MacBook Pro 17" mid-2010 notebook battery seems to be slightly bulging out. Should I replace it?

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Level 1

32 points

MacBook Pro 17" mid-2010 notebook battery seems to be slightly bulging out. Should I replace it?

I've been trying to upgrade the hard drive and RAM in my mid-2010 MacBook Pro 17" and while opening it up from the back, I noticed that while undoing last two screws the back cover kinda popped out. Then when trying to put the cover back on I noticed that I had to push on the screws to make the cover line up with the rest of the notebook's body. The reason it's doing this is that the battery seems to be bulging out on one end. Not a lot, but enough to make it not fit exactly in the MacBook's body.

I checked in about this Mac properties and it used to show that the battery is good but when I did it today it gave me "service battery" line. Here's the screenshot attached:

Does anyone know if I should be concerned about it? And if so where can I get a new battery for this Mac?

MacBook Pro 17", 2.66 GHz i7, 4GB 1067 DDR3 RAM, OS X 10.6.4 /// iPhone 4, 32GB, iOS 4

Posted on Aug 13, 2017 4:41 PM

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Answer 1

tjk

Level 9

51,192 points

Aug 13, 2017 5:10 PM in response to Den B.

Here's the one and only battery you want for your MBP: Batteries for MacBook Pro 17" Unibody 2009 - 2010 Models

Here are the directions for replacing it: MacBook Pro 17" Unibody Battery Replacement - iFixit

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Answer 2

tjk

Level 9

51,192 points

Aug 13, 2017 5:16 PM in response to Den B.

I would take it out. The bulging expands upwards too, sometimes affecting the keyboard and/or trackpad and/or their cables.

Batteries can actually split open, so the sooner the better.

Best Buy used to have a recycling box for old batteries, see if they will take it. Otherwise check with your local hazardous waste center (mine is through the garbage collection company that serves my local area) and they should take it or be able to tell you where to take it.

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Answer 3

Den B. Author

Level 1

32 points

Aug 13, 2017 6:14 PM in response to Loner T

Yeah, I thought about going to an Apple store, but I live about an hour away from the closest one. So I will have to do with online orders & local recyclers.

Although you know, guys, I failed to take the old battery out. I don't have a screwdriver to undo those 3-prong screws that hold it. (I don't know the exact name for it, the head looks like a Mercedes sign.) So it will have to wait until I get the new battery kit from macsales, that evidently comes with the right screwdriver.

Just from curiosity though -- what is the point of using those screws, other than just to inconvenience people?

PS. In the meantime I unplugged the (bulging) battery from the motherboard and kept the back cover off. I also put the MacBook itself into the garage (in case it catches on fire.) Note to self -- don't Goggle "bulging battery"!

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Answer 4

Den B. Author

Level 1

32 points

Aug 13, 2017 6:22 PM in response to Loner T

Yeah, that's what I tried to do. The only problem is removing those 7.4 mm Y1 Tri-Wing screws that I don't have a screwdriver for. Like I said, will have to wait for the macsales kit to arrive to do that.

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Answer 5

Loner T

Level 9

59,536 points

Aug 13, 2017 6:32 PM in response to Den B.

If you are adventurous, (and I have done it without using a Tri-wing), with a tipped-narrow-end nail file or a flat-head screw driver held at an angle. Please be gentle and patient and avoid stripping the screw, if you choose this method. If you have kit on the order and do not mind waiting, then it is fine.

I would not recommend putting the Mac in the garage which is normally hotter than rooms in the house. Heat can cause additional issues. With the back off, and battery facing up, put it on a flat table and let all people in the house know what it is.

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Answer 6

Den B. Author

Level 1

32 points

Aug 13, 2017 6:39 PM in response to Loner T

Yeah, thanks. I tried to use a flat-head driver but I'm afraid it will strip the head. So I'll wait.

Also good point about the garage being too hot. I didn't think about it. Especially now in summer. Will bring it back in and leave it on my desk. Thanks.

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