MBP hard shutdown when battery runs out

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Level 4

1,403 points

MBP hard shutdown when battery runs out

Just two weeks ago my computer stopped going into a deep sleep when the battery got to low to run the machine. It now does a hard shutdown, though it does not notify me after I restart, but I can tell by the status of the applications that come back up. I have around 580 recycles on my battery. 88% life left.

I have tried the new firmware update, but it does not apply to my machine, an early 2011 MacBook Pro. I think this also specifically addressed battery cycles over 1,000.

Anyone having this issue as well? I have not had any random shutdowns that many other people describe. This only happens when the battery runs out.

I have run disk utilities, cleared PRAM, cleared SMC. Next up might be Disk Warrior.

Posted on Feb 2, 2013 2:29 AM

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Answer 1

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Feb 2, 2013 3:24 AM in response to Taylor M

What were the results in Disk Utility>First Aid?

Do you think you are having a power/battery problem or HDD?

Examine this user tip and see if there are possible solutions to your situation:

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3353

Ciao.

Before you contemplate spending money on Disk Warrior, a new HDD will be much less expensive. I recently purchased a 1 TB HDD for $75. This of course assumes that you have a backup HDD. Also it assumes that the HDD is the problem.

Message was edited by: OGELTHORPE

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Answer 2

Taylor M Author

Level 4

1,403 points

Feb 2, 2013 3:38 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

I am far from new to the Mac OS and hardware. I apprecaite your help but I have done all the basic steps already. Calling Apple Care and asking a question on the forums are a last resort for me.

To answer your questions:

Just the normal stuff in Disk Utility, nothing special. I ran it a few times till nothing came up.

This is definately a battery issue (or related), nothing to do with the SSD or HDD. (I have both)

That user tip does not apply for the symptoms I have and covers everything I've already done, except for a hardware test, which is not a solution, though could possible reveal the true problem (bad RAM?).

I have Disk Warrior already. It's an indespensible tool no one should be without. I should have run it before asking the question here...

Thanks for your suggestions. Hopefully someone will reply that has some specific insights to the problem.

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Answer 3

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Feb 2, 2013 3:52 AM in response to Taylor M

My understanding of Disk Warrior is that it is a data recovery/restoration software and I don't understand how it may have any connection with your MBP battery. Perhaps I am missing something?

At any rate, in System Information>Hardware>Power>Battery Information, what does it say for your battery as shown in this example from my MBP:

Ciao.

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Answer 4

sig

Level 8

35,862 points

Feb 2, 2013 6:14 AM in response to Taylor M

As OGELTHORPE says DiskWarrior is for rebuilding your directory not anything to do with battery.

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Answer 5

Taylor M Author

Level 4

1,403 points

Feb 2, 2013 6:22 AM in response to sig

Diskwarrior also contains a hardware test. I wonder if there are other hardware problems that could affect the opperation of the battery or the computer with the battery.

I don't know for sure that the battery itself is the cause of the problems, if I knew that, I'd just swap it out. More likely there is a firmware software hiccup causing a sleep problem or possibly other hardware not letting it go to sleep when it needs to.

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Answer 6

Taylor M Author

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Feb 2, 2013 6:24 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

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Answer 7

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Feb 2, 2013 8:09 AM in response to Taylor M

When you took the screen shot of your battery data, was your magsafe power adapter attached? If so, there may be a problem with it since it shows it is not charging. Aside from that your battery information shows that you have a well used but serviceable battery.

Since you say that you have done everything in the article I posted, the only other option that comes to mind is to run an Apple Hardware Test. Perhaps that may give a clue as to your problem. Note you may have to use OPTION - D to start it.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1509

Ciao.

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Answer 8

Taylor M Author

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Feb 2, 2013 8:34 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

No, it was not plugged in at the time.

I just ran the hardware test, nothing wrong.

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Answer 9

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Feb 2, 2013 9:17 AM in response to Taylor M

Perhaps some one else has some thoughts on your issue, but I have nothing more to offer.

Good luck.

Ciao.

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Answer 10

Taylor M Author

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Feb 13, 2013 10:34 PM in response to Taylor M

I tried a software update recently and this time it included the recent firmware update for batteries. I was excited, hoping that even though my battery was not over the 1,000 mark that the firmware addresses, it seemed that the sympoms were the same. After some testing, it sadly, did not resolve my problem.

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Answer 11

Taylor M Author

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1,403 points

Mar 30, 2013 12:15 AM in response to Taylor M

A few updates:

I have tried a fresh, clean install of OS 10.8.3. No change.

I have installed a new battery, no change.

I'm not sure if I mentioned this before, but I have removed the CD/DVD drive and replaced with another hard drive. It's been this way for a long time with no adverse effect on the computer and I think this is a fairly common modification.

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