Macbook won't start on battery power

I have a six-week old Macbook. Was working just fine until today.
Now it will not boot up on battery power. Works fine when Magsafe is connected and the battery is showing that it's fully charged (100%). When disconnected from AC power it powers off immediately and won't boot up.
Have tried a SMC reset. Didn't help. Any guesses what the problem might be?
Thanks in advance.

Currently, there are two very similar problems with the MacBook batteries, I've found.
The first is that the computer IS recognizing that the battery is there, and the MacBook shuts down almost as soon as AC power is removed. The usual diagnosis here is that you have a bad battery.
The second variant is that the computer is NOT recognizing that the battery is there (the X through the battery literally means the computer thinks you have no battery connected), and the omputer behaves he same way as the one in the first scenario. This usualy means that you have another type of bad battery, or the battery does not have a full connection.
Either way, I reccomend that you follow these steps:
1. test the battery by pushing the small button next to the set of LEDs on the battery pack, and make sure the LEDs light up. If they do not, the battery is most likely deffective.
2. Make sure there is no foreign object or corrosion causing a bad connection with the battery. You should be ably to do this by removing the battery and looking at the metal contacts on both the battery and computer.
3. Make sure your software and firmware are updated. To do this, click the apple pull-down menu in the top left corner of the sceen, and select "About this mac". Then, click the Software Update button.
4. Reset the PRAM, PMU, SMC, and make sure the battery is properly installed. Find instructions on Apple's website.
If all else fails (or if the battery proves to b defective in step 1), call Apple or visit an Apple store to get tested, and replacements.
I hope this helped. Nobody bothered to answer my post, and I had to find this information out from a buddy of mine.

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MacBook won't start on battery/shuts down when power adapter is removed

Help & advice needed please.
My MacBook won't start without external power, it gives a whir then a click then nothing. Once started up, if I remove the external power it just shuts off.
The battery shows at 98% & charging. Coconut Battery shows the following:
Current battery charge 4126 (& increasing as I type)
Maximum battery charge 4200
Current battery capacity 4200
Original battery capacity 5200
80%
Battery loadcycles 111
Age of your Mac 6 months
Charger connected yes
Battery is charging yes
Does anyone have a clue why the Mac won't power itself on the battery when everything else seems like it works?
Cheers!

As of today, my MacBook and I have been together for 40 days. Yesterday, while I was happily surfing (on battery), it powered down with no warning. Okay, these things happen. I plugged it in, restarted, and all seemed to be fine. Battery was about 70%. I did other things on my other machines and when it was about 90%, unplugged it and everything was good. This morning after using it unplugged for 1.5 hours it did the same thing, but decided to only work with the power adapter, not on battery alone. When trying to boot without AC, it would try to spin the CD and then fall back into off. When on AC, if I pulled the adapter, it would last two seconds and go blank. I made an appt. with the Apple store (Fashion Show Mall, Las Vegas) for 3:20pm. I got there right at 3:20pm and the monitors showed I was 5th in line. Store was fairly packed, at least one patron at every display item. Monitors also said the next MacGenius appt. was "approx. 8:30pm." Glad I made an appt! I was served about 15 min. later, during which time the monitors had changed to "No more MacGenius appts. available today, please try tomorrow." However, one guy came by without an appt. and was told he would be put on standby and to come back in 30 min.
Once I explained my issue with my MacBook battery, my Genius tried one of his batteries. "I just want to make sure it's your battery and not your motherboard." My machine worked fine, so he said "No problem, I'll have you out of here in 10 minutes." He got me a brand new battery, tested it, and put my old one in a box on the rear counter with four others. He pulled the serial number from the "About this Mac" area, didn't need my receipt for purchase date or anything. I had even printed this page: http://www.apple.com/support/macbook_macbookpro/batteryupdate/ to use as ammunition, but didn't need it. He did approve highly of my dashboard widget "iStat pro", available here: http://islayer.com/.
So the battery issue is a very common problem, and one that Apple has tried to deal with as painlessly as possible for the consumer. My Genius did ask if the battery showed an "X" in the icon bar, and I said no. Just wouldn't run on battery. On the way out of the store, one of the 3 MacBooks, in fact the one closest to the door, had an "X" on the battery icon. When I unplugged the power, it shut down immediately! The moral of the story is to contact Apple immediately with problems and give them a chance to fix them. Hope this helps others.

Head scratcher--new HD, macbook won't boot on battery power

I needed a larger hard drive because the orig 60gb was getting full. replaced with a seagate 250gb. now, macbook will no longer boot on battery power. works fine if plugged in. if unplugged while running, macbook goes dead. battery is fully charged.
a puzzlement. any ideas, brain trust?
...joe

What is the model number of the HDD you bought?
Next, make sure you have the battery in all the way and that the HDD is securely installed. Then try a PRAM and SMC reset by shutting down, unplugging the magsafe, taking out the battery, and holding down the power button for at least five seconds. Next, put everything back and hold down commmand-option-p-r at startup until it chimes twice then let go.
If none of that works put in the old HDD and see what happens.

