MacBook Pro Pink Lemonade Spill – Screen Keeps Going Black

JaneErica wrote:

• Hi, I accidentally spilled pink lemonade on my MacBook Pro. I quickly cleaned it and dried it, but some liquid definitely got inside. The laptop still powers on and runs smoothly, but after about 10–20 seconds the screen goes black like it’s going to sleep. When I press the space bar, it wakes up again.

This MacBook is critical for me (I use it for work, gaming, livestreams, and video editing), so I need to know if it can be saved. I’m very worried because I know lemonade contains sugar and acid, not just water.

Can this be repaired with professional cleaning?

• Will the logic board or screen cables need replacing?

• How urgent is it to bring it in before more damage happens?

I do not want to replace this MacBook — I just want it properly repaired and cleaned so I can keep using it. Please let me know the best next steps.

Thank you.

Liquid damage tends to get worse over time not better.

Check Device Coverage

View Coverage - AppleCare & Warranty

For hardware issues take it in—

In or out of warranty you can get a free over the counter 'Apple Service Diagnostics' test /assessment

Make an appointment for a "hardware issue"

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Outside the USA

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

see vintage and obsolete:

Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired warranty - Apple Support

Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired ...

Get your Mac ready for service - Apple Support Get your Mac ready for service - Apple Support

Liquid damage is insidious and pervasive. When liquid gets into an electronic device, it may cause an immediate short circuit that damages the device. Even if that does not occur, a few days after the liquid evaporates corrosion will begin to form and will spread over the coming weeks. At some point a critical component will fail and the device will stop working entirely. If your Mac is still functional and you aren’t regularly backing it up, now is the time to start (perhaps with Apple’s Time Machine that’s already on your Mac). 

Apple incorporates several moisture sensors into their products to reveal liquid ingress. Liquid damage is not covered by the warranty, though it is covered by AppleCare+ plans (which must be purchased/subscribed to separately). 

Note that repair prices for such damage are often very high because multiple components typically need to be replaced. Unfortunately, it is often more cost-effective to purchase a new Mac. 

I do not want to replace this MacBook — I just want it properly repaired and cleaned so I can keep using it.

What model year?

Given a long, sad history here of laptops suffering liquids spills—acidic spills are the worst—the chances of your being able to ever restore your Macbook Pro to its former glory are slim. "Proper repair" can mean a complete gutting and could exceed the cost of a new computer when you factor in that repairs have labor charges attached. In my part of the U.S. labor charges from independent providers are running US$75-90 per hour for qualified shops.

You do not say the year of your Macbook Pro. If a device is listed as "vintage" or "obsolete" in this Apple article, Apple won't service it, and independent providers will likely looking for used/pulled parts.

Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired warranty - Apple Support

DO ensure that your MBP is backed-up as a total failure might now occur sooner rather than later.

How to back up your Mac - Apple Support

Next …

Depending on any insurance you might be carrying, be prepared for the repair estimate you might receive.

MacBooks are VERY tightly integrated in their manufacture.

Replacement of even a “simple” keyboard might entail replacement of surprisingly large “chunk” of your MBP.

Additional to the very appropriate (and now urgent) advice that you have received, I recommend that you do not bring any beverage within two feet (.6 m) of your MacBook Pro. Even to the extent of pushing your chair back from the Mac when drinking if that meets that distance requirement.

This is my own distance measurement to keep liquids from being spilled here on my Macs.