Repairing MacBook by Myself (Battery / Life Support Issue)

Question

Repairing MacBook by Myself (Battery / Life Support Issue)

Hello everyone,

I recently decided to attempt to repair my white MacBook. This is a big project for me, and I want to do it myself. I have a new MacBook Pro, so I am not too worried about breaking my old MacBook while trying to fix it.

The problem with the MacBook is that I spilled water and champagne on it a while ago and now it will not turn on without being plugged in. The charger no longer supplies energy to the battery. There is probably a short somewhere. The battery DOES work. I have tested it in another MacBook, and it does receive energy from the charger, and DOES supply energy to the MacBook. The charger is fine too. It charges other MacBooks perfectly.

What I please need from you guys is some help starting this.

*+If someone can help with any of the following, I would be very grateful..+*
*-What supplies will I need? (tools and computer parts)*
*-What are the risks? (human and computer dangers)*
*-I need a document that helps identify or learn the hardware parts of the MacBook, so I can familiarize myself with them and thus ease the repair process.*
*-Is there any guide on fixing this specific problem (this would be ideal)?*

I think you guys understand. Thank you very, very much!

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.6.2), 2.5 GB RAM, 100 GB HD Space

Posted on Jul 5, 2010 11:07 AM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Jul 5, 2010 1:18 PM in response to corymacbookkeane

Most likely you need to replace the entire motherboard as well as get a new battery. I would start at ifixit.com for parts. Go to macsales.com for their video tutorial on how to disassemble the computer. Ifixit.com has manuals and online tutorials on disassembly.

You will need a small computer toolkit or small flat blade and phillips head screwdrivers as well as a Torx 6 driver.

Disassembly is not easy so read the tutorial on disassembly carefully before proceeding. There are no human dangers that I know of, but you can damage the computer if you are not careful with the disassembly.

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Answer 2

Jul 5, 2010 5:53 PM in response to Kappy

In addition to Kappy's good advice, I have a few more tips.

Portable computer components are more susceptible to static discharge than desktop computers. You should use an anti-static Mat or wrist strap, connected to a good ground. Static that can kill electronics is much smaller than the Zap you get from the carpets in winter.

Often, the insides of a portable computer are filled with dozens of tiny screws, in varying lengths, with different heads, all the same thread. You will need a method to keep track of what screw came from where. Some fixers use an ice cube tray, and number each compartment, and number the diagram. Some tape the screws to the ifixit diagrams. You need a method, else you end up with a dis-assembled computer, a pile of thirty not-quite identical screws, and no idea where any of them came from. It is a serious problem, and you need a solution before you begin.

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Answer 3

Jul 5, 2010 8:16 PM in response to corymacbookkeane

One of the main things you'll need is a Philips #00 screwdriver. Apple absolutely LOVES precision screws on their laptops. You won't find these just anywhere, but they shouldn't be too hard to find either. Just try and find a tri-wing #0 or #00 bit to get the battery out of a unibody MBP.

This particular tool set I have found to be EXCELLENT for working on laptops of all sorts. The only thing it needs are the tri-wing bits and it'd be perfect. But it should have everything you need to tackle an older MacBook Pro screwdriver wise.

http://www.amazon.com/Boxer-Pcs-4mm-Precision-Screwdriver/dp/B000FGQ1G6/ref=sr11?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1278385373&sr=8-1

The other thing I'd recommend is called a black stick or spudger. Great for helping pry the top cover off without bending the case up too badly. I'd pick up 2-3 of these because they can get a bit shredded over time.

http://www.amazon.com/Menda-Soldering-Probe-Nylon-Spudger/dp/B000PDUHNC/ref=sr16?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1278385547&sr=8-6

That should about cover everything you need, besides a guide... And get like an ice cube tray or something that you can use to keep the screws apart and MARK THEM. Trust me. Some of those screws will go into the wrong hole and you'll never get them back out. The previous model MacBooks are notorious among repair techs for being a giant PITA with nearly every hole having a different size and shape screw you have to remember.

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