MacBook Air logicboard replaced but model has changed

[Cocotechie]

Hi guys

Need some advice as think my daughters been conned. She left in her MacBook Air 2017 to a local pc repair shop and was told there was damage to the logic board and it had to be replaced. They said it would cost €350 and take 4 weeks as it has to be delivered from apple. They have in their window they are an authorised apple reseller so felt safe enough.

I took her in to collect it this evening and I had took a photo of the serial number before she left it in. The guy demonstrated it, she said it was a lot faster and she asked to check serial number. At this point he said that will have changed as this occurs when you install a new logic board. I said grand but that won’t change the number on the casing. He said he changed it as it would be confusing to not have it matching. At this point my daughter said it’s a lot faster and the guy gave 30 off the price as he said she was paying in cash so she skipped out of the shop with it.

When we got gone it was tormenting me so I asked to check it and searched apples website for the serial number that was on the outside casing. It came back as belonging to a mid 2012 model!!! (Hers was 2017)

I then went into the system window and about and it said it was a mid 2013 model with ANOTHER serial number, different from the casing.

I messaged the computer guy being nice and calm with pictures saying he had said that the back casing was replaced to match the logic board serial number (which stank to high heavens the more I think about it) and it was matching 2012 model and about section said it was a 2013 model. I said I think he made a mistake and has mixed up the MacBook.

His reply was that it’s not possible as 2012 casing doesn’t fit 2017 model and that Mid13 to mid17 is exactly the same and if I want 2017 logic board it would be 648 + vat.

At this point I’m fuming, at no point we’re we told it was a 2013 logic board going into it but as well as that if it was brand new why the hell is it showing as belonging to an expired warranty on a 2013 model.

My question is this, if he swapped out an old logic board from 2013 MacBook and put it into my daughters 2017 MacBook would it say in the about section that it was a 2013 model or has he just given her an older model belonging to someone else. He definitely has a different casing on the bottom of it and his lies about it matching the logic board is crap.

I’m fuming as she is a poor student struggling as it is and I couldn’t afford to pay for it as I’m paying for college and accommodation as it is for her on my own. It’s terrible as I feel we have been taken for a ride and don’t want to let him away with it.

 

[xboxbml]

Hi guys

Need some advice as think my daughters been conned. She left in her MacBook Air 2017 to a local pc repair shop and was told there was damage to the logic board and it had to be replaced. They said it would cost €350 and take 4 weeks as it has to be delivered from apple. They have in their window they are an authorised apple reseller so felt safe enough.

I took her in to collect it this evening and I had took a photo of the serial number before she left it in. The guy demonstrated it, she said it was a lot faster and she asked to check serial number. At this point he said that will have changed as this occurs when you install a new logic board. I said grand but that won’t change the number on the casing. He said he changed it as it would be confusing to not have it matching. At this point my daughter said it’s a lot faster and the guy gave 30 off the price as he said she was paying in cash so she skipped out of the shop with it.

When we got gone it was tormenting me so I asked to check it and searched apples website for the serial number that was on the outside casing. It came back as belonging to a mid 2012 model!!! (Hers was 2017)

I then went into the system window and about and it said it was a mid 2013 model with ANOTHER serial number, different from the casing.

I messaged the computer guy being nice and calm with pictures saying he had said that the back casing was replaced to match the logic board serial number (which stank to high heavens the more I think about it) and it was matching 2012 model and about section said it was a 2013 model. I said I think he made a mistake and has mixed up the MacBook.

His reply was that it’s not possible as 2012 casing doesn’t fit 2017 model and that Mid13 to mid17 is exactly the same and if I want 2017 logic board it would be 648 + vat.

At this point I’m fuming, at no point we’re we told it was a 2013 logic board going into it but as well as that if it was brand new why the hell is it showing as belonging to an expired warranty on a 2013 model.

My question is this, if he swapped out an old logic board from 2013 MacBook and put it into my daughters 2017 MacBook would it say in the about section that it was a 2013 model or has he just given her an older model belonging to someone else. He definitely has a different casing on the bottom of it and his lies about it matching the logic board is crap.

I’m fuming as she is a poor student struggling as it is and I couldn’t afford to pay for it as I’m paying for college and accommodation as it is for her on my own. It’s terrible as I feel we have been taken for a ride and don’t want to let him away with it.

