a clone or migration image off before you strip anything — the M3 Max top case is a single unit with the keyboard, and any reassembly damage puts you at whole-case swap money. On the AC+ enrollment idea earlier, Apple's post-purchase AC+ check runs diagnostics that flag prior LCI trips, so I wouldn't count on that as a fallback.

 

[Der_mit_dem_langen]

I have had a 14" MBP killed by liquid earlier in the year.

I don't think this is a good DIY task. Replacing logic board is not only physically challenging, but the re-pairing of the components might be difficult or impossible without Apple software.

Going through Apple is def going be $$$. I think my charge was $1400.

With Apple care+?

 

[BeatCrazy]

With Apple care+?

Actually it covered under an AppleCare Enterprise agreement but yes that was the cost if it wouldn’t have been covered.

 

[JPack]

Given a replacement MBP with Max chip starts at $4,000, it seems a bit wild to consider a self repair. If you damage a connector or any part of the logic board, the repair will be expensive.