MacBook Battery Won't Charge...Get "Not Charging"

Question

Level 1

128 points

MacBook Battery Won't Charge...Get "Not Charging"

Hi all...did an SMC Reset...didn't work...reseated the batter, etc. When I plug in the mag, it is constantly green but the laptop cannot run without power cable and I get the "Not Charging" near the top.

Anyone have new info on this...frustrated...battery is just over a year old.

iMac 20" Intel (Early 2006); PowerBook Pro 17", MacBook, iPhone 2G, iPhone 3G, Mac OS X (10.5.4)

Posted on Mar 25, 2009 8:20 PM

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Answer 1

muralha

Level 1

0 points

Dec 27, 2011 4:50 AM in response to Gully

Sharing my recent experience...

I was having the same problem with the Replace battery/0% charging issue on Lion, so no battery updates to fix it...

I've tried steps 2, 3 and 4 ("Before Resetting the SMC") from http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3964

go to sleep mode and wake up ... no luck
restart the Mac ... no luck
Shutdown...

Shutdown the MacBook, see the battery lights... it's charging (it had 2-3 light on the battery in "bugged" mode)

So I've decided to try booting up with only the battery...

Removed the MagSafe power connector
Waited until the charging lights on the battery, disappeared
Clicked on the battery button to see the number of lights (I don't recall if the battery light numbers were 4-5, but...)
While the battery lights were on or off (I don't recall it, probably off)...
I've started the MacBook, without the MagSafe connector
Clicked the battery button and ... 4-5 lights on the battery, like I had before! Sweet!!!
After boot up... 90% battery!! Perfect!

Right now, I'm charging the battery on Lion.

... Green Light on the connector! :-)

I'll post if anything changes in the next days.

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Answer 2

RC-CA

Level 1

9 points

Dec 7, 2011 11:04 AM in response to markfromct

Hopefully this will work for you (I read this tip from someone on Amazon's reviews - thank you, George O!!):

Make sure your power adapter is plugged in to your macbook and that you are logged in. Turn the macbook over and take the battery out. Insert battery in again. I did not put the mac to sleep or anything like that. It seems to be working for me 😀

Good luck!!

P.S. I have a Macbook from early 2009 - have already installed the battery update 1.4 and I am running 10.5 because it seems that 10.6 Snow Leopard requires more hardware power and the battery's fan went crazy when I had Snow Leopard installed.

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Answer 3

Jun 16, 2009 8:22 AM in response to apparition99

I've done a bit of research and this is what I gathered...
Purchases made in mid-2007 have defective batteries which enter into a deep discharge state after pro-longed periods of unuse.
Apple introduced an extend battery update program which allowed warranty for upto 2 years.
http://www.apple.com/support/macbook_macbookpro/batteryupdate/

However, the program is closed as of 31st may 2009. 😟

what am i to do now?
It seems quite a few people find themselves with similar problems, what do yu suggest?
Can Apple extend the duration of the program?
It doesnt seem right to lose the battery in such a manner.

Also, I wasnt able to find any contact info, email address?? to write to Apple.
I only have 3rd party authorised service centres here, which do not seem to be of much help.
Any suggestions?

I believe if all of us affected write to apple then some positive will definitely come through.

thnx

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Answer 4

Jun 17, 2009 8:14 AM in response to erin28

can yu post yur battery info. yu will find it under... apple icon->about this mac->more info->power

a pattern seems to be emerging among all affected batteries... they all have device names ASMB016
there was a battery update 1.4 for the above series check link:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3421
perhaps we all should call apple customer relations to draw attention? watsay?

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Answer 5

Jun 18, 2009 10:20 AM in response to melodiem

Battery Information:

Model Information:
Serial Number: DP-ASMB016-36a9-8ff3
Manufacturer: DP
Device name: ASMB016
Pack Lot Code: 0002
PCB Lot Code: 0000
Firmware Version: 102a
Hardware Revision: 0500
Cell Revision: 0102
Charge Information:
Charge remaining (mAh): 0
Fully charged: No
Charging: No
Full charge capacity (mAh): 0
Health Information:
Cycle count: 206
Condition: Check battery
Battery Installed: Yes
Amperage (mA): 18
Voltage (mV): 4404

When I visited an Apple authorized service centre I was told tat my battery wasnt covered under the extended battery repair program. However, similar to what others have experienced here, my battery exhibited the exact same symptoms as those that were replaced i.e. Not using the macbook for 2-3 weeks caused it to discharge completely and the message 'Battery is not charging' appears.

