After 50 cycles, battery has failed completely

[athenacoco]

Hi guys,

My first post here. My MBP (2017 version no touch bar) was purchased in 2018. I have been a gentle user, left my MBP plugged in most of the time, and let it drain a few times each month. Since last year, there have been occasional loud popping sounds from the back of the laptop a few times each day. I have heard about MacBook's swollen battery problem but because my battery health was shown as "normal", these sounds didn't bother me too much.

It has only 52 cycles so far but suddenly stopped charging last week. I have to leave it plugged in all the time. To be honest, I have been very disappointed at Apple's products. I have purchased many Apple products in the past. I even have the first- and second-generation iPods, an early version of Macbook (white), and many other products. But this MBP has had both software and hardware issues. I live far from an Apple store, so haven't really taken advantage of the warranty when it was still in it.

Please see the screenshots. I don't have Apple Care and it has passed the one year warranty. My credit card offers an extended warranty but it has passed the extended period too.

I took it to an authorized apple repair service today. After running a bunch of diagnostic tests, I was told the battery needs a replacement. It would be $199 (battery) + $40 (labor). I took it back without replacing the battery.

I called up Apple to see whether they may waive these charges for me as the authorized apple repair service center manager told me this issue is likely due to a manufacturing issue, not normal wear and tear. Unfortunately, Apple refused to waive the charges.

1. If I take the MBP to an apple store (genius bar), will they be able to waive the charges for a battery replacement? If not, will there be a labor fee of $40?​

​

2. Any other ways to get a cheaper battery replacement?​

Thanks a lot! Be safe and take care.

 

[Andy012]

I have almost the same issue with the same mode...

Popping sounds started after exactly the 1 year warranty expired. Very loud sounds and many times a day.

I called Apple and they recommended going to a service to check what's happening. Went to an authorized reseller and service and they didn't even check the laptop because they said they have the exact same issue on their devices.

They said it's because of the display hinges and there's nothing to do.

After just 1-2 months I started seeing quick battery drain and occasionally the "service battery" message showed.

Called the service again and they said it needs a replacement. Didn't replace it...

How can this happen in just a little over 1 year? Very disappointed by Apple

Now thinking if getting the new 13"... or probably will wait for the 2021 model.

 

[ultrakyo]

Possible that there is circuitry issue on your laptop hence it is not charging it. Send it to Rossmann group.

 

[hallux]

Go back and have it done for the $240, that IS a discounted rate! Actually - that shop might be slightly taking advantage of you, I think Apple will do it for the flat rate of $199.

You say you're a "gentle user", but in reality leaving a laptop plugged in all the time could be considered more abusive than actually "exercising" the battery. 52 cycles over the course of 3 years is bordering on 1 cycle a month, that's just not good.

 

[Fishrrman]

If you have a brick-n-mortar Apple Store where you are, TAKE IT TO THE GENIUS BAR.
Let them have a look at it.
They may offer to replace the battery free of charge. If so, JUMP at the offer and say yes.

Even if they won't replace the battery for free, they should offer to do it for $199 (US).
Again, if they offer you this, SAY YES. It's worth the money.

The local Apple Store may have to send out the MBP to a repair location for the battery change.
If so, it will take about 7-10 days to get it back. They can't ship it by air with a bad battery. That's the way it goes, so put up with it.

Also, if you're one of those "I leave the MBP plugged into the charger all the time" guys, STOP DOING THIS. It's probably why the battery is giving you trouble now.

The MBP should be taken "off the charger" 3-4 days a week. Let it run down to about 35-40% and then plug it back in.
Also... AT NIGHT... UNPLUG the charger from the wall. Plug it back in, the next morning.

My opinion only.
But I'm not going to change it -- that's the best way to maintain "good health" of the battery.

 

[ignatius345]

This is the kind of usage scenario they are trying to correct with this new optimized charging feature.

I guess this is very case by case, though. My grandmother has a MacBook Air she keeps plugged in 100% of the time, and has for years. Last I visited it had something like a dozen cycles over maybe 8 years, and still showed decent battery health. But she also doesn't use it much, and doesn't do anything more taxing than simple web browsing. So maybe that factors into it.

 

[satinsilverem2]

I would also check and see if your Mac qualifies under the service program on the non Touch Bar models. the popping may not be due to hinges but the battery swelling. I had my TB model covered under the keyboard program and that required that the battery be replaced (all one unit).

