Resolved "Using the wrong tools causes the laptop to lag and the sleep function doesn't work"

[Valdaquendë]

This query may seem a bit odd; I'm just trying to reassure a prospective client and make sure that I'm not missing anything.

I've been working on Macs for decades; I actually started my shop in 1994 to work only on Macs but I found that that was like being the Maytag repair guy in those old commercials; you sit around day after day with cobwebs growing on your elbows, waiting for the phone to ring. So I put myself through A+ Certification for PCs, so I could be where the density of problems is the greatest.

I was recently contacted by a prospective client for replacement of a cracked and defective display lid on her 2020 MacBook Pro (A2251, Core i5, 2.0, 13" with 4-Thunderbolt 3 ports). I advised her that this was quite doable and quoted her for parts and labor. She came back saying that she had talked to:

"someone who fixes Macs and he said that in the newer versions of the MacBooks (from 2020-now) the tools you need to open the actual laptop are only found in Apple-Authorized shops. He said that using the wrong tools causes the laptop to lag and the sleep function doesn't really work. I was wondering if you have the correct tools to ensure it works correctly."

Of course, this sounds like pure BS to me and I have been unable to find any reports of the kinds of issues this person raised. I have opened several 2020 and > MBPs without any problems arising from opening them without Apple-provided tools. I have every confidence that he is spinning her a line but, in an effort to allay her apprehension, told her I would post here, just in case there is any hint of truth to this. And, of course, if there is, I'd want to know.

Has anyone encountered ... or even heard ... of issues like this due to "improper opening"?

I know this is a fool's errand and I want to thank every one of you who spent time reading this. Thanks.

 

[raythompsontn]

Has anyone encountered ... or even heard ... of issues like this due

No.

 

[dmccloud]

This query may seem a bit odd; I'm just trying to reassure a prospective client and make sure that I'm not missing anything.

I've been working on Macs for decades; I actually started my shop in 1994 to work only on Macs but I found that that was like being the Maytag repair guy in those old commercials; you sit around day after day with cobwebs growing on your elbows, waiting for the phone to ring. So I put myself through A+ Certification for PCs, so I could be where the density of problems is the greatest.

I was recently contacted by a prospective client for replacement of a cracked and defective display lid on her 2020 MacBook Pro (A2251, Core i5, 2.0, 13" with 4-Thunderbolt 3 ports). I advised her that this was quite doable and quoted her for parts and labor. She came back saying that she had talked to:

"someone who fixes Macs and he said that in the newer versions of the MacBooks (from 2020-now) the tools you need to open the actual laptop are only found in Apple-Authorized shops. He said that using the wrong tools causes the laptop to lag and the sleep function doesn't really work. I was wondering if you have the correct tools to ensure it works correctly."

Of course, this sounds like pure BS to me and I have been unable to find any reports of the kinds of issues this person raised. I have opened several 2020 and > MBPs without any problems arising from opening them without Apple-provided tools. I have every confidence that he is spinning her a line but, in an effort to allay her apprehension, told her I would post here, just in case there is any hint of truth to this. And, of course, if there is, I'd want to know.

Has anyone encountered ... or even heard ... of issues like this due to "improper opening"?

I know this is a fool's errand and I want to thank every one of you who spent time reading this. Thanks.

iFixit opens Macs all the time using their own tools and has never had such issues that I'm aware of. As long as you have access to the diagnostic tools to run post-repair diagnostics and complete the display pairing (I'm not even sure if that's the correct term), then there shouldn't be any issues.

 

[Valdaquendë]

Thank you both for your replies; I appreciate the time and energy you spent. I'll refer my client to this thread if she wants further confirmation.

[NOTE: See Post Below for Correction]: As far as I know there is no "pairing" of MBP displays. There IS the necessity of using a paired logic board and Touch/ID button when replacing a logic board but I've never run into (or heard of) the need for pairing when replacing a display/lid.

Thanks Again.

 

[fiftofar]

Perhaps lid angle sensor calibration/pairing?
Could be a bit of confusion either way wording or explanation to the client, tool/programming/software/diagnostics etc.

I have no clue if it would apply to that particular MacBook as I have no experience with MacBook repairs, I’d guess yes.

I know lid angle sensor issues can cause sleep/wake problems, last steps Apple lists to try after exhausting all other troubleshooting is replacing the lid sensor or top case assembly (in models with the open/close (AMR) sensor).

According to Apple repair guides on newer MacBooks for example, it usually states after display replacement you run a “system configuration”.

Again, on newer MacBook repair guides it states If you’re installing a replacement display, you must also install a replacement lid angle sensor.
There is the below quoted section regarding lid angle sensor specifically while running a system configuration.

