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Swollen Battery Mid 2014 15" Macbook Pro - Please Advise

E

EPHS612

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Mar 23, 2019
11
6
Hello, please advise me on how to proceed handling getting my 2014 15" MBP serviced due to swollen battery (preventing lid from closing and interfering with proper track pad function).

I am in Los Angeles.

I'm in between jobs and really need this Mac Book going forward. I can probably scrap some money together for repair, but replacing it is out of my budget.

It worked great. My goal is complete repair back to "new", if possible.

It's out of warranty and I did not purchase Apple Care, if that helps any.

ie bringing it in to Apple Store vs Third Party repair? (Quality of repair vs Cost?).

Thanks so much in advance for useful info on best way to proceed.
 
You can replace that battery yourself.
iFixit has the battery, and will sell it to you with the tools that you would need for the job.
Less than $100
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+15-Inch+Retina+Display+Mid+2014+Battery+Replacement/90276
You can look through the steps, and discover it that is something that you can handle. (If not, you might have a friend who is handy with repairs like that... :cool: )
Consider doing that sooner than later - so as to control the possible damage that can result from the swelling battery (perhaps even to the point of rupturing - something that you don't want. Yes, I am trying to scare you. I don't consider a swelling battery to be safe, particularly if the case is distorting.)
 
Hi,

Thanks for taking the time to reply and providing link to ifixit.

Since my case is bent due to the bulging battery and trackpad not working properly due to same bulge, I am inclined not to try the repair myself.
 
I would contact Apple maybe they will replace it for free due to their battery recall issue


EPHS612 said:
Hi,

Thanks for taking the time to reply and providing link to ifixit.

Since my case is bent due to the bulging battery and trackpad not working properly due to same bulge, I am inclined not to try the repair myself.
Click to expand...
 
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Agreed with the above. Apple normally will replace these hazards free of charge, even if you're out of warranty. Definitely go with Apple Store and see what they will do before looking into replacing it yourself.
 
Your FIRST MOVE should be to take it to a brick-n-mortar Apple Store genius bar.
They -may- offer you a free replacement.
No promises.

If they won't replace it "free", I believe the standard charge for a battery replacement is $199, which should include parts and labor.
MAKE SURE you have an agreement with the tech person first regarding the cost before you hand it over to him.

It's WORTH the $199 to get it replaced.
You DON'T want a swollen battery around -- it's a fire/explosion hazard.
 
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Fishrrman said:
Your FIRST MOVE should be to take it to a brick-n-mortar Apple Store genius bar.
They -may- offer you a free replacement.
No promises.

If they won't replace it "free", I believe the standard charge for a battery replacement is $199, which should include parts and labor.
MAKE SURE you have an agreement with the tech person first regarding the cost before you hand it over to him.

It's WORTH the $199 to get it replaced.
You DON'T want a swollen battery around -- it's a fire/explosion hazard.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip.

Do you think replacing the swollen battery will resolved the trackpad issue (very hard to tape, some gestures not working) and that the case will resume its normal flat shape. Or is the case bent permanently?
[doublepost=1567780216][/doublepost]I have an apt for 4:30 today, do think I can walk in to my favorite Apple store without appt instead?
 
Agree with everyone here. Had the same thing happened to me, and I damaged the motherboard replacing the battery myself. My MBP was one of the last of the "user serviceable ones" 2010 off memory. It was known for having bad soldering due to it being the first model with lead free solder. I had to write the last two sentences so I'm not viewed as ham-fisted tech wannabe.

Be sure to back-up the computer first. I'd also suggest making a temporary "Mac Repair" admin account with a unique password.

Not specific to going to the Apple Store: Show up early for your repair. Have everything you need quickly accessible. Treat the associate with respect, and listen to the questions asked. People in roles like a Genius are driven to help people.

I've had nothing but glowing service at Apple's Genius Bar.

Please let us know what happened.
 
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an-other said:
Agree with everyone here. Had the same thing happened to me, and I damaged the motherboard replacing the battery myself. My MBP was one of the last of the "user serviceable ones" 2010 off memory. It was known for having bad soldering due to it being the first model with lead free solder. I had to write the last two sentences so I'm not viewed as ham-fisted tech wannabe.

Be sure to back-up the computer first. I'd also suggest making a temporary "Mac Repair" admin account with a unique password.

Not specific to going to the Apple Store: Show up early for your repair. Have everything you need quickly accessible. Treat the associate with respect, and listen to the questions asked. People in roles like a Genius are driven to help people.

I've had nothing but glowing service at Apple's Genius Bar.

Please let us know what happened.
Click to expand...
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a helpful, detailed reply. Much appreciated.
 
Hi EPHS612, did you get your swollen battery fixed/replaced? I just found my 2012 MBP has a swollen battery. I would appreciate it if you can share your experience on how to fix this problem. Thanks!!

L
 
Update.
Got battery replaced in Apple Store. The bottom case resumed flat and the trackpad went back to normal click. The new battery looked fine (full capacity and Zero cycle count) except it is a bit old.
Battery.png
 
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Thanks for the info. I noticed my 15" mid 2014 MacBook Pro laptop could not close all the way and I realized my track pad quit clicking and my housing is bulging. I am in the same boat. Thanks for the tips. What battery is a good one to get to do this procedure? There are so many avail on Amazon. My local shop charges $75 for the battery and $85 per hour and is estimating 1.5 hours to do it. It sounds like a fun weekend project to me!!
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liya1201 said:
Update.
Got battery replaced in Apple Store. The bottom case resumed flat and the trackpad went back to normal click. The new battery looked fine (full capacity and Zero cycle count) except it is a bit old.View attachment 864717
Click to expand...
What did you pay at the APPLE STORE to have it fixed? Thanks!
 
Joeymacc said:
What did you pay at the APPLE STORE to have it fixed? Thanks!
Click to expand...

There is Google which, when asked "apple battery replacement cost macbook pro", points rather quickly to Apple official listing: https://support.apple.com/mac/repair/service
This is, of course, US list. If you are not US, local Apple web site will have local list, if it is available.

There is also recall for some MBPs specifically for battery issues (but I think that is 2015 15inch).
Some here reported, that they were able to get bulging batteries replaced for free for safety reasons even on older MBPs. So you can ask, see if they offer discounted or free repair, even when out of warranty.
 
The $129 is a service fee for replacing the battery. There would not normally be a separate add-on charge for labor, as that is part of the service fee.
But, if you have some question about that, be sure to ask at the time that you bring in for that service.
 
The cost and parts replaced depends on the model of MacBook in question. For the older MacBooks with removable batteries, the cost is for the battery itself, it's just a battery of popping off the battery cover and replacing the battery. For the newer MacBooks where the battery is glued onto the topcase (i.e. keyboard and trackpad) it's a different story, replacing the battery involves replacing the entire top case; at least that's the way an Apple Authorised Service Provider would do it... third party repair shops may offer a cheaper solution where they just remove the battery from the original top case and replacing it alone (much like the iFixit guide mentioned earlier).
 
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