« previous next »
Pages: [1]   Go Down

Author Topic: MacBook won't run on battery  (Read 3521 times)

Offline chriskleeman

  • Administrator
  • TS Addict
  • *****
  • Posts: 2255
    • View Profile
    • http://www.chriskleeman.com
MacBook won't run on battery
« on: May 25, 2009, 03:15:07 PM »
I'm posting this for a Canadian friend whom I've encouraged to join TS. If she does, then I'll merge the threads...

She has a MacBook with battery ills. I did some searching around in the Apple Support site, and looked through some other places, and didn't see anyone who'd posted this exact kind of problem. I'm sure I missed something, somewhere!

Her battery life indicator shows 99%, but the MacBook won't run on the battery. From what I've seen in most threads I've looked at, this particular series of MacBooks had some funky batteries. But I thought I'd post here to see if anyone knows something that I've not found. It's just baffling to me that it shows 99% charge and won't run on the battery!

It seems that one thing she could try is an SMC reset... Thinking.gif Just thought that if there might be another route it would be a good idea to ask here before she goes off and buys a replacement battery. She tells me that the computer was bought about 2 1/2 years ago.

Her MacBook info: For some reason, the serial # doesn't show up in the Apple database.


Mac OS X
Version 10.5.6
Processor 2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory 1 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
Hardware overview:
Model Name:                    MacBook
Model Identifier:               MacBook2,1
Processor Name:             Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed:            2 GHz
Number Of Processors:  1
Total Number Of cores:   2
L2 Cache:                          4 MB
Memory:                             1 GB
Bus Speed:                        667 MHz
Boot ROM Version:           MB21.00A5.B07
SMC Version:                    1.13f3
Serial Number:                  4H6467LDGL
Sudden Motion Sensor:
       State:    Enabled

Logged
Just a dumb guitar player...
My Website

Offline gigglesme

  • Poster Child
  • *
  • Posts: 6
    • View Profile
MacBook won't run on battery
« Reply #1 on: May 25, 2009, 09:11:44 PM »
QUOTE(chriskleeman @ May 25 2009, 04:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm posting this for a Canadian friend whom I've encouraged to join TS. If she does, then I'll merge the threads...

She has a MacBook with battery ills. I did some searching around in the Apple Support site, and looked through some other places, and didn't see anyone who'd posted this exact kind of problem. I'm sure I missed something, somewhere!

Her battery life indicator shows 99%, but the MacBook won't run on the battery. From what I've seen in most threads I've looked at, this particular series of MacBooks had some funky batteries. But I thought I'd post here to see if anyone knows something that I've not found. It's just baffling to me that it shows 99% charge and won't run on the battery!

It seems that one thing she could try is an SMC reset... Thinking.gif Just thought that if there might be another route it would be a good idea to ask here before she goes off and buys a replacement battery. She tells me that the computer was bought about 2 1/2 years ago.

Her MacBook info: For some reason, the serial # doesn't show up in the Apple database.


Mac OS X
Version 10.5.6
Processor 2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory 1 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
Hardware overview:
Model Name:                    MacBook
Model Identifier:               MacBook2,1
Processor Name:             Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed:            2 GHz
Number Of Processors:  1
Total Number Of cores:   2
L2 Cache:                          4 MB
Memory:                             1 GB
Bus Speed:                        667 MHz
Boot ROM Version:           MB21.00A5.B07
SMC Version:                    1.13f3
Serial Number:                  4H6467LDGL
Sudden Motion Sensor:
       State:    Enabled


the battery is now showing 98% not going up

Logged

Offline Paddy

  • Administrator
  • TS Addict
  • *****
  • Posts: 13797
    • View Profile
    • https://www.paddyduncan.com
MacBook won't run on battery
« Reply #2 on: May 25, 2009, 09:26:52 PM »
Welcome to TS, gigglesme - from a fellow Canuck (Toronto)! biggrin.gif

The problem here is not knowing whether it's the battery, or the Macbook logic board that is causing the problem. Where are you? Your best bet would be to take it to an Apple store and have one of the geniuses look at it to identify the source of the problem. If you have a voltmeter, you might want to check the charge in the battery too - but not everyone has an electrical engineer in the household with that sort of household appliance sitting about!! tongue.gif

See: http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=5367708 - definitely try the SMC reset as Chris mentions, since it has worked for at least one person!! http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1411?viewlocale=en_US

If it does turn out to be a defective battery, I got a new battery for my Powerbook at BattDepot back in February. Good prices. http://www.BattDepot.ca/

http://www.battdepot.ca/catalog/notebook+battery/apple.aspx

Let us know how it goes...
Logged
"If computers get too powerful, we can organize them into committees. That'll do them in." ~Author unknown •iMac 5K, 27" 3.6Ghz i9 (2019) • 16" M1 MBP(2021) • 9.7" iPad Pro • iPhone 13

