In this model the power-on pads look like two silver squares and located above the keyboard connector on the left side from the square chip. On the following picture the hard drive cable disconnected so you can see the pads. The power-on pads located on the right side from the hard drive cable. Take a look at the following two pictures. They are similar but power-on pads located in a different spot. I guess that MBP (13-inch, Mid 2009) have two different logic boards. You still should be able to short them with a small flathead screwdriver even without disconnecting the cable. On the following picture I disconnected the hard drive cable so you can see the power-on pads better. In this MBP the power-on pads located between the trackpad connector and hard drive connector. In this MBA 13-inch the power-on pads located right above the keyboard connector. In this MBA the power-on pads located just above the right side of the keyboard connector. In this MacBook Air the power-on pads located right above the keyboard connector. Two square terminals positioned vertically. The power-on pads located right above the left side of the keyboard connector on the motherboard. In this model the power-on pads located above the left side of the keyboard connector. In this model the power-on pads look like two solder terminals and located right above the touchpad cable. I’ll be adding more pictures as I get access to other models.

Locate the serial number printed on the bottom cover and enter it in the search tech specs box (click on Browse by Product button first). You can find the model using the serial number. The location depends on the model (year). In this post I’ll show you how to locate the power-on pads on different Apple laptops.

Sometimes it takes a few attempts to make it work. If it doesn’t work, unplug the keyboard cable from the motherboard and try again.

NOTE: shorting the power-on pads might not work if the keyboard still connected to the motherboard. In order to access them you’ll have to remove the bottom cover and it’s very easy. The power-on pads located on the motherboard. You can turn it on by shorting the power-on pads with a small flathead screwdriver for a couple of seconds. It might help to figure our if the motherboard still works even though the computer doesn’t turn on when you push on the power button. You cannot use this method to turn on your MBP on a daily basis but it is a good troubleshooting technique. If the keyboard failed (let’s say you spilled liquid on it) and the power button stopped working there is a workaround for turning it on.

2013 apple macbook pro a1286