MacBook Retina 2015 early. Completely dead

[salth2oj]

Hello All,
This is my first post and first time troubleshooting a MacBook laptop.

This is what i know. Prior to not "turn on" we were experiencing trackpad issues. The "click" at times wouldn't work.

Now this laptop will not power on. Being it has a USB-C connection i have no visible indication if the battery is being charged or is charged. Tho if hooked to the power pack the batteries are getting warm. The power pack and cable were replaced with new one off Ebay.
I tried the SMC reset, still no luck.

By the battery LED (by the battery connector) is lit, dim but lit. Not sure how bright it should be. It does go out when the drain button is pressed.

I opened the case and removed the cable for the trackpad, still no luck with the laptop turning on-still dead.

I'm think it might be the batteries, but not sure.

I really could use some pointers on what to check.

Thanks!!

 

[chscag]

Welcome to our forums.

Sometimes when the battery begins to swell (expand) it can affect the way the trackpad works. I suspect your MacBook may have a defective battery. That machine can not be operated from the USB-C charger alone - in other words from AC power without the battery. Also, the battery is not user removable or changeable without special tools and a heat gun.

You can check the procedure at iFixit: The Free Repair Manual or take your MacBook to Apple and have them run diagnostics. The diagnostics are free at an Apple genius bar but the battery replacement if needed will be at your cost plus labor.

 

[salth2oj]

Thanks for the quick reply and the information.
I like your theory on the expanding batteries interfering with the trackpad, makes sense. When these batteries start to expand, is it noticeable? Is there away to test (with a meter) to see if the batteries are the problem?

Also, thanks for the tip on making a ride to apple store, for the free diagnostics. I didn't know that.

 

[MacInWin]

No way to check for swelling batteries with a meter, but if you have a straightedge, or ruler, put it across the portable from side to side just above the trackpad and below the keys. It should touch the case all the way across, totally flat. A swelling battery will push up a bit, leaving a bit of a hump in the middle. You can do the same test on the back as well, as the battery will put the back of the unit out as well.

 

[techiesteve]

Trackpad clickers commonly fail on older MacBook Pro's, but my experience with MacBook's is they are very good. I do find if a short base screw from the 2 front centre has been replaced by a longer one from the sides it will restrict the trackpad movement and clicking. Obviously if the trackpad problem was present with the screws removed or it was as originally shipped by Apple that wouldn't be the problem. Trackpad clickers can fail on any trackpad as they are a mechanical device. The battery along with the logic board and speakers are mounted on the base, so when the MacBook is open the visible battery top would have to swell considerably to effect the trackpad. It would be very visible on a MacBook.

Bad batteries I've seen give short life, fail Apple's MRI diagnostic or the MacBook powers off when the USB-C power lead is removed. A battery not capable of taking any charge will cause the MacBook to momentarily display the red battery trap symbol then a black screen.

Do you hear the normal ding shortly after connecting the USB-C power cable? You can see the tiny LED on and then off after pressing the battery disconnect button. If when on it is dim as you described there is a very high chance the logic board has failed. I suspect an accurate diagnosis can only be conducted by substituting the expensive logic board, which will involve visiting an ARS or AASP. An AASP will charge a fee if you don't go ahead with a repair, but not Apple.

BTW, be very careful with the IPD cable from the trackpad to the logic board, never stress. Apple supply service providers with a jig for supporting the MacBook during disassembly and reassembly that guards against stressing. Even if after repair the IPD cable is damaged or disconnected, the MacBook should still automatically power on shortly after power is applied, but displays an error that the trackpad and keyboard can't be found.

 

[salth2oj]

Do you hear the normal ding shortly after connecting the USB-C power cable? You can see the tiny LED on and then off after pressing the battery disconnect button. If when on it is dim as you described there is a very high chance the logic board has failed. I suspect an accurate diagnosis can only be conducted by substituting the expensive logic board, which will involve visiting an ARS or AASP. An AASP will charge a fee if you don't go ahead with a repair, but not Apple.

Steve,
I don't hear or see anything when the connecting the USB-C power cable. Tho i do feel the batteries and the power pack getting warm (not hot, not even very warm).
I'm the first one to remove the case screws, doubled checked and they were in the correct positions.

Thanks

 

[salth2oj]

No way to check for swelling batteries with a meter, but if you have a straightedge, or ruler, put it across the portable from side to side just above the trackpad and below the keys. It should touch the case all the way across, totally flat. A swelling battery will push up a bit, leaving a bit of a hump in the middle. You can do the same test on the back as well, as the battery will put the back of the unit out as well.

Hello Jake,
I tried the ruler test, with a metal ruler above the trackpad and below the keyboard shows a even gap going side to side. Why i say a gap, each side is just a little bit higher then the rest. These high points is only for about 3/8" from each side, then it is levels out through the middle. Hope this make sense and is the normal. As i don't have another to compare to.

 

[salth2oj]

Batteries, where to buy?

If i go the route of replacing the batteries, is one place better then another on where to purchase?
Any feedback on purchasing the complete bottom case with the batteries already mounted/glued? Some "new" with a whole lot more used. I seen these on Ebay.

 

[MacInWin]

From that description, it doesn't sound like it's swelling. A swelling battery will make a dome shape (very slight) on both the top and bottom case as the battery presses on the case and it gives a bit in the middle while the screws hold it fixed on the edges.

 

[salth2oj]

Update, made a appointment with Apple. I want to see what they say before going any further.
If you guys have any more ideas, please send them over.

 

[salth2oj]

Update, made a appointment with Apple. I want to see what they say before going any further.
If you guys have any more ideas, please send them over.

I did make it to the Genius bar, after the laptop making a trip to the back room they came back with....575.00 for the repair. He believe it is the logic board causing the problem. Either way it is a fixed price for repair.
At this point I might just concede that it is Beyond a cost effective repair and might start looking for another.
Even used logic boards are going for 240.00 and up.

Thanks for the help and support

 

[badshoehabit]

Missed this when first posted. Have you checked whether your MBP is part of the recall programme for 2015 models? Mine was and I got an exchange battery & top case free earlier this year.

15-inch MacBook Pro Battery Recall Program - Apple Support