Burned Magsafe Charging port, works intermittently, cost to replace?

Question

Level 1

1 points

Burned Magsafe Charging port, works intermittently, cost to replace?

I have a Macbook Air 13 inch, Mid 2011, model A1369. I am currently almost two years out of warranty, so warranty repair is out of the question.

The story is this:

I purchased my Air a few years ago new, and never had any problems up until a few months ago. My magsafe connector (end that plugs into magsafe port) started to overheat pretty bad, and I started noticing a trend in this, but it still continued to work fine. Eventually, my charging became intermittent, and would only work if some kind of object or if my finger was right underneath the cord where it connects to the macbook. Noticed that in the magsafe port, the plastic part was partially melted on the end, 2 of the pins are burnt on top, and 2 of the pins have actual brown burn marks. The plastic around the isnide of the port is completely melted and absent. Charger had some damage on the pins as well.

First thing I did, I replaced the MagSafe Adapter. Same issue is occuring. Only can charge in a certain position. Tried my girlfriend's Magsafe Adapter, and same problem. So, I'm positive it's the MagSafe Port, which I know requires opening the computer and replacing the I/O board.

I called Mac OutPost (they're an authorized apple service center for Macs in my city), and they told me the ENTIRE logic board would need to be replaced, at the tune of $1000. He told me the Magsafe port was soldered to the logic board, and that the entire thing needs to be replaced and can't be repaired. I couldn't believe that, and I basically hung up right there.

Called another reputable computer shop in London Ontario (though not authorized apple service center, I have dealt with them on numerous occasions with nothing but positive experiences), and they told me that they can replace the port for $100-$125 parts and labour included, using original apple parts. i told him i would get back to them, and hung up.

I then did my own research, and found the I/O board for roughly $60-$80, and found out it is a plug-and-play install, and requires no soldering and no need to remove the logic board as described by iFixit.

So basically, I am curious about a couple things.

1) Why doesn't apple offer cheaper repair options if the parts can be replaced cheaply without soldering required? Is that $1,000 repair quote just something to scare me into buying a new Macbook for $150 more?

2) Has anyone attempted to do this install themselves? I can live with my MagSafe port for another couple weeks if I have to order the port, since it sitll charges the battery in certain cases, but I'd liek to get it fixed soon.

3) Where is the best place to order this part?

Thanks guys for any help you have to offer!

MacBook Air, OS X Mavericks (10.9.1)

Posted on Jan 22, 2014 4:27 PM

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Answer 1

ThomasMP

Level 1

4 points

Nov 22, 2017 12:13 AM in response to allie850

My charger stopped working so I bought another charger which didn't really work. Very quickly the pins on the new charger plug started to burn because the port and plug were not making good contact. So I went on ebay and bought the Magsafe port for $7, definitely better than paying $1000. Only problem is that since the pins on the newish charger are burned already it's causing problems so I'm right back where I started. I think it's best to replace

both of these at the same time or you will run into the same problem, which if you are having it done for you could be a total waste of money. But I paid $60 for charger, $7 for the port, and $5 for a precision driver set containing tri-wing, mini torx, and the precision phillips tips I needed. It's just a pain to keep taking the stupid thing apart because the screws are so tiny.

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Answer 2

Jan 22, 2014 4:48 PM in response to kellmike626

whoever told you the logic board needed to be replaced either

A: saw damage ALSO on the logic board, or

B: was in error.

1. repairs include parts AND LABOR, you left this important thing out.

2. Yes, Ive replaced to IO boards, its rather easy, for me...........not however for someone who isnt trained in computer parts replacement, depending on skills.

No, nobody was trying to scare you,....someone just made a mistake.

you can get parts many places, including ebay and elsewhere. Like here:

http://www.powerbookmedic.com/

If you do it yourself, I hope you have the skills, causing havoc with fragile connectors and you can easily destroy things.

see picture 2011 Air IO BOARD:

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Answer 3

kellmike626 Author

Level 1

1 points

Jan 22, 2014 5:01 PM in response to PlotinusVeritas

Thanks for the quick reply. When I went to Mac OutPost, they didn't even look at the macbook on the inside. They just told me $1,000 to replace the logic board, and yeah they probably meant parts and labour, but still.

There is a small dent on the macbook air, but it was from an unrelated incident about two weeks ago and it isn't even near the MagSafe port. I accidentally dropped it when it was in a pouch when someone ran into me.

Anyways, I attached a picture of the magsafe port. I'll look on ebay for the part, but thinking maybe I'll jsut take it to that other shop just to save time. Is it safe to use this with the port in its current condition?

