10 things to check before You buy a used MacBook

1. Watch it get wiped and set up in front of You

Had an A2337 in (M1 MacBook Air) that the seller said had been wiped and was ready to go. As soon as it connected to wifi during setup it put up a Remote Management screen for the company that used to own it.

I checked the serial, the recovery options and how it activated, and sure enough it was still assigned to that company through Apple Business Manager. Reinstalling macOS wont get rid of that …. the company has to release it.

The customer got onto the seller, the seller got the company to release it, then I erased it, did a clean install of macOS and ran setup again to make sure the screen was gone. $280 and 3 business days including the wait for the company!!

So get the seller to erase it in front of You and go through setup at least as far as connecting to wifi. If a Remote Management screen comes up, walk away.

2. Get the original receipt

Had an A2141 in (2019 16 inch MacBook Pro) bought from a private seller. macOS loaded fine but when we tried to get into recovery it came up with a padlock asking for a firmware password.

Getting a firmware password removed needs an authorised process and proof of purchase. The customer had the purchase paperwork and sorted the removal through Apple, then I erased it and did a clean install. $295 for my part and 4 business days including the Apple side!!

Apple wants proof of purchase for Activation Lock problems too … so ask for the original receipt and dont buy it without one. On an Intel Mac, hold Command and R as it starts up to get into recovery before You pay. If You see a padlock its got a firmware password.

3. Turn it over and count the screws

Had an A1932 in (2018 13 inch MacBook Air) bought second hand that made a clicking noise when you picked it up, and the trackpad kept dropping out.

Two of the bottom case screws were missing and a bracket screw inside was gone too. The battery had been out before, there was old adhesive under it and the new adhesive had gone on unevenly, so part of it could move around in the case.

Checked the battery for swelling or damage first, none thankfully. Then took it out properly, cleaned off the old adhesive, new adhesive strips, reseated the trackpad cable and put the right size screws back in …. $275 and done in 1 day!! Kept the existing battery.

Missing screws on the bottom means someones been inside. That doesnt make it a bad Mac, but ask what was done and who did it.

4. Ask straight out if its ever been wet

Had an A2338 in (M1 13 inch MacBook Pro) that worked for the first couple of weeks after it was bought, then started shutting down out of nowhere. Charging cut in and out too, especially when the USB C cable moved.

Inside there was clear evidence of an old liquid damage repair, leftover flux around part of the logic board, corrosion near a connector and a screw missing. The corrosion had got into one of the USB C connectors and its contacts.

Removed that connector, cleaned the pads and the area around them, microsoldered a new one on and checked for shorts before it got power again. Left it running overnight and did the charging tests again the next morning …. $485 and 3 days later it was stable!!

I still told the customer old liquid damage can cause other faults down the track. A Mac thats been wet and repaired isnt always a bad buy, but it should cost less and You should know about it before You pay!!

If its had parts changed, Apple suggests using Repair Assistant to check for an unfinished repair, because a part from another Mac can be locked to someone elses Apple Account.

5. Know who You’re buying from

If You buy from someone who isnt a business, like most sellers on Marketplace or Gumtree, the consumer guarantees usually dont apply. Buy from a business and the Mac has to be of acceptable quality and match its description. Apple’s own certified refurbished Macs come with a one year warranty.

So with a private sale its basically all on You … thats why the rest of these checks matter!!

6. Think twice about an Intel Mac in 2026

Apple says macOS Tahoe is the last version for Intel Macs. Only four Intel models got it, the 16 inch MacBook Pro from 2019, the 13 inch MacBook Pro from 2020 with four Thunderbolt ports, the 2020 iMac and the 2019 Mac Pro. Apple says those will get security updates for three years.

The A2141 above is one of the four. Every other Intel Mac, like that 2018 Air, stopped at an older version …. if its Intel it should be priced like it!!

7. Check the battery cycle count

Hold Option, click the Apple menu, open System Information and go to Power. The cycle count is under Battery Information.

Most MacBooks are rated for 1,000 cycles, so one sitting at 900 is going to need a battery soon and that should come off the price.

8. Run the serial through Apple

The serial is in About This Mac and on the bottom of the case. Put it into Apple’s coverage check and make sure the model matches the ad, the box and the receipt.

9. Test every key

Apple’s free butterfly keyboard program has finished, so a sticky key on a butterfly keyboard MacBook from 2015 to 2020 is now Your bill, not Apple’s!! Go over every key, the trackpad, every port, the camera and the speakers before You hand over any money.

