User profile for user: Aldy W
Aldy W Author
User level: Level 1
12 points

MagSafe 2 85W Faulty Twice Every 1 Year Period

I have MacBook Pro Retina 15-inch Late 2013 Single GPU model, and it's MagSafe 2 85W power adapter is faulty for the 2nd time in a year. The original one shipped with the MBPr was faulty a year after i bought my MBPr in June 2014, so i bought a new one around mid 2015 from local apple store and it cost around $150 here. And now on May 11th 2016, that 2nd MagSafe i bought also died. stop working for no reason. same as the first one. I'm so confused and of course really disappointed. I use all my macs and it's accessories in a normal behavior under normal condition as suggested.

4 hours earlier it was working fine at my office, then i went home and found out that it's not working! I usually put my MBP and power adapters on a 15inch messenger bag with safe compartments for mac, no dust, no magnetic items. and plug it on the same normal (no high voltage equipments or line noise) AC power source as every day. But this time i hear clicking/popping sound on the main adapter unit. So i'm pretty sure its faulty.


What i've tried to workaround was:

all with no luck.


The only thing that works is using my Macbook Air 45W MagSafe 2 for my MacBook Pro 15-Inch for now. So i know that my MBP is fine. I've contacted Apple Support via Twitter, they respond. But since i've done all troubleshooting test they can only advise to bring the faulty MagSafe2 to Apple Service Provider (i expect they will suggest any workarounds that i can not find on the net, and i believe the repair cost will be the same as buying a new one)


I clearly understand from technical side and the value of a computer accessories, it's not about 'just buy a new one' or just bring it to the service provider. but what i want to discuss here is there any one of you experiencing the same issue? If there are many of you has the same issue, means that this might be a serious case that need to be addressed by Apple. Having 2 times faulty MagSafe 2 is enough for me.


Anyways, I would love to hear your thoughts, workarounds, anything about this MagSafe 2, what is the best way to prevent it happen again. I really really hope that this would be the last time i have issue with a $150 (in Asia) MagSafe 2.


Cheers

A.W

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Yosemite (10.10.5), 15-inch 8GB RAM Single GPU Model

Posted on May 10, 2016 1:06 PM

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13 replies
User profile for user: K Shaffer
K Shaffer
User level: Level 8
35,956 points

May 10, 2016 1:38 PM in response to Aldy W

You may be able to locate an official original equipment replacement MagSafe2

85W adapter from a reputable vendor, for a bit less than full retail; plus shipping.


Where are you located? There may be other resellers of official MagSafe 2

adapters in your region or country, and you could try leaving one at your

office and another at your residence; do not coil the wires, do not carry the

MagSafe in a pack or bag where it can move during travel or hit other items.

(Wire damages near the plug or adapter can be hard to see or repair.)


Are you in Australia?


The OWC company offers a reseller outlet in the EU, for example; so shipping

or customs may not be as great an issue where other options exist, if official.


examples:

https://eshop.macsales.com/search/magsafe+adapters


Several models appear on this OWC page at macsales.com for magsafe adapters

and one 85W MagSafe2 appears. I'd certainly not place an under-powered 45W

MagSafe Adapter2 for MacBook Air, at risk by using it with higher load MBk/Pro.


Link to example at macsales OEM for MagSafe2 item, reference product OWC page:


The computer and working 'correct spec power adapter' should be checked,

to see if problems may also be with MagSafe DC-in Board inside computer.


Power systems in general eventually involve the battery, charging, & etc.

• About Mac notebook batteries - Apple Support


In any event...

Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

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User profile for user: Aldy W
Aldy W Author
User level: Level 1
12 points

May 10, 2016 1:38 PM in response to John Galt

Hi John,


Thanks for replying. I'm fully aware of that. I didn't ask for a free repair or replacement. It's about the reliability of a product. and how to handle issue like this. It might look simple. but it some situation it's critical. at least for me.

With your answer i assume that after a year or out of warranty a product might faulty straight away.


Cheers

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User profile for user: Aldy W
Aldy W Author
User level: Level 1
12 points

May 10, 2016 2:02 PM in response to K Shaffer

Hi Shaffer,


Thanks for the tips! it's really helpful. I have spare chargers at home and office but only for my iDevices (iPhones) and Thunderbolt accessories. Probably i should do too with my MagSafe.


Yes i love OWC products! they are the best options and a reputable vendor. I live in Jakarta, Indonesia. The closest is to get from Singapore based OWC reseller. I didnt know they're selling cheeper genuine OEM MagSafe 2 too since i only look for OWC SSD and thunderbolt devices. I'll check with them for pricing.


Well, i use macbook air 45W only for this emergency. my macbook pro battery was 5% left. and yes the 45W was really hot when using it for Macbook Pro 15inch. so i stop using it now at 50% charged.


I referred to this link: http://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/71880/what-would-happen-if-i-use-a-macb ook-air-powersupply-with-a-15-macbook-pro-reti

and Find the right power adapter and cord for your Mac notebook - Apple Support


Again, thank you for the useful tips!


Cheers

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User profile for user: John Galt
John Galt
User level: Level 10
154,898 points

May 10, 2016 2:14 PM in response to Aldy W

The problem you describe is not widespread, so I think a far more likely explanation is that you just happened to encounter two examples of a faulty production run of power adapters. I recommend that you keep returning them until you eventually get one that lasts longer than a few months.


When you bring it in for evaluation, be sure to also bring your MacBook Pro, but the fact that your 45W adapter has not exhibited that problem is an indication there is nothing wrong with your MBP.


You can use the 45W adapter, but as you know it won't charge your MPB as fast, and might not supply sufficient power under load.

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User profile for user: Aldy W
Aldy W Author
User level: Level 1
12 points

May 10, 2016 2:44 PM in response to John Galt

Hi John,

Sorry for the lack of information described 🙂

since you mention it, i wonder it might be a production failure. But i dont want to speculate now. not until apple service provider have a look


I agree with you about using 45W on MBP. i stop using it just now since it becomes very hot when charging to my MBP.

i will try to bring in to service provider after i get the current local price for a new MagSafe 2 85W both from OWC or Apple store. at least i have backup plan and can compare with the repair cost later on.


Thanks again

Cheers

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User profile for user: Grant Bennet-Alder
Grant Bennet-Alder
User level: Level 10
139,853 points

May 10, 2016 3:16 PM in response to Aldy W

If your power adapters have not developed fraying at the computer-end, the next most frequent failure is inside the DC cable near the "brick" at exactly the point where it takes its first turn around the "ears".


Use a modified technique when winding:

First, make a 1 to 2 inch (25 to 50mm) loop in the air, THEN begin winding onto the "ears". This slightly randomizes the point of first contact of the cable with the ears, and reduces early cable failures. The cord seems to stay put just as well.

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User profile for user: Aldy W
Aldy W Author
User level: Level 1
12 points

May 11, 2016 1:08 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Hi Grant, Thanks for replying.


That's a good point. Sometimes i loop around the ears, sometimes i don't. i just loop it carefully about 5-10cm after the brick with velcro strap along with the AC cable. Like i did with all my Thunderbolt cables. Really, these such cables / accessories need careful treatments. Sometimes i just slam it inside my bag and go.


Thanks for pointing out. It's helpful for others as well.


Cheers

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MagSafe 2 85W Faulty Twice Every 1 Year Period

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