MacBook Pro Battery Service?

HappyChappy84

About a month or so ago I noticed that my battery wasn't lasting as long as it used too.

System Report shows this.



Is there a way I can service the battery or does 'Service Battery' mean "go to your nearest Genius Bar and give them an absurd amount of money for a new battery and even more for fitting"?

HappyChappy84

Anyone????

joewelsh99

If its one of the new Macbook pro's with the non user replaceable batteries then they should change it for free as they state that after 1000 battery cycles the battery should maintain 80% of original performance (even out of warranty).

If its an older model then you'll probably have to buy a new battery as these are only guaranteed for 300 cycles.

debitcardmayhem

joewelsh99 wrote: »

If its one of the new Macbook pro's with the non user replaceable batteries then they should change it for free as they state that after 1000 battery cycles the battery should maintain 80% of original performance (even out of warranty).

If its an older model then you'll probably have to buy a new battery as these are only guaranteed for 300 cycles.

Seems about right, perhaps Hammyman may respond he knows loads about Macs (and other hardware too)

HappyChappy84

It's a mid 2009 MBP.

I was just wondering if there was a way of refreshing the battery as I remember one of the Geniuses at the Apple store detailing something about refreshing batteries a long time ago but I can't remember what he said.

joewelsh99

If it's a 13'' model then you are at 89.8% of original capacity and the service message may indicate another battery fault, which will be covered by apple as you are below the 1000 cycle life span.

If it's a 15'' model then you are at 73.8% of original capacity and will be covered by apple because of the 80%/1000 cycles rule.

In terms of refreshing the battery, you can do a calibration by running the battery until the computer goes to sleep and then leaving it overnight to fully discharge the battery. After this charge the battery again and the current capacity will give a more accurate value. However, if you use the mac regularly then it is unlikely that this will improve the capacity by enough to take you over 80%...

HappyChappy84

joewelsh99 wrote: »

If it's a 13'' model then you are at 89.8% of original capacity and the service message may indicate another battery fault, which will be covered by apple as you are below the 1000 cycle life span.

If it's a 15'' model then you are at 73.8% of original capacity and will be covered by apple because of the 80%/1000 cycles rule.

In terms of refreshing the battery, you can do a calibration by running the battery until the computer goes to sleep and then leaving it overnight to fully discharge the battery. After this charge the battery again and the current capacity will give a more accurate value. However, if you use the mac regularly then it is unlikely that this will improve the capacity by enough to take you over 80%...

It's a 15" model.

So apple should replace the battery for free?

Buttonmoons

My macbook pro's battery exploded, or inflated, or something......:eek: I wondered why it wasn't sitting straight on the table for ages, it was slowly slowly expanding. Gave me a right fright when it totally popped!

HappyChappy84

Buttonmoons wrote: »

My macbook pro's battery exploded, or inflated, or something......:eek: I wondered why it wasn't sitting straight on the table for ages, it was slowly slowly expanding. Gave me a right fright when it totally popped!

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

joewelsh99

Yea they should replace it, give applecare a call first to check. Then make a genius appointment and theyll replace t while you wait.

HappyChappy84

joewelsh99 wrote: »

Yea they should replace it, give applecare a call first to check. Then make a genius appointment and theyll replace t while you wait.

Isn't my MacBook Pro classed as one of the older ones where the battery is only guaranteed for 300 cycles?