Skip to main content

2.5 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor (Turbo Boost up to 3.1 GHz) with 3 MB shared L3 cache.

265 Questions View all

Why doesn't my MacBook charge or run off the battery?

Hi,

I'm trying to fix a Macbook Pro 13" Retina late 2012 that has water damage.

It had a problem with the temperature sensor in the trackpad, I fixed that by cleaning the trackpad board and connectors with alcohol.

The remaining issue is that it won't charge or run off the battery.

It runs fine off the charger, and the magsafe LED turns orange. But as soon as I pull out the cord, the laptop turns off.

The SMC -> battery communication seems to be working, as the OS detects the battery level at 39% but says 'not charging'.

I have tried SMC and PRAM reset to no result.

Louis Rossman gave me some ideas (https://www.youtube.com/user/rossmanngro...) and I have checked the resistor values in the current sensing circuits for the DC in and the battery in, they match the schematic.

I'm starting to think it's the actual battery since there is some green stuff near the ends of the cells on the right side (picture attached).

**Edit I have replaced the battery which did not fix the issue.

**Edit Once I screwed in the little plastic cover on the battery connector board it started working! It's marked by the orange circle in this photo: https://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/ig...

Block Image

Block Image

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Score 0
1 Comment

Wow, who would have thought the Screw was part of the circuit. Interesting! So the answer to this is to keep track of where the specific screws came from on APPLE Systems since they do affect the circuits.

by

Add a comment

2 Answers

Chosen Solution

I think it's pretty safe to say that the battery should probably be replaced.

We have had this issue a few times in the department that I work in and a battery replacement was the required fix.

I'm guessing you have tried an SMC reset?

Was this answer helpful?

Score 1

6 Comments:

Yep, have tried SMC and PRAM reset

In the cases you observed, did the battery report having a charge? I don't understand why it reports 39% but doesn't charge or deliver power.

by

Yes. In the cases I have dealt with the system does not always show a completely dead battery. It's odd but although the OS reports back as the battery having charge I think it is just a case of damaged battery giving a false reading

by

OK, thanks. I have ordered a new battery on eBay and will report back once I replace it.

by

Good luck, keep us posted!

by

Well it took an extremely long time for the battery to arrive. I just replaced it and I see no change, except that coconut battery tells me this battery has 0 load cycles.

by

Show 1 more comment

Add a comment

The Green stuff at the end of your battery is corrosion and it happens with any battery, but due to your water issue your battery probably got some water in it and corroded even faster than usual. First you will need to get a new battery then you will need to determine if the charging circuitry is still capable of charging. If your unit cannot charge a battery than even a new battery will not charge. If only you had another battery on hand to check if it would charge.

Was this answer helpful?

Score 0

3 Comments:

I replaced the battery and the issue remains

by

That means that the charging circuitry which had gotten water damage has fried and doesn't work. The circuit board that the charging circuits reside on is faulty and needs repair or replaced. I would replace since it is faster..

by

It's fixed - see my edit to the question and comment on the accepted answer

by

Add a comment

Add your answer

Chris McClymont will be eternally grateful.
View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 0

Past 7 Days: 0

Past 30 Days: 2

All Time: 212