Macbook Air (mid-2013) does not turn on

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JSteve2020 Author

Level 1

8 points

Macbook Air (mid-2013) does not turn on

My Macbook Air (mid-2013) does not turn on since the day before yesterday.

Black screen, no startup chime, no keyboard lights.

Of course I tried the shortcuts to reset the SMC and NVRAM/PRAM, but without success.

I bought a Pentalobe screw driver to open the macbook and disconnected the battery and tried to startup the Mac with connected power cable only, without success. However, the fan started to spin (but not always).

I also disconnected the display and the SSD and connected it back, but this did not change anything.

I tried to connect an external display to the Mac, but since the Macbook does not have a direct VGA or HDMI port, I can only connect it through a Thunderbold adapter, which probably relies on a driver, which might not have been loaded (I guess).

Does anyone have an idea what to do next?

MacBook Air 13", macOS 10.15

Posted on Apr 18, 2020 12:09 PM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Apr 18, 2020 12:20 PM in response to JSteve2020

Troubleshooting Mac Startup or Power Up Problems

What to Do When Your Mac Won't Power Up At All

Make an appointment at the Apple Genius Bar for service after the stores re-open. If you need to find an Apple Store - Find a Store - Apple. Also, see How to find your nearest Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) or Distributor (AAD).

If stores are not yet open, then look for a local AASP to service the computer.

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Answer 2

JSteve2020 Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 19, 2020 6:05 AM in response to Kappy

I removed the whole battery and connected the AC charger. The fan would spin from time to time, but not always. After disconnecting and connecting various cables and putting everything together the Mac started to turn on, but would then suddenly power off (even after getting a login screen and a desktop). After giving the Mac a good shake (!) it came back to life (for now, battery indicator says it is 100% recharged). So I guess there should be a loose contact between the I/O board and the motherboard, but I've no idea where exactly this connection/cable is.

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Answer 3

JSteve2020 Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 18, 2020 12:52 PM in response to Kappy

Thanks for your suggestions. I tried them all (well except making an appointment) and none of the things worked.

Do you have any idea whether the Mac should work with battery removed and power cable plugged in?

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Answer 4

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Apr 18, 2020 12:59 PM in response to JSteve2020

Yes, it will work without the battery but I don't know if your model has a user removable battery. Without a battery and running from the AC charger, the CPU is throttled to half power.

I do not know, if disconnecting the ribbon cable from the battery to the motherboard will also disconnect the AC charger, too.

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Macbook Air (mid-2013) does not turn on

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