Mid 2009 Model A1278 / 2.26 or 2.53 GHz Core 2 Duo processor EMC 2326
I have an A1278 that is exhibiting all the signs of a dead PRAM Battery. I have read that this means replacing the Logic board ! Given that the life of this battery is said to be around 3 to 4 years this seems to be downright sabotage by Apple inc. Is there any way to check the condition of the battery. Is it possible to obtain one and "do it yourself".
The PRAM battery has been eliminated since unibody model introduced. As a result it will be reset and you will lose your computer current date and time once you disconnect the main battery from your computer which automatically resets the PRAM to defaults. So there is no PRAM BATTERY.
Secondly, if you want to make sure if the battery is causing problem, simply reset the SMC by this procedure:
When you reset the SMC, the LED on the MagSafe power adapter may change states from orange to green or temporarily turn off. It gonna return to normal in about 5 seconds or less.
Hope it helps and if it did, please rate it. Thanks.
Past 24 Hours: 42
Past 7 Days: 185
Past 30 Days: 863
All Time: 29,263
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Colin Prutton, what are the last three digits of your serial number? This will help to properly identify your computer. Also, check these answers, pram battery MacBook mb991 It is entirely possible that your computer does not even have a PRAM battery. On those, there is a portion of the battery that is supposed to act in a similar fashion.
by oldturkey03
Thanks for the reply.
Actually the last 4 are 266E with the E.
I´ve been all over the web trying to determine if this model has either
A) A PRAM battery
B) A Capacitor
C) The Main battery keeps the PRAM alive.
Depends who you ask it seems.
Today I re-installed the original battery and it still registers 52% capacity. I was able to start without power supply or internet connection. The clock was OK.
Did a full power cycle, still OK.
Re-installed new battery, everything OK
Power cycled this battery then left Computer off for several hours with everything disconnected. Started OK, clock good.
The machine appears to be fine but I will know more after leaving it overnight without Power supply.
by Colin Prutton
Colin Prutton, does this look about right :"MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.53 13" (SD/FW) 2.53 GHz Core 2 Duo (P8700)
Intro Date: June 8, 2009 Disc Date: April 13, 2010
Order No: MB991LL/A Model No: A1278 (EMC 2326*)
Subfamily: Mid-2009 13" Model ID: MacBookPro5,5
Std RAM: 4 GB Std VRAM: 256 MB
Std Storage: 250 GB (5400 RPM) Std Optical: 8X DL "SuperDrive"
by oldturkey03
Just checked the manual and it appears as if your MBP does not have a PRAM battery.
by oldturkey03
Yep, already worked that out myself. After re-installing the old battery then re-installing the new with several SMC resets in between every thing appears to be working normally now. I guess the capacitor that supports PRAM just didn´t get filled properly. Thanks a lot for the help.
by Colin Prutton
you are welcome:-)
by oldturkey03
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