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I have a MacBook Pro 13" Early 2011 2.3 GHz intel Core i5. To start the mbp I have to take back cover off and remove battery connector for a couple of seconds. After reconnecting battery and case back on, will not start with power switch. As soon as I plug mag safe in computer boots up normally (no switch or keys are pressed). Computer operates normally in this mode, battery charges and the power can be disconnected and battery will run computer. Power can be reconnected any time to charge battery. Problem occurs when mac is shut down, it will not restart unless I go through process described above. i believe it is the power button/switch, I am not sure if it is shorted or open. I have removed the button and cant see anything obvious. The biggest issue with this is not being able to start with the battery alone, so as a portable it is not usable. If I keep it plugged in it will go to sleep and wake up when a key is pressed, so makes a good desktop Any suggestions would be welcome.
Sounds like a liquid damaged machine… check over (look for burn marks/cooked components) and clean the logic board… If there’’s burn marks and corrosion you’ll probably have to replace the logic board. If this Answer is helpful please remember to return and mark it Accepted.
My guess is that everyone’s MacBook on this post that is having the same exact problem probably have a faulty keyboard as the power button (when faulty is stuck on engaged / pressed) is part of the keyboard assembly. If you want to confirm this, plug a magsafe charger in, press and hold control + shift + option + (alt) keys. If you see the magsafe light go green then orange then you have a faulty keyboard (from liquid damage).
I had similar issue. So I tested the old keyboard to be sure that it not anything that has to do with the Motherboard itself or short by reconnecting the old keyboard flex to the motherboard and its power worked. After that I reconnected the new keyboard flex properly making sure that it is well inserted in the flex port. Then it worked. In summary, check your connection to the motherboard. Thanks
I’m experiencing the exact same problem too. I’ve permanently removed the battery and MBP works well as a desktop unit with AC plugged in. Guessing it’s not worth replacing logic board because age of unit and boards are expensive. Since the unit powers on with AC 100% of time and power button doesn’t work while plugged in, I thought maybe power button is permanently open. I dismiss the water damage, because it’s never had a spill on keyboard.
Apple Genius desk removed the battery and also I disconnected the battery (over night) and both times my Mac Book Pro started, but just once. When I took the back off I did find considerable fine dust. I am wondering whether those air jet things designed for cleaning computers, etc. would clean the power button. I also had no water damage although my cat likes to cozy up to the keyboard occasionally. I also don’t turn mine off anymore. Keyboard component was replace a year or so ago under warranty after apparent water damage. It is three years old and updated with the newest version of software so I would think it wouldn’t be that obsolete.
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I’m having the same issue. MacBook Air, A1466. Powerbutton doesn’t work. Tried the whole package, reset SMC, loosened the battery, reset SMC. Again and again just to power it up after shutting it down. I was already having trouble to shut the Mac down. So a lightbulb started to light-up above my head. The power switch was suspect. The power button didn’t respond, also while running MacOS. I connected an external keyboard with an power button and voila, MacOS asked directly what to do, power down, sleep etc. So I think it’s the power button. Small chance of a defect logic board, bigger chance of a defective keyboard.
I just received a MacBook pro A1278, Power Button does not work, I plugged it in with a charger and it boots up.
Yes, the keyboard is bad. The power button clicks on the keyboard underneath the power button. Over long period of time the keyboard goes bad. Replace the keyboard and you will be back in biz. Get a screwdriver with a slight magnetic charge to it. You have to remove like 100 tiny tiny screws. The magnetic charge makes it so much easier. You remove the hard drive for this process. Don’t get the magnet near the hard drive. You take your time and if you forget how something goes back together, there should be a video on Youtube.
