Can the MacBook Pro 16" 2019 be turned on without a battery?

Thank you for your response!

Assuming the power circuitry works as expected, would the 2019 turn on without the battery plugged-in? My understanding is that, unlike older Macbooks Pro, it doesn't - is that incorrect?

@ank84021 - Yes and no! The battery data cable needs to be connected for SMC to work properly.

@danj If "without the battery plugged in" means "with neither the data nor the power cables of the battery connected to the motherboard", is there any way to get the computer to run in that state, off the power adaptor only?

@ank84021 - Not with the Apple (or third party) power adapter USB-C or MagSafe. People who repair systems use a bench power supply which is how you would need to do it if you where trying on repair the logic board.

From what you stated its clear the logic board has a power control issue which I've seen quite often in this series. So trying to just to run the system is just not possible or practical. This is not an overly hard repair for a skilled board level repair person and a lot cheaper than what Apple will force you to replace the logic board!

So, where do you live? Maybe we can aim you to someone that has the skills to fix your system. Just give us your country and nearest major city.

@danj Tell me more about the power control issue! What makes you think that's the case?