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How can I tell if my battery is swelling or my macbook pro is just warped?

dudeslife

dudeslife

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Original poster
Jul 25, 2011
136
86
How can I tell if my battery is swelling or my macbook pro [2017 15in] is just warped? On a flat table, it wobbles like a weeble. Looking at the underside, I don't see anything like a hernia. I ran CoconutBattery and everything looks good.

Thanks for any info.
 
Take the back off your laptop. If the battery is bowed it is swelling. It should be flat. I just sent in my 2018 MBP because the battery swelled so much that it warped the laptop. I called Apple and they fixed it for free.
 
dudeslife said:
How can I tell if my battery is swelling or my macbook pro [2017 15in] is just warped? On a flat table, it wobbles like a weeble. Looking at the underside, I don't see anything like a hernia. I ran CoconutBattery and everything looks good.

Thanks for any info.
Click to expand...
First step is to contact Apple tech support and seek their advice.

If you can't see any obvious warping or bulging, I'd check on another table, preferably that is glass; or use a long level to verify the table is flat across multiple angles. Also, how does the trackpad respond? Battery bulges often impact that as well.

Unless you did something to warp your MBP, Occam's razor suggests it's the battery. I say that because the MBP has pretty strong torsion box like design which would be pretty resistant to warping. I would guess any warping would also result in the keyboard not being flat as well; plus the screen would likely be damaged as well.

Absent indications of warping beyond wobbling would, IMHO, point to a battery issue; the only other thing I'd check is to be sure one of the little rubber feet isn't missing. I had that happen on a MBP.
 
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Two of the signs of a bulging batter are the wobble, which you are noticing, and also that that lid will no longer close as flush because it also pushes up the keyboard (as jlc1978 mentioned). Was there any trauma to make you think it just might be warped/bent instead? It is not too difficult to open the bottom cover and see if the battery has a bulge to it. It will almost look like it is inflated some with air.
 
donmon said:
Take the back off your laptop. If the battery is bowed it is swelling. It should be flat. I just sent in my 2018 MBP because the battery swelled so much that it warped the laptop. I called Apple and they fixed it for free.
Click to expand...

I also have a swollen battery (and warped case) on my 2018 Macbook Pro which is now out of warranty. I have spoken to a couple of reps at the Apple help line and the feedback I have gotten that I will need to pay for the battery replacement (> US$500) because it is not covered by any quality program.

Was your laptop still in warranty or under Applecare? Would like to know how it was fixed for free as it might help me in my case. Thanks!
 
Almost certainly the battery swelling up.

Do you have a brick n mortar Apple Store that is open nearby?
If so, make an appt. with the genius bar and have them look at it.

If the Apple Stores are still closed, then call Apple directly.
DO NOT call a "3rd-party" repair provider.
Call APPLE.

They'll send you a prepaid shipping box to return it.
They'll replace the battery.
Not sure if it will be free for a 2017 MBP, but even if you have to pay, the price ($199) is REASONABLE for a new battery plus installation.

Turnaround is something like 7-10 days, sometimes quicker.
Be aware that they cannot send it by air because of the dangerous battery problem.

This WILL fix the problem, at the lowest price.

Just wondering...
Over the life of the MBP, have you left it plugged into the charger much of the time...?
 
Demolished_Q said:
I also have a swollen battery (and warped case) on my 2018 Macbook Pro which is now out of warranty. I have spoken to a couple of reps at the Apple help line and the feedback I have gotten that I will need to pay for the battery replacement (> US$500) because it is not covered by any quality program.

Was your laptop still in warranty or under Applecare? Would like to know how it was fixed for free as it might help me in my case. Thanks!
Click to expand...

They misquoted you the price unless there is something beyond a battery replacement. Here is the offical Apple price list, it is $199.

Mac Repair and 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 support.apple.com

BTW, if your keyboard has issues you could mention that and they might be able to do it as part of the keyboard replacement program.
 
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jerryk said:
They misquoted you the price unless there is something beyond a battery replacement. Here is the offical Apple price list, it is $199.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, the price depends upon your location. I verified this with the Apple helpline rep, and she said the prices quoted on the website are specific to the US. The cost can vary, depending upon where you are; I'm in Pakistan, and the rep said that the price quoted by the apple authorised service provider (~USD500) is what it will cost to replace the battery in Pakistan.

jerryk said:
BTW, if your keyboard has an issues you could mention that and they might be able to do it as part of the keyboard replacement program.
Click to expand...
Don't think that will fly now that they know what my issue is :). They'll just blame it on the battery.

Right now, I'm looking for a third party battery, as that seems like the only affordable solution for me.
 
Interesting. I would think that the keyboard replacement program would be global. If the keys are sticking, they have to replace the top case. That's the policy. You could have come with another problem, but they have to replace the whole top case anyway for the keyboard. Note the wording below:

Additional Information
This worldwide Apple program does not extend the standard warranty coverage of your Mac notebook.
If you believe your Mac notebook was affected by this issue, and you paid to have your keyboard repaired, you can contact Apple about a refund.
The program covers eligible MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro models for 4 years after the first retail sale of the unit.

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
 
Apple completed the repair and its on the way back.. strange there was no communication of whether or not it was a swollen battery or what. I got:

received your computer. diagnosing. Aug.5
started the repair. Aug.10
completed repair. shipping it back now. Aug.10

Curious to see what arrives tomorrow. :)
 
Last edited:
Fishrrman said:
Almost certainly the battery swelling up.

Do you have a brick n mortar Apple Store that is open nearby?
If so, make an appt. with the genius bar and have them look at it.

If the Apple Stores are still closed, then call Apple directly.
DO NOT call a "3rd-party" repair provider.
Call APPLE.

They'll send you a prepaid shipping box to return it.
They'll replace the battery.
Not sure if it will be free for a 2017 MBP, but even if you have to pay, the price ($199) is REASONABLE for a new battery plus installation.

Turnaround is something like 7-10 days, sometimes quicker.
Be aware that they cannot send it by air because of the dangerous battery problem.

This WILL fix the problem, at the lowest price.

Just wondering...
Over the life of the MBP, have you left it plugged into the charger much of the time...?
Click to expand...

Mine got sent by air. It's how I had a 3 day turnaround( sent it out Monday, they got it Tuesday, I got it back Wednesday).
 
dudeslife said:
Apple completed the repair and its on the way back.. strange there was no communication of whether or not it was a swollen battery or what. I got:

received your computer. diagnosing. Aug.5
started the repair. Aug.10
completed repair. shipping it back now. Aug.10

Curious to see what arrives tomorrow. :)
Click to expand...

Any charge for the repair?
 
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