cracked trackpad - warranty/applecare question

asya72 wrote:

My MacBook's trackpad is cracked. I'm not sure if it was caused by impact or if the battery could be expanding and pushing up from underneath since i saw some others mentioning this.

I have seen a number of Mac laptops affected by a swollen battery but have never seen a cracked trackpad like that caused by a swollen battery. With a swollen battery severe enough to actually crack the trackpad, I would have expected to see more of a slope on the trackpad with its peak right on the crack. But who can tell, best to get it diagnosed by a qualified technician.

If Apple finds that it's from a swollen battery, would that repair usually be covered under the warranty?

If still under warranty or AppleCare, yes that would be covered, it would fall into the category of a defective part.

Or would a cracked trackpad automatically be considered accidental damage?

You mention "impact" and "accidental damage" a few times in your posts ... so was there an impact or an accident? We can't tell, but better for you to be upfront with Apple about this rather than appear deceptive.

If there is no swollen battery involved, I expect it will be labeled as an accidental impact for which the user is responsible. Trackpads don't just crack themselves. If you have AppleCare+ there is a fee (that is much less than the total repair cost) for the repair. I don't think the warranty covers accidental user-caused damage.

Would it still be covered for free repair in the warranty or applecare+ for either outcome?

See my comments above.

Best course of action for you is take is to take the laptop in to Apple for service. You can make an appt on the Apple web site. Then you will know your options.

Nobody could make any determination for Apple and one users experience with a repair is not likely going to be the same for you as each are done on a case by case basis. Schedule an appointment with Apple and have them look at it or contact Apple directly.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

You can run some checks for a swollen battery at home. However, they will not fix the problem:

Symptoms:

— Unexpected trackpad and/or keyboard behavior.

— The gap between the display assembly and the deck is not uniform when the display is closed.

— The gap between the bottom plate and chassis is uneven in places.

— Some of the screws that hold the bottom plate have popped out.

— The trackpad surface is higher than the surrounding deck surface.

— The computer "rocks" a bit on a known flat surface†.

†  - I find solid-surface and granite countertops very effective flat surfaces for testing.

I cannot be certain from your image, but the left edge of the trackpad appears higher than the surrounding deck. That's worrying.

If you confirm a swollen battery, turn the computer off and do not use it. Place it in a non-flammable container and set it someplace without any flammable materials nearby. The swelling it a buildup of gases, including flammable hydrogen. Could be unpleasant if used.

The warranty is one year.

IF you have AppleCare+ coverage on it, there is a deductible for repairs if it's determined to be accidental damage.