Spilled water over the MacBook Pro 2019 16" trackpad

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Akagitsune Author

Level 1

16 points

Spilled water over the MacBook Pro 2019 16" trackpad

Hello Apple community,

I spilled about half a glass of water over my MBP2019's trackpad and keyboard last friday.

I then proceeded to shutdown the MBP, wipe off the water with a towel and let gravity do the rest.

I tested a few hours later if it'd work just as before and it did.

I haven't used it all weekend to find out that everything still works today, except for the trackpad, which doesn't respond at all. Neither moving the pointer nor clicking nor gesture movement is working.

What could I do before taking it to an Apple Store, which is a bit harder right now because of corona.

I am moderately experienced in disassembling computers, as I build my PCs all on my own. I've also repaired iPhones myself in the past (swap display, camera), but never had a MBP.

MacBook Pro 16", macOS 10.15

Posted on May 18, 2020 1:06 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

leroydouglas

Community+ 2024

Level 10

188,646 points

May 18, 2020 5:55 AM in response to Akagitsune

If you have AppleCare+ it will cover a large portion of accidental damage.

https://www.apple.com/support/products/mac.html

AppleCare+ (similar for iPhone and iPad, each incident of accidental damage) for Mac will carry its own price tag. Screen damage or “external enclosure damage” will run $99 per incident, while other damage, including water damage, will run $299. Users receive coverage of two incidents under AppleCare+, and after the two incidents have been used up, out-of-warranty replacement rates will apply

(*note: there may be some delay due to the temporary Apple Store closures)

or call AppleCare Support at 1-800-APLCARE.

Mac notebook, contact us and we'll send you a box you can use to ship it to an Apple Repair Center. We'll return your repaired product to you as quickly as possible. Depending on where you get service, you might be able to check the status of your repair online. Start a service request https://support.apple.com/mac/repair/service

In or out of warranty you can get a free over the counter 'Apple Service Diagnostics' test /assessment

Make an appointment for a "hardware issue"—

https://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/

Outside the USA

https://locate.apple.com/country

From iOS device using the app to make a online Genius Bar appointment is easy:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/apple-support/id1130498044?mt=8

(note: due to the temporary closure of Apple Stores and the staggered reopening there may be some delays.

ref: https://www.apple.com/shop/browse/store/temporary_closures )

Call Customer Support (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753)

or on line https://getsupport.apple.com/

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Answer 2

jh.3

Level 1

65 points

May 18, 2020 5:18 AM in response to Akagitsune

You could try to replace it yourself with an iFixit trackpad, and make sure to follow their guide and keep everything organised - apple screws are usually all different lengths. You could remove the bottom cover and let it air, which may help too. If you see corrosion, you could try to remove it carefully with a toothbrush. Note: Apple does not condone/support this, and it will (technically) void your warranty.

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Answer 3

Akagitsune Author

Level 1

16 points

May 18, 2020 6:02 AM in response to jh.3

That was exactly my idea, but it's very hard to get a MBP 2019 16" trackpad. It's hard in general to get apple parts as I'm not based in america. I ordered a screwdriver kit to remove the bottom and look out for corrosion.

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Answer 4

Akagitsune Author

Level 1

16 points

May 18, 2020 6:06 AM in response to leroydouglas

Sadly I don't have AppleCare+ as I bought it over a third party vendor.

I also don't have more than a few hours to get it repaired, as the MBP is my work-notebook. And I'm located in europe where the next apple store is a hour away, which is a bit problematic considering the corona situation.

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