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Released June 2012, Model A1278. Intel processor with Turbo Boost, Up to 512 MB DDR5 Video RAM

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MacBook turns off when charger is disconnected

Hi,

Around two days ago I was about to move my workhorse to the kitchen, to do some culinary research (read: how to boil potatoes) when my MacBook just turned off when I disconnected the charger. I've had this problem before, which went away after a short while by itself. I just pinned it down to magnets or magic. After a while of being mildly annoyed by it shutting down, I began testing the battery in TechTool, which gave me virtually no information save for the fact that the battery is just maintaining its charge, but not actually getting any.

The battery indicator shows a 100% charge, as does Coconut Battery, which should mean that it's not the SMC. I did an SMC and PRAM reset, though it's unclear if it did anything at all. I'll try an SMC bypass and see if that does anything at all and update on this.

Logic tells me that it's the I/O board which is fooling around, but given my current financial situation, I don't want it to be. So, bottom line, is there any way to be completely sure that it's due to the I/O board, and/or any good way to fix it? Any help will be very appreciated and will hopefully help others in the future too.

Update (11/23/2016)

For the sake of clarity, I'll enclose two Coconut Battery screenshots for future reference.

Block Image

Block Image

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This "chosen solution" for this question didn't work for me, but this one from CNET did. All I had to do was reset the PRAM and keep the buttons held down until I heard THREE OR MORE startup chimes. Problem resolved completely.

_____________________________________

MacBook Pros suddenly shutting down when disconnected from power adapter; not running from battery -- more fixes

BY

CNET STAFF

SEPTEMBER 2, 2009 7:10 AM PDT

https://www.cnet.com/news/macbook-pros-s...

An in-house MacBook Pro recently began exhibiting this issue, and the fix that eventually worked was resetting the PRAM with a twist. Apple indicates that resetting the MacBook Pro's PRAM requires holding down the Command, Option, P and R keys at startup until two restarts occur. However, we found that waiting for three or more startup chimes while resetting PRAM resolved this issue where waiting for only two chimes did not.

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Same problem, but the three chimes didn't work for me. The battery stays charged and symbol at top shows 100%, but computer is still saying the battery needs replacing, rates it as poor. Shuts down as soon as power cord removed. Coconut says it's 99.4% with 1 cycle. Any suggestions appreciated.

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Tried 5 chimes and the battery warning "Replace Now" did not show up, info looked normal. All seemed well until I took off the magsafe. Computer went off and when back on the warning showed up again.

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`It may be that you have to use CNET's solution AND replace the Magsafe adapter.

I've had zero problems with this issue since posting that message and resolving it with CNET's solution, UNTIL I was away this past weekend and threw the old Magsafe in my bag and left the newer one I usually use. The issue returned (MacBook Pro goes dead when Magsafe adapter removed and needs to be rebooted).

But when I got back home and used the newer Magsafe adapter I usually use, no more issue, and didn't have to do the CNET solution all over again.

I DID have to do the CNET solution with the newer Magsafe adapter initially and have not had a problem since, so the solution (for me) was:

1. Replace the Magsafe adapter.

2. Use CNET's solution as outlined above.

Running fine.

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Thanks...will try a new adapter. Do you know why it would make a difference, although doesn't matter as long as it works. With the one I'm using, the icon does show 100% with no warning after the CNET solution...until I unplug. It did take overnight to charge the battery the first time which seems long..

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I bet you leave your system plugged in most of the time.

What is happening here is SMC thinks the power level is below the set threshold so it needs to power down the system into deep sleep mode.

So how to fix? It's quite simple you need to do a SMC reset and cycle the battery a few times by fully discharging it and recharging it. That way the setpoint is memorized correctly.

Here's the Apple TN you'll need to reference: Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac

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I bet you didn't read my post in which I said I reset the SMC. As far as my battery goes, I try my best to not have it plugged in most of the time and give it a chance to fully empty out before plopping the charger back in. However, I did just open the MacBook up and tinkered with a few wires, which seemingly did nothing. Then I did an SMC bypass (unplugging the laptop, holding the power button for 10 secs, plugging the computer back in while holding the power button for an additional 10 secs and then releasing and pressing it again to get it to boot) which got it up and running without a charger plugged. From there, I just did yet another SMC reset, booted in safe mode, checked TechTool and everything looked positive - this time with a 0% charge (as opposed to the 100% charge reported earlier). No clue what caused the Mac to report a faulty battery/I/O board, but we're back to normal. Again we can nail this down to magnets and magic.

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Did you pull the battery connection? Often I find I end up needing to do it that way to be effective. Pull the battery internally, press and hold the power button a good 2 minutes then plug the battery back in and restart.

No magic here and it's not magnets either :-) I confess I did skim your Q. It's a problem I've seen a few times so I had a strong idea what was up here.