10. Pay safely

Meet in person if You can and see it running before You pay. NAB says to pay by card or PayPal, not PayPal Friends and Family, and to be wary of sellers who want to move the chat to WhatsApp or who can never meet. A price well under what they normally go for is a warning sign too!!

Worth knowing before You pay

Sometimes a second hand Mac is a great buy, other times its someone elses problem … either way its better to find out before the money goes.

If You’ve already bought one and something isnt right, give me a call, happy to have a look!! Hope to hear from you soon!!

The post Buying a second hand MacBook? What I’d check before handing over the cash appeared first on MacComputerNSW.

7 things to check before anyone opens up your Mac

1. Get the price before anything gets done

I charge a $150 diagnostic and thats waived if You go ahead with the repair. Whoever You use, the repair price should be agreed before any parts get ordered or fitted, nothing gets done until You say yes!!

2. Ask for the repair notice

Anyone fixing something that stores your data has to give You a written repair notice before they take it in for repair. It has to say your data might be lost, and if refurbished parts could be used it has to say that as well. A sign on the counter or a link on a website doesnt count, it has to be on paper or in an email …. if a shop has never heard of it that tells You something!!

3. Ask what part is going in

Ask straight out if its a genuine Apple part, a refurbished one or an aftermarket part. Theres a place for all three but You should know which one you’re paying for!!

4. Ask what else they checked

Had an A1989 in (2019 13 inch MacBook Pro) that had a new battery put in at another shop. It turned on but wouldnt charge past 12% … sometimes macOS said Not Charging and if you moved the USB C cable the charging symbol came and went.

I checked the customers charger with a USB C power meter, then tried my own charger and cable and it did the same thing. Opened it up and the new battery was connected properly and macOS could see it, no sign of liquid either. One of the USB C port assemblies was worn and dropping in and out, and an internal retaining screw had never been done up properly.

New port assembly in, cleaned around it with isopropyl, checked the cable routing and tightened the screw …. $345 and 2 days later it was charging from 12% to 100% again!! No second battery needed.

If a shop changes a part and the fault is still there, ask them what else they tested before they gave it back.

5. Ask how they test it before they call You

Had an A2337 in (M1 MacBook Air) that had a new screen fitted somewhere else after the original got damaged. It was fine for a few days, then sometimes it stayed black when you opened the lid. The Mac was still running and an external monitor showed a picture.

Inside, the display cable wasnt sitting flat in its connector, the bracket over it was slightly bent and one of the little bracket screws was missing. Fingerprints and adhesive all around the connector too.

Cleaned the contacts, checked the pins under magnification, reseated the cable, straightened the bracket and fitted the right screw. Then 20 lid open and close cycles, 10 cold starts and a few hours left running …. $265 and done the same day!!! They kept the screen they already paid for.

A screen that lights up once on the bench isnt tested … ask what they actually do before they hand it back!!

6. Ask about the cables near the part they changed

Had an A1707 in (2017 15 inch MacBook Pro) that had a battery done elsewhere. About a week later the trackpad started freezing for a few seconds at a time and Force Touch clicks were hit and miss, a mouse worked fine.

Sure enough the trackpad cable had been pinched during the battery job. It had a crease in it and battery adhesive pressed against part of it.

New cable, cleaned off the adhesive, routed it properly and checked the bottom cover wasnt squashing it when it went back on … then 3 hours of trackpad testing. $295 and 1 day later it was all good again!! No need for a whole new top case.

Ask if they check every cable near the part they changed before the cover goes back on.

7. A new part isnt always the fix

Had an A2251 in (2020 13 inch MacBook Pro, Intel) that had a new fan put in somewhere else. It was still roaring away just browsing and watching videos and the bottom case was getting really warm.

The new fan was spinning fine … but the vents were still packed with dust, the heatsink screws were all done up unevenly and there was way too much thermal paste around the processor.

Cleaned off the old paste, fresh paste on, heatsink back on evenly, cleaned the fan blades and the exhaust channels and made sure nothing was left inside …. $285 and done the same day!! No second fan.

If someone tells You a part needs replacing, ask what they think caused the fault in the first place!!

Apple, Apple authorised or an independent shop

If your Mac is still under warranty or AppleCare, go to Apple or an Apple Authorised Service Provider first … thats where in warranty repairs get done!!

