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Mid 2010 Model A1278 / 2.4 or 2.66 GHz Core 2 Duo processor

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Why is my MacBook Pro having weird power issues?

Hi there,

I’m having some serious issues with my Macbook Pro (13 inch, mid 2010, OS X 10.9.5, 4GB RAM), and I can’t find any examples of the same issue on this or any other forum.

My battery has been totally dead for about six months to a year now, system profiler says ‘Replace Now’ and the machine shuts down if the power cord comes out accidentally etc. So the battery is dead as a doornail, I know that much. I’m willing to get it replaced, but the machine is having some other issues that make me unsure about whether to make the investment in a new battery.

First, the machine randomly shuts down, probably about once or twice a day. Now it only takes a slight jerk of the MagSafe connector to lose the power connection and the machine will shut off. These sudden shut downs normally happen when I move the machine, so I presume the power connection is being lost for a moment, but sometimes they seem to happen when the machine is totally still (maybe small power surges or something like that?).

Also from time to time, when I press the power button normally, the machine does not turn on. When this happens, the only way to turn the laptop on is to hold down the power button for about 10-20 seconds, release it, and then quickly press it again (strange, eh). When this happens, the fan also comes on at full blast as soon as the machine comes on, and keeps running like that continuously.

I’m just wondering if anyone might have some insight on these issues. I’ve tried resetting the SMC and PRAM already by the way, and have ran repairs in Disk Utility. I’d like to run Apple Hardware Test, but I unknowingly wiped it from my machine when I clean-installed Mavericks, and my machine won’t boot the web version.

Now I live in Ireland so don’t have a Genius Bar I can bring the machine to for a free evaluation, and my local mac shop will charge me for a diagnosis. Being dead broke, my biggest worry is that I’ll pay for an evaluation and/or new battery and the machine will nonetheless fail soon after. If the laptop is on its deathbed, I’d rather save all the money I can to put towards a new machine (though that would mean buying Windows or a Chromebook, so if it all possible I’d like to save the Macbook Pro).

Okay, thanks for reading, if anyone can shed any light on these issues I’d be hugely grateful.

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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lenny antonelli, based on this "Now it only takes a slight jerk of the MagSafe connector to lose the power connection and the machine will shut off." before anything else, I'd replace the DC-in board. Use this guide for that. It is very difficult to properly diagnose anything, without knowing that all the parts function as they should. Always start with the parts you know need to be replaced.

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Thanks oldturkey, that's very useful to know.

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I have been having a similar issue with my 2008 macbook aluminum body. I realized that it was the magsafe adapter. One of the pins on the adaptor was sticking. I used a really small screwdriver to gently pop the pin back out and it's working much better, although not perfect. Here's a link to apple's troubleshooting guide on charger issues: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203207

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Be careful with metal tools here! I recommend you use a cotton swab (Q-Tip) slightly dampened with high grade isopropyl alcohol (85% or better). Clean both connector ends

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lenny antonelli will be eternally grateful.
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