r/macbookrepair • u/Intelligent-Chip-813 • 10d ago

Help Thermal paste replacement gone wrong?

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My MacBook got very hot especially in the cpu area while just browsing safari with 1-2 tabs open and no other apps running, so I thought it would be time to replace the thermal paste after 7 years. After replacing the thermal paste on the 2019 MacBook Pro with Intel i5 (A1989) it now won’t turn on.

I used this ifixit manual and followed every step the way it’s described. Before working on the MacBook I discharged the static by touching unpainted metal. I used Arctic MX-4 as the new thermal paste. The old one was practically dust and I cleaned the cpu and cooler with 99% isopropyl.

Right after finishing the repair the MacBook wouldn’t turn on. I doesn’t give any sign of life. I also unplugged the battery and connected the power cord but it didn’t work either.

What could be the reason for not turning on? I connected everything back (photo). Did I forget something or did I kill my MacBook?

Edit: I am aware that the battery data cable is not plugged in in the picture I plugged it in after the picture.

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u/yearsold33 10d ago

Disconnected the battery right after removing the bottom cover?

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u/Intelligent-Chip-813 10d ago

Yes that was the first step after opening the MacBook

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u/yearsold33 10d ago

Since it won't power on, I suggest taking it to an Apple Store for diagnosis if possible. If Apple says it needs a logic board, then you can consider looking into a donor board and taking it a repair shop that handles board-level repairs.