Apple also runs an Independent Repair Provider program here, it came to Australia in 2021. Those shops get genuine Apple parts, tools, manuals and training, but the program only covers out of warranty repairs.

Plenty of good independent repairers arent in either program, so the checks above count for more than a sticker on the door.

Get your Mac ready before it goes in

This is straight off Apple’s own list and its good advice whoever fixes it:

1. Back it up first, in case the drive has to be erased or replaced.
2. Turn off Find My Mac.
3. On an Intel Mac, turn off the firmware password if it has one.
4. Make sure You know the name and password for your user account on the Mac.

If your data matters and You havent got a backup, say so before anything gets touched …. thats the first thing I’d want to know!!

Questions to ask before You say yes

• What do you think is wrong and how did you find it?
• How much all up, and is the diagnostic waived if I go ahead?
• Is the part genuine, refurbished or aftermarket?
• Can I have the repair notice in writing?
• Should I back up first, could I lose anything?
• What else will you check while its open?
• How will you test it before you call me?
• How long will it take and whats the warranty?

Sometimes its straight forward, other times it takes some considerable time to find whats really going on … either way You get a price before anything gets done.

If someone else has had a go at your Mac and its still not right, give me a call, happy to have a look!! Hope to hear from you soon!!

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Is your MacBook Pro Touchbar refusing to power up? Don’t panic. You can get it working again with some targeted troubleshooting and logic board repairs. This guide will walk through the key steps.

Pinpointing the Faulty Power Component

Start by checking the pp3v3_g3h power rail and associated circuits. This critical supply allows the CD3215 chips to request 20V from the charger. Inspect the enable pin on the pp3v3_g3h regulator. Also, check any controlling ISL9239 chips. Faulty chips often prevent proper power sequencing.

Replacing Defective Chips

If tests pinpoint a bad ISL9239, swap in a replacement. After removing the motherboard, desolder the chip carefully using a hot-air station. Be extremely gentle to avoid board damage. Align then solder the new chip using flux. Ensuring good joints is vital for reliability.

Tracking Down Short Circuits

Short-circuited capacitors can also cause no-power situations. Carefully check caps located near metal shields for signs of damage. Use a thermal camera to find hot spots. Beware of reflective surfaces skewing temp measurements. Inspect critical chips like CD3215, U7008K and the 300G Fiat to rule out short circuits.

Fixing Abnormal Current Draw

Has a repair gone awry? Upside-down chips can increase the current draw. These fragile components must be handled gently to avoid cracks. Double-check orientations as an incorrect position can easily go unnoticed. This prevents frustrating power consumption issues.

Reviving a MacBook Pro Touchbar with logic board repairs requires patience and care – especially when dealing with surface-mount chips. But methodically troubleshooting to identify faults and then reworking those areas using the right tools and techniques can get your device functioning normally again. Consider seeking professional assistance if you’re unsure.

The post How To Fix A Macbook Pro Touchbar Logic Board-No Power appeared first on MacComputerNSW.

Let’s take a look at the process of fixing a MacBook A2141 that won’t turn on. The customer has confirmed no liquid damage, so we start by checking its power behaviour and find out it’s only showing 5 volts with zero amperage – indicating there might be some kind of power trouble.

I examined the schematics to investigate further into this issue. One particular rail should show 13.1 volts but is displaying just 0.04! This tells us something isn’t right, and our tech carries out resistance measurements which reveal an unusual-looking short circuit (10-ohm) – which needs attention!

After much searching for clues, we finally identified what caused all these problems: It was none other than the TPS62180 chip responsible for powering your SSD drive! It malfunctioned in such a way as to cause severe collateral damage nearby when sending too much voltage downline towards your defenceless Solid State Drive.

Now comes the repair phase itself—replacing that rogue TPS62180 chip seems like an excellent place to begin repairing everything else damaged surrounding said component…

We double-check if PPBUS G3 HOT shorts after removing offending components before putting things back together again; luckily it all checks out ok.

In conclusion, this case study gives you insight into how skilled technicians troubleshoot complex technical issues encountered while carrying out maintenance or repairs on electronic devices such as Apple’s MacBook series—always remember patience coupled with expertise equals successful outcomes being achievable despite initial setbacks experienced along their journey toward finding solutions ultimately helping clients regain full functionality concerning their equipment once more

The post How To Repair A Macbook Pro 2019 a2141 Not Turning On appeared first on MacComputerNSW.

