If your MacBook Pro 13-inch Unibody needs liquid damage repair, our London technicians can help, usually with a quote on the same day you bring it in.
Spills on the 13-inch unibody usually hit the keyboard first, then run down to the logic board through the keyboard connector area. If you’ve just spilled something, turn it off and don’t try charging it. We strip the machine, clean the board ultrasonically, repair any corroded components and then decide whether the keyboard needs replacing too.
About this model: The 13-inch unibody MacBook Pro (A1278) is one of the most repairable and long-lived Macs Apple ever made. It has a user-accessible hard drive and two RAM slots, a removable optical drive and a screwed-in battery.
Signs it needs liquid damage repair
- Sticky keys after a drink spill
- Mac shuts down or won’t turn on
- Trackpad erratic
- Charger light flickering
How we do it
If the MacBook Pro 13-inch Unibody is still running after a spill, shut it down straight away and unplug it. Most of the damage we see comes from the machine being switched back on while still wet.
Our process is a full teardown, an ultrasonic clean of the logic board, then repair of any parts the liquid has corroded. Each connected part, from keyboard to battery, gets its own test before reassembly.
At a glance
| Years | 2009–2012 |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo, then Core i5/i7 |
| Storage | Standard SATA drive |
| Memory | Socketed, upgradeable |
| Battery | Screwed in (no glue) |
| Power / charging | MagSafe 1 |
Before you bring it in
Keep it switched off and unplugged, open the lid into an upside-down V to drain it (for laptops), and bring it in as quickly as you can. Tell us what was spilled: sugary and salty drinks corrode faster than water.
Which model do you have?
This page covers the MacBook Pro 13-inch Unibody (2009–2012) (MacBookPro5,5 / 7,1 / 8,1 / 9,2; A1278). Look under Apple menu > About This Mac, or check the small print on the bottom case for the A-number. Not sure? Bring it in and we’ll identify it for you.
Price
From £165 + VAT for non-complex board repairs. Complex repairs (liquid, lightning or GPU faults) from £285 + VAT. The initial assessment and advice are free, as long as we don't need to open your Mac. If a technician needs to open it and spend time diagnosing the fault, or you need a report for an insurance claim, it is booked in as a diagnostic at £45 + VAT (£54). All prices are subject to inspection, and nothing is done without your approval.
Questions we’re often asked
Does it matter what was spilled?
Yes. Water is the least harmful; tea with sugar, coffee, juice, wine and beer leave sticky, conductive residue that corrodes faster.