Service Battery Causing Kernal Task Overload.

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Level 1

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Service Battery Causing Kernal Task Overload.

I have an "Ancient" MacBook Air 13" 2011 with a battery on 469 cycle count saying Service Battery. It is connect to the Magsafe charger (with a green light) but shows a power symbol buy 0% charge. I have reset the SMC and the PRAM on here but I still get the same Kernal Task overload at 95% system CPU.

When I start it in safe mode the CPU System % is 5% and generally works well.

Occasionally when I struggle on in normal mode the System CPU comes down and my MBA is functioning perfectly normally. As soon as it goes into sleep and then woken the Kernal Task kills the speed of everything again. So my limited knowledge is suggesting that the kernel task is working overtime to control the power and battery settings from the "service battery"

It seems a bit of a low cycle count for my battery to need servicing, so has something else gone wrong that could be causing it not to recognise the battery (lose connection perhaps) or does it just need a new battery. I cannot do a recalibration of the battery because as soon as I unplug it the MBA dies.

I have cleared off all third party apps and reinstalled the OS High Sierra and updated it to the latest system.

So my main question would be:- will replacing the battery resolve my kernel task issue? If so how do I get a decent OEM Battery in the UK for a product that is classed as Ancient. Apple Service Agents cannot get these parts to replace for such an old machine. The web is littered with fakes and really bad batteries that I would like to avoid.

Thanks for your knowledge and advice.

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Mar 16, 2021 10:47 AM

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Answer 1

K Shaffer

Level 8

35,992 points

Mar 16, 2021 12:36 PM in response to Tucks12

There are a few good to better third-party branded replacement

batteries for Apple portable computers; you probably may find

a source in UK, EU, even AU, & CA, etc. The NewerTech brand.

Affiliate resellers have or could stock them in several regions.

Some of those may be found when looking into OWC brand.

Find examples from this company including part numbers here:

• OWC Battery Replacement Kits for MacBook Pro, MB/Air, & MB | owc

https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Apple/Laptop/Batteries

NewerTechnology

NuPower®

60 Watt-Hour Battery Replacement Solution

[For all 13-inch MacBook Air 2010 - 2017 models]

1 Year Newer Technology Limited Warranty

Mfr P/N: BAP13MBA60

OWC SKU: NWTBAP13MBA60

NewerTech Battery for 13-inch MacBook Air 2010 - 2017 Models:

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/BAP13MBA60/

These probably maybe should be installed by an experienced technician.

Some aspects of replacement include removal of 'glued-in' old cells and

the use of certain tools, included in their kit. See online sale page info.

Includes:

(1) NuPower Lithium Polymer Battery for MacBook Air 13" (2010-2017)
(1) Pentalobe P5 driver
(1) Torx T5 driver
(1) Installation guide
1 Year Newer Technology Limited Warranty

(This example shows an Optional external enclosure, may be available.)

MacBook Air (13-inch Mid 2011)

(July, 2011)

Model ID: MacBookAir4,2

1.7GHz, 1.8GHz

Detailed specs

Install Videos

However persons with advanced DIY skills with newer Mac portables

may see 'instruction/video' where listed, & determine how to proceed.

My older Mac portables both have NewerTech batteries; those were

more easily DIY. Their calibration instructions given on site are good.

Been awhile since I'd looked up other region sales. NewerTech has

global resellers, and inventories that do not require export from US.

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Answer 2

K Shaffer

Level 8

35,992 points

Mar 16, 2021 2:38 PM in response to Tucks12

There are three main parts that can cause issues with the charging

circuitry. Battery, AC Adapter (magsafe), and "DC-in Board." This last

item is the internal half of MagSafe connection. It can be replaced.

This board has smart features, and can switch from battery to AC,

and may have partial failure. A partial failure means it fails to work

fully and correctly. If the battery and power adapters are correctly

working (if not new, they're suspect) by default, see DC-in Board.

That may also be a DIY service, for those with technical skills; and

is much less costly than 'logic board'. And easier to replace. (all 3)

May well be these three parts to connect and correctly run the

Mac from DC power (wall & battery) are end-of-life consumable

and if you or someone you know does quality work, for low cost

or free, the MacBook may be worth saving.

However I was interrupted earlier; and the 'Kernel Panic' may have

additional hardware issues behind it. A newer MacBook, may be

an answer. However the older with vintage macOS can be good

to have on hand. ~ An AASP (independent repair/sales business)

may be able to test for cause of this primary or secondary issue.

Official Apple store and genius bar have limits with older Macs.

So an authorized Apple repairer, who may also have a retail shop

can be a workable solution. Expect they may have their own parts.

But your Mac may not require a logic board; unless specific tests

point to that. A different new/er Mac portable may be an answer.

Yet the newest may require a few days or weeks study to decide.

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Service Battery Causing Kernal Task Overload.

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