Apple Service Program status - Apple Support

Apple Service Program status

support.apple.com

 

[athenacoco]

I have almost the same issue with the same mode...

Popping sounds started after exactly the 1 year warranty expired. Very loud sounds and many times a day.

I definitely feel you. This is very frustrating and disappointing.

 

[athenacoco]

Go back and have it done for the $240, that IS a discounted rate! Actually - that shop might be slightly taking advantage of you, I think Apple will do it for the flat rate of $199.

You say you're a "gentle user", but in reality leaving a laptop plugged in all the time could be considered more abusive than actually "exercising" the battery. 52 cycles over the course of 3 years is bordering on 1 cycle a month, that's just not good.

Yup I guess I should not do that... Thanks for your input!

 

[athenacoco]

If you have a brick-n-mortar Apple Store where you are, TAKE IT TO THE GENIUS BAR.
Let them have a look at it.
They may offer to replace the battery free of charge. If so, JUMP at the offer and say yes.

Even if they won't replace the battery for free, they should offer to do it for $199 (US).
Again, if they offer you this, SAY YES. It's worth the money.

The local Apple Store may have to send out the MBP to a repair location for the battery change.
If so, it will take about 7-10 days to get it back. They can't ship it by air with a bad battery. That's the way it goes, so put up with it.

Also, if you're one of those "I leave the MBP plugged into the charger all the time" guys, STOP DOING THIS. It's probably why the battery is giving you trouble now.

The MBP should be taken "off the charger" 3-4 days a week. Let it run down to about 35-40% and then plug it back in.
Also... AT NIGHT... UNPLUG the charger from the wall. Plug it back in, the next morning.

My opinion only.
But I'm not going to change it -- that's the best way to maintain "good health" of the battery.

Thank you!!!! Your response is very helpful!!! I will keep what you said in mind after I get the battery replaced.

It's just super expensive to fix the battery.
[automerge]1597169950[/automerge]

This is the kind of usage scenario they are trying to correct with this new optimized charging feature.

I guess this is very case by case, though. My grandmother has a MacBook Air she keeps plugged in 100% of the time, and has for years. Last I visited it had something like a dozen cycles over maybe 8 years, and still showed decent battery health. But she also doesn't use it much, and doesn't do anything more taxing than simple web browsing. So maybe that factors into it.

Thanks for sharing this with us.

 

[athenacoco]

I would also check and see if your Mac qualifies under the service program on the non Touch Bar models. the popping may not be due to hinges but the battery swelling. I had my TB model covered under the keyboard program and that required that the battery be replaced (all one unit).

Apple Service Program status - Apple Support

Apple Service Program status

support.apple.com

Thanks for posting the link. Unfortunately, mine doesn't qualify the program as it was manufactured after October 2017.
[automerge]1597170050[/automerge]

Possible that there is circuitry issue on your laptop hence it is not charging it. Send it to Rossmann group.

Thanks for the recommendation. I'm on the west coast, so the only option would be to mail the MBP to Rossmann group. Thank you though.

 

[jerryk]

Apple replacement in US is a flat rate of $199 for 13" MBP. Should include full top case replacement. Which would include battery, keyboard, trackpad and Al case where your hands rest. In some cases, the 2017 keyboard has been replaced with the 2018 keyboard which is a little better.

Mac Repair & Service - Apple Support

Need to repair your Mac? See your service options, their costs by coverage type, and how long they take.

support.apple.com

 

[athenacoco]

Apple replacement in US is a flat rate of $199 for 13" MBP. Should include full top case replacement. Which would include battery, keyboard, trackpad and Al case where your hands rest. In some cases, the 2017 keyboard has been replaced with the 2018 keyboard which is a little better.

Mac Repair & Service - Apple Support

Need to repair your Mac? See your service options, their costs by coverage type, and how long they take.

support.apple.com

Thanks! I was quoted $199 + $40 at Simply Mac (an authorized apple repair service) yesterday.

I haven't dropped off my laptop yet as I'd like to get a second opinion from this website. So far, everyone has been extremely helpful. I don't know much about computers but learnt so many helpful information from you guys. This definitely made my week!