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You may want to clean the MagSafe connector pins and pads. The middle pin is how the charger and the system communicate. If the cord pins or the DC inboard contact pads are dirty or corroded you can have some charging issues. But given your coconut battery info I don't see this as your issue.

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This is my solution and it works on my MacBook Air 11”

* Disconnect the battery, plug in, do the resetting SMC

* Turn on. (Test unplug, it still turn off)

* Plug in. (Auto turn on) and normally shut down the mac

* Do the resetting PRAM (Option + Command + P + R after pressing power button. Release after second chime)

* Turn on. Unplug. IT WORKS!

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Hi, I might have a similar problem. My MacBook Pro shuts down suddenly sometimes when I move it and the charger gets disconnected. It doesn't always happen, so I'm sure that it's not a battery problem. It turned out it's a problem with my charger. Perhaps it sends some surges of electricity or is otherwise unsafe that the MacBook decides to shut down. Anyway, the problem seemed to have disappeared when I got a new charger.

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I agree, in most cases this is a charger issue, specifically the L tip magsafe cable. Since my original magsafe disintegrated, I have used numerous compatible adapters and they all develop this issue over time. When it starts to happen, I just get a new charger.

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Hi,

I have a similar problem to the one here and it would be much appreciated if you could have a quick look!

In short, my MacBook Air turns off when unplugged, even though the battery is relatively new. I have run diagnostics, SMC and PRAM resets didn't help.

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Hi,

I begun having a similar problem after installing a new battery in my MacBook Air, by myself... what I discovered after deciding the problem may be internal is that the battery connection (don’t know if I can call it that) to the logic board (or is it motherboard?) disconnects itself continually after a period of use... so far I’ve had to reopen my laptop and reconnect that connection 3 times!! since I installed a new battery... I don’t know what is the end solution to this... I’m beginning contemplating gluing them together!!! So I’m afraid what you have to do is take your laptop to hardware tech experts who will most definitely have a solution for you...

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Thank you Charlie,

You might be right... what I have done is to buy a logic board, as I also suspect, the problem is there and not in the battery.

I will install it and let you know, but that might solve my battery issues for good

:)

txs

alvaro

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I don't know but it happens to me too. I replace the battery like twice but nothing works. They tech say is logic board but buying. anew logic board is like half the price of what I originally paid for the macbook.

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Hi Alvaro! Did you buy the new logic board and did it solve your battery problem? Please let me know so I can see if I need to use the same solution.

Henning Klepp Christensen did you ever get a solution?

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my mac air shuts down automatically when unplugged , battery is however good with no issues and also been tested and confirmed by my technician but problem is that it doesn't charge a d shuts off when unplugged . is it a problem with the mother board or charger?

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Hello @henchr,

Thanks for using the forum. I under stand this problem and would like to share.

Sometimes the battery of many laptops fail. There is also a possibility that the battery got disconnected from the logic board. I would bring it into a PC repair shop and get them to diagnose the problems. And then follow that diagnosis.

Thanks,

Keegan Bourque

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It's certainly not the battery, that's for sure. It's a NewerTech battery, still with 103% health, and all tests show it's in good condition. The fact that it shows up in TechTool and Coconut Battery is a good indication that it isn't disconnected. I'll pry open the computer now and see if that'll teach me something, but experience tells me I'll just blankly stare at its insides and wonder what I'm looking at. And as we all know, the difference between me and a PC repair shop is mainly that they charge me for doing the same thing I do; staring blankly at it. I appreciate your answer, and I'll have a look inside to see if something is looking awry.

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What kind of a self-help forum suggests taking it into a PC shop?

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I had the same issue in two different MacBook pros at home. Turns out something went wrong with the charger!! Worked fine for awhile on either one. Then one day my pro wouldn’t turn on even though I knew it was charged. Researched and did the reset. Then the same thing happened with the other pro. Our other charger doesn’t cause this to happen. Ended up being a glitch with the charger causing the problem.

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Problems related to unexpected system sleep, shutdown, lights or fans call for an SMC reset:

  • Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
  • Resetting the SMC on Mac portables with a battery you can remove
  • Shut down the computer
  • Disconnect the MagSafe power adapter from the computer, if it's connected.
  • Remove the battery (to remove the battery - click here: MacBook or MacBook Pro)
  • Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds
  • Release the power button
  • Reconnect the battery and MagSafe power adapter
  • Press the power button to turn on the computer.

Resetting the SMC on portables with a battery you should not remove on your own

  • Shut down the computer
  • Plug in the MagSafe power adapter to a power source, connecting it to the Mac if its not already connected
  • On the built-in keyboard, press the (left side) Shift-Control-Option keys and the power button at the same time
  • Release all the keys and the power button at the same time
  • Press the power button to turn on the computer

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Sorry, your SMC reset instructions (with the buttons) are incorrect.

