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Battery not charging and not detected

Hi, I have a 2008 A1181 MacBook. It worked perfectly, with a working battery that lasted quite a while. Only one morning I found the laptop off, even though the battery was fully charged, and it wouldn't boot unless I used an adapter, to which I found out that the computer didn't even detect my battery. Or the X in the battery symbol.


I put the battery in another MacBook and that works just as well with the battery, detects, and even charges it. I tried that MacBook's battery on my computer and it still doesn't detect or charge it. MagSafe only lights green + the computer immediately boots up.


What just happened that caused my battery to not be detected overnight?


Any answers are welcome.

MacBook

Posted on Oct 3, 2020 6:33 PM

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11 replies

Oct 3, 2020 9:51 PM in response to ngs765

ngs765 Said:

"Battery not charging and not detected: [...]What just happened that caused my battery to not be detected overnight?"

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Troubleshooting This:


Try a New Charger:


A Few Links to Refer to for Power:





Oct 3, 2020 10:36 PM in response to ngs765

ngs765 Said:

"Battery not charging and not detected: I've tried multiple chargers. None of them charge. The computer still turns on and works fine except the battery isn't being detected. The issue isn't from the battery either since that works if I put it in another A1181."

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The LogicBoard Has Failed.


So, prior to ridding of it, secure it...

Go Here: What to do Before you Sell, Give Away, or Trade in your Mac - Apple Support

Oct 4, 2020 12:43 AM in response to ngs765

There is a circuit on logic board that can be replaced; since these go bad

sometimes, and called 'DC-in Board'. The part number is 'build model yr'

specific to the exact macbook series. I'd not had these fail in my macs yet.


However my older 2006 MacBook1.1 (13-inch 1.83GHz) model had battery

failure; troubleshot it, tried reCalibration; SMC reset, then NVRAM too.


Usually a combination of these, to try and reestablish battery charging;

sometimes that helps get older weaker battery to work again for awhile.


A few months, after seeming good, battery went to 0% and green light

'stays on' MagSafe output cable. This indicates need to get new battery.

Ordered one, four days ago from OWC. A 'newer tech' battery; I had to

order different part number, as their stock changed; but its OK.


The OWC company has battery replacement kits (with tools, &

online instruction video, etc) for MB/Pro, MB/Air, and MacBooks.


DC-in Board replacement, if it comes to that, & could be suspect. This

instead of logic board, if so the repair is less expensive, take less time;

could be replaced by tech person with skills; or 'slow careful' worker..


Also instructions may be found online ~ for a look into DIY experience.


Three things could be 'complicit in troubleshooting' charger circuit.

Between: AC adapter, battery, and 'DC-in Board'. To start with larger

external parts, and then work toward smaller, internal ones..


https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=macbook+dc-in+board+A1181&ia=web


For those who are able to do it yourself, and be meticulous in detail

for a casual time; about 40 minutes or less. Others may choose to

have Apple trained tech, at independent shop, repair older Mac.


An SMC reset may help; and sometimes NVRAM reset, too. Older Macs

could be testy, given newer instructions for these; & were designed for

use with older re-set instructions. (wow.. this became a ramble!)


Take care & happy computing!🌻|🐝

Oct 4, 2020 12:48 AM in response to K Shaffer

Just curious, does the DC-in board also control power to and from the battery?


The computer still works perfectly fine running from the adapter (just to clear up some confusion), my only issue really is the battery not being detected by the computer.


SMC reset and the NVRAM reset didn't work unfortunately. I do have an A1181 that's completely dead and just used for parts, so there's one obstacle gone.

Oct 4, 2020 1:09 AM in response to ngs765

The main switching component that utilizes the inner half of MagSafe

connection, is the 'DC-in Board'. This controls and directs the power to

charge the battery; switches between charging & also to run the Mac.


A partial failure of DC-in Board can be cause of the symptom you noted.


The smart chip in the battery and the system relies on the switching

of power through this DC-in Board. (The MacBook Air uses different

'In-Out board' to combine more functions in smaller space, in MB/Air.)


Anyway, duckduckgo search shows images, details, in general

idea of DC-in Board; part numbers and mac-specific identifiers

would have to more closely match specific parts, to be certain.


To be sure the 'two halves' of the MagSafe connector are clean,

fit properly; and their springs move as they should, helps too.


Good luck & happy trails!🌞🎣

Battery not charging and not detected

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