Is it safe to continue using a MacBook Pro after spilling coffee on it and it still works?

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Level 1

12 points

Is it safe to continue using a MacBook Pro after spilling coffee on it and it still works?

Long story short: 6 months ago I spilled a cup of coffee (with cream and sugar...) on my Macbook Pro, I let it rest for about six weeks and ... it still works perfectly fine, except one of the USB ports doesn't work anymore. I have another computer so I haven't used it every day, maybe 6 recharge cycles since the incident. Today, I opened the bottom casing and saw that the coffee got fairly far inside - there are coffee stains on the bottom of one of the batteries.

Now, I wonder if it is safe to continue using this computer since the battery had been in contact with liquid. Could the battery explode if I keep using it? Might be a silly question but I'm worried. Replacing the battery is near impossible since it's a 2016 model and very hard to repair. This was an expensive computer and I'd like to keep using it as long as I can, but not if it's dangerous to do so...

MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2016, 2 TBT3)

Posted on Aug 24, 2017 5:46 AM

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Answer 1

tjk

Level 9

51,192 points

Aug 24, 2017 7:22 AM in response to green_parrot

Hi,

The battery is a sealed unit, so no coffee got inside it. The only "worry" is the battery's connection to the logic board. Unplug the power adapter, and if possible, unplug the battery's connection, clean it out with a Q-tip or rag lightly moistened with rubbing alcohol, then let it dry for a couple days. The "worry" mentioned is highly unlikely to cause an "explosion" of the battery, but rust or corrosion could prevent if from connecting to the logic board. There is also a very slim possibility it could short circuit, causing it to stop functioning.

Given the spread of the spill, you're lucky it's still working, and will be even luckier if it keeps working. Make sure to make frequent backups, at minimum hourly Time Machine backups as rust and corrosion could occur and kill your Mac at any time.

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Answer 2

seventy one

Level 7

27,460 points

Aug 24, 2017 6:19 AM in response to green_parrot

Replacing the battery on its own is nowhere near the price of a new computer. Take the machine into an Apple store by appointment and see if they will assess the damage. The problem if that you have opened it up and they may not want to get involved.

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Answer 3

green_parrot Author

Level 1

12 points

Aug 24, 2017 7:22 AM in response to tjk

This is great to know, that the battery is sealed, thank you! I'll try to see if I can clean the connector. These new Macbooks are so terribly glued and screwed together that it's very hard to do anything. I miss the days when it was easy to replace parts in Macs yourself...

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Answer 4

green_parrot Author

Level 1

12 points

Aug 24, 2017 7:30 AM in response to seventy one

The battery still works fine, it lasts as long as before the spill. I already took the Macbook to an Apple certified repair shop. They said repairing it and replacing all the affected parts would very likely cost more than a new machine because of the way these new Macs are built. The thing is the coffee got into the case, so it may have affected other parts, although the computer still works fine. If I have the battery replaced and then some other part fails, that money will be wasted.

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Answer 5

seventy one

Level 7

27,460 points

Aug 24, 2017 7:31 AM in response to green_parrot

Which brings you back to your original question. I think you should feel comforted now.

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Answer 6

tjk

Level 9

51,192 points

Aug 24, 2017 7:48 AM in response to green_parrot

You're welcome. 🙂

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