A strong physical hit from inside of 13-inch MacBook Pro Mid 2018

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A strong physical hit from inside of 13-inch MacBook Pro Mid 2018

About a week ago I heard a strong hit from inside of the notebook. The first time it happened, my hands weren't on the laptop so I only heard it. It was really weird and I thought maybe it was something else. Yesterday it happened again and this time I felt it with my hands. It was like something has cracked or popped inside. Physically it felt as if someone hit the notebook from underneath by something hard like keys or a small hammer.

Performance-wise it is the same as before and visually there are no external changes.

There is probably no way to identify the exact reason behind this without disassembling it, but what are the possibilities? How worried should I be?

MacBook Pro 13”, macOS 10.15

Posted on Apr 6, 2020 3:07 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Grant Bennet-Alder

Level 10

140,849 points

Apr 8, 2020 8:09 AM in response to nikita_savelyev

nikita_savelyev wrote:

...

The laptop is completely flat on the table, but the bottom is slightly touching the table so that a sheet of paper doesn't freely pass through under it. I guess it could indeed slightly expand. On the other hand, my bottom rubber pads are a bit worn off and this could add to the effect too. Other than that there are no visual changes to the body of the laptop.

You may be describing a swollen battery, A swollen battery may continue to expand and damage the trackpad and keyboard next.

If all the feet are present, even if worn down, a sheet of paper (only about .004 in or 0.1016 mm thick) should pass freely under the center of the aluminum bottom, and if it does not, a swollen battery may be pushing the bottom down.

Contact AppleCare in your area. They may be able to arrange a courier to pick up your MacBook for inspection and repair at a depot.

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Answer 2

HWTech

Level 9

69,296 points

Apr 6, 2020 11:48 AM in response to nikita_savelyev

While I've heard an occasional popping sound from some 2016+ MBPros the sound usually isn't too loud and I've never felt it (I've never been able to locate the source). I would be concerned the battery is beginning to expand. Carefully look at the laptop to see if you notice the palmrest starting to warp or the Trackpad starting to pop up or crack or if you notice the Bottom Case is starting to separate from the computer. Is the laptop still sitting completely flat on the table? If the battery is beginning to swell, then unplug the charger and immediately power off the laptop until it can be repaired.

The Haptic Feedback feature of the Trackpad does make noise and it can be felt as well. I don't know if turning off the haptic feedback settings in the Trackpad System Preference will have any affect or not.

Try an SMC reset and a PRAM reset.

Maybe try running the Apple Diagnostics.

Edit: You should get the laptop checked out as soon as the Apple Stores reopen or if a local AASP is open in your area.

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Answer 3

HWTech

Level 9

69,296 points

Apr 8, 2020 10:27 AM in response to nikita_savelyev

Definitely keep a very close eye on the laptop for any (further) signs of swelling or deformation. I think the battery is starting to swell, but current conditions do make things difficult. If you have another computer, then I would recommend using the other computer even if it is not ideal until you can have the laptop examined by Apple or an AASP.

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Answer 4

Apr 8, 2020 12:59 AM in response to HWTech

Thank you for the reply.

The laptop is completely flat on the table, but the bottom is slightly touching the table so that a sheet of paper doesn't freely pass through under it. I guess it could indeed slightly expand. On the other hand, my bottom rubber pads are a bit worn off and this could add to the effect too. Other than that there are no visual changes to the body of the laptop.

Tried SMC and PRAM resets. Also ran Apple Diagnostics, no issues were found.

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Answer 5

Apr 8, 2020 1:12 AM in response to leroydouglas

Thank you for the reply.

I am not sure that it's because the battery pack has fallen to the lower case, because it has not that far to fall inside the case, but the hit was rather hard.

I am outside the USA, however there are several authorised service providers nearby (which are closed for now). I tried to apply for the support via chat, but sadly it says that my product is not eligible for free technical support. This is probably because my warranty period has expired. Is there a paid support?

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