Scorched contacts on power input finally fixed, no thanks to the Apple Store

Mein Problem

My MagSafe charging port began malfunctioning a while ago, only charging with the cord arranged just so, audibly arcing, and getting extremely hot. It actually ruined a couple chargers, but rather than replace it the Apple Store kept giving me chargers and said I would have to leave my computer for a while to have it actually fixed (which I couldn't do). So eventually I found this website, ordered the part and tools, and did it myself. It's like a new machine now.

Meine Reparatur

I'm moderately handy, though not with computers, but it went pretty smoothly. I wrapped the different screw types from each step in masking tape and labeled them, which took the guesswork out of reassembly. Those M-T-W-T-F pill holders are recommended too, which would save unwrapping tiny screws from tape. I think it took about an hour, including upgrading the RAM.

Mein Rat

One snag that I didn't expect was that when I was ready to lift the logic board out it wouldn't move. It was stuck to the plastic sheeting below it. Once I got it out, which tore the sheeting a little, I saw that it was because the UPC label on a component of the logic board had adhered to the sheeting due to heat. Tearing the sheeting had zero effect on the functioning of the computer, but be careful: over by the fan it is printed with circuits which you don't want to damage. So just a heads up. Go slow and don't bend the logic board as you peel the sheeting off with the spudger. I would recommend a note in the iFixit guide on this situation. In general, the guide was fantastic.