magsafe adapter not lighting up

Yeah, ya live and learn. Thought maybe there'd be a trick or something. Thx

Csound1, greetings; The other day there was a post where through Amazon, there were Apple batteries available from a third party. There was a strong indication that they were genuine and the price was very favorable. I suspect that this is a gray market situation but one will also have to add the price of a #0 Triwing driver to the price.

Ciao.

I look forward to future jousts in the WC.

Message was edited by: OGELTHORPE

OGELTHORPE wrote:

SwanklPeRFection, greetings: What is relevant is that fact that the SMC disconnects the battery as a power source. Monitoring circuitry is of no consequence in this situation.

Ciao.

I don't think you understand how this works. Do you understand that the SMC disconnecting the battery to keep it from charging is not the same as unplugging the battery and taking it out of the computer? If you don't understand that and you think it's exactly the same, you are way wrong. I think you need to think about it. It's not even remotely the same.

Bottom line is this. The OP has a laptop that doesn't have a user serviceable battery. The Apple whitepapers published that say that a MacBook can run without a battery but the CPU is downclock a bit is relevant to the MacBooks that had user serviceable batteries. The OP's laptop detects a battery but chooses not to charge it because it says that it needs servicing. That alone is indication enough that this is at least a faulty battery issue. The next logical step is to replace the battery and go from there.

The only other remote problem (although the laptop wouldn't indicate a battery that is in need of service) is that the MagSafe DC-Inboard is the cause of her dim green light on the charger. Others have experienced similar issues, but in their case, their battery didn't indicate that it needed servicing under System Info. All they were seeing is that their battery wouldn't charge and the led was dimly lit green.

Anyway, the fact that these newer MacBooks were never intended to be run without the battery in them is enough to dictate that the old whitepaper from Apple no longer applies here. Also, if the logic board was truly dead, the laptop wouldn't turn on at all. How do you explain that the system still works but just refuses to charge the battery, all the while the system info indicating a battery that needs service.

I tested a few 3rd party batteries a few years ago, they ranged from poor to absolutely terrible, I would not recommend any of them (these were the 'removeable variety for 2007 and 08 MBP's)

Csound1 wrote:

I tested a few 3rd party batteries a few years ago, they ranged from poor to absolutely terrible, I would not recommend any of them (these were the 'removeable variety for 2007 and 08 MBP's)

Since we're on the subject now, has anyone found a reliable AASP or other source that is willing to sell the OEM Apple batteries for the newer laptops? If I ever run into battery issues, I'm not taking my systems into a place to replace a battery that I'm fully capable of doing... warranty or not. And yes, I am capable of doing the work. Heck, I even looked at what it would take to get certified by Apple to be able to do the work legally, but since even if I did get the cert I still coudn't request the parts on hand without either working for an AASP or being on staff of a school or other camput with at least 50 computers where they can request some parts for self-service, it's pointless anyway. I just wish Apple was more like Dell in terms of sending parts out under warranty repair. Dell either dispatches a tech onsite to the customer or they send the parts out if you just request parts. So much easier... Apple really should think about running a program to certify more people and have them on hand for dispatch to the customer's home or office to do warranty work. This taking your PC into a place and leaving it for repair is a joke... the 90's are over Apple!!!

SwankPeRFection wrote:

Csound1 wrote:

I tested a few 3rd party batteries a few years ago, they ranged from poor to absolutely terrible, I would not recommend any of them (these were the 'removeable variety for 2007 and 08 MBP's)

Since we're on the subject now, has anyone found a reliable AASP or other source that is willing to sell the OEM Apple batteries for the newer laptops? If I ever run into battery issues, I'm not taking my systems into a place to replace a battery that I'm fully capable of doing...

MacSpecialists (Chicago) have sold me replacement batteries for my 09 MBP's, I fitted them myself (but I have lab and workshop facilities available) it is not complex but as ever it is at your own risk. The cost savings was minimal ($20) as compared to having Apple do it.

