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MacBook Air 2015 MagSafe charger is too hot to touch

M

Mrakoplas

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jul 21, 2020
5
1
In the last couple of weeks, I've noticed my charger connector (the part which connects to Mac) is too hot to touch and also there are some pins a bit burnt (it is getting slowly but visibly worse). Charging ability is unchanged but I really like this machine, otherwise, it is working fine.

I have tried to clean the patches. It is extremely hot only when not fully charged when fully charged it is normal. What could I do? I guess it is not exactly harmless for the machine.

charger_2.jpg

charger_1.jpg


EDIT: I just resized the pictures
 
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I recommend taking both to your local Apple store and let them test it.

If you can't visit a nearby Apple store, I recommend getting another adapter and use it with the Air. If the same thing happens, replace the charging port on the Air.
 
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Not sure if it's possible for the Air to overdraw if you're using a larger magsafe adapter. MBA shipped with 45w adapters, 13" Pro 60W and 15" Pro 85w.

I've heard using a larger adapter can potentially charge your mac faster, what I don't know is if it's bad for it.

Kind of like using a high power USB-C charger daily to charge your iPhone, the battery will have an overall shorter lifespan than if using a slower charger.
 
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I've been using original Apple 60 and 85 watt chargers with my early 2015 Air for years with no issues. I use the same 85 watt charger on my late 2013 13" Pro as well.
 
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Audit13 said:
I recommend taking both to your local Apple store and let them test it.

If you can't visit a nearby Apple store, I recommend getting another adapter and use it with the Air. If the same thing happens, replace the charging port on the Air.
Click to expand...
I will probably do so. Thank you for your answer
 
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macsound1 said:
Not sure if it's possible for the Air to overdraw if you're using a larger magsafe adapter. MBA shipped with 45w adapters, 13" Pro 60W and 15" Pro 85w.

I've heard using a larger adapter can potentially charge your mac faster, what I don't know is if it's bad for it.

Kind of like using a high power USB-C charger daily to charge your iPhone, the battery will have an overall shorter lifespan than if using a slower charger.
Click to expand...
I'm using a 45W charger. The thing is that it was working well before. Now I noticed that even the part of charger which is plugged to the electricity is super hot.
charger_3.jpg

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Audit13 said:
The charging port is easy to replace: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Air+13-Inch+Early+2015+I-O+Board+Replacement/40695
Click to expand...
Thanks. Great. I'm new to Apple world. Did not know it is that easy
 
Looks like an "off-shore" replacement adapter (not made or sold by Apple).

In my experience, replacing a power adapter "on the cheap", may leave you with unexpected "fun" later on.
As you are now having problems, I recommend that you replace with a "real" replacement. Hopefully, you won't need to replace the internal connector, too...
 
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Looks like too much current is going through. I do not recall the exact pinout of the MagSafe but the middle pin and one adjacent to it are both ground. The other adjacent pin is DC in.

Normally a higher wattage power supply would not be expected to harm the computer. There is a circuit called a buck converter that adjusts the power down to what is needed.

Have you tried resetting SMC? The SMC controls how the buck converter behaves. Otherwise, there could be a short on the PPBus (yes, that is what it is called) and that is causing high current to flow straight out of the power supply, through the magsafe and to ground. Or possibly the adapter is not talking with the SMC correctly.
 
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Audit13 said:
The pictured charger is not an original Apple charger. I know that some non-original chargers do not have the same sophisticated circuitry that original adapters have.
Click to expand...
Ok, seems like it should be the first option to try out (get original Apple one)
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Sedulous said:
Looks like too much current is going through. I do not recall the exact pinout of the MagSafe but the middle pin and one adjacent to it are both ground. The other adjacent pin is DC in.

Normally a higher wattage power supply would not be expected to harm the computer. There is a circuit called a buck converter that adjusts the power down to what is needed.

Have you tried resetting SMC? The SMC controls how the buck converter behaves. Otherwise, there could be a short on the PPBus (yes, that is what it is called) and that is causing high current to flow straight out of the power supply, through the magsafe and to ground. Or possibly the adapter is not talking with the SMC correctly.
Click to expand...
Well, that is a sophisticated answer. Will try all of that. Thank you
 
Also, getting an official Apple charger isn't as expensive as Apple wants you to think, especially with all the current macs being USB C. If there's an electronics recycler close to you, ask if they have a bin of chargers you can sort through.
Or did you go on vacation before Covid? Call the hotel and say you left your mac charger. They'll have a whole box of them, and reading glasses.
 
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