I believe she got taken... There's no way a 2013 would be faster than a 2017.. I also don't think it would support the original display panel in a 2017. I'm not familiar enough with hardware but I'd be surprised if it would mount totally correctly in the original case. Not sure where you are, but I would demand my money back AND the original boards. If you ever get them back, go to a real Apple store if you have one where you are and see what can be done.. Any other thoughts anyone?

 

[MBAir2010]

2017 Logic board:

2013 logic board

these were from IFIXIT website, they look the same, contour and size wise.
they might have installed a 2013 logic board in the 2017 macbook air.

 did not change their logic boards size as we can see.
if your daughter is happy and likes the repair, i guess there is nothing you can do
except
make sure the intel chip and ssd storage are the same as the original MacBook air.

this is not gospel, just from someone who repaired too many MacBooks last decade.

 

[Cocotechie]

Thanks guys, if he put in a new 2013 logic board why is it showing up as an out of warranty 2013 MacBook when I search under the warranty section on apple and second if he did just put in a 2013 logic board would that change the model number in the about section under system. It was definitely a 2017 model as you can see from original pic I took and now it’s saying it’s a MacBook Air 2013. Even memory and processor speed is different.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Thanks guys, if he put in a new 2013 logic board why is it showing up as an out of warranty 2013 MacBook when I search under the warranty section on apple and second if he did just put in a 2013 logic board would that change the model number in the about section under system. It was definitely a 2017 model as you can see from original pic I took and now it’s saying it’s a MacBook Air 2013. Even memory and processor speed is different.

If he got the logic board directly from Apple, it wouldn't be a 2013 board, unless he made a entry mistake on the order form. Sounds like he sourced a used board and tried to pawn it off as new from Apple. Your daughter got conned.

1) Take a dated picture of the sign in the shop stating it is Apple authorized

2) Call Apple and verify whether or not the shop is actually authorized.

3) Call the shop and speak to the owner. Advise him that you are not happy with the service provided and you want restitution. The actions he took and the statements made do not line up with proper Apple service protocol.

3) If the shop is authorized and he refuses to make things right, contact Apple with pictures and statements of what occurred. They will make things right for you.

 

[Wickintime]

It looks to me as if the 2017 logic board had 8GB RAM whereas the 2013 one has only 4 GB RAM.

 

[Cocotechie]

If he got the logic board directly from Apple, it wouldn't be a 2013 board, unless he made a entry mistake on the order form. Sounds like he sourced a used board and tried to pawn it off as new from Apple. Your daughter got conned.

1) Take a dated picture of the sign in the shop stating it is Apple authorized

2) Call Apple and verify whether or not the shop is actually authorized.

3) Call the shop and speak to the owner. Advise him that you are not happy with the service provided and you want restitution. The actions he took and the statements made do not line up with proper Apple service protocol.

3) If the shop is authorized and he refuses to make things right, contact Apple with pictures and statements of what occurred. They will make things right for you.

If he got the logic board directly from Apple, it wouldn't be a 2013 board, unless he made a entry mistake on the order form. Sounds like he sourced a used board and tried to pawn it off as new from Apple. Your daughter got conned.

1) Take a dated picture of the sign in the shop stating it is Apple authorized

2) Call Apple and verify whether or not the shop is actually authorized.

3) Call the shop and speak to the owner. Advise him that you are not happy with the service provided and you want restitution. The actions he took and the statements made do not line up with proper Apple service protocol.

3) If the shop is authorized and he refuses to make things right, contact Apple with pictures and statements of what occurred. They will make things right for you.

Thanks Robert I will take a photo of the sign tomorrow, good advice

 

[Cocotechie]

It looks to me as if the 2017 logic board had 8GB RAM whereas the 2013 one has only 4 GB RAM.

Yep the ram was 8 and now 4, even the processor and graphics is different. I just don’t know if they are all on the logic board he put into her MacBook she left in or has he given her a completely different MacBook. The mind boggles on how he thinks he can get away with it

 

[MBAir2010]

Yup, you need to resolve this issue, 4GB of RAM wont work as fast as 8GB of RAM.
that was a major switch mistake on their part.

