Mac Laptops Troubleshooting Mechanical Issues
Note: This procedure is intended for 2024 and later Mac laptops with Apple silicon.
Troubleshooting a computer that wobbles or doesn't sit flat
Troubleshooting a computer that wobbles or doesn't sit flat
Identify issues
The computer wobbles and won't sit evenly on a flat surface
Try quick troubleshooting steps
Verify the issue by placing the computer on a flat, hard surface. Confirm that the computer is being used on a stable, flat, hard work surface that allows for good ventilation.
Inspect the computer for physical damage. Severe physical damage may have warranty and service implications.
Open and inspect the computer
If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by running manual tests, refer to the computer’s repair manual to open and inspect the computer. A damaged or out-of-place part may be causing one of the issues.
Note: Wobble issues may be resolved by removing and reinstalling the bottom case.
Follow repair manual procedures to remove the bottom case and disconnect the battery from the logic board.
Inspect internal parts and the enclosure for indications of physical or liquid damage, contamination, loose or disconnected cables, or burned or darkened areas.
Reseat all cables and reconnect the battery.
Reinstall the bottom case. Verify that the issue has been resolved. If the issue is resolved, complete the steps in Post-repair verification. If the issue persists, continue to the next section.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.
Replace the part
If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, replace the bottom case.
Repair completion
Repair Assistant isn't required if the only part replaced was the bottom case.
Post-repair verification
Run the following diagnostic suite after the repair:
Mac Resource Inspector (MRI) (to test overall functionality)
Turn on the computer and verify that the issue has been resolved.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.
Troubleshooting a computer that feels unusually warm, has unusual odors, or emits excessive noise, hum, or vibrations
Identify issues
Read the relevant support articles if you notice any of the following issues:
The computer feels unusually warm
Note: Laptop computers may run hotter and louder during periods of heavier use, as well as during initial setup and Spotlight indexing. This is normal behavior and isn’t considered a service issue.
The computer or power adapter emits a burning, smoky, or other unusual odor
The computer or power adapter emits noise or vibrations
The computer emits excessive fan noise (in models with fans)
Relevant support articles
If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article, continue to the next section.
Try quick troubleshooting steps
If the power adapter is the source of noise, test with another adapter. A small amount of humming noise or vibration is normal for power adapters. Don’t use a damaged power adapter or charge cable. Use a functioning, compatible Apple USB-C power adapter and charge cable with the computer when troubleshooting.
Compare the computer’s operating temperature to a similar computer.
Disconnect all peripheral devices from the computer.
Move the computer to a different location and plug the power cord into a different electrical outlet. Then check whether any noise is eliminated. Noise may be related to interference from other electrical devices operating near the computer or plugged into the same power outlet.
Ensure that the computer is on a flat, hard surface in an area that doesn’t block vents. Then check whether temperature issues are eliminated.
Inspect the computer for liquid damage. Contact with liquid can short internal circuits and cause fans to stop working.
Check for runaway applications using the information in View energy consumption in Activity Monitor on Mac. Follow the instructions to halt any processes that are using excessive system resources.
Processor-intensive or graphics-intensive applications and system processes may cause the bottom case to feel warm. Use Activity Monitor to identify these types of applications.
Thoroughly clean the enclosure and all external surfaces.
Caution: Before cleaning, disconnect all cables and turn off the computer. Don't use aerosol sprays, solvents, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide that might damage the finish. Avoid getting moisture in any openings and don't spray liquid directly on the computer. Don't use compressed air.
Refer to steps and support resources in Troubleshooting Quick Checks.
Run manual and diagnostic tests
If your issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article or trying the quick troubleshooting steps, run these manual and diagnostic tests to help isolate the cause of the issue:
Run the Mac Resource Inspector (MRI) diagnostic suite.
Note: This diagnostic suite will gather information about the battery and verify that sensor readings are within limits. Check results for any battery, power, fan, or thermal warnings or failures.
Open and inspect the computer
If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following support articles or running diagnostics tests, refer to the computer’s repair manual to open and inspect the computer. A damaged or out-of-place part may be causing one of the issues.
Follow repair manual procedures to remove the bottom case and disconnect the battery from the logic board.
Inspect internal parts and the enclosure for indications of physical or liquid damage, contamination, or burned or darkened areas. Inspect all relevant internal flex cables and connectors for damage or tampering, such as a film or foreign material blocking a connector.
Inspect the area around the heat sink and each fan for accumulated dust or debris. Use an ESD-safe vacuum to carefully remove dust and debris from the heat sink and fans. Ensure that each fan spins freely and isn't obstructed.
Locate the fan flex cables on the logic board. Disconnect and inspect the flex cables and connectors for any signs of pinched wires or connector damage before reseating them. Inspect the logic board for connector damage.
Reseat all cables, reassemble the computer, and retest with the MRI diagnostic suite.
If the issue is resolved, complete the reassembly. If the issue persists, continue to the next section.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.
Replace the part
If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, replace the affected fan (in models with fans).
Repair completion
Repair Assistant isn't required if the only part replaced was the fan.
Post-repair verification
Run the following diagnostic suite after the repair:
Mac Resource Inspector (MRI) (to test overall functionality)
Turn on the computer and verify that the issue has been resolved.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.