Chosen Solution
There are some interesting sprung-loaded pins on the motherboard! Anyone know what they are used for other than possible test points? I have an idea. I have been having problems for the last few days where my MBP will just shut down randomly and it started not long after I lost a screw (the second ) from the base plate. MBP kept shutting down for no obvious reason. Apple could not find a hardware fault When at the genius bar I asked them to replace to two screw… since then the MBP has been stable, so I reckon those pins have a grounding/secure point - if no proper contact with the base plate the board issues a shut down, like a close-door replay switch! So - have I hit on a possible issue, which may solve problems for others? Antony
The Sustainable PM going by your description I believe you are talking about the Pogo pins. Those help to provide ground between the logic board and the metal case. Check on here for more info.
