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MacBook Core Duo not working properly after internals were replaced

MacBook Core Duo not working properly after internals were replaced

I just finished doing some major computer repairs on a 2.0GHz MacBook Core Duo. About a week or two ago, my mother was using her MacBook while drinking coffee and ended up spilling a significant amount of it onto the top case of the open MacBook. She called me about it and I was able to obtain the MacBook that night to do some heavy duty cleaning.

Asked by: Guest | Views: 323
Total answers/comments: 4
bert [Entry]

"Well, it sounds like the power subsystem is working, so that's a good start. Do you know for sure the screen is good? First I'd try resetting the PMU/SMC by holding down the power button for 10 seconds while the power is off and the machine is connected to AC power. Hopefully you'll see the sleep light flicker and hear a tone...sometimes resetting the PMU can kick a machine out of the mode you are experiencing. If that doesn't do it, try resetting the PRAM.

Next, I'd reseat the RAM, and try one slot at a time with the other empty, in order to test for a bad slot. Reset the PMU and PRAM every time you change the RAM configuration, just to be sure.

Make sure to keep the topcase off while you do all this...there's no reason to have the machine 100% together while it's still having problems and you may have to go back in. I'd also keep the battery out to avoid complications.

If none of this helps, I'd revisit the iFixit guide and make sure all connections are fully seated. Make sure you don't have a faint image on the screen, indicating you may have a bad screen or an inverter cable issue. You can try connecting to an external display, and if that works, you know there's something wrong with the internal display components, and if it doesn't work, you know it's something other than that. You can try disconnecting the optical drive cable...I've seen bad cables/drives hang a system, so it's worth trying to power up with it disconnected just to make sure that's not the problem. You can try powering on without the hard drive as well -- basically, it can never hurt to remove all components in order to reduce the number of elements that could possibly be the problem, and that takes you closer to the cause.

Beyond that, I'd question the source of the logic board. Often people sell parts as good when they actually haven't tested them. I'd return it if necessary, and try another.

Anyway, I hope that helps, and let us know how it goes!

John"
bert [Entry]

"I have 2006 core duo I just bought from a gal very cheap. She was told by Apple genius that logic board was faulty and had to be replaced. I removed the board and gave it a good cleaning and inspection with magnifying glass. I didn't see any hot spots, ie discolored solder. So I put back in and still had same problems as you until I played with switching ram around. I found I have a bad ram slot but a 1 gb stick works great in slot 1. Now it boots and runs fine as long as I leave slot 0 empty. Good luck

Update

Okay I also bought a newer MacBook 5,2 made in early 2009 I got a good deal because the keyboard didn't function correctly. I ordered a used replacement version 3 top case for that one and all has worked perfect since. Just be sure you get the correct version."
bert [Entry]

"I know that my answer is a year late. I too had to replace my logic board on my 2006 Macbook Core Duo because my daughter spilled water over the computer. I replaced my core duo logic board with a core 2 duo logic board and everything works really well. The core 2 duo logic board was bought on ebay from an ebay trader called domkuk. Excellent service and the trader sent a free heat sink compatible with the new logic board.

Your problem is a either a dud logic board, in which case i recommend domkuk, and/or you need to replace your top keyboard/trackpad panel (costs around $50)."
bert [Entry]

If you have the top case off, take the hard drive cable off and make sue you are careful not to break small cable that hooks to sleep light. it has small flap that releases the cable. Take out the two screws and then take black tape and check to see if solder joints on small board corroided. Replace cable if necessary. Allen Gifstad, esu10. org