My MacBook Pro 13-inch 2.4 GHZ (Mid 2010) starts up normally but after approximately one minute the fan accelerates and the system slows down dramatically. The CPU load goes up to 99% as I see it on Activity Monitor. The laptop is running without battery as it suffered a water spill some months ago. There is no virus and no other process is using large amounts of memory.
How can I check what part of the logic board is what sensor?
If there is a faulty temperature sensor on the logic board how can I find it and replace it using the above code?
This issue is definitely related to the logic board. There is definitely damage to the board from the liquid spill and likely ESD damage from when you replaced the MagSafe board.
There is no supported way to replace or find a temperature sensor on your model MacBook Pro. In order to replace a sensor on one of these boards you'd have to solder off the old one and solder on a new one. Since no one sells temperature sensors for the boards that integrate them, it would be a nearly impossible feat.
I'd recommend taking it to the Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider for a full repair. They may not be able to service it since you've serviced your own machine.
I know this isn't the news you were hoping for, but I hope it helps.
There are a number of sensors (6 or 7 I think), but I don't know where they are all located. I would really appreciate an annotated photo if someone can put one together. I know there is one in the SATA cable that goes to the hdd, and I know there is one on the heat-sink.
I have a similar problem/symptom on my MacBook Pro 13" ... (which was given to me). I don't think it suffered water damage but rather shock damage.
After replacing the hdd with an ssd, and replacing the broken glass, the only remaining problem was that the CPU was being throttled, presumably due to a heat problem. However, what was encouraging was the throttle problem was intermittent. So, whilst trying find more info about this, I came across www.ifixit.com and posted there. They suggested I change the hdd SATA cable since it wears from heat over time. I was sceptical and decided to take mine to Mac Doctors first. Their diagnosis didn't sway me either way (since they just wanted to replace sub-assemblies for $$$), and so I decided to order the cable and see. Their delivery was good, but replacement of the cable, in my case, didn't fix my problem. So I went and bought some heat transfer compound, and will do the CPU/GPU heat-sink when I get some info about the other sensors.
Another possibility is to get a board that's failed for some other reason, and cannibalise it.
As far as soldering, SMT soldering gear is affordable. What you need beyond a normal solder iron, solder and flux; is a stand with a good light, a magnifying glass, some means of holding the board steady, and a solder tip with a sharp point. Some practice of the technique before you attack your computer would be handy.
All in all, if you can't fix the existing board, it will be cheaper to purchase another Mac, 2nd hand as I don't think getting it repaired is economical considering the quotes I got from Mac Doctors last week.
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