MacBook Pro 16-inch
3 checklist steps · 0 examples · card v1 distilled from 0
The 3 steps Luthier walks every technician through for this equipment type. Severity signals show what to flag.
baseline v1- Step 01 · Display & Lid
Inspect the open display and lid
The screen and lid are the most damage-prone surfaces and the clearest indicator of impact, wear, or panel failure.
Focus: With the lid open ~90 degrees, photograph the full screen. Look for cracks, dead/stuck pixels, bright or dark spots, backlight bleed along the edges, anti-reflective coating delamination ('staingate'), and lid dents or deep scratches. Confirm the hinge holds position and the lid gap is even.Severity signals (4)
- clean screen, solid hinge → NONE
- light cosmetic scratches or minor coating wear → LOW
- backlight bleed or stuck pixels → MEDIUM
- cracked panel, dead zones, or loose/failed hinge → HIGH
- Step 02 · Keyboard & Trackpad
Inspect keyboard, trackpad, and deck
Key and trackpad condition reflect usage wear; a bulging trackpad or lifted deck is a classic sign of a swollen battery.
Focus: Photograph the keyboard deck straight-on. Check for missing, sticky, or shiny worn keycaps and debris between keys. Inspect the trackpad for flatness and even click - a raised or hard-to-click trackpad, or a gap lifting the deck, can indicate a swollen battery. Note any liquid stains or corrosion on the palm rest.Severity signals (4)
- all keys present, flat trackpad, clean deck → NONE
- key shine or minor debris → LOW
- sticky or unresponsive keys → MEDIUM
- bulging trackpad/deck (battery swelling) or liquid damage → HIGH
- Step 03 · Ports & Chassis
Inspect ports, vents, and chassis base
Ports, vents, and the base reveal connector damage, thermal blockage, and structural wear.
Focus: Photograph the side ports and the base. Check USB-C/Thunderbolt and MagSafe ports for bent pins, corrosion, or debris; vents for dust buildup; the base panel for dents, warping, or missing rubber feet. Confirm the chassis sits flat and does not rock (a rocking base can indicate a swollen battery).Severity signals (4)
- clean ports, clear vents, flat base → NONE
- dust in vents or light scuffs → LOW
- debris or wear in ports, or dented base → MEDIUM
- bent/corroded port pins or warped base that rocks → HIGH