Mandatory SMC reset at each start after logic board change

Hello everyone,

I replaced my logic board myself on my 2016 MacBook Pro (15", Touch ID). The new logic board has a larger capacity hard drive of 256 GB -> 1 TB.

I now have a problem when booting the MacBook, I have to do an SMC (Shift + Option + Ctrl + Touch ID) reset every time it boots, otherwise the Mac won't boot.

I performed an NVRAM/PRAM reset as well, with no more success.

I ran a diagnostic: ADP000 No error.


Do you have an idea about the cause of this incident and its possible resolution?

Following the change of the logic board is it necessary to do a specific manipulation?


Thanks in advance for your feedback


MacBook Pro (15 pouces, 2016), Touch Bar

macOS Monterey 12.6.2

MacBook Pro

Posted on Jan 6, 2023 10:27 AM

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6 replies

Jan 6, 2023 12:45 PM in response to BibiSeal

Assuming the old Logic Board had no problems, then it most likely indicates that this Logic Board has a hardware issue. Make sure that you have reinstalled the BMU screw and fully seated the flex cable for the Battery. Make sure the latch on the battery cable connection on the Logic Board is down and the connector is not damaged. Also, make sure the other end of the battery flex cable is also fully seated on the battery board and it's latch is closed and the connector is undamaged. Make sure the battery flex cable is also undamaged. This cable & these connectors are very easily damaged.


When attempting to power on the Mac, try connecting the charger. If the charger is already connected, disconnect it for a moment, then reconnect the charger to see if it allows the laptop to power on. Don't perform an SMC Reset. If this does not work, then try connecting the charger to another USB-C port especially on the other side of the laptop. Also make sure to connect the charger directly to the laptop without any adapters.


Make sure to disconnect all external devices except for the charger which is directly connected to the laptop. Make sure you are using the 87W charger and proper charging cable.


These USB-C Macs are very quirky.

Jan 7, 2023 1:49 PM in response to BibiSeal

The SMC Reset is resetting the power management chip which implies the Logic Board is bad or something is causing this chip to get into a state where it doesn't work properly.


I know from personal experience supporting our organization's laptops, that this model has a lot of quirky behavior with the Logic Board and power issues even on a laptop with no reported issues by the user. It doesn't take much to have power on issues with this laptop. Even the tiniest thing can affect the laptop in ways you may not expect. Troubleshooting these Apple USB-C laptops is not quite the same as troubleshooting older Macs or computers in general.


I've pointed you to things which may contribute to your problem. If those cables & connectors are fine, then it most likely points to a bad Logic Board. The only other thing I neglected to mention is that the contactsw on the USB-C ports should always be examined when working on these laptops since many times they are corroded or even damaged, at the very least they end up with oxidized contacts. An issue with the USB-C port can easily cause issues with the laptop even when nothing is connected to those ports.


If everything else looks Ok, then the Logic Board is most likely the problem here. You have no idea of the history of this replacement Logic Board which is a used part pulled from another laptop. Even purchasing a refurbished part from a respected vendor, there is always a chance of receiving a defective part. Luckily this Logic Board did not produce the same/similiar symptom as the original one or you would be in more of a quandry.

Jan 7, 2023 1:00 AM in response to HWTech

The old logic board has been diagnosed as failed by an apple-certified repairer.

Symptom: When starting the macbook the screen, the keyboard, the touch bar remained black. Only the trackpad seemed to "turn on", it became soft whereas when the macbook is turned off it is hard.


I performed the requested tests, if I connect the original cable to the macbook, the macbook does not start. On the other hand, the screen becomes gray (for 1 second) and then becomes black again and does not start. There is also no macbook startup or charging beep.

Tests carried out on the 4 ports of the macbook.


If I reset the SMC, it boots to the power button (touch id in my case, also replaced with the new logic board as closely related) and plugging in the original cable.

After SMC reset, it is perfectly functional... But you have to perform an SMC reset at each boot.


the cables look good, and connected well.

If there was a connection or cable problem, the SMC reset will have no effect, right?

While there the SMC reset fixes everything, but if I turn it off I have to reset the SMC on the next boot.

It drives me crazy this macbook pro

Jan 14, 2023 7:01 AM in response to HWTech

After various tests carried out this week :

If I turn off the macbook with the button without closing the cover, I can turn it back on even after dark by pressing the power button.

If I turn it off, with the button also, and I close the lid of the macbook, when opening the lid the macbook does not start and pressing the power button does not start it either.

I then have to reset the SMC for it to restart.

If it goes to sleep, I can unlock it with touch ID.

Jan 15, 2023 10:23 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Sorry I expressed myself badly.

To turn off the macbook, I use the Apple menu > turn off, and not the button directly.

I only use the button to turn it back on since opening/closing the hood does not automatically turn it on like before.

And if I didn't close the hood, the button works, if I close the hood, I have to do a SMC reset again to be able to restart it

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Mandatory SMC reset at each start after logic board change

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