HT3205: About the battery indicator lights on MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) and MacBook Pro (Late 2008 and later)

Learn about About the battery indicator lights on MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) and MacBook Pro (Late 2008 and later)
diane928

Q: My adapter plug light is orange - won't stay green to charge the battery.  What is the cause?

My adapter light does not stay green to indicate the macbook is charging.  The light turns from green to orange after about 5 seconds.  Why is my battery not charging?

MacBook Pro, iOS 6.1

Posted on Jan 28, 2013 1:55 PM

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Q: My adapter plug light is orange - won't stay green to charge the battery.  What is the cause?

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  • by ds store,

    ds store ds store Jan 28, 2013 2:03 PM in response to diane928
    Level 7 (30,395 points)
    Jan 28, 2013 2:03 PM in response to diane928

    1. SMC reset

     

    >>Instructions to reset SMC

     

    Problems solved: Fans blowing with no activity, machine is not booting, power button pressed and nothing happens, problems with indicators, Magsafe has wrong lights, battery is not charging, monitor and graphics issues etc.  If the battery is not charged (from like letting it sleep too long), let the Mac charge up awhile afterwards.

     

    Will not hurt the machine resetting if it's not broken.

     

    Other related hardware problems (optional):

     

    Check battery status: Hold option/alt key down while clicking on the battery icon in the menu bar, top right corner.

     

    Magsafe: Use the correct/matching power supply charger with your Mac, not a less powered one from another Mac.

     

    Apple: Laptop won't power up   Apple: Computer won't power up  Troubleshooting optical drive

     

    Magsafe problems   Magsafe problems more

  • by dominic23,Helpful

    dominic23 dominic23 Jan 28, 2013 2:14 PM in response to diane928
    Level 8 (41,472 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 28, 2013 2:14 PM in response to diane928

    If the MagSafe connector shows amber light, it means charging.

     

    When battery is fully charged, it will show green light.

     

    If you option click the battery icon in the menu bar, it will show the status Charging / Charged.

     

    Best.

  • by Courcoul,

    Courcoul Jan 28, 2013 2:17 PM in response to diane928
    Level 6 (14,193 points)
    Jan 28, 2013 2:17 PM in response to diane928

    Further diagnosis from this select group of rescuers can be attained by opening Apple Menu / About This Mac / More Info / System Report / Power  and snipping & pasting the Battery Info section (or the entire pane, for good measure). That will yield more insight as to how your Mac's battery is faring.