 

[MBAir2010]

The mind boggles on how he thinks he can get away with it

that is why they are in the computer "fit it "business, anyone with a steady hand, some aptitude and the patience of a tree frog can fix computer while the real successful ones cheat, as in this situation.

 

[xraydoc]

If those screenshots are accurate, you've been scammed. You don't end up with 1/2 the RAM when a machine comes back from repair.
Besides, Apple does NOT send new casing with new serial numbers when a logic board has been replaced.

 

[Cocotechie]

Definitely accurate, been on the phone with apple and they confirmed it. Looks like he charged her for a ‘new’ logic board that he ordered off apple according to him but really pulled one out of a 2013 model and put it in hers. To top it all he put a back casing from another model on the back of hers. I’m just heading in now to ask for it to be put back as was and demand my money back. If no joy I’ve to go to the guards and file a claim.

 

[MBAir2010]

good luck with this switcherooo!
they will try to tell you how cheaper they are compared to apple and no one else will perform this for less money, etc.
Just emphasize the RAM size, which is absurd to think someone can downgrade and not know that!

 

[Cocotechie]

good luck with this switcherooo!
they will try to tell you how cheaper they are compared to apple and no one else will perform this for less money, etc.
Just emphasize the RAM size, which is absurd to think someone can downgrade and not know that!

Thanks for all the advice, this momma won’t back down. I’m sure he thinks I’m a dumb blonde so can’t wait to see how he gets out of it 😂

 

[xboxbml]

Definitely accurate, been on the phone with apple and they confirmed it. Looks like he charged her for a ‘new’ logic board that he ordered off apple according to him but really pulled one out of a 2013 model and put it in hers. To top it all he put a back casing from another model on the back of hers. I’m just heading in now to ask for it to be put back as was and demand my money back. If no joy I’ve to go to the guards and file a claim.

Yeah, get the original boards and case back! Make sure SN's match your original pic..

 

[chrfr]

Definitely accurate, been on the phone with apple and they confirmed it. Looks like he charged her for a ‘new’ logic board that he ordered off apple according to him but really pulled one out of a 2013 model and put it in hers. To top it all he put a back casing from another model on the back of hers. I’m just heading in now to ask for it to be put back as was and demand my money back. If no joy I’ve to go to the guards and file a claim.

You were scammed. This was clearly not an authorized Apple service provider; Apple would never change the configuration like that– parts are always replaced like for like, and you would end up with the same serial number as before. A legitimate repair would not replace the bottom cover either.
A 2013 MacBook Air with 4GB RAM is vastly inferior to a 2017 with 8GB.

 

[bingeciren]

Wow, what a scam! This shop cannot be an authorized Apple shop, no way. If they are, then this is enough reason for them to lose their affiliation with Apple.

I know how Apple replaces logic boards. I had two incidences of logic board replacement. About 10 years ago my 15" Macbook Pro's logic board was replaced. While it was a 1:1 replacement, the serial number disappeared. When I told the shop about the missing serial number, they said that the replacement boards come without a serial number. However, this was not true because later on I talked to an Apple service person and he said that although the replacement boards came without a number, they have the means to write a serial number to the FW on the new board.

Two years ago my 12" Macbook's logic board was replaced and this time the original S/N was duplicated on the new one, as it should have been.

This shop is giving you a major BS and scamming you big time. Demand your money back and file a complaint.

 

[Cocotechie]

Well I went back in and asked him straight out did he put a new logic board from apple and he said yes. I then asked him if that’s the case why is the serial number corresponding to a 2013 model that the warranty has expired from. He said he can change the number on the about screen to say 2020 if I wanted in 5 minutes. That he said means nothing according to him.

I let him on for a few minutes and then told him if all he said was true why was the memory halfed, processor changedgraphics card changed and two different serial numbers. I pulled up the system details, asked him to explain the difference between what I gave and what he returned and couldn’t answer.

I asked him for the serial number of the part he got from apple and I would confirm it with them and said I’d already confirmed all he said was crap with apple earlier. He changed his tune and I told him I want the original logic board put back in and the casing back to what it was. Said I would return to collect along with my money on Monday.