 

[matt_and_187_like_this]

Couple of months ago I posted a question on MBP 2017 battery life. I had problems with the battery degrading quickly as well. Although it did not stop working entirely, the status said "maintenance". Your MBP 2017 should qualify for keyboard replacement. Mine did, so I sent it in for that. To my pleasant surprise they've exchanged the battery as well. Maybe try that if you haven't taken advantage of the keyboard replacement already.

 

[athenacoco]

Couple of months ago I posted a question on MBP 2017 battery life. I had problems with the battery degrading quickly as well. Although it did not stop working entirely, the status said "maintenance". Your MBP 2017 should qualify for keyboard replacement. Mine did, so I sent it in for that. To my pleasant surprise they've exchanged the battery as well. Maybe try that if you haven't taken advantage of the keyboard replacement already.

Excellent news!!! I will submit it for a keyboard replacement.

Yes, it does qualify for that program but I haven't experienced any keyboard issues on this MBP. Could I still ask for a keyboard replacement at an Apple store?

 

[0128672]

Keep in mind because you've already contacted Apple about a battery replacement, those support notes will be in their system. Apple might refuse to replace the keyboard under the replacement program if they suspect you're using it just to get a new battery. Apple can also refuse if it finds nothing wrong with your keyboard.

"The type of service will be determined after the keyboard is examined and may involve the replacement of one or more keys or the whole keyboard."

Keyboard Service Program for MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro - Apple Support

Keyboard Service Program for MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro

support.apple.com

 

[hallux]

To my pleasant surprise they've exchanged the battery as well.

Read any number of threads from the past 3-4 years as they relate to keyboard or battery issues and it shouldn't be a surprise that when one is replaced the other is as well. The keyboard, top case, trackpad and battery are considered a single unit by Apple.

 

[athenacoco]

Keep in mind because you've already contacted Apple about a battery replacement, those support notes will be in their system. Apple might refuse to replace the keyboard under the replacement program if they suspect you're using it just to get a new battery. Apple can also refuse if it finds nothing wrong with your keyboard.

"The type of service will be determined after the keyboard is examined and may involve the replacement of one or more keys or the whole keyboard."

Keyboard Service Program for MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro - Apple Support

Keyboard Service Program for MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro

support.apple.com

Thanks for the information. I should have checked with you guys first before reaching out to the Apple support team. Lessons learned.

 

[jerryk]

Thanks! I was quoted $199 + $40 at Simply Mac (an authorized apple repair service) yesterday.

I haven't dropped off my laptop yet as I'd like to get a second opinion from this website. So far, everyone has been extremely helpful. I don't know much about computers but learnt so many helpful information from you guys. This definitely made my week!

What are you getting for the extra $40?

 

[0128672]

Thanks for the information. I should have checked with you guys first before reaching out to the Apple support team. Lessons learned.

I wasn't saying it would definitely happen like that, but if there's nothing wrong with your keyboard, I wouldn't expect them to make the repair under that program.

 

[athenacoco]

What are you getting for the extra $40?

$40 is for labor. This is from Simply Mac, an Apple authorized repair service store.

 

[athenacoco]

I wasn't saying it would definitely happen like that, but if there's nothing wrong with your keyboard, I wouldn't expect them to make the repair under that program.

Understood. I have an appointment with Apple store next Monday (17th). I will check with the store to see whether this MBP may qualify for the keyboard replacement. If not, I'll get the battery replaced with the Apple store for $199. I just wish it is not this expensive... I understand that they have to replace many parts other than the battery itself.

My previous Macbook Air 2011 lasted for 7 years. The battery could last for 30 minutes till the last day of its life. I accidentally spilled water on it. It was a very sad story.

I am using an iPhone 6 Plus from 2014. I got the screen replaced once but the original battery is still going somewhat strong. I don't plug my iPhone 6 Plus to the wall all the time.

 

[0128672]

You're in good company of everyone who doesn't like paying the prices for repairs for computers, cars and ...well, anything. When repairing the old might get you a few thousand more miles, it sure beats the price of buying new until you absolutely have to. Let us know how it goes.

 

[0128672]

P.S. Take heed of Fishrrman's battery advice.

 

[jerryk]

$40 is for labor. This is from Simply Mac, an Apple authorized repair service store.

labor for what? Putting it in a box and sending it Apple.

I guess I am trying to see what you get over sending/taking it directly to Apple