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Repair guides, support, and troubleshooting information for the first 13-inch MacBook Air to feature Apple's Arm-based M1 SoC (with an 8-core CPU and up to an 8-core GPU). Released in November 2020 and identified by model numbers A2337 or EMC 3598.

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No keyboard function after water damage

My MBA M1 had water damage and I was able to restore functionality to almost everything by drying it out and then cleaning the visible PCB components with IPA (no disassembly apart from back cover). I used it for a few months but recently the keyboard stopped taking any input (touch ID button is fine). I'm able to plug in an external keyboard and use the computer normally otherwise. I disassembled the logic board and IPA cleaned its components plus all the trackpad and keyboard connectors to no avail.

What should I try at this point? I have another functional identical MBA. I was thinking to try swapping its trackpad/keyboard keyboard over to the MBA in question and seeing if that resolves it. I'm reticent to swap the good keyboard over to the bad, but if the component likely needs replacement I'm happy to purchase one to install. I just don't know whether that's the likely problem and whether or not it'd be DRM blocked or not...

Muchos gracias in advance!!

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This series uses a dual function ribbon cable from the logic board to the mid-board so its possible the keyboard side has some damage or corrosion on its connection the keyboard uses. Review Steps 8 thru 9 in the guide MacBook Air 13" Late 2020 Trackpad Replacement. Just on the opposite side of the mid-board is the second keyboard connection which goes directly to the keyboard its self.

Replacing the trackpad won't tell you anything but you could try the other systems cable to help isolate the issue. Jump to Set 14 to finish disconnecting the cable. here's a replacement cable MacBook Air 13" (A2179, A2337 2020) Trackpad Cable

If that failed to resolve the issue the keyboard its self is the likely failure at which point you'll need a new upper case as the keyboard is riveted to the uppercase! MacBook Air 13" (A2337, Late 2020) Upper Case with Keyboard

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MacBook Air 13" (A2179, A2337 2020) Trackpad Cable

$14.99

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MacBook Air 13" (A2337, Late 2020) Upper Case with Keyboard

$299.99

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Thanks Dan! I see a lot of your comments on here. I appreciate you taking the time to contribute your expertise.

I'll try A-B testing the cable as planned, and acquire a replacement keyboard in case that doesn't work

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Are you aware whether I'd run into DRM issues with a replacement keyboard?

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@peter49418 - These newer M Series keyboards are riveted in quite well which is why I recommend replacing the full assembly. Apples quest of squeezing every cent of profit out of there customers is just to much. I’ve used a used part with no problems.

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