In addition, comparing the info provided on the Battery Update 1.2 & 1.4 link below:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1359
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3421

I gather that Apple is aware of the battery "performance issues" because of which they cant "hold charge over extended period of unuse" and hence the extended warranty and repair for select batteries. But my real concern is that although my battery info figures on the list of batteries that required the Firmware update 1.2 & 1.4 to rectify this issue and has failed with similar symptoms , it wasnt included in the extended battery replacement??

Looking at the info posted by others with same problem, I guess the batteries belong to the same batch or production lot and are displaying similar problems.

Anyhow, I did call up Customer Relations regarding this issue. They told me since my battery isnt covered under the program, a replacement cant be done and since my battery is showing similar symptoms as the other defect models I should approach a service provider to escalate my issue to a senior technical engineer who can then carry out an elaborate diagnosis.

I also asked them if similar issues with this battery had been reported earlier and they said NO.
I believe if more of us pick up the phone and report these problems and abnormal behavior of batteries after shot periods of UNUSE, they will do a review of the case and hopefully if a defect is detected Apple would extend help in this regard.

I guess it wouldnt have pained me so much if i would have a lost a battery in a 'natural' way after consuming it, this all just seems a tad silly... traveling for 2 weeks and not using my macbook and my battery gives up on me?

any other guys who called up CR or went to apple service providers and did not have any apple care? what were yur experiences.?

thnx y'all.

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Answer 6

Jun 18, 2009 10:29 AM in response to melodiem

Battery Information:

Model Information:
Serial Number: DP-ASMB016-36a9-8ff3
Manufacturer: DP
Device name: ASMB016
Pack Lot Code: 0002
PCB Lot Code: 0000
Firmware Version: 102a
Hardware Revision: 0500
Cell Revision: 0102
Charge Information:
Charge remaining (mAh): 0
Fully charged: No
Charging: No
Full charge capacity (mAh): 0
Health Information:
Cycle count: 206
Condition: Check battery
Battery Installed: Yes
Amperage (mA): 18
Voltage (mV): 4404

When I visited an Apple authorized service centre I was told tat my battery wasnt covered under the extended battery repair program. However, similar to what others have experienced here, my battery exhibited the exact same symptoms as those that were replaced i.e. Not using the macbook for 2-3 weeks caused it to discharge completely and the message 'Battery is not charging' appears.

In addition, comparing the info provided on the Battery Update 1.2 & 1.4 link below:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1359
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3421

I gather that Apple is aware of the battery "performance issues" because of which they cant "hold charge over extended period of unuse" and hence the extended warranty and repair for select batteries. But my real concern is that although my battery info figures on the list of batteries that required the Firmware update 1.2 & 1.4 to rectify this issue and has failed with similar symptoms , it wasnt included in the extended battery replacement??

Looking at the info posted by others with same problem, I guess the batteries belong to the same batch or production lot and are displaying similar problems.

Anyhow, I did call up Customer Relations regarding this issue. They told me since my battery isnt covered under the program, a replacement cant be done and since my battery is showing similar symptoms as the other defect models I should approach a service provider to escalate my issue to a senior technical engineer who can then carry out an elaborate diagnosis.

I also asked them if similar issues with this battery had been reported earlier and they said NO.
I believe if more of us pick up the phone and report these problems and abnormal behavior of batteries after shot periods of UNUSE, they will do a review of the case and hopefully if a defect is detected Apple would extend help in this regard.

I guess it wouldnt have pained me so much if i would have a lost a battery in a 'natural' way after consuming it, this all just seems a tad silly... traveling for 2 weeks and not using my macbook and my battery gives up on me?

any other guys who called up CR or went to apple service providers and did not have any apple care? what were yur experiences.?

thnx y'all.

Reply

Answer 7

mazil

Level 1

0 points

Oct 12, 2009 3:34 AM in response to Gully

I've had this happen to me twice.

The first time was last year, I went away for 3 weeks and came back to a dead laptop. Luckily my battery was under the 300 cycle count still and I had a three year applecare so it was replaced without any fuss.

Went away again this year, for 2 months this time. Wary of what happened last time, I charged the battery and then made sure I powered down my laptop properly (I'd left it "sleeping" last time, so I thought that was the cause), but came back again to a dead battery. Unfortunately the cycle count on this battery is over the 300 mark, so no new battery for me. Having to pay $200 for a new battery that I wouldn't have otherwise needed if it wasn't for this problem with Apple's design is very frustrating. I understand why there is a cycle count limit, but, to me, I know that my battery would still be alive and happy if I hadn't gone away.

