The trackpad on my mid-2012 MacBook Pro doesn't click. A quick Google suggested that the culprit is a swollen battery. I removed it and, sure enough, it is swollen. Moreover, while it was removed, the trackpad clicked normally. I took it to the Apple Store at Flatiron Crossing where Justin told me that this was normal and I would have to pay $135 for a new battery. WHAT? NORMAL? How can an obvious manufacturing defect be normal? Is this Apple's official response to this issue? If so, it is FRAUD and calls for immediate legal action. I'm thinking class action.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Swollen Battery
- Thread starter wiggoney1
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
When battery becomes exhausted (from many cycles, over exposure to heat or cold, frequent complete discharge/charge cycles), it will swell, but battery shouldn't be that bad after 2-3 years IMO. Pay for the battery or try claiming that an early failure occured and it is not justifiable to pay for the replacement because you clearly got a dud.
Where is the manufacturing defect? The battery, which is approaching 4 years old is swollen. Because it's swollen, it's pushing the trackpad out of position, which, in turn, causes the trackpad to not function. You removed the battery and the trackpad now works AS INTENDED. The issue is obviously the swollen battery. As Keith said, batteries fail. Even with AppleCare, the battery would only be covered for 3 years, max. Just buy a replacement battery and stop trying to blame Apple.
#ageofentitlement
Last edited:
Do you have AppleCare? Are you still within the warranty period? If so, you're probably covered.
Chill out. If you're in warranty, you're good, if you're not then you're out $135. Not a big deal.
In addition to Applecare (which I assume you do no have), consumer protection laws and regulations guarantee a warranty period - the manufacturer is liable to repair/replace any defects identified during the specified period. The period is typically 1-2 years for personal electronics (varies by jurisdiction).
The moral of the story, however, is that all electronic devices will fail eventually...it's just a matter of time!
Batteries are CONSUMABLE. Do you take your car back to the dealer with the same ****** attitude when the tires wear out and you can't brake or handle as well anymore?
Its not unknown for an end-of-life battery of this technology. It certainly isn't fraud or the basis for a class action.
Three years old, not over four. You're a year ahead of yourself.
Whilst the OP has not told us the number of cycles (which will have a bearing) a Macbook battery only lasting three years is certainly on the outliers of typical lifespan. It's reasonable for the OP to feel aggrieved.
LiPo batteries often swell at the end of their life. Although not all of them do, it's pretty common. So, it is, in fact, normal, and definitely not a manufacturing defect.
It's not fraud (I'm not sure you actually know what the word means if you're using it that way), nor does it call for legal action of any kind.
Get off your high horse for a moment and dispose of the battery, a swollen battery can be a fire hazard.
Fair enough. I misread the date. Regardless, the battery is approaching EOL, and if the Mac is out of warranty, so is the battery.
Good old Flatirons Crossing--you might have had better luck taking it to Boulder 29th Street Mall or Cherry Creek, but probably not. Apple has had years upon years of experience in denying swollen battery claims.
Just this week, I took 2 swollen macbook batteries to the 29th Street Mall. One Apple Geek didn't even know that Apple recycles swollen batteries! Always best to sweep these sorts of issues under the Apple carpet, right
Anyway, here's a reputable $99 replacement battery from Newertech for a 15" MBP mid-2012 (you didn't mention what size MBP???)
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/BAP15MBU78W/
Just this week, I took 2 swollen macbook batteries to the 29th Street Mall. One Apple Geek didn't even know that Apple recycles swollen batteries! Always best to sweep these sorts of issues under the Apple carpet, right
Anyway, here's a reputable $99 replacement battery from Newertech for a 15" MBP mid-2012 (you didn't mention what size MBP???)
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/BAP15MBU78W/
It clearly says batteries are covered on the AppleCare page.
Correct.. That was added not too long ago by Apple, and some still are not aware of this.
Man that`s the deal, the battery is not going to last forever, it`s a consumable item, like the tyres on a car. Too many variables 3-5 for a battery max, and much depends on how you manage the battery.
Q-6
Well damn the guy lied to me then when I took it in!! Oh well now I know for next time.
It's worth going in and talking to a manager. They might comp you in iTunes credit for the difference.