Is my macbook air charger faulty?

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Is my macbook air charger faulty?

I've a macbook air, got it in 2011. I had to replace the charger about 2 months ago, cos the one i had was ripped. With the new one, I cant just put it in. I have to put something under the charger to put a little pressure on it and force it upwards. Sometimes it also says it's charging but it's not. it doesn't look like there's a problem with the laptop itself. Also, sometimes when it charges, it will become absolutely scalding hot. Does this sound like a problem with the charger? I know it's covered by warranty, but don't wanna send it out and be without a charger for a few days, only to have them tell me it's fine

Posted on Aug 19, 2013 4:45 PM

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Answer 1

sterling r

Community Specialist

Aug 21, 2013 11:05 AM in response to aeneid

Hello there aeneid,

I would recommend these troubleshooting steps from the article named Apple Portables: Troubleshooting MagSafe adapters found here http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1713.

Check for stuck pins on MagSafe Connectors.

Sometimes you may discover that the MagSafe adapter for your computer is not working properly because the pins inside the MagSafe connector are stuck.For example, the pins on the connector of the MagSafe adapter shown below are stuck down.Example of ground pins on adapter sticking. This may cause the adapter to be seen but it may not charge. Example of the sense pin on adapter sticking. This may cause the adapter to charge but not be seen and may cause the LED on the adapter to stay dark.If you think that a pin is stuck down, try unplugging and re-plugging the MagSafe adapter into the power port. The pins should move and reset themselves to a neutral position. If you find that a pin isn't resetting itself, gently press the pin sideways using a fingertip or other soft, non-scratching surface to see if the pin will reset itself. If the pin will not reset, please refer to the Additional Information section of this article.

Checking for and cleaning debris from your MagSafe connectors

Be sure to regularly inspect and clean both the MagSafe adapter connector and the power port on your Apple portable computer for dirt or signs of damage.

Example of a MagSafe connector on an Apple computer that requires cleaning to remove debris.

To clean the MagSafe port on your Mac Notebook, disconnect the adapter from the wall outlet. Remove debris gently with a cotton swab or a soft bristle toothbrush. Be careful not to get any cotton fibers stuck in the MagSafe in port. Note: Remove the battery from the computer if you are using a Mac Notebook with a removable battery.

To clean the MagSafe connector and pin area, disconnect the adapter from the wall outlet and from the computer. Remove debris gently with a cotton swab or a soft bristle toothbrush. Be careful not to get any cotton fibers stuck in the pin receptacle and to not bend or otherwise damage any of the pins.

Additional Information

Whether your product is in or out of warranty, you can take your adapter to an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple Retail Store for evaluation and replacement if necessary. Pending the results of the evaluation, you may or may not be eligible for a replacement adapter free of charge. Signs of accidental damage would negate any coverage. Be sure to bring in the computer used with the adapter; it is required to process potential adapter replacements.

All the best,

Sterling

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