Mac Laptops Troubleshooting Mechanical Issues
Troubleshooting a computer that feels unusually warm, has unusual odors, or emits excessive noise, hum, or vibrations
Identify issues
Read these 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).
About fans and fan noise in your Apple product
Keep your Mac laptop within acceptable operating temperatures
View energy consumption in Activity Monitor on Mac
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 charging cable. Use a functioning, compatible Apple USB-C power adapter and charging 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.
Run diagnostic tests
If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article or checking for potential causes, run the Mac Resource Inspector (MRI) diagnostic suite to help isolate the cause of the issue.
Note: This diagnostic suite will gather information about the battery and verify that thermal sensor readings are within limits. Check MRI 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 open the computer.
Inspect internal components and the enclosure for indications of physical or liquid damage, contamination, or burned or darkened areas.
Inspect the area around the heat sink and each fan for accumulated dust or debris. Use an ESD-safe vacuum or compressed air to carefully remove dust and debris from the heat sink and fans. Ensure that each fan spins freely and is not obstructed.
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 following parts one at a time in the order shown. After you replace the first part, repeat the troubleshooting steps to determine whether replacing a part resolves the issue. If it still isn’t resolved, replace the next part.
Replace the affected fan (in models with fans).
Replace the heat sink (in models with replaceable heat sinks).
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.