Exploded battery in 2012 Macbook pro

[bbridges]

Hi Guys,
A few days ago, I noticed that the trackpad on my 2012 macbook pro was jammed down and wouldn't click. I normally use a bluetooth keyboard and mouse so I never touch the computer really. Anyway, after trying to loosen it and looking around the web, I decided to open the back to see if I could see anything causing the problem.
When I started loosening the screws, I could tell immediately that they were very tight and when the first one came out, the cover sprang open like it was under pressure. When i got them all off, I was kind of shocked to see that the battery had sort of ballooned out and was probably an inch thicker than normal. It had been pressing against the casing.
So I ordered a new battery and waiting for it to arrive with hopes that everything will be ok.
But here is my question. Is this a known problem and can this cause problems with the function of a bluetooth mouse? I mean, can this pressure cause signals to be triggered from the trackpad that interfere with normal operation? I ask because before all this, I had noticed that I was having a lot of weird problems with my mouse and I'm wondering if all of that was a result of this battery.
Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Howard2k]

It expanded, it didn't explode.
Yes it's a known issue, that's what these batteries often do when they fail. It's not an Apple issue, it's a chemistry thing.

Were you monitoring the battery status previously with coconutbattery or anything like that?

For bluetooth impact, I wouldn't think so, unless it was pressing against a part of the circuit board like you said.

 

[capuzino]

This might fix the mouse issues:

Open System Preferences
-> Accessibility
-> Mouse & Trackpad
-> then select "Ignore trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present"

 

[Maxx Power]

My 2013 MBP did the samething. The battery status only occasionally mention that it needs service and only when battery was low and under heavy load. I am going to wait for a bit and see if Apple offers a repair program. I believe Dell offered free exchange programs for their XPS line of laptops when they also bulged.

 

[leman]

That’s what happens to old batteries. In fact, it’s a safety feature - the battery is allowed to boost instead of actually exploding. It’s also a good reason why you shouldn’t operate a battery that’s over 5 years old and why one should take the service battery warning very seriously.

 

[Ruskes]

all I want to know is where did you dispose of the bomb ?

 

[pshufd]

I had this problem with my 2008. I brought it to the Apple Store and they took the old battery, put in a new one and that was it. No charge. The laptop was about four years old.

 

[jerryk]

Batteries have a finite lifespan based on time and number of cycles. And as they age, they can produce excess gases and expand. Getting 7 years before replacing is good.

Apple has some guidelines ( https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201585), this document does not not mention the age issues. But their batteries are not magic, so they also fail due to age.

 

[Howard2k]

But their batteries are not magic.

Dammit!

 

[bbridges]

Thanks for all the replies. I removed the battery and expect a replacement today. The trackpad was being pressured from below and that caused problems that actually continued after removing the battery but I put it in a baggie with Alcohol and let is soak to loosen everything up and now it's working like new.
I never move the computer these days so I don't really need a battery but would rather have it just so I don't lose anything if it gets unplugged and I understand there is a performance drop without the battery.

 

[bbridges]

This might fix the mouse issues:

Open System Preferences
-> Accessibility
-> Mouse & Trackpad
-> then select "Ignore trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present"

Thanks for the suggestion. I tried to do that but it is not active unless you're using an Apple brand mouse.
[doublepost=1549973808][/doublepost]

It expanded, it didn't explode.
Yes it's a known issue, that's what these batteries often do when they fail. It's not an Apple issue, it's a chemistry thing.

Were you monitoring the battery status previously with coconutbattery or anything like that?

For bluetooth impact, I wouldn't think so, unless it was pressing against a part of the circuit board like you said.

I wasn't paying attention to the battery in any way because A. I'm lazy and B. I basically use it as a desktop and never depend on the battery anymore.
[doublepost=1549973879][/doublepost]

all I want to know is where did you dispose of the bomb ?

I have it on my porch and am trying to figure out where I can drop it off. I'm sure one of these big box stores has something right?

 

[willmtaylor]

Thanks for the suggestion. I tried to do that but it is not active unless you're using an Apple brand mouse.
[doublepost=1549973808][/doublepost]
I wasn't paying attention to the battery in any way because A. I'm lazy and B. I basically use it as a desktop and never depend on the battery anymore.
[doublepost=1549973879][/doublepost]
I have it on my porch and am trying to figure out where I can drop it off. I'm sure one of these big box stores has something right?

First of all, make sure it’s in a nonflammable environment so as to. It cause any damage if it worsens (e.g. a bucket of sand or kitty litter).

Then, follow this link: https://www.ifixit.com/Wiki/E-Waste

 

[jerryk]

I have it on my porch and am trying to figure out where I can drop it off. I'm sure one of these big box stores has something right?

Our local Best Buy has a battery drop off. But, I don't know if that includes laptop battery of just AA Li batteries. If you have a Best Buy you might want to give them a call.