He took total advantage of her and presumed I knew nothing so thank you for all your help as it gave me the knowledge on MacBooks as I never work with them. I’m a sysadmin but in a windows environment so I’ve a new found respect for all your knowledge!

thanks again folks

 

[GSWForever8]

That’s great to hear! Next time, check before you leave. If on Monday he still scams you, then just contact Apple! This scam can’t continue!

 

[bingeciren]

Another known fact is: Apple refuses to change the spec of the board being replaced, even if the owner is willing to pay for the difference, say to upgrade the memory, cpu etc. A relative of mine had a 2011 Mac Mini server that needed a logic board replacement. We asked the repair shop if it was possible to upgrade the board since it was being replaced and we were willing to pay for the difference in price. They said that Apple replaces faulty items with an absolute identical model and spec and it is impossible to upgrade during replacement. Apple also insist that the faulty items must be returned to them. I guess they inspect and refurbish them.

 

[MBAir2010]

dont feel bad or hopeless, Cocotechie- you did the proper thing and followed protocol.
the rest of the preaching is not geared towards you.


our grandparents would not live like this in 2020's or this century and these tech CEO would be jailed for what they get away with today.
every MacBook owner needs a pentalobe screw driver.
period
after apple stops supporting or the warrantee expires- apple, dell, etc. gave up on that laptop
why should you?

TAKE OFF THE COVER
go to ifixit and have a go at this yourself.
these are very solid, repairable and great laptops.
they can be fixed easily!

having a fear of opening that laptop you love is good, which makes the owner more careful repairing
or adding a new drive and knowing they did what needed to be done.

these major tech companies are filling with too much fear and control over OUR products.
someone posted that their 2019 MBP is toast, and was to afraid to do a simple task and now will shell out over 1,800$ for a part they do not need and bothering us with their wanting advice but not adhering to any
which could be fixed with a simple flat head screw driver.

BTW
nice knowing everybody here,
expect some limos to drive up to this ips address and start releasing shells soon.
happy they make kevlar for the cats!

 

[JPack]

Nuts that the shop did this. Sounds like they couldn't afford to do the job properly and then pulled the scam to make money. Who wouldn't notice the difference in RAM?

Thankfully, the shop didn't have the technical ability to change the S/N.

 

[Cocotechie]

dont feel bad or hopeless, Cocotechie- you did the proper thing and followed protocol.
the rest of the preaching is not geared towards you.


our grandparents would not live like this in 2020's or this century and these tech CEO would be jailed for what they get away with today.
every MacBook owner needs a pentalobe screw driver.
period
after apple stops supporting or the warrantee expires- apple, dell, etc. gave up on that laptop
why should you?

TAKE OFF THE COVER
go to ifixit and have a go at this yourself.
these are very solid, repairable and great laptops.
they can be fixed easily!

having a fear of opening that laptop you love is good, which makes the owner more careful repairing
or adding a new drive and knowing they did what needed to be done.

these major tech companies are filling with too much fear and control over OUR products.
someone posted that their 2019 MBP is toast, and was to afraid to do a simple task and now will shell out over 1,800$ for a part they do not need and bothering us with their wanting advice but not adhering to any
which could be fixed with a simple flat head screw driver.

BTW
nice knowing everybody here,
expect some limos to drive up to this ips address and start releasing shells soon.
happy they make kevlar for the cats!

Thanks MtLoin 😊 I’ve already gone on eBay and ordered a pentalobe screw driver!

I have spent years taking Windows machines apart and never ventured near apple so it might end up like a jigsaw but sure I love a challenge.

 

[Cocotechie]

Nuts that the shop did this. Sounds like they couldn't afford to do the job properly and then pulled the scam to make money. Who wouldn't notice the difference in RAM?

Thankfully, the shop didn't have the technical ability to change the S/N.

My own fault as I trusted the guy to do an honest job...thought when he had a sign saying he was an authorised apple service provider he was real...but he’s obviously as fake as his sign 😂

 

[xboxbml]

My own fault as I trusted the guy to do an honest job...thought when he had a sign saying he was an authorised apple service provider he was real...but he’s obviously as fake as his sign 😂

Well, with as crooked as he sounds, I hope you get back ALL the original parts.. Like the original and size SSD and she doesn't loose any data or storage space..