1. • • Complete steps only if you replaced the lid angle sensor on a laptop.
2. When the Action Required alert window appears on the screen, click "Continue." Then immediately close the display.
3. Keep the display closed for 20 seconds.
   • Caution: If the display isn’t fully closed during the System Configuration process, you’ll need to install another new lid angle sensor.
4. Open the display when you hear the startup chime or after waiting 20 seconds.
5. If System Configuration is successful, the Mac will display a message that says, “Suite completed. Restarting to Diagnostics Mode."
6. The Mac will automatically restart to diagnostics mode. Then choose Restart from the Apple menu.
7. After the Mac restarts again, confirm that you can put it to sleep by closing the display. The Mac should sleep when the display is almost completely closed.
   • Important: If you encounter an error, or the Mac doesn't sleep when expected or wakes unexpectedly, contact the Self Service Repair Store team for assistance.

As far as I know in Australia where I am, there is no self service diagnostics or self repair, I’m not sure if the above “system configuration” would be “tools” only Apple or an AASP has access to here.

It’s fair for someone to warn or mention the newer models may need Apple tools/software an old MacBook wouldn’t.

Sure, there are also third party workarounds and repair methods that aren’t “the Apple way” etc

Quickest search results I could find on lid angle sensors are below:

Beating Apple’s Secret Lid Angle Sensor Calibration With Custom Tool

Among the changes made by Apple to its laptops over the years, the transition from a Hall sensor-based sleep sensor to an angle sensor that determines when the lid is closed is a decidedly unpopula…

hackaday.com

Lid Angle Sensor issues in Macbook Air and Macbook Pro | SMASHED IT

Learn about Lid Angle Sensor (LAS) issues in MacBook Air & MacBook Pro during LCD screen replacement. Discover the effects, devices affected, solutions, and associated costs.

smashedit.co.nz

SOLVED: Torn Lid angle sensor - MacBook Pro 16" 2019

If your question is, does the lid angle sensor need to be programmed by Apple, then yes. When you replace the display, it is mandatory to replace the Lid Angle Sensor under Apple's repair guidelines. The Lid Angle Sensor can be replaced alone, but in either of these scenarios the system needs...

www.ifixit.com

 

[Valdaquendë]

THANK YOU! That is very useful. My client's model is an A2251 which may or may not have such a sensor; Google's AI says that it does but I can find no article or description attesting to this. Nor can I find any sensor online, for sale or not, which claims compatibility with this model. I don't have the service manual for this model and cannot, therefore, check the parts list to make a definitive determination.

Because I could find no comprehensive list of models that feature an LAS, I compiled one containing all the MacBook models I ran across that do use the LAS. I present them below to (perhaps) make it easier for anyone who comes along looking for the same information. Obviously, this list cannot be considered comprehensive and I would very much like to find one that is. But this is all I can find as of this date:

MacBook models featuring the Lid Angle Sensor:
• the 16-inch MacBook Pro models, 2019 - 2021 (A2141)
• the 14-inch MacBook Pro models, M1/M2, 2021-2023 (A2442)
• the 16-inch MacBook Pro models, 2021-2023 (A2485 and A2780)
• the 13" Macbook Air, M2, 2022 (A2681)
• the 15.3" MacBook Air, M2, 2023 (A2941)
• the 16" MacBook Pro, M3 Max, 2023 (A2991)
• the 14" MacBook Pro, M2 Pro/M2 Max (A2779 and A2992)
• the 13" MacBook Air, M2, 2023 (A2681)
• the 13" MacBook Air, M3, 2024 (A3113)
• the 15" MacBook Air, M2, 2023 (A2941)
• the 15" MacBook Air, M3, 2024 (A3314)

I also found that there is a tool called nerd.tool.1 that can be used to reprogram the LAS if Apple's re-configuration procedure fails. This is probably known to many but was news to me. It costs about $120.00, at this time, but may well be worth it for shops that work on these models. Click HERE to access its page.

Again, thank you VERY much, fitofar; you made my day!

 

[Valdaquendë]

CORRECTION to Post #4 and additional information:

I've done some more research with respect to dmccloud's reply, in light of the light of the information that fitofar posted. I was able to find a service manual for the 13", 2020 MBP with 4 TB3 ports. The manual specifies a number of models NOT including the A2251 (which is the MBP in question) but does apply to the A2159 and A1989, models of the same year, as well as 13 MBP models from 2016 to 2020. So there is a certain level of uncertainty, albeit a small one.

Based on that document, Apple requires running the AST 2 (Apple Service Toolkit) to recalibrate components, including the display, with the T2 Security Chip. That said, I have seen several videos of such replacements; none of them encountered any issues with this repair, or even mentioned it, and I intend to perform the repair. I'll post an update if anything untoward occurs.