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q633/km6263/photo.jpg

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Answer 4

Jan 22, 2014 5:12 PM in response to kellmike626

Just put that up to talking to someone up front guessing that the magsafe was part of the logic board, no big deal, most people are NOT those who dig around inside notebooks replacing parts. A rather unhappy job I can assure of firsthand.

FOR $100, in YOUR case, its very worth it......theyre charging you $50 for the part and $50 for the lovely misery involved in replacing the part / labor, which is a more than fair cost I can say firsthand.

http://www.lunacommerce.com/2850-15135-thickbox/apple-macbook-air-13-a1466-mid-2 012-magsafe-2-power-port-original-new.jpg

Id do it myself, but thats just me,.....anyone else, I say pay the $50 for labor and be happy 😊

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Answer 5

kellmike626 Author

Level 1

1 points

Jan 22, 2014 6:33 PM in response to PlotinusVeritas

I have repaired many laptops in the past, including some macbooks. I've seen the disassembly video for the Macbook Air (and the iFixit repair guide), and I gotta say, it's not as hard as it looks. I've taken apart more difficult laptops before.

I am going to look into finding a place in Canada that carries the board, so that way I can get it as soon as possible. If I have to wait two weeks, I might just go to the repair shop. But we'll wait and see 🙂

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Answer 6

Jan 22, 2014 6:41 PM in response to kellmike626

well, you didnt mention you had the skills in that arena. ......all the better to be sure.

Compared to the old huge laptops I used to fix, the Air is childs play easy.

to someone who never did such things before, there are 100 'dumb' things that can go wrong, as you are aware.

Now to locate your IO board. 😊

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Answer 7

kellmike626 Author

Level 1

1 points

Jan 22, 2014 8:11 PM in response to PlotinusVeritas

Yes haha. I learned by trial and error, been doing it since I was a kid, and it's definitely a nice hobby to keep me busy as well.

Yes, sadly I'm not having much luck finding one in Canada 😟 are there any part distributors for the I/O board I'm looking for? I've tried ebay Canada but found this one in the states:

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Macbook-Air-13-A1369-DC-IN-Magsafe-Audio-USB-Board-922-99 63-/310839605385?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item485f7bf889&_uhb=1

I'm wondering if this is the part that is compatible with my Macbook Air, without having to take it apart since I currently still have to get my Pentalobe screwdrivers. Model Numbers match at least, A1369.

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Answer 8

Jan 22, 2014 8:37 PM in response to kellmike626

Yes, and only $30 too, what a deal.

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Answer 9

May 27, 2014 1:45 PM in response to kellmike626

Quick question, I know this was months ago but what was your outcome. Did you pay to get it fixed or did you do it yourself. I have a Mac Air 2012 and I am having the same issues. My Magsafe power port isnt working. I have to hold the charger a certain wait in order to get a charge, It is not the adapter, it is the Power port. Please any info will help. Thanks.

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Answer 10

May 27, 2014 2:03 PM in response to toriann94

use an eraser tips to clean the contacts.

check for burn spots on the contacts.

with the Air OFF, you can use the point of a needle and scrap the burn spots off (if any) on the contacts in the magsafe port.

think of scraping burnt toast, if that helps you visualize it.

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Answer 11

May 9, 2015 9:48 PM in response to PlotinusVeritas

Thanks for this tip. I tried to brushing with a toothbrush, sticky tape, then finally used a pencil eraser. It worked like a charm.

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Answer 12

allie850

Level 1

8 points

Jan 20, 2016 2:36 PM in response to kellmike626

I've been having a similar problem... The port doesn't appear burnt though but here is my issue & your post came up after hours of googling...

Intermittent charging started gradually and has gotten worse but it began with what seemed like a loose connection between the magsafe charging cord & my 2011 MacBook Pro so, I ordered a new cord. I tried that & was continuing to have the same problem. Now, sometimes it will charge, sometimes it won't, sometimes it will have no light at all (not charging), sometimes a red light (& it will be charging), & sometimes a green light (even though it's not charged or charging) & I'm starting to worry that it may shut down one day & never come back... I have ensured that my system is up to date with all software updates, I have reset the PRAM & SMC, & I've cleaned the port with a toothpick on the edges & a q-tip & was able to remove a lot of grime. I've heard it could be the LogicBoard but today I found a new tidbit that seemed very interesting to me. Like you, I thought it was a connection that I sometimes couldn't wiggle it into correctly but I noticed today that every time it quit charging I unplugged the charger from the wall & plugged it back in & it immediately started working. Is it possible that this MagSafe Port needs to be replaced & is ruining the charger in a way? Or just sending the charge back down it, because it does feel warm...? Any help would be much appreciated! Options, opinions, etc Thanks!

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