Offline gigglesme

  • Poster Child
  • *
  • Posts: 6
    • View Profile
MacBook won't run on battery
« Reply #3 on: May 25, 2009, 09:55:30 PM »
OK I will check the power in the battery. lol I do have a volt reader.  You would be amazed what a girl can find in her tool box.  and I think the closest Mac dealer is were I purchased it on the reserve.  But I am going to try the other options first since I am out of warranty.  Thank-You for the input.  I will keep you posted

« Last Edit: May 25, 2009, 09:56:47 PM by gigglesme »
Logged

Offline gigglesme

  • Poster Child
  • *
  • Posts: 6
    • View Profile
MacBook won't run on battery
« Reply #4 on: May 25, 2009, 10:08:19 PM »
I just did the SMC reset as suggested and the 98% battery level has changed to an X.  And the fan is on really loud.  What do I hold the volt reader to to check the reading I am not quite sure.
Logged

Offline krissel

  • Administrator
  • TS Addict
  • *****
  • Posts: 14735
    • View Profile
MacBook won't run on battery
« Reply #5 on: May 26, 2009, 05:02:30 AM »
welcome.gif to TS!


Check out this link.

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1457

Can't help you with the volt reader.  Sorry.  smile.gif
« Last Edit: May 26, 2009, 05:03:05 AM by krissel »
Logged


A Techsurvivors founder

Offline chriskleeman

  • Administrator
  • TS Addict
  • *****
  • Posts: 2255
    • View Profile
    • http://www.chriskleeman.com
MacBook won't run on battery
« Reply #6 on: May 26, 2009, 06:55:54 AM »
Hi gigglesme, and  welcome.gif to TS!

Now that you've run the SMC reset, your battery is probably showing correctly in the status menu, unfortunately.

Take a look at this: Battery Update

It seems that your battery may qualify for replacement from Apple. A call to your Apple Store might save you some $$$!

Don't have  clue about the fan...  Thinking.gif

Best,

Chris
« Last Edit: May 26, 2009, 07:00:19 AM by chriskleeman »
Logged
Just a dumb guitar player...
My Website

Offline Xairbusdriver

  • Administrator
  • TS Addict
  • *****
  • Posts: 26388
  • 27" iMac (mid-17), Big Sur, Mac mini, Catalina
    • View Profile
    • Mid-South Weather
MacBook won't run on battery
« Reply #7 on: May 26, 2009, 09:31:11 AM »
Welcome to TS, gigglesme! welcome.gif

I agree that seeking input from your local Mac tech is probably best and fastest, if not the cheapest step. However...
[Begin disclaimer]
QUOTE("Always do as I say @  not as I do...")
When faced with an apparently 'broken' object, I take the path of trying any and all known remedies, first. But, after that, I figure I can't do any more harm!
[end disclaimer] eek2.gif And I might even learn something! rofl.gif You may not agree with that philosophy so take the following with that in mind. wink.gif

Can't help much with the battery, except that checking with the voltmeter may be a waste of time. It really doesn't matter what it says, if the MacBook won't recognize/accept/charge it. sad.gif But, as long as you don't set it to anything but the (DC) voltage range(s), you can just try touching one contact with one of the probes and then move the other probe to all the other contacts. I'm assuming your meter has several DC voltage ranges to select, one that would show 10 to 20 volts should be fine. But the thing could run as low as 5 volts. Setting the meter to the higher ranges won't hurt anything and you can always switch to a lower range to see the actual voltage more easily.

If you don't see any readings with the first probe on the first contact, things won't be too good. However, just move it to the next contact and repeat the procedure of moving the other probe as above.

As long as you don't touch any two contacts with just one probe (and that is probably pretty hard to do, anyway) you won't hurt anything. Even if you get the polarity backwards, you'll just see the meter move the wrong way or a digital meter reading negative. smile.gif

If all the contact checking shows nothing, you might want to check the continuity of the battery. You can do that, if the meter has Resistance settings. This will apply a very small DC voltage to the probes. If the resistance always shows infinity ( ∞ ) I doubt you'll ever get it to work, that indicates a break in the circuit, a 'dead' cell or worse.
« Last Edit: May 26, 2009, 09:32:13 AM by Xairbusdriver »
Logged
THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF COUNTRIES
Those that use metric = #1 Measurement system
And the United States = The Banana system
CAUTION! Childhood vaccinations cause adults! :yes:

Offline Jack W

  • TS Addict
  • *****
  • Posts: 2597
    • View Profile
MacBook won't run on battery
« Reply #8 on: May 26, 2009, 11:02:10 AM »
Also, Apple has been known to replace laptop batteries, even tho out of warranty.

I have seen several reports on TeeEss about these good favors.

They have had a bunch of bad batteries in the past.

So it MIGHT behoove (sp?) you to make that trip to the Apple store.

Good Luck!!!
Logged
Good to be Here.