The battery, while replaceable, is not considered by Apple to be user replaceable, that is why there is a secret screwdriver screw, the three-fin thing, so you have to follow the instructions for non-replaceable batteries. I know, it is really confusing and dumb.

Here are the proper instructions: How to reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac Notice it says to UNPLUG the adapter, and HOLD THE BUTTONS FOR 10 SECONDS.

But anyway, your instructions for resetting the SMC by unhooking the battery and pressing the power button... that might work. Or maybe press it longer, like the chosen answer for this question suggests.

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How do you discharge the battery if your laptop shuts down whenever it's unplugged?

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I will ask the same question!!!

For me was very hard, adding USB devices and trying to open on Safe Mode, and half close the screen... a nightmare

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The Chicken and the Egg problem ;-}

The premise here is once SMC is reset it does not have either a high or low threshold set. So once done you need to completely drain the battery until SMC see's the low threshold voltage wise has been hit it will then shutdown. Now recharging the battery and then repeating will set the high point. That should do it!

Now the but! The voltage comparator logic on the logic board needs to be working properly. If SMC is prematurely shutting down after a reset there is a problem on the logic board. Often corrosion has built up on the one or more of the components that set the value or the chip its self is defective.

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How did you solve the problem? I appreciate your help!

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@rahel - You likely needed a new battery or the logic board needs repairs.

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Hi @charlieqk

Well, I waited a month to get the part, finger crossed... it did not work :(

Very painful!

What I am looking at now is mailing my system to a repair shop. What do you think? Anybody out there know what to do?

I read is a common problem with this models... aggggh

:)

txs

Alvaro

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If you have to send it to a repair shop, I only suggest Rossman Group.

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Exactly the same behavior, in my case caused by corrosion on the I/O Board. Cleaning with a toothbrush and Iso alcohol, the problem was solved.

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Hello!

I have a similar problem.

When I plug in my Macbook Pro the light is automatically green but it wont go above 2% charge. It says that the battery is not charging even though the computer is getting power.

As soon as I unplug the computer turns off.

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The problem Is the batery...the clok does not work if the MAG safe is disconected.

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In another forum I explained how I solved the problem.

I explain quickly: I disassembled the motherboard and cleaned it out it was almost 10 years old without cleaning! It was full of dust and hair.

Then I put it together and it worked all normal. I will look for the link and I'll send it to you.

Basically, it was dirty! Problem solved.

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Hi there,

Sorry, but my problem is not really exactly as most of you , but it’s similar.

My MacBook Air is actually brand new, used it for a month or so, and since I’ve installed Windows 10 on it , I’ve noticed that the battery shows the icon (as charging), and when I click on in, actually says that is “Plugged in”, which is not, as I’m using it from the Battery mode, outside my house.

I was wondering, how can I revert this? Is this because of windows 10, which I assume should be the problem, or why does it says its plugged in, even though is not connected to any power source.

Many thanks,

Ionut

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I "resolved" the problem by adjusting the power settings of Windows from balanced to high performance.

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Hi there!

Thanks for your reply!

Tried that, and didn’t change anything. Funny thing is that not always I have this problem. I tend to guess that this is because of the version of the windows I’ve installed. It’s bought from one funny website, for just 30$, or so, and it’s windows pro, fully working. Worked out very well, for this money, to be honest. I don’t mind having this small issue, but I thought maybe someone else, encounter it, so decided to give it a try.

Regards,

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What if the computer wont stay on long enough for it to discharge

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Then you either have a bad battery or the MgSafe charger and the charging logic inside the system is bad.

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Hi, I have a similar issue. My Macbook air works when unplugged but suddenly crashes when it reaches about 80 percent. I never know when the crash will happen but I keep losing important stuff so this is annoying!

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Hi, similar problem here.

I opened my macbook pro (2015) since keyboard and trackpad were not working and I found that the problem might be related to the trackpad and keyboard cable. So I opened my macbook pro, disconnect the battery connector and changed the cable.

When I tried to restart my macbook after this change, it didn’t turn on! So I connected the charger and the Macbook turned on regularly, with keyboard and trackpad working so I solved that issue but something went wrong although all the process was easy and smooth.

Since then, my macbook does not turn on without the charger and every time I disconnect the charger the macbook suddenly turns off.

I tried everything you said here, resetting SMC and PRAM and trying the CNET solution.. I also reopened my macbook and tried to boot after disconnetting the battery connector: in this case, when the Macbook turns on (obviously with the charger plugged in), Coconut did not recognize the battery and crashes. But instead, when I boot with battery connector correctly plugged in (and the charger), Coconut battery record are all okay (current charge 5819 mAh, temp 31.6°C)! So I have to suppose it can’t be a neither battery nor a connector issue, since when the battery connector is plugged in, Coconut recognizes the battery giving a good report back, so that it’s quite impossible that I damage the connector during the process (also because when the connector is not plugged in, Coconut does not recognize the battery).

Any ideas? Someone might help?

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