Lenovo s10e won't start on battery power alone

Hi,
I have the following problem with my Lenovo s10e netbook:
On battery power, press the power button, I see a flash on the screen, the blue power led turns on, then off after a few seconds, I can hear a sound from inside the device but it does not turn on.
If I connect the power adapter with the battery connected the device starts up with no problem.
If the battery is not connected and I only use the power adapter I have no problem starting the device.
I tried using a different battery and still have the same issue.
Do you have any idea what is causing this?

hi icelexy,
Welcome to the Lenovo Forums.
The unit looks like it's not getting enough power on the battery. If you're using the original 6 cell, 4400 mAh. 11.1 V battery, there's most likely a problem on the charging mechanism at the back part of the unit.
Have you already contacted lenovo to report the issue? (they'll most likely ask you to send the unit in for diagnosis)
Regards,
neokenchi
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Took apart Macbook pro 13 to remove broken headphone tip in the jack. Had to remove battery to get to the headphone jack. Now the laptop won't start. The power button is just not responding. Battery indicator showed charge of 3 dots initially but now only

Took apart Macbook pro 13 to remove broken headphone tip in the jack. Had to remove battery to get to the headphone jack. Now the laptop won't start. The power button is just not responding. Battery indicator showed charge of 3 dots initially but now only the last dot is blinking. The power cable used to light up green initially but now the green light is gone. I have tried SMC reset, which didn't work. What are my options?

Macbook Pro2067 wrote:
<snip>
What are my options?
Take it to an authorized service center.

Macbook Pro about 2012 won't start with out power lead in and runs very very slow Maverick OS

Macbook Pro about 2012 won't start with out power lead in and runs very very slow Maverick OS?

Take each of these steps as needed, and check to make sure it hasn't been fixed with a reboot afterwards before trying the next step.
Backup your data if you haven't already:
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-1992
If you use Airplay, see https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6831
If you don't use Airplay, be sure to upgrade to 10.9.2, using this update:
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1726
Make sure your hard drive is not over 85% full.
Make sure Spotlight is not indexing.
Make sure Time Machine is not running when you do other tasks.
Check to make sure you have not accidently/purposefully installed MacKeeper, as it will slow down your Mac:
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3036
Remove any other system cache cleaning applications.
Reset the SMC:
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3964
Reset the PRAM:
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1379
Check to make sure there aren't any signs the power adapter might be damaged, or the wrong one*:
http://www.macmaps.com/frayguide.html
If there are still issues, you may need to replace the battery:
https://www.apple.com/batteries/replacements.html

HT3964 macbook pro will not start on battery power works fine when plugged in

My macbook pro 15 inch early 2008 model will not start on battery power but works fine when plugged in.

check the battery info.. >about this mac>more info>system report and select "power" on the lefthand column. How many cycles? What does it say about the condition? etc.

My MacBook won't start up properly, and I suspect it may be the result of a power surge due to faulty wiring in my apartment. Is this the kind of thing that can typically be repaired, and if so, at what price?

My MacBook won't start properly. It seems to run, but the screen won't light. I suspect the cause is a power surge due to faulty wiring in my apartment. Is this the kind of thing that can typically be repaired, and if so, at what price?

you need to bring it somewhere so it can be determined exactly what is wrong with it and then an estimate can be provided.

If my MacBook won't start, is there a way to access my data without replacing the battery? Someone mentioned removing the hard drive?

I'm assuming that my MacBook won't start because it's been spilled on... It's happened once before and when I brought it in, all that was needed was a battery replacement. I have a brand new MacBook Pro and all I really want is my pictures, videos, music & other documents from my old MacBook.. Is there a way of getting all of that without buying a new battery, and then using Mavericks to switch over everything? A friend suggested that I just get all of it from the hard drive, but I don't really know much about that. Help?

