Macbook Pro - Irregular charging.

Question

Level 1

8 points

Macbook Pro - Irregular charging.

Problem:

Sometimes the computer states (Not Charging) in the top right corner and the light on the L-Style adapter Apple Portables: Troubleshooting MagSafe adapters - Apple Support is showing to be green; despite not being fully charged.

Remedies:

I've tried resetting the SMC and PRAM several times. The charger seems to be working fine and I am very doubtful this is the problem.

Computer:

Macbook Pro;

17 inch early 2011;

Mac OS X 10.7.5 - Lion;

Fault Diagnosis:

I think the problem could be a burnt out sensor in the computer itself.
I haven't seemed to notice many problems in Bootcamp, which contradicts my burnt-out sensor theory; though I do not spend enough time in Bootcamp to certain this theory.

MacBook Pro, Windows 7

Posted on Feb 28, 2015 3:43 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Feb 28, 2015 4:08 AM in response to Dalmango

Open System Information>Power and post this from your MBP:

(make certain that the charger is connected)

Also run an Apple Hardware Test:

http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201257

Note that an error free AHT is not definitive.

Ciao.

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Answer 2

Dalmango Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 28, 2015 6:34 AM in response to Dalmango

Thanks Ogle, I'll be running the hardware test this evening; I was not aware of that feature so greatly handy.

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Answer 3

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Feb 28, 2015 7:58 AM in response to Dalmango

Aside from the battery showing a lot of use (761 cycles) I see nothing of concern in the System Information report. Lets see if the AHT provides any relevant information.

Ciao.

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Answer 4

Dalmango Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 1, 2015 9:10 AM in response to Dalmango

Thanks Ogelthorpe, the Hardware Diagnostic test (online by holding Option-D) was fine; nothing disconcerting at all.

I've spent a bit of time in Bootcamp today and the Battery doesn't seem to have any problems in Bootcamp so it must be some sort of firmware issue in Apple.

Thank you for the Hardware Test, was not aware of that; so really cool I learned that from you; many thanks.

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Answer 5

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Mar 1, 2015 9:24 AM in response to Dalmango

It may be that when you see that the led is green and the battery is not fully charged could be due to the fact that the battery, when it is charged to 100%, will no longer accept a charge until it drops down to ~95% charge level. Then the charging process will invoked until it reaches 100% again and constantly repeated. This is controlled by the OSX and is perfectly normal.

Ciao,

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Answer 6

Dalmango Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 1, 2015 9:32 AM in response to Dalmango

Thanks Ogel but that's not it. This is happening at charges so low as to 6%. It says 'Not Charging' in top right corner and the charger-light turns green.

I believe it to be some sort of firmware issue as it does not happen in Bootcamp and seems to charge quicker in Bootcamp I think.

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Answer 7

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Mar 1, 2015 9:34 AM in response to Dalmango

If that is the case, an appointment at an Apple store genius bar should be made. As I stated earlier, an error free AHT is not necessarily reliable. The technicians have better tools to evaluate your MBP.

Ciao.

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