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User profile for user: AlpineSwift
AlpineSwift Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Advice on how to repair water-damaged keyboard

Hi all,

Recently water was accidentally spilled on my Macbook Pro (2010, 13 inch) directly on the keyboard and now the entire keyboard does not function. Fortunately, the logic board and battery was not fried in the process and the laptop functions well, just without the keyboard I've read online tutorials pertaining this issue and it instructed the user to just purchase a brand new keyboard unit and replace it with the damaged one, therefore solving the issue.


My question is, would doing so most definitely bring back the keyboard function or would I need to look into other components that might have been damaged in the process? Would I need other replacement parts to do the job? So far the laptop functions wth no complications. I found the keyboard replacement unit online at an inexpensive cost so I guess I'll take my chances with that.

Does anyone have a similar experience regarding this issue or have done such a replacement before? Please do share your opinions. . Thanks in advance.

MacBook Pro

Posted on Sep 4, 2019 6:40 AM

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User profile for user: K Shaffer
K Shaffer
User level: Level 8
35,308 points

Posted on Sep 5, 2019 12:05 AM

Certainly the top case (section of bottom portion, below display) could need replacement.


The unit would require inspection; and yet it's old enough to probably not be repaired by

an official Apple store. You may find useful information if skilled, to look into this matter as

'do it yourself' repairs; sometimes parts can be found online or through local repair sources

even after the authorized dealer-based Apple service, no longer support them.


..Sometimes the cost for labor and hard to find obsolete parts makes no economic sense..

Beware some persons may sell damaged, used, or unusable parts, if not reputable sourced.


If you are not comfortable with a DIY repair (use ifixit or powerbookmedic + etc. guides)

there may be some independent Apple trained service providers who would fix old Macs.

Among those listed in the region (first check the Apple site, listed ones) you live, may be

an idea. ~ Usually there are maps and details to locate Apple service repair sales & others.


The keyboard would have to be removed and replaced; several of those models went to

a design where the top case portion of lower body of the macbook (+ mb/pro, etc) need

replacement because it's contained. ~ Too many micro-circuits and switches, maybe?


You could ask IF an official Apple store could accept an outdated model for evalation or

inspection; but do not expect them to fix older hardware now. Check w/ independents.

https://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/


For many years I've used my portable Macs with external full-size Apple keyboard + mouse...

as desktop replacements. Surprisingly internal keyboards do not rebel; & survive quite nicely.



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User profile for user: K Shaffer
K Shaffer
User level: Level 8
35,308 points

Sep 5, 2019 12:05 AM in response to AlpineSwift

Certainly the top case (section of bottom portion, below display) could need replacement.


The unit would require inspection; and yet it's old enough to probably not be repaired by

an official Apple store. You may find useful information if skilled, to look into this matter as

'do it yourself' repairs; sometimes parts can be found online or through local repair sources

even after the authorized dealer-based Apple service, no longer support them.


..Sometimes the cost for labor and hard to find obsolete parts makes no economic sense..

Beware some persons may sell damaged, used, or unusable parts, if not reputable sourced.


If you are not comfortable with a DIY repair (use ifixit or powerbookmedic + etc. guides)

there may be some independent Apple trained service providers who would fix old Macs.

Among those listed in the region (first check the Apple site, listed ones) you live, may be

an idea. ~ Usually there are maps and details to locate Apple service repair sales & others.


The keyboard would have to be removed and replaced; several of those models went to

a design where the top case portion of lower body of the macbook (+ mb/pro, etc) need

replacement because it's contained. ~ Too many micro-circuits and switches, maybe?


You could ask IF an official Apple store could accept an outdated model for evalation or

inspection; but do not expect them to fix older hardware now. Check w/ independents.

https://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/


For many years I've used my portable Macs with external full-size Apple keyboard + mouse...

as desktop replacements. Surprisingly internal keyboards do not rebel; & survive quite nicely.



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Advice on how to repair water-damaged keyboard

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