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MacBook A2141 Repair: Troubleshooting and Resolution

In this video, the technician sets out to fix an A2141 MacBook that is not turning on. The customer claims that the device has no liquid damage and just stopped working out of the blue. The technician expresses skepticism about the customer's claim and sets out to diagnose and repair the issue.

Initial Assessment

The technician begins by plugging in the MacBook to see what amount of amperage it takes. After this initial assessment, it is revealed that the ppbus g3 hot rail is not present. Upon further investigation using boardview software and the schematic, it is identified that the pp3 v3 g3 hot voltage is significantly lower than it should be, indicating a potential issue.

Diagnosis

The technician then suspects that there may be a short to ground causing the power rail not to be present. A multimeter test confirms a 10 ohm short to ground, leading to the suspicion that the TPS612180 chip responsible for powering the SSD may be the culprit. The technician further explains that this failure mode is common for this specific model of MacBook, where the chip can send 13 volts to the SSD, consequently destroying the data and rendering the device inoperable.

Confirmation of Issue

Upon closer inspection under the microscope, it is evident that the TPS612180 chip has exploded, further confirming the suspicion. The technician also debunks the notion of liquid damage, as there are no signs of liquid under the chip. This aligns with the initial claim made by the customer, indicating that the issue is not related to liquid damage.

Resolution

The technician proceeds to remove the faulty TPS612180 chip from the board and plans to replace it with a new one. However, it is noted that the SSD is also damaged due to receiving 13 volts, which is not a repairable issue. The technician laments the unfortunate reality of this common failure in the A2141 model and expresses frustration with the situation.

In the end, the technician decides to defer the repair to the following day, expressing the need to regroup and refocus after a series of unexpected setbacks.

Conclusion

In summary, the video showcases the meticulous and detailed approach taken by the technician to diagnose and repair the A2141 MacBook. It provides valuable insight into the common failure modes of this particular model and emphasizes the challenges faced in attempting to repair devices with irreparable damage.

The video also sheds light on the importance of thorough diagnostics and the unforeseen challenges that can arise during repair attempts. Overall, it serves as an informative and candid portrayal of the complexities involved in MacBook repairs and the resilience required to navigate such obstacles.