Logic board failed because of battery connector

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Level 1

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Logic board failed because of battery connector

Hi there,

After 1.5 years of use, my MBP's hard drive failed. So I purchased a new SSD and followed carefully the installation guide on eshop.macsales.com and also

Ifixit.com.

After the installation my macbook was unable to power up. I took it to Apple Genius Bar and the guy told me my Logic Board has been damaged, possibly because of the installation. He also told me I was not meant to disconnect the battery connector because this causes damage to Logic Boards.

I really don't understand? All the guides I can find intruct me to disconnect the battery connector before I install any hardware, this contradicts with what the guy at Apple told me, which was: "The battery connector is never meant to be removed, you only need to turn off the machine"

I am really frustrated with this right now, can anyone please clarify this? I removed the battery connector by a nylon spudger.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.2)

Posted on Jul 3, 2012 12:17 AM

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Answer 1

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clintonfrombirmingham

Level 7

30,100 points

Jul 3, 2012 12:26 AM in response to Bakon

I've replaced an number of drives - and one SSD - and never disconnected the battery. Where did you read t do this? I've never seen it done or recommended, even in Apple's user manuals that show you how to install a new drive or RAM.

I believe the guy at the Apple Store - "The battery connector is never meant to be removed, you only need to turn off the machine."

Even if you weren't out of warranty, you'd still have to replace the logic board - it's failure was due to 'user damage.' See how much it will cost and compare the pros and cons of getting it replaced or buying a whole new machine.

Sorry,

Clinton

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Answer 2

Bakon Author

Level 1

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Jul 3, 2012 12:55 AM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

Thank you for your response,

Sorry if I didnt make it clear but I didnt remove the whole battery. I just disconnect the small plug between the battery and the logic board. I read this on ifixit.com and also eshop.macsales.com.

If you have time please do have a look and tell me your opinion.

Also, i read the manual on Apple site here and there was one step that says: "Discharge the static electricity from your body by touching a metal surface in the laptop"

Can you please explain this for me? Wouldnt this transfer the electricity to the laptop components and damage it??

Or should I wear a plastic gloves whenever I want to go inside a laptop?

Since you seem like an expert in this I really want to ask for future use, hope you dont mind.

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Answer 3

Lexiepex

Level 6

14,102 points

Jul 3, 2012 1:05 AM in response to Bakon

As Clinton says, never seen an instruction to remove the battery connector either, I just turn the machine off.

Bad luck.

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Answer 4

Jul 3, 2012 1:54 AM in response to Bakon

OK - for future use:

When replacing a hard drive or RAM, simply discharge any static electricity that may be in your body by touching a metal surface: the metal surface on your notebook will do. To play it extra-safe, use an anti-static wrist-strap (sold on Amazon for less than $3). You really don't need to stand on an anti-static mat as we did in the old days (and as some techs still do today). No need to wear plastic gloves or anything similar - the wrist-strap will keep you grounded (just don't do any shagging on shag carpet while you're exchanging components).

The ""Discharge the static electricity from your body by touching a metal surface in the laptop" is a good tip. The wrist-strap is just an extra precaution (I have one around but haven't used it since 2006, at least).

There are hoards of videos on YouTube showing you exact steps to take in replacing your HD, for example, and installing RAM, and many of them are Mac-specific (e.g., 2010 MBP, early-2011, late 2011, etc.). None of them that I have seen have mentioned disconnecting the battery. Sometimes, on ifixit, for example, they will do a complete 'teardown' of a new Mac - and on MBP's they even remove the batteries, completely wasting the machine so that we get to see what's inside. DON'T follow those examples!

Sorry for the pickle you're in - just chalk it up as a learning experience, at this point...

Clinton

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Answer 5

Bakon Author

Level 1

0 points

Jul 5, 2012 2:40 AM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

Thank you guys 🙂 especially Clinton for your great support.

I paid $700 for a replacement of logic board. The Genius guy did it for me right on the same day, which was not what should always happen however he is a very nice man.

RIght now I'm transferring from Time Machine, hope it'll be fine.

I do believe the failure was actually due to ESD, as that is only reason that explains.

In future, I'll will upgrade my RAM, I'll be extremely careful and discharge my static electricity by touching the optical drive which was shown in a manual on Apple Support Site.

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Answer 6

Jul 5, 2012 2:54 AM in response to Bakon

I'm just happy that you were able to get the logic board replaced the same day!

Good luck with your TM restore - and keep your fingers off your battery!

Clinton

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