Battery Life Suddenly Lost

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Battery Life Suddenly Lost

Lately I've been having an issue with my battery suddenly draining from ~20% to 0% for no discernable reason. This has happened in a few situations:

1. I was at 21%, and the battery suddenly drained down to 2% and then 0% rather rapidly. I was doing normal web surfing at the time, nothing intensive.

2. I was at 19% and restarted the computer. After the reboot, it was at 0%.

3. I was at 23% and clammed up the computer for the night. When I woke up and opened it up, it was at 0%.

MacBook Pro 4.1, Mac OS X (10.5.7), 4GB RAM

Posted on Aug 4, 2009 8:33 AM

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Answer 1

Aug 4, 2009 8:36 AM in response to Yechezkiel

When did you last properly calibrate your battery? Also, it would help if you could post your full charge capacity, cycle count and battery condition (from Apple menu > About this Mac > More Info > Power).

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Answer 2

Yechezkiel Author

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Aug 4, 2009 10:12 AM in response to neuroanatomist

Model Information:
Serial Number: < Edited by Host >
Manufacturer: Sony
Device name: ASMB012
Pack Lot Code: 0000
PCB Lot Code: 0000
Firmware Version: 0110
Hardware Revision: 0500
Cell Revision: 0303
Charge Information:
Charge remaining (mAh): 2575
Fully charged: No
Charging: Yes
Full charge capacity (mAh): 4093
Health Information:
Cycle count: 58
Condition: Check Battery
Battery Installed: Yes
Amperage (mA): 1491
Voltage (mV): 12365

I usually calibrate the battery once every two-three weeks. Last time I did it was when I was in CO two weeks ago.

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Answer 3

Aug 4, 2009 10:11 AM in response to Yechezkiel

Check Battery usually indicates a failing battery, often due to a dead cell within the battery (which also causes those unexpected shutdowns).

There was a replacement program for faulty Sony batteries, but that has been closed. However, if you are near an Apple Store, make a Genius Bar appointment and take it in - they have a tester program they'll run, and many users have reported getting free replacements for batteries with problems similar to yours (out or warranty, no AppleCare, and after the program closed). You could try calling as well, but IMO you'll have better luck in person.

Either way, the solution to your problem is a new battery.

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