My Macs: 2010 27" alum iMac 2.8GHz, Snow Leopard 10.6.8/Mavericks 10.9.5, 4GB SDRAM (Workhorse),
13” Late 2010 MacBook Pro 2.4GHz, 10.6.8, 2GB SDRAM,
(2) External HD - Firewire/USB Macally Enclosures  with 1TB Hitachi Drives,
Time Machine external drive - ditto above - 1/2 TimeMac

Offline Xairbusdriver

  • Administrator
  • TS Addict
  • *****
  • Posts: 26388
  • 27" iMac (mid-17), Big Sur, Mac mini, Catalina
    • View Profile
    • Mid-South Weather
MacBook won't run on battery
« Reply #9 on: May 26, 2009, 01:37:26 PM »
QUOTE
behoove
As Google wood saye: Did you mean bee hive? tongue.gif

But, whatever you mint, yew speled it write! smile.gif
Logged
THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF COUNTRIES
Those that use metric = #1 Measurement system
And the United States = The Banana system
CAUTION! Childhood vaccinations cause adults! :yes:

Offline Jack W

  • TS Addict
  • *****
  • Posts: 2597
    • View Profile
MacBook won't run on battery
« Reply #10 on: May 26, 2009, 06:34:48 PM »
Thanks Jim!
Logged
Good to be Here.

My Macs: 2010 27" alum iMac 2.8GHz, Snow Leopard 10.6.8/Mavericks 10.9.5, 4GB SDRAM (Workhorse),
13” Late 2010 MacBook Pro 2.4GHz, 10.6.8, 2GB SDRAM,
(2) External HD - Firewire/USB Macally Enclosures  with 1TB Hitachi Drives,
Time Machine external drive - ditto above - 1/2 TimeMac

Offline gigglesme

  • Poster Child
  • *
  • Posts: 6
    • View Profile
MacBook won't run on battery
« Reply #11 on: May 26, 2009, 09:20:15 PM »
QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ May 26 2009, 10:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Welcome to TS, gigglesme! welcome.gif

I agree that seeking input from your local Mac tech is probably best and fastest, if not the cheapest step. However...
[Begin disclaimer]
QUOTE("Always do as I say @  not as I do...")
When faced with an apparently 'broken' object, I take the path of trying any and all known remedies, first. But, after that, I figure I can't do any more harm!
[end disclaimer] eek2.gif And I might even learn something! rofl.gif You may not agree with that philosophy so take the following with that in mind. wink.gif

Can't help much with the battery, except that checking with the voltmeter may be a waste of time. It really doesn't matter what it says, if the MacBook won't recognize/accept/charge it. sad.gif But, as long as you don't set it to anything but the (DC) voltage range(s), you can just try touching one contact with one of the probes and then move the other probe to all the other contacts. I'm assuming your meter has several DC voltage ranges to select, one that would show 10 to 20 volts should be fine. But the thing could run as low as 5 volts. Setting the meter to the higher ranges won't hurt anything and you can always switch to a lower range to see the actual voltage more easily.

If you don't see any readings with the first probe on the first contact, things won't be too good. However, just move it to the next contact and repeat the procedure of moving the other probe as above.

As long as you don't touch any two contacts with just one probe (and that is probably pretty hard to do, anyway) you won't hurt anything. Even if you get the polarity backwards, you'll just see the meter move the wrong way or a digital meter reading negative. smile.gif


Thank-you so much for the input i will do.


If all the contact checking shows nothing, you might want to check the continuity of the battery. You can do that, if the meter has Resistance settings. This will apply a very small DC voltage to the probes. If the resistance always shows infinity ( ∞ ) I doubt you'll ever get it to work, that indicates a break in the circuit, a 'dead' cell or worse.

Logged

Offline dolphin

  • TS Addict
  • *****
  • Posts: 2769
    • View Profile
    • http://dolphin13.com/designsbyroy/
MacBook won't run on battery
« Reply #12 on: May 27, 2009, 08:23:43 AM »
Hi gigglesme.  I have NO help on the battery or fan situation. Just wanted to  welcome.gif you to TS!
Logged
"If it aint broke; don't fixit"
Roy

Offline gigglesme

  • Poster Child
  • *
  • Posts: 6
    • View Profile
MacBook won't run on battery
« Reply #13 on: May 28, 2009, 09:21:59 PM »
QUOTE(dolphin @ May 27 2009, 09:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi gigglesme.  I have NO help on the battery or fan situation. Just wanted to  welcome.gif you to TS!


thank-you biggrin.gif
Logged

Offline gigglesme

  • Poster Child
  • *
  • Posts: 6
    • View Profile
MacBook won't run on battery
« Reply #14 on: June 03, 2009, 09:23:53 PM »
I brought my mac book in to the apple store nearest me and they verified the battery was faulty but wouldn't replace told me to contact apple direct to see if they will replace otherwise i will have to purchase one.  I will be contacting tem first thing next week due to my moving this weekend.  Thanks for everyones help with this matter i has been greatly appreciated. thanx.gif
Logged
Pages: [1]   Go Up
« previous next »