How to Fix a 45w Magsafe PS

Blackspeare · Feb 13, 2013, 09:55 AM

I have been using a MBA for a little over a year and the power supply has been a bit cranky----it wouldn't always charge the unit. I would try different receptacles and after a period of time it would suddenly work again! I recently found out the reason why and I don't know if it is universal, but if the power supply is too cold it won't work. Now if the power supply won't work I hold it over a light bulb until it feels warm to the touch and voila it works!

tburk32 · Feb 13, 2013, 10:41 AM

This is really ironic to me as I created a thread a couple days ago about my girlfriend having similar issues with her macbook air (2011). She didn't realize it wasn't charging until it was down to 2% and the warning popped up. The way we got it to start charging is by using the extention cable that was included (which was in a drawer so it was probably warmer) the reason I say it is ironic is because I always complain how cold it is in her house. I wonder if there is any validity to this "warming the cable to get it to work" theory.

Mrbobb · Feb 13, 2013, 11:45 AM

Clean the magsafe connector, both ends, that's ALL you can do. The unit is glued shut.

wolfpuppies3 · Feb 14, 2013, 09:24 AM

Those power supplies are a touch notorious for failing prematurely, Google that problem. Replace it and be thankful for having Apple care to pay for the new one.

madsci954 · Feb 14, 2013, 03:05 PM

I had a 2011 MBA that was on its 3rd charger in a period of 6 months, one of those chargers died within a month. After several trips our local Apple Store (~60 miles away) and an email to Tim Cook, the MBA was replaced. Currently using that replaced MBA, about 10 months now, and have not had a single issue.

Ohlias · Feb 16, 2013, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfpuppies3

Those power supplies are a touch notorious for failing prematurely, Google that problem. Replace it and be thankful for having Apple care to pay for the new one.

Same for me here, 2011 MBA and charger pooped out on me right after apple warranty. Luckily, my credit card warranty covered it. Bought a new one and kept the old one as a back up...

Feb 13, 2013, 09:55 AM	#1
Blackspeare macrumors newbie Join Date: Dec 2011	How to Fix a 45w Magsafe PS I have been using a MBA for a little over a year and the power supply has been a bit cranky----it wouldn't always charge the unit. I would try different receptacles and after a period of time it would suddenly work again! I recently found out the reason why and I don't know if it is universal, but if the power supply is too cold it won't work. Now if the power supply won't work I hold it over a light bulb until it feels warm to the touch and voila it works!
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Feb 13, 2013, 11:45 AM	#3
Mrbobb macrumors 68020 Join Date: Aug 2012	Clean the magsafe connector, both ends, that's ALL you can do. The unit is glued shut. __________________ Solution: FREE, Explanation: Is gonna cost ya.
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Feb 14, 2013, 09:24 AM	#4
wolfpuppies3 macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Virginia, USA	Those power supplies are a touch notorious for failing prematurely, Google that problem. Replace it and be thankful for having Apple care to pay for the new one. __________________ 2012 MBA 13, 2 Ghz i7, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD; 2011 MBA 11, 1.8 Ghz i7, 4 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD; 2010 MB Pro 15, 2.66 Ghz i7, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD; two iPad 3s and a mini, two iPhones and a bunch of iPods
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Feb 13, 2013, 10:41 AM	#2
tburk32 macrumors member Join Date: Oct 2011	This is really ironic to me as I created a thread a couple days ago about my girlfriend having similar issues with her macbook air (2011). She didn't realize it wasn't charging until it was down to 2% and the warning popped up. The way we got it to start charging is by using the extention cable that was included (which was in a drawer so it was probably warmer) the reason I say it is ironic is because I always complain how cold it is in her house. I wonder if there is any validity to this "warming the cable to get it to work" theory.
	0

Feb 14, 2013, 03:05 PM	#5
madsci954 macrumors 6502a Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Ohio	I had a 2011 MBA that was on its 3rd charger in a period of 6 months, one of those chargers died within a month. After several trips our local Apple Store (~60 miles away) and an email to Tim Cook, the MBA was replaced. Currently using that replaced MBA, about 10 months now, and have not had a single issue.
	0