MBP Battery issues

[AceC]

I have a 2010 MacBook Pro - it's old, but still kicking. For a while now, the battery status indicates "Service Battery." Given the age of the machine and the fact it hasn't given up at this point, I have yet to do that. Typically, when it gets down to 7% or so, it gives the "reserve battery" message. The battery was dead today, and I charged it to about 17% before unplugging it for a few minutes. Just a few minutes later, it shuts off entirely - no reserve warning or anything. When I plug it back in and power on, it starts up with the chime and everything, which is atypical, as it usually starts up with the loading bars and the screen that it died on. While on the charger, it goes back to 17% rather quickly also..

It also went down 12% within a few minutes while in sleep mode..

My question - does this suggest the battery is about to die for good? Why is it doing this?

If the battery does die/is about to die, should I bother with replacing it, or buying a new machine altogether? (I'm not experienced with replacement). Furthermore, given the age and the condition of the battery, is it at all possible to overheat/combust?

 

[rocknrotty]

Battery prices are not bad at 35.00 i found.(Beetstech.com) So if the machiene is doing what u need fix it if it is not buy newer or new.
The battery will eventually short out and swell inside laptop causing some damage like trackpad breaking. The battery is easy to replaced if u can use a screwdriver.

 

[Alex Sanders74]

If you go to About this Mac/System Report/Power, it will tell you what the health of your battery is. Or Option click on the battery icon in the title bar. Sounds like it's on it's way to the graveyard from your description. Don't leave it too long or it will swell as rocknrotty mentioned. I've replaced one that did that.

Easy job and the price for a replacement is well worth it.