Calling all spilled-coffee-on-MacBook Pro experts

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Calling all spilled-coffee-on-MacBook Pro experts

So, as the subject states, coffee was spilled all over the keyboard of a 2015 MBP. It shut down by itself. I proceeded to take apart all components carefully and drying things out with a microfiber and 92% isopropyl alcohol. I left it to dry for 5 days and re-assembled. Unfortunately, during the disassembly process I damaged two of the small fan connectors on the logic board. So, I ordered a new logic board. I can start the machine up and get to the blinking question mark, which was expected since the HD has been updated to Mojave with APFS and the logic board firmware hasn't been updated. I reset the PRAM and SMC. My plan to upgrade the firmware involved launching in network recovery mode (command, option, R). It begins the process first asking for the network, and then showing the spinning globe as it prepares (takes about 5-10 minutes). The problem comes next when it begins to startup (black screen with apple logo and progress bar). The progress bar gets partially through (about halfway) and then it shuts down and restarts ending up back on the flashing question mark. How shall I fix this my friends?

Posted on Mar 30, 2019 6:40 AM

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Answer 1

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HWTech

Community+ 2026

Level 9

70,430 points

Mar 30, 2019 4:14 PM in response to Shantley

Disconnect the Keyboard & Trackpad as they may be damaged from the coffee spill and causing problems. Also leave the battery disconnected. The Retina laptops tend to power on automatically when the power adapter is plugged into it while the battery is unplugged.

Since you bought another Logic Board, you are dealing with a complete unknown with it. Who knows if it works properly or could have its own issues or if the issues are due to some remaining liquid damage to one of the original components or damage to one of the connectors which can be difficult to impossible to detect. The best you can do is disconnect all non-essential items including the display and use an external monitor, keyboard & mouse.

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Answer 2

babowa

Level 9

78,580 points

Mar 30, 2019 9:13 AM in response to Shantley

The only solution is to take it to your nearest Apple store as you do not have the diagnostic equipment to check all the electronic parts for damage.

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Answer 3

Mar 30, 2019 7:08 AM in response to Shantley

Too bad you already put so much effort, time, and money into this liquid damaged computer. Liquid damage often results in the need to replace the computer with a new one. All I can suggest is to take the computer to an authorized service center for evaluation.

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Answer 4

Shantley Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 30, 2019 7:22 PM in response to HWTech

Really like your suggestion HWTech, but how would I deal with the blinking question mark if I didn't have a functioning keyboard to do a network recovery boot? (remember the logic board is pre APFS, but the SSD is APFS). Would it offer the option to connect a bluetooth device before serving the blinking question mark?

Also, interesting that you say the laptop powers on automatically when the battery is unplugged. It does that while plugged in too.

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Answer 5

Shantley Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 30, 2019 9:07 AM in response to BobTheFisherman

In the end you’ll probably be right, but for now I’m too stubborn to throw in the towel, and am looking for any additional things to try.

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Answer 6

Mar 30, 2019 7:30 PM in response to Shantley

Would it offer the option to connect a bluetooth device before serving the blinking question mark?

You will need to use a USB keyboard & mouse.

Also, interesting that you say the laptop powers on automatically when the battery is unplugged. It does that while plugged in too.

Usually Apple laptops will only power on without the battery, except on the newer ones (2016-). I forget how the 2015's behave in this regard.

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Calling all spilled-coffee-on-MacBook Pro experts

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