Laptop doesn't turn on

Question

MacBook Pro 13" Function Keys 2017

A1708/EMC 3164 — Released June 2017, this entry-level MacBook Pro retains its traditional function keys (as opposed to the OLED Touch Bar).

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Sol Z @solsaaz

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crwdns2931729:0crwdne2931729:0: N'w 25, 2025

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Laptop doesn't turn on

Hey all,

I've got the laptop from a friend that said that he spilled some coffee on it. Currently the device won't turn on not matter what I've tried.

I've opened the backpanel and saw that the track flex connector seems a little burnt and the ZIF connector on the board itself seem to be broken.

I've tried to turn the device on while the trackpad is disconnected without any luck.

My question is, could that prevent the device from turning on? Or there might other issue be causing that?

Thanks.

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I would 1st post some clear detailed pictures of the internals of the unit, if possible from both sides of the logic board. This was we can see how bad the coffee spill was and what has been affected. How many sugars were in the coffee!

crwdns2934271:0N'w 25, 2025crwdnd2934271:0 livfe crwdne2934271:0

First off, have you tried charging it? I don't think a non-functional trackpad would keep it from turning on, but a disconnected audio board actually would, so if you try charging it and it still doesn't work, try checking that. I know this because the power button actually runs through the audio board for some reason, and having it disconnected also prevents the power on input from registering.

crwdns2934271:0N'w 25, 2025crwdnd2934271:0 Fixer of Stuff crwdne2934271:0

I've added pictures :)

And yes, I've tried charging it through both ports, more than an hour for each because I thought that the battery is drained. I've tried the same after disconnecting and connecting the battery itself from the board.

crwdns2934271:0N'w 26, 2025crwdnd2934271:0 Sol Z crwdne2934271:0

@solsaaz Going by the pictures the cable and the connector appear to be quite badly damaged and this certainly would be the issue.

crwdns2934271:0N'w 26, 2025crwdnd2934271:0 livfe crwdne2934271:0

@livfe You think that it would prevent the device from turning on even when it's not connected?

I'm just wondering if I should put the effort and replace the tracker and solder and and new connector.

crwdns2934271:0N'w 26, 2025crwdnd2934271:0 Sol Z crwdne2934271:0

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I would 1st post some clear detailed pictures of the internals of the unit, if possible from both sides of the logic board. This was we can see how bad the coffee spill was and what has been affected. How many sugars were in the coffee! — livfe
First off, have you tried charging it? I don't think a non-functional trackpad would keep it from turning on, but a disconnected audio board actually would, so if you try charging it and it still doesn't work, try checking that. I know this because the power button actually runs through the audio board for some reason, and having it disconnected also prevents the power on input from registering. — Fixer of Stuff
I've added pictures :)

And yes, I've tried charging it through both ports, more than an hour for each because I thought that the battery is drained. I've tried the same after disconnecting and connecting the battery itself from the board. — Sol Z
@solsaaz Going by the pictures the cable and the connector appear to be quite badly damaged and this certainly would be the issue. — livfe
@livfe You think that it would prevent the device from turning on even when it's not connected?

I'm just wondering if I should put the effort and replace the tracker and solder and and new connector. — Sol Z

score 0 · Answer 1 · 2025-12-25T17:33:25-07:00

DanJ @danj

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crwdns2931729:0crwdne2931729:0: N'w 25, 2025

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Not enough to even guess! Clearly the logic board still has an issue. Ideally you should remove the logic board to inspect the top side as any spill would have wetted that area first. Once out take some clear and detailed photos and post them here so we can see what we are dealing with. Follow this guide to disconnect the battery MacBook Pro 13" Function Keys 2017 Battery Replacement stopping at Step15. We don't have a guide to take this models logic board out so take your time.

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A damaged trackpad or ZIF connector alone usually won’t prevent a laptop from powering on. Coffee spills often cause liquid damage elsewhere on the motherboard, leading to short circuits or corrosion. Disconnect the battery, inspect the board for residue, and clean affected areas with isopropyl alcohol. If it still won’t power on, the logic board likely needs professional repair or replacement.

crwdns2934271:0N'w 26, 2025crwdnd2934271:0 Rashmi Kandhil crwdne2934271:0

@solsaaz - Ouch! The logic board connector will need to be replaced to get it back to where it needs to be to even diagnose why the system isn't working. The mangled trackpad cable will need replacing too MacBook Pro 13" Retina (A1708, A2159, A2289) Trackpad Cable

To dive deeper into why the system won't turn on will require inspecting the logic board to see what additional damage there is hidden on the other side which is the side that gets most of the damage from a liquid spill.

In any case replacing the connector is a tricky job if you've haven't micro-soldered before. It might be time to find someone local with more experience.

crwdns2934271:0N'w 26, 2025crwdnd2934271:0 DanJ crwdne2934271:0

Don't forget those connectors on the boards! It compares to having a good screw with a stripped socket. The screw's perfect, but it just won't work because that socket is a disaster. It's satisfying because both have something to do with repair.

crwdns2934271:0N'w 26, 2025crwdnd2934271:0 Fixer of Stuff crwdne2934271:0

@fixerofstuff - No sure where you are heading here. The inspection will allow us to see what other damage there might be. One mangled connection does not mean another one is mangled!

crwdns2934271:0N'w 27, 2025crwdnd2934271:0 DanJ crwdne2934271:0

Wait- I guess I didn't see the bit where you mentioned the connectors, @danj! I guess I just restated it!

crwdns2934271:0N'w 27, 2025crwdnd2934271:0 Fixer of Stuff crwdne2934271:0

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MacBook Pro 13" Function Keys 2017

Laptop doesn't turn on

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