Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

No battery detected but computer runs on the battery!

There is an X on the battery icon. When I check the power info, it states that there is no battery installed. However, when I unplug the power cord, the laptop obviously runs off the battery. I did remove the battery and leave it out a few minutes and then put it back in. No change in the icon.

Why is the battery not being detected but it is obviously charged and able to be used? Any ideas? My MacBook Pro is about 3 years old.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.4.1)

Posted on Jun 26, 2010 3:44 PM

Reply
12 replies

Jun 27, 2010 12:10 AM in response to pia2some

I don't know why the 'x' but a few other thoughts for you.

The life of the battery before recharge depends on several factors:
• the condition of the battery - System Profiler gives an idea of this, or you can download iStat Pro (a free widget) which will also give some idea;
• the tasks you have running;
• the energy saver settings - screen brightness, etc.

The battery level indicator in the top menu bar might be able to show the estimated time remaining. Unfortunately I'm no longer using Tiger so am not sure what options are available.

Overall batteries were designed to retain at least 80% of the new battery charge for at least 300 charge/discharge cycles. The charge capacity will diminish over time to the point where you will need a new battery if you need extended time on battery power. A new battery in your model was designed to last up to 5 hrs on battery power in ideal conditions of usage - airport & bluetooth switched off, screen brightness set as low as possible, no use of the dvd drive, etc. I found the time to be closer to 2-3 hrs with my 'normal' usage.

Neville

Jun 27, 2010 5:34 AM in response to Neville Mayfield

The battery is rarely ever used on this laptop. It sits on the desk and is only used there so I doubt the battery has gone through many cycles at all.

The system profiler is of no help because it indicates that there is no battery in the computer so it gives no information on the battery. Same with iStat. The information in the toolbar also shows that there is no battery. That is what is so weird. By all indications, there is no battery in the laptop. There is no information on the battery because it is not being recognized. But it is obviously charged and working because when you remove the power cord, it runs fine.

Jun 27, 2010 10:21 AM in response to pia2some

The battery is rarely ever used on this laptop. It sits on the desk and is only used there so I doubt the battery has gone through many cycles at all.


That is a big clue. More batteries in MBPs have problems from lack of use than nearly daily use. Please see this Apple article:

http://www.apple.com/batteries/notebooks.html

noting the section:

For proper maintenance of a lithium-based battery, it’s important to keep the electrons in it moving occasionally. Apple does not recommend leaving your portable plugged in all the time. An ideal use would be a commuter who uses her MacBook Pro on the train, then plugs it in at the office to charge. This keeps the battery juices flowing.

Also review this excellent user tip:

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1764220

At this point, you can help people help you by posting your battery stats. Do "About this Mac..." then click "More info..." This launches System Profiler, or "SP." In the left-hand pane, single-click "Poweer" and a bunch of power-related info shows up in teh main pane. Under "Battery Information are a number of things. Copy and everything in that section EXCEPT the battery serial number and paste into a reply to your own post. Then people can give you an idea of how to proceed, as that info pretty much tells all about the condition of the battery.

Jun 27, 2010 11:39 AM in response to Allan Jones

Allan Jones wrote:
At this point, you can help people help you by posting your battery stats. Do "About this Mac..." then click "More info..." This launches System Profiler, or "SP." In the left-hand pane, single-click "Poweer" and a bunch of power-related info shows up in teh main pane. Under "Battery Information are a number of things. Copy and everything in that section EXCEPT the battery serial number and paste into a reply to your own post. Then people can give you an idea of how to proceed, as that info pretty much tells all about the condition of the battery.


The MacBook Pro with the battery icon problem is actually my mother's laptop and she keeps it on the desk at all times. I have told her to run it on the battery at least twice a week and explained why. She's not followed that advice. However, after all of this, she may decide I know what I'm talking about. I, too, have a MacBook and know to use the battery regularly.

As I posted before, there is NO information on the battery in the system profiler. When you look at the power information and look at the battery info, all it states is: Battery Installed - No

There is no information about the battery because the computer is not detecting a battery at all.

Sep 5, 2010 1:54 AM in response to pia2some

Please read this article http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964?viewlocale=en_US and try each of the suggested steps before resetting the SMC.

Please respond with info about the Magsafe light colour when connected and with info about the battery charge state from the battery cover or left casing edge on later models.

It might also be worthwhile downloading and installing the iStatPro widget (free) and giving any info it gives about your battery.

When System Profiler does show battery info this can help us advise wisely.

Neville

Sep 11, 2010 3:32 AM in response to Neville Mayfield

I have this same exact problem. I have followed all the steps in the article. I am running off battery right now, with an x through it. Istat pro shows "Health nan%,
Cycles 0, Charge nan%, Charged. System profiler shows no battery installed. Every once in awhile the battery icon will show 81%. It came out of sleep this morning on the battery. This is very frustrating.

Sep 12, 2010 8:09 AM in response to jazzhand

Same problem here - I have two batteries and neither is detected by the MacBook. Tried resetting the SMC twice but neither time was anything fixed. I had just updated to 10.6.4 (though my wife had been using my MacBook for a couple of months prior to discovering this and I have no idea how she had been using it). Neither battery is detected (unlikely that both are dead) and the magsafe adapter LED is green. Unfortunately, I bought this computer in Febraruy 2009 and didn't get AppleCare so am not covered under warranty. 😟

No battery detected but computer runs on the battery!

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.