Macbook Pro suddenly shuts down when running on battery

Question

Level 3

646 points

Macbook Pro suddenly shuts down when running on battery

Hi there folks. I've read a few threads on this, but I don't know what to do. I have a 2.16 MBP C2D. When I'm using my battery, it suddenly shuts down when there's about 30-40% left. When I turn it back on, it shows the grey screen then suddenly shuts down again. I push the button down there and there's 1 green light... BUT it's not flashing. I know that if the light flashes, then the battery is drained, and puts the MBP to sleep. But for me it doesn't flash. It still shows there's power...but then it's like there isn't because just turns off.

Here's my battery info:

Battery Information:

Model Information:
Serial Number: Sony-ASMB012-359b-ead5
Manufacturer: Sony
Device name: ASMB012
Pack Lot Code: 0003
PCB Lot Code: 0000
Firmware Version: 102a
Hardware Revision: 0400
Cell Revision: 0303
Charge Information:
Charge remaining (mAh): 1439
Fully charged: No
Charging: Yes
Full charge capacity (mAh): 2052
Health Information:
Cycle count: 164
Condition: Check battery
Battery Installed: Yes
Amperage (mA): 810
Voltage (mV): 12524

What should I do? iStat Pro shows my health battery at 37%, and there's been times it shows it at 20 something percent. Would Applecare cover this? Should I call them?

Oh, and yes I have calibrated this battery before.

Message was edited by: Jorge G.

17" FP iMac 1.25GHz G4, 1.25GB ram, SuperDrive, Mac OS X (10.5.3), 15" Macbook Pro, 2.16GHz Core 2 Duo, 3GB ram, SuperDrive - 8GB iPhone

Posted on Jul 1, 2008 4:00 PM

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Answer 1

Jul 1, 2008 4:34 PM in response to Jorge G.

I have the same problem, except that mine shuts down with 80% or more of battery power available. Same behaviour with the restart and shutdown too. Im wondered if it was a heat issue because I've noticed that whenever it happens, the computer seems very warm. If I leave it for 15-20 minutes, it will operate normally again.

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Answer 2

BC333

Level 1

90 points

Jul 1, 2008 5:58 PM in response to Jorge G.

I had the same problem with my 2.16 MBP...which appeared suddenly. Computer shuts down at 40% and or screen goes blank, upon restart battery is 0%. Shows 1455 Capacity and only 52 cycles. Noticed the 2 year extended battery coverage for specific MacBook Pros. Wonder if it is a bug with 10.5.3 corrupting the battery? These batteries are spec to 300 cycles and 80% power. Mine was well short of Apple's specs?

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Answer 3

Jorge G. Author

Level 3

646 points

Jul 1, 2008 6:00 PM in response to Jorge G.

Well, I just got off the phone with Applecare and they are replacing my battery under warranty. The lady on the phone was extremely nice and helpful. It appears my battery went bad before it was supposed to. I should receive it in a couple days.

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Answer 4

Jorge G. Author

Level 3

646 points

Jul 1, 2008 6:01 PM in response to BC333

Your battery is definitely going bad. If you have Applecare, give them a call and I'm definitely sure they will replace yours under warranty.

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Answer 5

Jorge G. Author

Level 3

646 points

Jul 1, 2008 6:02 PM in response to Jorge G.

Applecare is replacing the battery.

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Answer 6

Jorge G. Author

Level 3

646 points

Jul 3, 2008 10:21 AM in response to Jorge G.

Yay! DHL just delivered my new battery. Installed it in two seconds and I'm happy. Has 51% remaining with a little over 2 hours of juice left. Here's my battery info to compare with the old, notice the huge difference in full charge capacity compared to the dying one:

Battery Information:

Model Information:
Serial Number: Sony-ASMB012-38b5-c4f6
Manufacturer: Sony
Device name: ASMB012
Pack Lot Code: 0001
PCB Lot Code: 0000
Firmware Version: 0110
Hardware Revision: 0500
Cell Revision: 0303
Charge Information:
Charge remaining (mAh): 2891
Fully charged: No
Charging: No
Full charge capacity (mAh): 5566
Health Information:
Cycle count: 0
Condition: Good
Battery Installed: Yes
Amperage (mA): -1561
Voltage (mV): 11545

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Answer 7

BC333

Level 1

90 points

Jul 3, 2008 4:21 PM in response to Jorge G.

I also got a new battery, I noticed the firmware had changed from 0102a to 0110, I wonder if it fixes the recent problems with certain batteries? Mine new one also has 0110 but I cannot find that version available via updates.

Battery Information:

Model Information:
Serial Number: Sony-ASMB012-38bc-xxxx
Manufacturer: Sony
Device name: ASMB012
Pack Lot Code: 0001
PCB Lot Code: 0000
Firmware Version: 0110
Hardware Revision: 0500
Cell Revision: 0303
Charge Information:
Charge remaining (mAh): 4215
Fully charged: No
Charging: No
Full charge capacity (mAh): 5600
Health Information:
Cycle count: 0
Condition: Good
Battery Installed: Yes
Amperage (mA): -1848
Voltage (mV): 11803

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