Battery info for my current (newly dead) battery:

Battery Information:

Model Information:
Serial Number: DP-ASMB016-382f-3169
Manufacturer: DP
Device name: ASMB016
Pack Lot Code: 0002
PCB Lot Code: 0000
Firmware Version: 0110
Hardware Revision: 0500
Cell Revision: 0102
Charge Information:
Charge remaining (mAh): 0
Fully charged: No
Charging: No
Full charge capacity (mAh): 0
Health Information:
Cycle count: 359
Condition: Check battery
Battery Installed: Yes
Amperage (mA): 78
Voltage (mV): 3817

(the battery is one of those mentioned in the 1.4 battery update: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3421)

Does anyone have any information about escalating this kind of issue? My local Apple authorised service center are washing their hands off it.

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Answer 8

Nov 9, 2009 3:11 AM in response to Lyssa

Lyssa,
I agree with you about the likely cause of my laptop's premature death (based on other user's review) but I do not buy the fact that discharging the battery to 50% and "storing the laptop in the fridge" (I'm being cynical here) is an acceptable practice.
I have used laptops (HP, Sony, Philips to name a few) and other electronic products for donkey years and have certain expectations as far as battery life expectancy.
I can understand that a battery left unused for some time will slowly discharge and may not perform as well but I can't accept that 2 1/2 months (or 3 or even 4 months) is long enough to kill a (pretty much new) battery.
To me, it appears to be a design fault.
The fact that Apple came up with the 1.2 ( http://support.apple.com/kb/DL261) and 1.4 ( http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3421) battery patch leads me to believe that a problem (either software, firmware or hardware) was identified for a particular lot of batteries.
As an aside, I would be interested to know if the battery is as likely to die if left disconnected from the laptop when the laptop is unused for a long period of time (i.e. is the problem happening with the battery on its own or if it is the laptop slowly emptying the battery).
Although this may not be a cause for a recall, I would definitely expect those batteries to be replaced free of charge.

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Answer 9

mrg5117

Level 1

14 points

Jan 25, 2012 8:41 AM in response to D4R

Sounds like it still could be the magsafe assembly:

http://www.powerbookmedic.com/13-MacBook-Magsafe-Board-p-17171.html#

I would see if there is a computer repair center that supports Apple products. Check for business reviews first. I'm located in the US and we support out-of-warranty apple products. This is a common issue with liquid damage caused by (spills, humidity, condensation, etc...). Even dust and debri can cause this type of battery issue.

Check and see if your apple laptop is still under warranty here (enter your computer's serial #):

https://selfsolve.apple.com/GetWarranty.do

The magsafe board repalcement is fairly easy and you can check out www.ifixit.com for some detailed guides on how to do it yourself. Opening any apple products will immediatly void any existing warranty. You may damage your computer if you open it. I do not take any responsibility for anything you do with the following information.

Do It Yourself Guide: (magsafe)

http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing-MacBook-Core-2-Duo-Magsafe-Board/520/1

Do It Yourself Guide: (battery terminal)

http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing-MacBook-Core-2-Duo-Battery-Connector/525/ 1

Good Luck!

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Answer 10

Nov 1, 2012 7:34 PM in response to Gully

OK. This is how my problem was solved with the battery for my white MacBook. To recap -- the original problem can be found here from last year.

In summary of the problem--MacBook wouldn't turn on without the powercord plugged in.

We first took it to an authorized Apple reseller called Sunrise Electronics in Chambersburg, Pa., assuming it would be cheaper there than going to the nearest Apple Store, in Columbia, Md., which is more than an hour away.

The Pennsylvania store charged us $75 for a diagnostic test to confirm what we already knew -- the battery wasn't charging because of a faulty connection of some sort, and when the powercord wasn't connected, the laptop wouldn't power on. They insisted we get a battery even though we knew it wouldnt' work. We went through that routine and then returned the battery since our new battery was fine at the time and of course, the battery didn't resolve the issue. To their credit, they did replace a key that fell off and a crack in the casing that was covered under warranty for free.

They said the logic board needed replaced, costing about $500 or so. Discouraged, I lived for awhile with an immobile laptop, always having to be connected to a cord.

Months later, now back in September, I had to visit an Apple Store for them to replace the back casing on my work-issued iPhone and figured I might as well bring the MacBook.

I wish I did this in the first place.

The Geek test showed that the fix could be as simple as a cord that connects the logic board from the power adapter jack--a cheap $25 part plus a little bit of labor.

If it didn't do the trick, they wouldn't charge us and offer us to then replace anything that needed replaced for a flat rate of $250. That was a steal knowing what the alternatives were in real cost.

They replaced the logic board, even gave it a new battery and maybe something else, too, but boy, did I strike the lottery. The folks working on the laptop neglected to provide an itemized work order and they have no clue what they did, so they didn't know what to charge.

So they didn't charge -- FREE.

Now, I doubt that last part will happen to you all, but I highly encourage you to just visit the Apple store (make an appointment first) if it's within a reasonable drive and sit through any sort of long wait, to get the test and take their flat-rate offer.

