Mysterious battery issue

Discussion in 'MacBook Pro' started by Multiplicatoren, Nov 29, 2016.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Multiplicatoren, Nov 29, 2016

    Multiplicatoren macrumors newbie

    Joined:
    Nov 28, 2016
    #1
    The "Battery is not charging" notification appeared, leaving the indication light of the charger green instead of the orange light with 80% battery capacity left. Things I've tried:

    - Reboot --> not a solution
    - Reset SMC --> not a solution
    - Reset PRAM --> hey! This actually helped ... for 1 day, but the battery charged veeery slowly (>12 hours for a couple of %'s of battery capacity) than the problem re-occured.

    - Use CoconutBattery to verify battery health --> good, no issues. See attached file.
    - Reset SMC --> not a solution
    - Reset PRAM --> not a solution

    - Remove battery & complete another cycle of resets --> not a solution

    - Tried a different (verified well-working) (60W) power adapter --> same problem

    - Weird fact: when I leave the MagSafe connected, SOMETIMES IT TURNS ORANGE, and the battery IS CHARING, however... very very very slowly (>10hrs for 1%).

    At this point I started to run out of solutions I got think of. Next step would be a complete re-install of the OS, however this feels unsatisfying.

    I've installed the latest Sierra updates, bought the MBP in the US and am using it now in the EU after having moved there. Your help would be very much appreciated!
     

    Attached Files:

    share
    + Quote Reply
  2. Wildkraut, Nov 29, 2016

    Wildkraut macrumors 6502a

    Wildkraut

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2015
    Location:
    Germany
    #2
    Well, in case you decide to reinstall macOS, do it without using the recovery partition.
    Do a 100% clean installation.
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  3. Multiplicatoren, Nov 29, 2016

    Multiplicatoren thread starter macrumors newbie

    Joined:
    Nov 28, 2016
    #3
    Thanks for the suggestion Wildkraut, will definitely keep that in mind! However, if possible I want to prevent having to reinstall the OS. I've read that it could be a faulty MagSafe-board? But I'm not sure if the symptoms point towards that direction....
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  4. DeltaMac, Nov 29, 2016

    DeltaMac macrumors G3

    DeltaMac

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
    Location:
    Delaware
    #4
    If you test with another Magsafe adapter, try an 85-watt adapter. The 60-watt obviously charges, but would take a longer time to charge - and, designed for use with 13-inch models, certainly not your best choice when troubleshooting a charging problem on your 15-inch MBPro.
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  5. Multiplicatoren, Nov 29, 2016

    Multiplicatoren thread starter macrumors newbie

    Joined:
    Nov 28, 2016
    #5
    But at least also the 65W would charge, right? I did try another MagSafe at the mac-store, but that one gave the same issue (no idea about the power though...). I'm doubtful the issue is caused by the charger looking at the described symptoms...
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  6. DeltaMac, Nov 29, 2016

    DeltaMac macrumors G3

    DeltaMac

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
    Location:
    Delaware
    #6
    Yes, the 60 watt charges, just slower, and the adapter would get hotter during charge.
    I did mention the 85-watt, because that is the one that you should be using. If there IS a problem, then trying the 60-watt really won't help with your issue.
    There's not much in the charging circuit.
    Magsafe adapter.
    DC-in board (Magsafe board) Is the connection where the magsafe connector attaches in good condition (Clean, undamaged contacts)?
    Battery
    logic board.

    You would replace parts in that order, although I would try a battery before replacing the magsafe board, assuming the connector does not appear to be damaged.
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  7. Multiplicatoren, Nov 30, 2016

    Multiplicatoren thread starter macrumors newbie

    Joined:
    Nov 28, 2016
    #7
    Magsafe adapter: as good as new, no damages.
    Connection: looks just fine, not dirty, no damages, nothing that can block a proper connection
    Battery: Coconut says it is in good condition, system report says:

    AC Charger Information:
    Connected: Yes
    ID: 0x0100
    Wattage (W): 85
    Revision: 0x0000
    Family: 0x0085
    Serial Number: 0x00570c2c
    Charging: No
    Battery Information:
    Model Information:
    Serial Number: W0038PKCSBX0A
    Manufacturer: SMP
    Device Name: bq20z451
    Pack Lot Code: 0
    PCB Lot Code: 0
    Firmware Version: 201
    Hardware Revision: 000a
    Cell Revision: 157
    Charge Information:
    Charge Remaining (mAh): 4628
    Fully Charged: No
    Charging: No
    Full Charge Capacity (mAh): 5600
    Health Information:
    Cycle Count: 655
    Condition: Normal
    Battery Installed: Yes
    Amperage (mA): 13
    Voltage (mV): 12049

    Logic Board: hope that this is not the issue....

    Just wondering: could a complete reinstall of the OS have any affect or is this clearly a HW issue?

    The thing that confuses is me that yesterday the battery was charging for a brief moment, the magsafe showed an orange light and the "battery is not charing" message disappeared. However, as said before, this was only temporary and charging was very slow...
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  8. DeltaMac, Nov 30, 2016

    DeltaMac macrumors G3

    DeltaMac

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
    Location:
    Delaware
    #8
    6-year-old battery.
    You get charging, but very slow.
    You tried a couple of different Magsafe chargers, with no real change.
    Could be the magsafe board (DC-in board), or the battery.

    Try a form of battery calibration. (some steps are what I use when suspicious of the battery)
    Use unplugged (using battery) until your MBPro goes to sleep.
    Let it sit in that state for at least 10 minutes. A couple of hours would be better.
    Then, plug in to your 85-watt charger, and let it charge completely. Don't disconnect the charger until charged all the way (the LED turns green) If you get to 100% - great. Unplug, let it sit, fully charged, power off, for several hours. Overnight is nice.
    Use normally...
    If you don't get to 100% before charging stops (LED turns green well before 100%) then probably needs a battery, although the magsafe board could do the trick, too, particularly if you have noticed that the charging LED is not as bright as it used to be.
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
  9. Multiplicatoren, Nov 30, 2016

    Multiplicatoren thread starter macrumors newbie

    Joined:
    Nov 28, 2016
    #9
    DeltaMac, really great advice, thank you so much for all the help so far. I'll go and try the steps like you've described, if it doesn't work I can always start replacing stuff :)
     
    share
    + Quote Reply
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)

Share This Page