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Firmware Updates Address Charging Issues With 2007-2008 MacBooks and MacBook Pros

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Apr 12, 2001
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Apple today released a pair of firmware updates for 2007 and 2008 models of the MacBook and MacBook Pro, addressing an issue with the machines not charging properly when used with the new "L-shaped" MagSafe power adapters.
This firmware update addresses an issue with certain MacBook and MacBook Pro models from 2007-2008 that prevents them from charging with new power adapters.
Click to expand...
According to a support document on the issue, the following models are affected:

- MacBook (13-inch Late 2007)
- MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2008)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch Early 2008)
- MacBook (13-inch, Early 2008)
- MacBook (13-inch, Late 2008)

Apple initially used the "L-shaped" MagSafe adapter for the MacBook Air, as its slimmer profile and cord orientation enabled the connector to fit the notebook's form factor without hindering its ability to rest on flat surfaces. With numerous complaints from customers regarding fraying and overheating issues with the original "straight-style" design used since MagSafe's introduction, Apple has now transitioned to the L-shaped MagSafe design for all of its notebook models and standalone adapters.

Article Link: Firmware Updates Address Charging Issues With 2007-2008 MacBooks and MacBook Pros
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2010/10/07/firmware-updates-address-charging-issues-with-2007-2008-macbooks-and-macbook-pros/
Lately with my Aug 08 MBP, I have to really make sure the amber light is on when it's plugged in. It's almost like it's not being seated correctly, although usually just a wiggle turns the light on. When the light's off, it isn't charging.

I have the "straight on" magsafe charger. Not sure if I get the update, or if this will even help. I hope so.
 
mattwolfmatt said:
Lately with my Aug 08 MBP, I have to really make sure the amber light is on when it's plugged in. It's almost like it's not being seated correctly, although usually just a wiggle turns the light on. When the light's off, it isn't charging.

I have the "straight on" magsafe charger. Not sure if I get the update, or if this will even help. I hope so.
Click to expand...

Same thing with me. What it most likely is would be something stuck in there... since its magnetic it attracts all kinds of things. Also very hard to clean out..
 
Rats, when I first saw the title, I was hoping it would fix the abysmal battery life I've had since moving to Snow Leopard in my Early 2008 MBP. :(
 
mattwolfmatt said:
Lately with my Aug 08 MBP, I have to really make sure the amber light is on when it's plugged in. It's almost like it's not being seated correctly, although usually just a wiggle turns the light on. When the light's off, it isn't charging.

I have the "straight on" magsafe charger. Not sure if I get the update, or if this will even help. I hope so.
Click to expand...

Actually this sounds like the beginning of the end of your adapter. The straight on adapters do not last long, they begin to fray inside the plastic casing and eventually they short and melt the plastic casing usually at the end that plugs into the laptop, but I also had one fray at the power brick end. Do not leave it plugged in to your laptop when you are not home or are sleeping, it can start a fire. I have not had any of the straight on adapters last more than 18 months before this started to happen, and I have "babied" the adapter to try to prevent this. If you look around online you will see this is a common problem with these adapters.
 
Interesting. Genius Bar replaced my MacBook Pro's charger last week because it was charing intermittently (didn't have any problems with the replacement). Wonder if this could have been he problem. :confused:

As an aside, I'm not too fond of the "L"-shaped MagSafe connector... found the connector included with my last MacBook much easier to connect (I think because the former adaptors were less loose).
 
Really vicky? I've used old MagSafe chargers and never had a problem. Even if they fray and I'm lucky, which I probably am, unsafe to leave a laptop plugged in overnight or while you're away? I don't see this being accurate.
 
vicky123 said:
Actually this sounds like the beginning of the end of your adapter. The straight on adapters do not last long, they begin to fray inside the plastic casing and eventually they short and melt the plastic casing usually at the end that plugs into the laptop, but I also had one fray at the power brick end. Do not leave it plugged in to your laptop when you are not home or are sleeping, it can start a fire. I have not had any of the straight on adapters last more than 18 months before this started to happen, and I have "babied" the adapter to try to prevent this. If you look around online you will see this is a common problem with these adapters.
Click to expand...

That's not necessarily a symptom of castastophic failure. I have a brand new magsafe power adapter that does the exact same thing. it's typically due to some dirt in the connector on the computer or the pins on the connector on the computer aren't returning fully (they're spring loaded).
 
hmm weird. i have an original 2006 MacBook Pro and use the new L shaped charger, as my original one died this year, and having no problems and no update shown for me.
 
I have a new Macbook Pro with the L-shaped plug, and I must say I prefer it over the old style. In normal use while plugged in, it is a lot less likely to be accidentally pushed off, yet still pulls off easily if you yank the cord. It also feels more rugged than the old style.

My extra charger that I keep at work (the old 85 watt "fat" version that came with first gen MBPs) has the classic plug, so I can compare them on a daily basis. L-shaped plug wins.
 
It seems like Apple's strain reliefs sometimes don't do a very good job of preventing cord damage, the length of the strain relief is too short and it doesn't really hold the cable jacket as securely as they should in my opinion. I have a few suspect Apple cables with insufficient strain reliefs, I never had that particular problem with any of my old Compaq's charging cords.

manhattanboy said:
Why is the charging brick for the new i5's so much bigger than the charging brick for the MBA?
Click to expand...

The MBA's main chips have a much smaller allowed power envelope, and the hard drive consumes less power (smaller physical size drive, less mass to spin), as well as not needing to reserve extra power for operating the optical drive.
 
A PRAM reset actually resolves this issue, I guess Apple retailers did not get that memo. A benefit of being an independent Apple service provider.

-Apple certified tech
 
Wow. How long should the firmware update take? My computer's been on the gray screen for 20 minutes now.
 
mattwolfmatt said:
Lately with my Aug 08 MBP, I have to really make sure the amber light is on when it's plugged in. It's almost like it's not being seated correctly, although usually just a wiggle turns the light on. When the light's off, it isn't charging.

I have the "straight on" magsafe charger. Not sure if I get the update, or if this will even help. I hope so.
Click to expand...

This fixes a different problem. In fact, I replaced my T-style magsafe adapter after it exhibited the symptoms you mentioned. Are you sure when the LED is out that it's still not actually charging by looking at the indicator at the top of the screen? When I replaced the adapter, then I had this NEW issue.

Anyway, the problem is that the SMC wouldn't recognize the adapter and the only way to fix it was to remove the battery or reset the SMC.
 
ataboc said:
Wow. How long should the firmware update take? My computer's been on the gray screen for 20 minutes now.
Click to expand...

I don't think that's normal, probably hung up somewhere. If it were mine, I would restart the computer.
 
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