Chosen Solution
I have a MacBook Pro 13-inch 2015 with broken display and I would like to use it as a small desktop with its own built-in keyboard and touchpad attached to an external display. I could use it this way when the broken lid was in place. But when I detached and removed it today it shows no signs of life anymore. The charger shows it is charging but can’t turn it on both alone or with display attached (no chime sound, no keyboard backlight). I did the same several years ago with my old white plasticmacbook and it worked that way OK. Any suggestions? Or maybe someone can confirm that it should or should not work without the lid attached?
No you do need the display assembly one your system. SMC needs access to thermal sensors in your display and iSight camera for the system to work properly. But, from the sounds of it you likely have something else that needs fixing as well here. I would put back your damaged display assembly and then plug in an external monitor to see what’s happening The 2015 13” models are still tightly sought! I would make the investment getting a new display assembly installed if thats all it needs.