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Answer 11

Gully Author

Level 1

128 points

Mar 25, 2009 8:29 PM in response to Gully

Here is my battery info:

Model Information:
Serial Number: DP-ASMB016-3767-5045
Manufacturer: DP
Device name: ASMB016
Pack Lot Code: 0002
PCB Lot Code: 0000
Firmware Version: 0110
Hardware Revision: 0500
Cell Revision: 0102
Charge Information:
Charge remaining (mAh): 0
Fully charged: No
Charging: No
Full charge capacity (mAh): 0
Health Information:
Cycle count: 111
Condition: Check battery
Battery Installed: Yes
Amperage (mA): 0
Voltage (mV): 4732

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Answer 12

grover99

Level 1

0 points

Mar 27, 2009 11:44 AM in response to Gully

Same problem as Gully. Anyone?

Battery Information:

Model Information:
Serial Number: DP-ASMB013-3525-90f0
Manufacturer: DP
Device name: ASMB013
Pack Lot Code: 0001
PCB Lot Code: 0000
Firmware Version: 0102
Hardware Revision: 0300
Cell Revision: 0100
Charge Information:
Charge remaining (mAh): 0
Fully charged: No
Charging: No
Full charge capacity (mAh): 0
Health Information:
Cycle count: 77
Condition: Check battery
Battery Installed: Yes
Amperage (mA): 0
Voltage (mV): 6350

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Answer 13

Paul Bush

Level 2

284 points

May 2, 2009 11:09 AM in response to Gully

I too am having the same problem. Tried resetting the SMU, and also the PRAM, no luck.

Don't have an Apple Store in my State. Anyone that has had this issue and gone to an apple store what ended up being the solution?

Battery Information:

Model Information:
Serial Number: DP-ASMB016-3756-341d
Manufacturer: DP
Device name: ASMB016
Pack Lot Code: 0002
PCB Lot Code: 0000
Firmware Version: 102a
Hardware Revision: 0500
Cell Revision: 0102
Charge Information:
Charge remaining (mAh): 0
Fully charged: No
Charging: No
Full charge capacity (mAh): 0
Health Information:
Cycle count: 201
Condition: Check battery
Battery Installed: Yes
Amperage (mA): 0
Voltage (mV): 5148

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Answer 14

jboyzh

Level 1

8 points

May 15, 2009 1:30 PM in response to Bver

Same here: MacBook Black Core2Duo 2.16GHz from August 2007 can't be charged any longer, even after having tried the suggested resets and firmware upgrades. Unfortunately, my MacBook is not covered with the most recent Apple Battery Update Program...

Informationen zum Batteriemodell:
Seriennummer: DP-ASMB016-36d2- *
Hersteller: DP
Gerätename: ASMB016
Pack Lot Code: 0002
PCB Lot Code: 0000
Firmware-Version: 102a
Hardware-Version: 0500
Batterieversion überprüfen: 0102
Informationen zum Ladezustand:
Verbleibende Ladung (in mAh): 0
Vollständig geladen: Nein
Batterie wird geladen: Nein
Volle Ladekapazität (in mAh): 0
Informationen zum Batteriezustand:
Anzahl der Zyklen: 191
Bedingung: Batterie prüfen
Batterie ist installiert: Ja
Stromverbrauch (in mA): 40
Spannung (in mV): 4156

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Answer 15

Bimmerm5

Level 1

0 points

May 17, 2009 11:40 PM in response to Gully

Well, I have a 2ghz macbook black, that wouldnt boot up after being out in the cold, so I brought it in to the store, and they said there were no issues, EXCEPT the battery seemed to be low life prematurely, and they would "just replace it while I was there at no charge"...
I was thankful (as I always like Apples customer service) but I got it back to the office, and it had that same booting issue... So, with a new battery, plugged in and charged fully, I did a complete erase and install to fix the booting problem... Once done, all was good... it booted fine and the battery was great. I went away for 1 week, and came back to find the macbook was put in the closet while I was away, and now, the battery (that is BRAND NEW) will not charge... the charger is on, and green light stays on.. have tried different chargers, resetting the System Manager, the PRAM the battery update... and bla! I am getting scared that its a logic board, but I just read that is the battery sits and is allowed to die completely for a "longer than normal" (by whos standards I ask?) that the battery can actually be "killed" and never accept a charge? The icon is normal, it just says 0% but when I click on it it says "Battery not charging". Can anyone tell me if this is normal? If so, I guess I wont allow it to be placed in the closet for more than a day after this, but wont the girl at the genus bar be surprised when I camp out there to get another one, as this is brand new, I call it defective from the beginning... Does anyone have any suggestions or similar experiences?
Thanks!

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