global Laptop and motherboard repair tutorial | Page 42

Liquid that is left on any PCB that has power supplied to it will corrode the solder contacts on the
PCB. This is where you will be able to visually see a whitish powdery (looks like batter acid)
substance. It will continue to corrode to the point that it will cause that component to short out and
possibly continue to further damage surrounding components and the PCB itself. Worst case scenario
is that the laptop could potentially set fire. And, yes… a laptop can most certainly ―set fireǁ… I have
personally seen it happen numerous times, I have also had customers that were Fire Chiefs that would
show me the pictures of the houses burnt to the ground, then showing me the photo of the burnt/melted
laptop with their lids still open as being determined the cause of the fire.
So most important rule here if potential liquid damage has occurred is to remove any and all
sources of power running through the laptop, right down to the CMOS battery (if the plug in type)…
then complete disassembly of the laptop is a must, you must remove all traces of past and present
liquid or residue or corrosion.