2008 15" MacBook Pro, wont charge. Charger still gets hot like normal.

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2008 15" MacBook Pro, wont charge. Charger still gets hot like normal.

I haven't used my Mac in a some time mostly because the charger stop working properly, but I need to get some important files off it. The MagSafe "T" doesn't transfer a charge, but the body of the charger becomes warm like normal. I have cleaned the connections and tested to make sure the pins work in the right fashion. But alas no charge is transfered to the computer I have also tried a different charger and still no charge to the laptop.

Any ideas on how to fix the problem or even what the problem is?

MacBook Pro

Posted on Jul 27, 2013 11:23 PM

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Answer 1

Courcoul

Level 6

18,558 points

Jul 28, 2013 12:09 AM in response to Mattpatt824

What's the health status of the battery?

On the Apple menu, follow: About This Mac / More Info... / System Report / Power / Battery Information. You want to check what the Condition is. Like this:

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Answer 2

Mattpatt824 Author

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Jul 28, 2013 12:21 AM in response to Courcoul

That's the problem it has been dead for months. I last used it in December and had gotten a new battery in April.

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Answer 3

nbar

Level 5

7,019 points

Jul 28, 2013 12:28 AM in response to Mattpatt824

The issue is not related to the battery.

1) Make sure you are using the correct magsafe, L or T. Make sure it is 85W, not 60W

2) Make sure your EFI/SMC firmware is up to date. Check here:

EFI and SMC firmware updates for Intel-based Macs.

3) Reset the SMC

Resetting the SMC on Mac portables with a battery you can remove

4) If the issue persists, given you tested on two different chargers, I suspect logicboard. Run the Extended Apple Hardware Test:

Using Apple Hardware Test -

5) Bring the machine in for servicing if logicboard error appears. If not, I am out of suggestions.

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Answer 4

Mattpatt824 Author

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Jul 28, 2013 12:37 AM in response to nbar

I would do those things but the laptop has been dead for months.

1) It's 85W

2) Can't check it's been dead for months.

3) Can't it's dead.

4) It's dead.

5) Guess it's my only option.

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Answer 5

nbar

Level 5

7,019 points

Jul 28, 2013 3:40 AM in response to Mattpatt824

Remove the battery. Plug in an AC charger and attach to your computer's magsafe hub. Try and boot. Anything?

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Answer 6

Mattpatt824 Author

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Jul 28, 2013 9:12 AM in response to nbar

Already have tried that and the LED does not turn on.

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Answer 7

Courcoul

Level 6

18,558 points

Jul 28, 2013 9:45 AM in response to Mattpatt824

Then it is time to assassinate the piggybank and shop for a new Mac. My old Early 2008 did the same: was working one day in Nov. 2011, put it to sleep, never woke back up again. Logic board had fried. Cost of the replacement board+labor (which only carried a 6 month warranty) plus the fact that it was an obsolete out of warranty computer dictated that a new one was a much better investment.

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Answer 8

Mattpatt824 Author

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Jul 28, 2013 9:47 AM in response to Courcoul

Ok thanks for the info, don't really want a new mac have switched to PC just needed some files off it.

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Answer 9

Courcoul

Level 6

18,558 points

Jul 28, 2013 3:32 PM in response to Mattpatt824

Aaah, should of started there from the beginning!

Simple. Pull the drive from the corpse, stuff in an external USB enclosure and rescue your files from it. See here: http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/windows/3369574/how-read-mac-os-hfs-drives-in- windows-for-free/

Then reformat the drive as MBR/NTFS and run it till the platters fall off on your PC.

If you need info on how to crack the Mac open to do the excision, see here: http://www.ifixit.com/Device/MacBook_Pro_15%22 Just pick your model. Afterwards, might think of selling it off for parts; the display, if unblemished, can fetch good bucks.

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Answer 10

Dec 15, 2014 7:52 AM in response to Mattpatt824

My Macbook Charger started running really hot - so hot you couldn't physically handle it. I phoned apple and explained that it posed a fire risk and they offered to replace it. After I had sent it in they said they had now decided it had suffered wear and tear and would not replace it. They also refused to send it back. They have completely wasted my time and provided terrible customer support and all from one of the richest company's in the world. I would urge people to stay clear I certainly will from now on.

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