This problem started about 2 months ago. My 13" early 2015 Macbook Pro running OS 10.11.6 shut down suddenly and wouldn't start up again without the power adapter connected. Upon startup the battery icon alternated between a black X and 0% with a notification that said the battery needs replacement. I am not good about cycling my battery so figured it was just dead and ordered a new one (NewerTech 71W NuPower Battery Replacement Kit from MacSales.com).
After a smooth replacement everything seemed perfect for about a week. Also old battery had two 'burst cells' (they looked pregnant) so figured that was definitely the problem. After that my computer once again randomly shut down and the black X reappeared. About a week later, while connected to the power adapter the battery suddenly started working again. Now the battery seemingly randomly jumps between a black X and 100% power. When the battery is not working the computer also seems to run noticeably slower.
I have tried resetting both SMC and PRAM several times to no avail. MacSales sent an additional battery for free in case I got a lemon (shout out to their excellent customer service). So will try that once it arrives. One more additional detail that could help - when the black x over the battery icon is there the power adapter LED is orange. When it suddenly starts working it shifts to green as the battery is 100% charged. So it seems that the battery is still charging or at least retaining its charge but neither the power adapter nor the computer is recognizing it. I also ran hardware diagnostics both when the black x was present and not, when it was I got PPT001 and when the battery was working I got no error.
Thanks in advance for any feedback! I'm getting a bit desperate. I use this computer for work and am in crunch time a little.
P.S. - Posted earlier including this and a fan issue. Fan issue was a non-issue. I was just being stupid.
P.P.S. - I have access to a multimeter at work so can use that if it helps.
TL,DR: Black x (and battery function) randomly appears and disappears on 2015 Macbook pro after 3rd party battery replacement. SMC and PRAM reset don't work
Thanks so much,
Nathan
After a smooth replacement everything seemed perfect for about a week. Also old battery had two 'burst cells' (they looked pregnant) so figured that was definitely the problem. After that my computer once again randomly shut down and the black X reappeared. About a week later, while connected to the power adapter the battery suddenly started working again. Now the battery seemingly randomly jumps between a black X and 100% power. When the battery is not working the computer also seems to run noticeably slower.
I have tried resetting both SMC and PRAM several times to no avail. MacSales sent an additional battery for free in case I got a lemon (shout out to their excellent customer service). So will try that once it arrives. One more additional detail that could help - when the black x over the battery icon is there the power adapter LED is orange. When it suddenly starts working it shifts to green as the battery is 100% charged. So it seems that the battery is still charging or at least retaining its charge but neither the power adapter nor the computer is recognizing it. I also ran hardware diagnostics both when the black x was present and not, when it was I got PPT001 and when the battery was working I got no error.
Thanks in advance for any feedback! I'm getting a bit desperate. I use this computer for work and am in crunch time a little.
P.S. - Posted earlier including this and a fan issue. Fan issue was a non-issue. I was just being stupid.
P.P.S. - I have access to a multimeter at work so can use that if it helps.
TL,DR: Black x (and battery function) randomly appears and disappears on 2015 Macbook pro after 3rd party battery replacement. SMC and PRAM reset don't work
Thanks so much,
Nathan