How to get power adapter replaced ?

[bwaymusgal]

My power adapter (and computer for that matter) have always run a little bit hot, especially when watching video or editing in photoshop.

However, the other day, hot went to a new level. In the past, the adapter had burnt my fingers and been too hot to touch, but the other day I smelled something burning. I looked at my adapter and a little bit of smoke was coming out and it had turned from white to a light tan on the sides.

I took it in to my local "apple authorized service provider" to get it replaced. However, when I went to go pick it up, they told me they put it through the diagnostic tests and nothing was wrong with it. I was mad, but thought ok, maybe they are right. I've been at work, for 30 minutes with my laptop plugged in and once again, the adapter is too hot to touch. I unplugged it because I don't want to start a fire or cause even more damage to the adapter.

I've had the computer since October '08, so it is still fully under warranty. I always plug my computer into a surge protector and it has overheated (gotten too hot to touch) after being plugged in in several different locations.

Now I don't know who to take the adapter to in order to get it replaced. The closest apple store is 2.5 hours away and I don't have phone support anymore. Any ideas? Would it be worth the drive to the apple store or will they give me the same message?

 

[thegoldenmackid]

I've never had one that's fried and still working, but the Apple store is a lot quicker to replace products that are burning.

 

[scienide09]

Stop using it. Now.

Deal with Apple directly, either in person or by phone. Preferably in person, but if the drive is too far, then you can still call Apple. If it's covered under AppleCare (even just the one-year warranty), then the fact you don't have phone support shouldn't matter, as you can still make a claim.

 

[iLog.Genius]

Stop using it. Now.

Deal with Apple directly, either in person or by phone. Preferably in person, but if the drive is too far, then you can still call Apple. If it's covered under AppleCare (even just the one-year warranty), then the fact you don't have phone support shouldn't matter, as you can still make a claim.

They still might charge you initially for phone support (if you don't have it) but once they deem it a hardware problem, which they will, that +/- $50 charge will be reversed.

 

[tekio]

I had no problem phoning them and getting mine exchanged even though I only had 2 days warranty left & no phone support.

 

[GeekGirl*]

They will send you one first, then you return yours.

 

[bwaymusgal]

I should have called in the first place and just avoided the service people where I live. Within 20 seconds of talking to a representative, they said they would send a replacement out right away! Had to stay on the phone and fill out an "incident" report since it had smoked and wasn't just not working, but no charge for the call. Hopefully it will come quickly so I can use my mac again