Edward Durrant
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: MacBook Pro won't power on, how to find fault?

I bought a faulty MacBook pro off eBay really cheap, it's immaculate condition externally but it won't power on.

 

It came without a battery,charger or a HDD.

 

The power adaptor came today and I put it in, without any battery or HDD would anything happen when you press power or not?

 

Otherwise I'm assuming it's a possible logic board replacement?

iPhone 4, iOS 5.0.1

Posted on Jun 29, 2012 2:09 AM

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Edward Durrant

Q: MacBook Pro won't power on, how to find fault?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by clintonfrombirmingham,

    clintonfrombirmingham clintonfrombirmingham Jun 29, 2012 2:51 AM in response to Edward Durrant
    Level 7 (30,009 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 29, 2012 2:51 AM in response to Edward Durrant

    Don't assume it's a logic board problem, yet...

     

    You'd need either a DVD or an internal HD in order to get it to boot. If you need to buy a battery and an HD, I'd recommend getting in touch with OWC - http://eshop.macsales.com/. They have batteries for older MBPs as well as HD's for older MBPs. You're also going to have to buy System software to install on the new HD. It should at least run Snow Leopard. You can purchase the Snow Leopard disc from either Apple or Amazon.

     

    You're just going to have to spend some cash to get that MBP up and running - hope you got it at a good price!

     

    Good luck,

     

    Clinton

  • by Edward Durrant,

    Edward Durrant Edward Durrant Jun 29, 2012 2:57 AM in response to clintonfrombirmingham
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 29, 2012 2:57 AM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

    Hi Clinton thanks for your reply.

     

    As far as I'm aware there is no DVD on the drive,

    Would this cause it to not turn on?

     

    If I got home and plug my windows harddrive in I know it won't boot but will it still show some signs of life? Providing everything else is intact?

     

    Even without harddrive or DVD I know it wouldn't boot but surely it would still power up to find out there isn't either of them present?

  • by clintonfrombirmingham,

    clintonfrombirmingham clintonfrombirmingham Jun 29, 2012 3:03 AM in response to Edward Durrant
    Level 7 (30,009 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 29, 2012 3:03 AM in response to Edward Durrant

    Depending on the age, the slot-loading DVD would either be on the right side or in the front... are you saying that there's not a DVD drive installed or you just don't have a DVD to install from?

     

    With the power adapter alone, you should at least be getting a gray or white screen... are you not getting anything onscreen?

     

    Clinton

  • by Edward Durrant,

    Edward Durrant Edward Durrant Jun 29, 2012 3:06 AM in response to clintonfrombirmingham
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 29, 2012 3:06 AM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

    Sorry for the confusion, there is a DVD drive on the right handside but no DVD inside.

     

    But no nothing comes up on the screen at all, safe to assume

    It's logic board?

  • by clintonfrombirmingham,

    clintonfrombirmingham clintonfrombirmingham Jun 29, 2012 3:11 AM in response to Edward Durrant
    Level 7 (30,009 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 29, 2012 3:11 AM in response to Edward Durrant

    Probably so. Take it into an Apple Store and at least have it looked at. That won't cost you anything, but you'll get an idea of what it would cost - and what components are necessary - to get it up and running.

     

    Good luck,

     

    Clinton

  • by wjosten,

    wjosten wjosten Jun 29, 2012 3:15 AM in response to Edward Durrant
    Level 10 (94,634 points)
    iPhone
    Jun 29, 2012 3:15 AM in response to Edward Durrant

    There are a number of reasons why you're not getting any response. Sure the MagSafe is correct...if your computer requires an 85W adaptor & you're using a 60W adaptor, you won't get any response if the battery is missing.

     

    Remove the top case & look for a power icon on the logic board...same as the power button on the computer...near that icon are two small solder pads. Briefly bridge those pads with with a small flat screwdriver...no response? Logic board is bad.

  • by Edward Durrant,

    Edward Durrant Edward Durrant Jun 29, 2012 9:41 AM in response to clintonfrombirmingham
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 29, 2012 9:41 AM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

    Will they not charge at all to have a look in the UK?

     

    also, other people have got logic board replacements done underthe nvidia warranty extension scheme lasts 4 years - http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2377 is there anyway I can be caught out if i try to insist on a repair or replacement if i have no harddrive or battery installed? I plan to go the store with a friend who is perfect at getting his own way in customer service matters.