Apple claims "Liquid Corrosion"

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Level 1

1 points

Apple claims "Liquid Corrosion"

I have a 7 month old macbook pro that stopped powering up. It also has USB ports that are fiddly to get to work. Although Applecare say that "Liquid Corrosion" is the cause, and they wont fix it despite it being under warranty, the Next Byte Tech who inspected it says that inside it there is NO SIGN OF LIQUID DAMAGE and the White Dots that are meant to change colour if they come in contact with moisture have not done so! Finally (after I asked) he tested my power lead and it was proven to be faulty. One problem solved but there is still signs of corrosion on the entrances of the USB Ports (and they dont work properly) and APPLE wont honour its warranty. They say I need to replace my whole Logic Board and that that will cost as much as buying a new replacement laptop! This despite the fact that it works perfectly except for the USB Ports. Sounds like a great way to keep making sales! My laptop has always been very well cared for (has definitely NOT had liquid even near it) but it did spend a lot of last summer in North Qld where it it quite humid. Anyone else had this problem? Anyone else frustrated with APPLE's excuses to get out of honouring warranty?

macbook pro

Posted on Jun 24, 2010 9:28 AM

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Answer 1

JasonFear

Level 5

4,965 points

Jun 24, 2010 11:44 AM in response to thebspot

Also, to add, the USB ports are part of the logic board inside the machine. They're not modular, they don't snap in or plug-in to the board. So if they are the problem (or part of the problem) then Apple is correct in saying that the whole logic board would need to be replaced.

As eww stated, there's really not much more to say. Apple has declined to cover the repair and if you're unsatisfied with that response then you need to press the issue with Apple's Customer Relations. Because no one on these boards will be able to give you anything else then their opinion and most likely one you won't want to hear.

Good Luck!

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Answer 2

eww

Level 9

53,052 points

Jun 24, 2010 11:33 AM in response to thebspot

If you've used your MBP for an extended time in a very humid climate, and particularly if you were moving between air conditioned and warm, humid places frequently, and most particularly if the air was salt-laden, as it tends to be within a few miles of the coast, it's entirely possible that components inside your machine are as corroded as your USB ports even though the liquid sensors haven't changed color. The fact that your USB ports are corroded indicates clearly that the machine has spent significant time in a hostile environment and been subject to moisture condensation. So while the "moisture damage" diagnosis isn't proven in the usual way in your case, Apple is probably within its rights to deny you warranty coverage because there is evidence that the ports have been damaged by moisture. This isn't what you want to hear, but there it is.

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