A MacBook Pro With A Faulty Lid Angle Sensor Can Result In An Incorrect Diagnosis, Making You Wrongfully Conclude A Severe Hardware Issue

Omar Sohail
A Lid Angle Sensor on a MacBook Pro can make you incorrect diagnose your machine
A MacBook Pro showing a Lid Angle Sensor / Image credits - DirectorFeng

Apple Silicon MacBook Pro models feature a Lid Angle Sensor that turns off the display when the mini-LED panel is approaching close proximity with the keyboard deck, making it a clever way to conserve battery life as it allows the portable to enter a sleep state. However, when this particular sensor becomes faulty, it introduces a truckload of problems that mirror typical hardware issues encountered on the Mac, making you believe that there’s something seriously wrong with the machine. Thankfully, a solution to this problem is readily available, but only if you’ve gained sufficient experience performing multiple diagnostics on these products.

It is thoroughly simple to replace the Lid Angle Sensor on the MacBook Pro, but if you cannot source one, removing it entirely is also a remedy

A 2021 MacBook Pro, likely kitted with an M1 Pro, was in the hands of repair extraordinaire DirectorFeng, who noticed that the machine would not wake up on battery power, but the display would illuminate when connected to the MagSafe charger. Tapping the trackpad or any key wouldn’t wake it up from sleep when the power cord wasn’t attached, but as soon as it was connected to the brick, a brief tap on the power button would wake the display.

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This problem is similar to a MacBook Pro exhibiting hardware problems, as one of the first conclusions that we made was a faulty battery or connector that would likely require replacing, but pressing the other keys didn’t have any effect. Fortunately, the YouTube channel experienced a similar issue with an older MacBook Pro, with the display not powering on because of an identical conundrum.

Assuming the YouTuber didn’t face this exact problem with a previous MacBook Pro, he’d never be able to conclude that the Lid Angle Sensor was the culprit. It also didn’t help that there were several missing screws on this 2021 MacBook Pro, which suggested that someone had taken a peek inside the machine before the YouTuber worked his magic. After reaching the Lid Angle Sensor, DirectorFeng concluded that water damage was the reason the MacBook Pro wasn’t waking up.

Fortunately, a few screws and a replacement part are all it takes to restore the portable Mac to its previous functioning state, with the owner probably breathing a sigh of relief. Given what a damaged Lid Angle Sensor can do, we are confident that many Apple Silicon MacBook Pro users will find the source of the problem rather than resort to other conclusions. Now, if and when you decide to purchase Apple’s newest M5 MacBook Pro series, which starts from $1,549.99 on Amazon, you’ll know exactly what to diagnose.

News Source: DirectorFeng

Omar Sohail Photo

About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.

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