Macbook Pro 13 A1278 Not starting, sleep light on

Question

Level 1

8 points

Macbook Pro 13 A1278 Not starting, sleep light on

Hello,

I am in desparate need of some help as a Macbook Pro 13 (A1278) I was given has a fault. When I connect my charger the light will show as green and sometimes orange. Even though I left it on charge overnight the battery indicator does not show any charge, but while the power lead is connected the sleep light on the front constantly glows on and off at a steady pace with a 1 second gap.

There are no sound at all when the power button is pressed. No internal components can be heard, but even when I disconnect the power lead and press the power button i get a quick flash of the sleep light but no response. I have removed the battery and reconnected it but it still gives the same result. Before I contemplate buying parts like a new battery I just needed to know if anyone has had a similar issues and found the route of the problem.

Unfortunately the machine is out of warranty so the helpful people at apple are not so helpful anymore.

Posted on Apr 15, 2014 11:25 PM

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Answer 1

DPP_UK Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 16, 2014 8:31 AM in response to DPP_UK

UPDATE:

After looking on the net I found an image where I noticed on my macbook a plug is missing! I have circle the spot in the image. (resourse image from ifixit). Can anyone identify this plug? Its the small connection next to the battery connection.

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Answer 2

Apr 16, 2014 6:15 AM in response to DPP_UK

Try start up from another drive. Put an usb drive and restart. Once your system restarts, you will have additional utilities options and can choose repair disk for your normal startup drive.

You can also start up from a secondary bootable drive if you have one with Disk Utility installed. If First Aid reports that it successfully made repairs, run the utility again. Ocasionally, a successful repair uncovers another problem requiring a fix.

When the results indicate that no further repairs are necessary, you've finished.

If you cant locate an install dvd or usb, you can attempt to start up from your default drive in single-user mode. To do so, hold down command +S at startup. The mac should enter a command-line mode that looks as if you're running a old version of terminal. You dont need to know any Unix to get your job done.

All you have to do is type /sbin/fsck -fy

The resulting output will be similar to what you see when running repair disk from disk utility. if the utility reports that your drive is ok or that it successfully made repairs, type reboot

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Answer 3

Apr 16, 2014 6:37 AM in response to DPP_UK

Other troubleshooting:

If your laptop appears totally dead and you're running on battery power, your first step is to connect the laptop to mains power.

You may have a completely discharged battery. Give it a few minutes and try to restart.

If thats doesnt help, press command + control and the power button simultaneously. This may get the mac to restart. Otherwise, force the laptop to shut down (by holding the power button for at least 10 seconds) and try to restart.

If all of these suggestions fail, its time to reset the SMC:

1. shut down the MAC

2. Plug in the MacSafe adapter (i.e.power cord/charger)

3. PRESS AND HOLD SHIFT+CONTROL+OPTION+POWER buttons at the same time

4. Release all keys and buttons simultaneously

5. press the power button to turn on your mac as usual

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Answer 4

DPP_UK Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 16, 2014 7:51 AM in response to marcosacosta81

Unfortunately the laptop does not boot at all. I get a green and sometimes orange light when connected to the main power source but the indicator on the side will not register the battery as charged. While the lead is connected the sleep light on the front glows constantly with a 1 second gap.

If I remove the power lead and press the power button I get a single flash of the sleep light, if I press and hold the power button it keeps flashing as if the power lead is connected with the 1 second gap.

Other than these resposes the macbook will not power on at all, not even a sound from the internal problems. I have tried SMC reset and all this done was changed the orange light on the charger to green. I am guessing based on what I have read it is either a battery or worse case the logic board. I have ordered a battery so finger crossed it will sort the problem.

I did see a few articles saying that disconnecting the battery plug inside and reseating it has cured similar issues but that did not work for me. As i leaft it on charge over night and I did not get a reading from the battery indicator on the side of the laptop I assumed the battery bas faulty.

I will send an update when the new battery is fitted. Thank you for the help so far

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Answer 5

DPP_UK Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 16, 2014 9:01 AM in response to DPP_UK

OK, well it seems this is the battery level indicator which is why the battery does not show an charge. Being a separte piece and not directly part of the logic board I doubt this would be a reason for the laptop not working. I'm relying on the new battery as the solution

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Answer 6

K Shaffer

Level 8

36,154 points

Apr 16, 2014 11:31 AM in response to DPP_UK

There is a chance the MagSafe Board (a DC-in Board) may have failed

and if so, that would not allow correct charging or use of battery power;

it also could affect the ability of the MacBook to accept & use AC power.

Given the Model Number you cite was used over a few years' time to

generally describe a few MacBooks, you should use the Model Identifier

number (such as MacBookPro7.1,8.1, etc) instead since these are more

accurate to the build year/season of the hardware manufacture; as such

the hardware on the logic board can be different, too.

You may be able to discover more if you can find the serial or model

identification number; use a lookup by serial number site (don't post it)

https://www.powerbookmedic.com/identify-mac-serial.php

I can find at least three MacBook/Pro A1278 references, across several

Model Identifier numbers. More info, such as EMC, MacBookPro7.1/8.1,

Month/Year/Season (early/mid/late 20xx) CPU and screen size help.

Sources such as Mactracker.ca database application (download) is good

to help find details once you know the model identifier; everymac.com, too.

Then some of the iFixit repair guides may be helpful if parts are involved.

The usual three initial suspects are battery, MagSafe adapter, & MagSafe

Board. Of course the magnetic metal connectors need to be clean, too.

After that, there are other probabilities.

For those fortunate enough to be in a location whose Apple Store (retail)

has a Genius bar, and specialists on staff who can help diagnose issues,

that can help get past some problems to see what is the cause of them.

In the US and Canada, the diagnostic is a free service, with appointment.

And in other locations, an independent authorized specialist may help at

a rate determined by their customary rate and local business practice.

Not sure how I can help...

Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

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