I have observed 'Dell" technicians repair work in my own shop, it was mediocre (the techs do not come from Dell)

Csound1 wrote:

MacSpecialists (Chicago) have sold me replacement batteries for my 09 MBP's, I fitted them myself (but I have lab and workshop facilities available) it is not complex but as ever it is at your own risk. The cost savings was minimal ($20) as compared to having Apple do it.

I have observed 'Dell" technicians repair work in my own shop, it was mediocre (the techs do not come from Dell)

No, I know. Trust me, I know all about where the Dell cert'd techs come from. lol I once had to make a judgement call and when a client of mine had issues with a failed drive in their server under RAID5, I called Dell and asked that a tech come out and replace the drive since I couldn't be there and the client wasn't comfortable swapping out the hotswap drive. I told them all the tech had to do was come out, pull the old one out and plug the new one in. Run the RAID utility if they wanted to and just make sure that it started the remirroing process. Anyway, the tech came out, swapped out the drive and proceeded to "Initialize" the RAID array. Ya, complete idiot move and blew away the entire server. Since then I've requested all my own parts from Dell now. I make sure I'm available for the client to do the work myself if needed.

The reason I'd want my own parts is because I'm more than capable of doing the work. After 20+ years in IT, I've done everything from cabling to PC and Server hardware builds, to network design and implementation, to hardware replacement, etc. I've done it all from the ground up and can still do it all... even printer repair. yuk. lol Anyway, I just don't trust anyone to turn screws for me, that's all. Heck, I even work on my own car instead of taking it in unless it's something I don't have the tools or mostly the lift to handle. I just like being self-sufficient. About 4 years ago I got back into competitive tennis after having not played for about 15 years since school. After a few months of not liking how people were handling my sticks during restringing, I broke down, bought my own stringer and now do it myself for me and friends/hitting partners. I guess I'm of the mind that if you want to do it right... do it yourself. 😉

SwankPeRFection; Greetings;

First paragraph: I see no support for you arguments.

Second paragraph; The next logical step is a repair facility.

Third paragraph; The OP says that the 2 Power Adapters work on other Macs. That is string evidence that the fault is not to be found there.

Fourth paragraph; Whether newer MBPs are not intended to operated without a battery can only be answered definitively by Apple engineers. The fact is they do. I have tested mine. You have brought up the subject of the logic board, not I. Problems with same will be determined at the repair facility.

With due respect, this has become a 'dead horse' issue for me with nothing further to be gained. If you are so compelled, you are most welcome to have the last word on this matter..

Ciao

Let me wish you good luck.

Ciao.

Sheila Anderson1 wrote:

I appreciate the spirited debate here and will indeed report back when I'm able to take it in. Hopefully it's just the battery but I am kind of ready to hear that it might be something else. Thanks to all commenters.

Post back with the outcome, all the best.

OGELTHORPE wrote:

Third paragraph; The OP says that the 2 Power Adapters work on other Macs. That is string evidence that the fault is not to be found there.

Without the other Macs being the same model year and not have their battery connected is not comparing apples to apples (pun intended). lol

You have a tendancy to overlook variable combinations and context during our discussions.

Either way, we'll eventually know what's up with the OP's stuff when they try the battery replacement. The possibilities of problem components are as follows:

1) Battery

2) DC In-Board

3) Logic Board (a distant 3rd)

The chances of resuscitating the logic board are are very slim. Getting a replacement is an option that does entail a fair amount of work to install, if you choose to do it your self. In addition to iFixit, there is Powerbookmedic.Com that may have the part. You would need to determine the exact model number to pursue this avenue.

My commiserations on the bad news. I wish you the best.

Ciao.

Number one response from AppleStore Geniuses (ya right) is to tell you your Logic Board is corroded and tell you it won't be covered and give you some astronomical price so that you just break down and buy another laptop. Ask yourself... Why was it $600 at one place and $1200 at the other? Who's ripping you off more and most importantly, who's pocketing all that money. There is absolutely NO reason why it would cost $600 at one place and $1200 at another so called reputable Apple Service Provider. Apple's current way of doing hardware support for their customers needs to change and quick. It's unacceptable to ask the customer to find and travel to your locations and themselves charge them out the a** to make repairs.