Q: Macbook Air 2013. El Capitan. New cord. Getting an intermittent charge. Is 're-setting the SMC' the only route? (Battery is 'norma ... Macbook Air 2013. El Capitan. New cord. Getting an intermittent charge. Is 're-setting the SMC' the only route? (Battery is 'normal') more
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Helpful answers
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May 19, 2016 10:43 AM in response to echorockby K Shaffer,If you haven't checked the connectors in the MagSafe adapter, and cleaned them, that
is a place to consider looking into. Also, the connectors can be damaged due to wear
or physical impact from improper storage or transport in a computer bag w/o protection.
• Apple Portables: Troubleshooting MagSafe adapters - Apple Support
• Apple AC Adapter repair - iFixit: (shows MagSafe)
https://www.ifixit.com/Device/Apple_AC_Adapter
There is a secondary part that if damaged or worn, would require a service repair to replace.
The DC-in Board, in the computer, is a service repair item. AKA 'magsafe board' etc.
You may see reference to the circuit board within the MacBook Air, in a repair guide. These
may also include additional circuitry for other power-related items -- all in one part.
An example:
MacBook Air 11" (Mid 2012) I/O Board ($99) ifixit:
This assembly includes the MagSafe 2 power, USB, and audio port.
• MacBook Air repair guides (11-inch + 13-inch models)
https://www.ifixit.com/Device/MacBook_Air
Good luck in this matter!
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May 20, 2016 1:51 PM in response to K Shafferby echorock,Thank you for this information. I appreciate it. One more question - aside from your suggestions, do you think the SMC thing is something I should try early in the process?
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May 20, 2016 2:29 PM in response to echorockby K Shaffer,As a matter of troubleshooting, anything you can do to discover what may be
the cause or a problem when it also could resolve the symptoms (& cause)
is worth considering. I've on occasion re-set these items, sometimes as part
of testing my equipment after power-outages or other changes in hardware.
In the SMC information instruction page, the issue and process suggests to
try some other things first. Some of those one may have already done if you
are reading the Support page from the subject computer. If the problems or
symptoms can be resolved without resetting the SMC (or PRAM, etc) then
you should not need to reset the system management controller.
The SMC is a power management controller, various models of Apple Mac
computers, desktop and portable, have used different reset devices. Here is
a brief overview of the power management reset history:
http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/resetpmchip.html#Anchor-Types-49575
With the portables, details on how to perform these resets have changed
over time as the build models have different technologies. Such as those
with a battery that does not readily come out, the SMC reset has changed
compared to those where the battery or a lead to it, can be disconnected.
Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support
If the battery is nonremovable
- Shut down the Mac.
- Plug in the MagSafe or USB-C power adapter to a power source and to your Mac.
- Using the built-in keyboard, press Shift-Control-Option on the left side of the keyboard, then press the power button at the same time.
- Release all keys, then press the power button again to turn on your Mac
If the battery is removable
- Shut down the Mac.
- Disconnect the MagSafe power adapter from the Mac.
- Remove the battery. (Learn about removing the battery in MacBook and MacBook Pro computers.)
- Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
- Reconnect the battery and MagSafe power adapter.
- Press the power button to turn on the Mac.
The LED on MagSafe power adapters might change states or temporarily turn off when you reset the SMC.
About Mac notebook batteries - Apple Support
See note about NVRAM
How to Reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support
Good luck & happy computing!