Help troubleshooting MacBook Pro 14" 2021 (A2442): won't boot, battery
I have a used MacBook Pro 14" (model A2442, 2021) and it won't turn on. I've done some troubleshooting and would appreciate any advice on next steps.
What I've tried:
- Charged for 3 hours via USB-C
- Tried external monitor (no output)
- SMC reset attempt (hold power 10 seconds)
- All key combinations for recovery mode
Diagnostics so far:
- When plugged into USB-C power bank, one port draws 3-12W (varying/cycling), the other ports only 0.1-0.3W
- No response to any key presses
- No startup chime, no display output on internal or external monitor
- Power draw pattern happens automatically when plugged in (seems like boot loop?)
Opened it up (followed iFixit guide):
- No visible water damage or corrosion
- Battery connector logic board side: 1.5V
- Battery side: 0.0V (completely dead battery?)
- Tried booting with battery disconnected - same behavior
Questions:
- Could the dead battery be preventing boot even with external power?
- Is this likely a logic board issue?
- Why is the battery showing exactly 0V? Isnt that weird?
- Worth trying anything else before taking it for professional repair?
The machine looks pristine physically, so I'm hoping it's fixable. Any insights appreciated.
crwdns2934109:0crwdne2934109:0
crwdns2889612:0crwdne2889612:0
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You need a USB-C power meter to monitor the voltage to see if the charging logic is failing. You should see about 5 volts and then it should jump to about 18 if it does the charging logic is working and the battery is being charged. If not there is a deeper logic board issue which will require deeper diagnostics at the board level.
crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0 Dan crwdne2934271:0