MacBook Pro just shuts off after 1.3 Battery Update.

2 questions to anyone who can answer them:

a) some people talk about replacing their batteries. isn't this rather a software than a hardware issue? can't this problem be fixed with another battery update?

b) 10.5 will be there in maybe less than 2 weeks. is the battery update part of the os and will it be replaced when installing leopard or is it more like a firmware update that won't be affected when installing the new os?


regards,
eric.

I have exactly the same problem, and lost my 2 hours essay.

This is totally wrong, apple!

You'd better do recall or inform users what it is going on.

I tested several batteries. For a battery with 20% capacity that gave 10 minutes of power, the computer shuts off after 30 seconds. With a quite new battery with 92% capacity, the computer shuts off after a minute. With a brand new battery provided by Apple as a replacement for battery # 1, the macbookpro shuts off after 1h50.

The battery update 1.3 affects users differently. Some have worse problems than me and others are just fine. I think that the batteries are not "drained" or killed most of the times, it is just the notebook power management that goes south.

I guess that only a software update can solve this situation. You may replace your batteries, but this will not necessarily solve your problems.

I, too, am being screwed by this issue. My MBP suddenly shuts down after about 6-10 minutes of LIGHT usage (88% - 93% charge shown!!) and will not power back up until it's plugged up to the AC adapter again. Resetting the PMU and NVRAM did nothing at all. Worse yet, even if you try to re-install battery update 1.2, you can't. Once you install 1.3, you're stuck. What a horrible horrible horrible piece of software. DO NOT INSTALL THIS PIECE OF CRAP!!!!!

We are covering this spontaneous shutdown issue over at MacFixIt: http://www.macfixit.com/article.php?story=20071015094411321

One of the current theories is that this update can uncover latent battery issues, much like Battery Update 1.2. In these cases, the batteries sometimes need to be replaced. We've also found, however, that performing an SMC reset can sometimes restore normal function. You can do an SMC reset via this process:

-Turn the computer off
-Disconnect external power
-Remove the battery
-Press and hold down the power button for 5 seconds and then release it
-Put the battery back in and reconnect external power
-Turn the computer back on

Ben Wilson
Editor, MacFixIt

Per Apple's Terms of Use: I may receive some form of compensation, financial or otherwise, from my recommendation or link.

SMC reset does nothing either. Thanks for the suggestion though.

I bought my MacBook Pro 15" on July 15 2007. I installed the Battery Update 1.3 and so far I haven't had any problems with it. What's interesting is that people who purchased MacBooks after I got mine or at the same time, are complaining about the update (not everybody though). It's just interesting what exactly causes the problem. Apple should address that anyway.

I've got the same problem and apple won't help at all. I've done all the tests and procedures and nothing works. They told me I have to go to an authorized apple retailer because they are the ones who deal with this problem. ***? I live in Hawaii and there is NO apple store on my island. I would have to fly to another island just to go to the store. I told the apple support guy this and he said "well that's what you have to do." HOW DID YOU GUYS GET APPLE TO SEND YOU A NEW BATTERY??? Why would some little local store deal with the battery issues, when most of the products come out of some warehouse on the mainland.. Does this battery update effect any battery that you put into your mac (if I bought a new battery, would it screw that one up too?)

Apple is a disappointment.

I've been dealing with the same issue since installing the 1.3 Battery Update and so far, Apple has been less than forthcoming in admitting there is a problem. They even went as far as asking me who told me to install the battery update!? Nice. Anyway, their solution after going back and forth with them on the phone was for me to buy a new battery. Thanks a lot Apple.

I'm too lazy to read through the myriad posts, so forgive me if this is redundant.

If you wish to remove all traces of the firmware update, couldn't you just boot into Open Firmware Mode (Apple + Option + O + F) and reset the machine's firmware?

After booting into OF Mode, just type the following lines at the shell prompt:

reset-nvram
reset-all

The machine should automatically restart, with the factory default firmware version active.

Has anyone tried this?

OK, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one this was happening to. And I'm glad you guys figured out the random shutdowns were tied to the battery update a few weeks ago. I guess I'm lucky b/c mine lasts til around 35% left. I talked with an applecare guy tonight who had me reset the SMC. I am going to see how long it really lasts (I have just noticed percentages, not how much time the battery lasted). This is the 2nd battery I've had since getting the MBP in March 2006. If it still craps out with no warning, I'm going to my local apple store to plead for a quick fix. Hopefully the battery will be healthy again soon! Thanks for the commiserating!

So, anyone can get into the firmware mode?

For me, No!

Just got off the phone with apple for the third time. I got a product specialist on the phone and he is going to replace my battery at no charge. The basic support people just read you procedures out of the book. Just keep calling them if all the other steps didn't work, I had no warranty.

After reporting an issue with my iPhone, I ran this issue past the more-experienced AppleCare tech this evening, and he is shipping me a replacement at no charge. It only took a week to get resolved (pending receipt of the battery, of course), but I'm glad someone at Apple knows what they are doing.

For the record, the tech did say he was making an exception for me, since my MBP is out of warranty.

I've noticed several discussion links on premature shutdowns (wthout low battery warnings) as the battery drains. I have the same problem (premature shut down without warning at 15-20% battery remaining). I have never calibrated my battery. (I just didn't know.) Somehow, I think the failure to calibrate batteries is one of the reasons for this problem. (Suggestion to Apple: they should build a "auto-calibrate" function into a future system release.)

Anyway, I haven't tried any corrective measures yet. For instance, resetting the SMC followed by an attempt to calibrate the battery.

I am very interested in anyone who has actually fixed this problem without purchasing a new battery.

Please post solutions for the rest of us. Much appreciation in advance.