Hi, when I turned it on few weeks ago, there was a very strange smell. I left it alone and tried again. Same thing. Anybody has an idea what it is? How to get rid of it? It is still a very very good laptop.
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Strange smell from my MacBook Pro 17" 2010
- Thread starter hajime
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It is difficult to explain. At least does not smell like burning plastic. It is kind of like perfume. Have not encountered this kind of smell before. Could it be mole inside the computer? I can see dirt surrounding most keys. I guess if I am going to use it instead of buying a M1 Mac, I need to clean it.
usagora
macrumors 601
Assuming that was a typo for "mold", then I'd say I doubt it. I've never encountered mold that smelled like perfume before.
You might want to disassemble the computer a bit to "deep clean" it:
MacBook Pro 17" Unibody Teardown
Our MacBook Pro 17" Unibody arrived on February 17. We immediately got to work disassembling it and posting teardown photos here. We comment on...
www.ifixit.com
Does not seem to be related to the cord and the power supply as it smells even without them.
I don't use perfume nor air freshener. What is the proper way of good cleaning? That video just shows how to disassemble the laptop.
Mr. Awesome
macrumors 65816
It could potentially be the battery. If I remember correctly Li-Ion batteries give off a sweet smell if they’ve swollen open. Double check yours for visible swelling.
TallManNY
macrumors 601
For a 12 year old laptop, I'd definitely consider a battery issue. And I'd get eyes on that battery before using the laptop. Honestly, if I really was going to use the laptop on a regular basis, I'd have the battery replaced. The battery must be shot at this point. It could, theoretically, be dangerous and that smell could be the warning.
MBAir2010
macrumors G3
then again my MacBook air 2010 battery is still working great,
and will out last any of the one being sold online, OWC only promises 3 years.
i could not get a better battery today!
apple did a great job supping those Macbooks with long lasting batteries.
TallManNY
macrumors 601
That is amazing! But I would guess that is not typical. Batteries degrade. They should not be executed to last forever. And there are good reasons to replace them prior to failure.
MBAir2010
macrumors G3
i would, but if it aint broken......
My 2019 dell xps 13" needs a new one, but im waiting.
Hi @TallManNY and @MBAir2010
Today I replaced the battery. You are right. That strange smell is from the battery. What created that smell? Is it toxic?
Time to throw it away?
After taking it out, some residue smell remain in the battery compartment and the bottom of the trackpad. Is there a good way to get rid of that smell?
Today I replaced the battery. You are right. That strange smell is from the battery. What created that smell? Is it toxic?
Time to throw it away?
After taking it out, some residue smell remain in the battery compartment and the bottom of the trackpad. Is there a good way to get rid of that smell?