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MacBook says it is plugged in and "(Not Charging)" while *unplugged*

A

Atephore

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Oct 11, 2010
11
0
Hi,
I'm not sure if this is should be in hardware or software, so I apologize if this is in the wrong catagory.
I have a "5,1" Late 2008 Aluminum MacBook
2.0 Ghz
2 gb RAM
I just replaced the stock 160gb hard drive with a 500 gb Seagate.
Everything is working perfectly except for one odd issue:
While plugged in, the MacBook says it is charging normally and appears to actually be doing so. However, when I unplug it, it shows the plug icon on the battery as it does at 100% charge and says "(Not Charging)". Power management wise it also behaves as if it is plugged in. So, as you can imagine that is quite annoying as it doesn't dim / sleep when it should if left sitting and I can't see my battery % when it is unplugged.

I have looked EVERYWHERE on the net to no avail. The MacBook is no longer under warranty so no dice there. I have also checked my energy settings as well as reset the SMC.

Thanks in advance for any help!
 
Ah, I was adding that to the post as you replied lol. No dice on the SMC reset. :-/
Thanks for the reply though.
 
I think i know the problem.

This happened to me before, once it was because my mac was too hot. I let it cool down then charged it and seemed to work, if that doesn't seem to be the case. It tends to work if you remove the battery and placing it back in. Hope this helped.
 
I tried pulling the battery and replacing it. No luck. It's been fine heat wise. I haven't swapped the drive back yet but I don't see how the hard drive itself could cause that... :-/
 
Could this in some way mean my MagSafe port is going bad? I noticed my charger light doesn't come on sometimes as well.
 
Really? That was my only idea....sorry. I just thought the update was relevant.
 
Thanks for the reply anyhow. It doesn't have a problem charging. It's the issues when it isn't plugged in.
 
Ok, I just got on the computer and clarified. That update is only for the white MacBook. The latest for this one is apparently 1.3.
 
I have the exact same problem as you, Atephore, and it's interisting howyou note that you recently changed your HD. I did the same thing but I never imagined it being the cause of this. Did you solve the problem? I'm find myself having to check the battery by pressing the buttons underneath which is not exactly ideal.
 
sikheid said:
I have the exact same problem as you, Atephore, and it's interisting howyou note that you recently changed your HD. I did the same thing but I never imagined it being the cause of this. Did you solve the problem? I'm find myself having to check the battery by pressing the buttons underneath which is not exactly ideal.
Click to expand...

I have since come to the conclusion that the MagSafe power controller is bad. Apple wants $109 to replace it.
 
Same here

I have the same exact problem! I've tried everything you've tried and have had no luck, I'm going to replace my hard drive in a few days. I'll let you know if that works.
 
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