I have been using this late 2013 MacBook Pro and has recently shown me the "Service Recommended" message. I was wondering, how would I be able to tell if the battery has started to swell up or if I can still use it. (would like to repair it preferably before any damage is done to the trackpad or casing)
Earlier Mac models
Clues:
1) The trackpad seems raised above the level of the deck.
2) When you close the "lid," the gap between the display shell and the mail chassis is uneven.
3) The normally hairline gap between the chassis and its bottom plate is large and uneven.
4) One or more bottom plate retaining screws have gone missing or were found loose on the desk.
5) when you place the computer on a known flat surface (solid-surface or granite countertops work well for this), the computer rocks, with only three of the four rubber feet touching the surface at any time.
As WheelieNick wisely advises, if you suspect any issues with the battery, immediate service is needed. If the battery starts to swell, that progresses quickly with big, visible daily changes. Forces are strong enough to bend metal. Ignored, swelling can damage the computer beyond practical repair.
Clues:
1) The trackpad seems raised above the level of the deck.
2) When you close the "lid," the gap between the display shell and the mail chassis is uneven.
3) The normally hairline gap between the chassis and its bottom plate is large and uneven.
4) One or more bottom plate retaining screws have gone missing or were found loose on the desk.
5) when you place the computer on a known flat surface (solid-surface or granite countertops work well for this), the computer rocks, with only three of the four rubber feet touching the surface at any time.
As WheelieNick wisely advises, if you suspect any issues with the battery, immediate service is needed. If the battery starts to swell, that progresses quickly with big, visible daily changes. Forces are strong enough to bend metal. Ignored, swelling can damage the computer beyond practical repair.
I would add that if you see any evidence of swelling, you should immediately get the Macbook out of your house or apartment and take it somewhere for service as soon as possible. A swelled battery can burst, in which case it may explode & cause a fire. Here's one example of a laptop-sized Li-ion battery explosion after it was punctured.
If it would swell you would see it on the outside, but I would recommend getting service before that happens if the service reccommended message is there
How can I tell if the MacBook battery has started to swell?