In this article, we’ll take a look at various Mac repair cost breakdown in 2026:

Diagnosis fee: Hands-on diagnosis is $150, waived if you go ahead with the repair or upgrade. The prices below are typical ranges; your exact price is confirmed after diagnosis, before any work starts.

1. Screen Repairs and Replacements

If your Mac screen is cracked or damaged, the average cost for the repair is between $100 to $500 depending on the size and model of the device.

Generally, a Mac screen repair and replacement can be completed the same day if you get it fixed by us. Make sure to reach out to our Mac repair in Sydney for more details.

2. Battery Replacements

Battery repair and replacements for MacBook is one of the most common fixes we do. This is because every computer’s battery has a shelf life of somewhere between 3-5 years before it needs to be replaced.

Some Mac battery replacements may be covered under Apple’s warranty or AppleCare+ protection plan, which can help to lower the overall cost of the repair. However, the average cost of a Mac battery replacement is from $150

3. Hard Drive Replacement

Mac’s hard drive can run slow or get damaged over time. If you feel that there’s a sound coming from your MacBook or is running low on storage, then it’s time to get it replaced.

The cost for a hard drive replacement is between $100 to $700, depending on the size and type of hard drive you need.

4. Keyboard Repair

MacBook keyboards can easily get damaged and the cost of repairing starts at $250, depending on the specific issue and the model of your Mac.

5. Logic Board Repair

Logic board is one of the most complicated repair work for any Mac and Apple computers. It’s not often to experience the logic board damage but if you do, then you can expect to pay somewhere between $300 to $1,000 or more. The cost of a logic board repair can even go as high as $1800 if you get it fixed by the Apple Support, and there’s no warranty that covers this aspect as well.

6. Water Damage Repair

If you spilled water over your Apple computer and you’re unlucky, the water can seep through the keyboard holes into the motherboard and chipset, which can lead to short circuit.

Therefore, the cost of repair a water damage to your Mac is similar to the logic board repair, which is between $200 to $900.

7. Other Repairs

Other repairs of the Mac include things like trackpads and speakers replacement, fan replacement, peripheral repairs ,etc. These smaller fixes cost somewhere from $250 and upwards, depending on the damaged done and the Mac model you use.

Conclusion

That’s all for the complete Mac repair cost breakdown. It’s worth noting that these estimates are just rough guidelines, and the actual cost of repairing your Mac may be higher or lower depending on your specific situation.

Additionally, some Mac repairs may be covered under Apple’s warranty or AppleCare+ protection plan, which can help to lower the overall cost of repairs if you decide to get it repaired by the official Apple Support store.

The post Mac Repair Cost Breakdown 2026 appeared first on MacComputerNSW.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of diagnosing and repairing a MacBook A1708 that won’t turn on.

We’ll cover everything from initial assessment to successful repair.

Firstly, CD3215 chips in the MacBook need to communicate with its charger for it to work properly.

These chips request 20 volts instead of just five for smooth operation.

Next up is checking PP3V3_G3H – an essential rail required for powering the MacBook.

However, upon examination, this doesn’t seem to be causing any issues here.

The actual problem seems to lie within another power rail called PPBus_G3H where there’s likely a short circuit disrupting normal functions.

To confirm this suspicion, I check if there is a short-to-ground connection present.

After confirming these suspicions about a possible CPU MOSFETs being at fault via resistance check between them and PPBus_G3H fails;

I focus next on finding potentially faulty components elsewhere on the board using hot tweezers as tools of choice.

A suspected malfunctioning capacitor was then carefully removed from the board which seemed like it could have been causing all these troubles!

And voila!

Removing what turned out a problematic capacitor finally allowed our previously non-functional MacBook to start working again – indicating successfully resolving the short-circuit issue at hand!

Lastly comes the final test: booting up the repaired machine to see whether or not the problem has truly been fixed once & forever — luckily enough turns out yes!

Our fully functioning laptop boots successfully now showing us clearly how effective troubleshooting can save days when dealing with tech problems.

To sum things up: Diagnosing & fixing a non-starting Macbook A1708 involves a thorough understanding technical aspects involved along with smart usage of various diagnostic tools right amount of patience and meticulousness during the whole procedure results in the successful restoration back full functionality of the device under consideration even after facing serious electrical faults such as one discussed above today’s lesson learned – never underestimate power good troubleshooting!

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