If you can take the computer to somewhere or someone who has a known-good battery, and if the MacBook is dry, you could tell in quick order if a replacement battery would be worth it. Likely, you won't have been as fortunate more than once; electricity and water don't mix well, and short circuited or fried electronics result.
{There used to be a way to access one Mac from another if you could get the bad one to boot into Target Disk mode, but Intel-based macs didn't always work; they both needed FireWire ports & correct cable. If In an enclosure, you may be able to use a migration assistant utility.}
An authorized service tech with Apple certification in portable computers should be able to remove the internal hard disk drive, install it into an external enclosure, & test it, for a fee; once in an enclosure it may be accessed to see if the hard drive's data files on the drive, or at least sees them. Labor + parts?
Once the hard disk drive is removed, your user files would still have whatever account password protection needed to access them, but there are ways to migrate data from drives into another computer; in some cases the information on this may be tilted toward using a device you don't have, such as a Time Machine. If the data had been backed up on a Time Machine, it may have been possible to get it from that device using a method available in a Support article and put directly into another Mac.
If the computer has failed due to contact with moisture or a drink pouring over it, more than once, it may require more than a new battery to see if it'd work well enough to run and get data from its hard disk drive. You may pay quite a bit of money to have someone do anything at all.
How long ago did the MacBook get wet again? If several weeks ago, it may be dry inside. But may be damaged and the main logic board short-circuited or toast. So, it may not work even with the MagSafe attached due to other damages beyond a new battery. That could be a waste of money to buy one.
There are repair guides at http://ifixit.com which may help you determine if you can extract the HDD from the failed MacBook, but even then you'd have to install it into a suitable USB enclosure to gain access to data. Some drive enclosures already have a hard disk drive inside, so try and get one that would work with the MacBook's SATA hard disk drive, and with no HDD installed. One less thing to do.
So I know only enough about it to be dangerous.
And to troubleshoot the old MacBook may not
be worth the cost, if logicboard now is toasted.
Maybe someone else can say it direct w/ less words? LOL
Good luck & happy computing!

My macbook won't start up i have used the option command p r while holding down power button but not done.. please help guys

my macbook won't start up i have used the option command p r while holding down power button but not done.. please help guys

It not polite to repost asking fro more help three minutes after initial post.
Recovery mode is Command & R keys after depressing and releasing the Power button for a normal startup.
OS X: About OS X Recovery - Apple Support
That only works for Lion and later.
What exactly happens when your try to boot to Recovery?
Try starting in Safe Mode resetting the SMC and NVRAM/PRAM
OS X: What is Safe Boot, Safe Mode?
Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
About NVRAM and PRAM
What model MacBook Pro and what OSX version was on the Mac?
Have you tried booting from an OSX install DVD?
When you try to start doe the Power light light?
This is the Mac Pro desktop forum. I requested your post be moved to the MacBook Pro laptop forum.

Macbook won't start

Macbook won't start up. Sounds like disc drive is spinning but screen remains dark as though startup file is not booting.

Did you also try reset of NVRAM/PRAM?
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379
When you tried the Command + Opt + P + R keys on restart, held almost
immediately and through the time period it should chime on startup, did
you keep holding those keys down, so as to force it to repeat the chime?
You should do this (if possible to tell) through Three chimes, before you
let those keys go; that would be indicative of a NVRAM/PRAM reset.
Aside from the details and troubleshooting processes in the SMC reset
article from Apple Support, that could shed some light on the issue, if
these were done in their subscribed order before finally trying the SMC.
Have you tried System Management Controller (SMC) reset more than once?
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964 {and those other troubleshooting bits}
Depending on which MacBook you have, the details may vary; with some
you could try several items not possible with a later model, such as a hard
reset of the computer (remove battery, hold power button, etc) and other
details I am not going into now... Here's something that worked for this one:
•My MacBook won't boot, no start chime, just DVD spinning sound:
http://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/6271/My+MacBook+won%27t+boot,+no+start+chime, +just+the+DVD+spinning+sound.
There are some ideas there which may help. At least as far as trouble-
shooting. If you have access to an Apple Store with Genius Bar in the
USA or Canada, you could call ahead for an appointment to have one
of their staff genius tech persons diagnose and troubleshoot this issue.
In other locations, there may be fees charged to accommodate services.
Anyway, I an not certain what to suggest next.
Did you try booting from the Snow Leopard DVD?
Good luck & happy computing!

MacBook won't start at all - dead

My MacBook won't start AT ALL - nothing, nada, zip.
I press the power button and nothing happens at all - no sound, no lights, no movement.
I have tried taking out battery and unplugging it, then pressing power button for 5 seconds, then inserting battery and plugging back in (as per Apple's kb note). This doesn't help.
[OK I was trying to upgrade the hard drive - original hard drive is now back in the MacBook]
Any ideas?

OK I took my MacBook to the guys at Streetwise in Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn (we are talking Melbourne Australia here).
Incredibly helpful - the genius there diagnosed a dislodged cable between the top board (keyboard and housing) and the main body. He thought I had dislodged it trying to change over the hard drive.
In any case, he straightened things out, reseated the cable and voila, its all working.
Hard drive upgraded too using Carbon Copy Cloner.

While updating the firmware Update, i disrubted the download and now my macbook won't start up! Any suggestions on how to fix it? i only see a black screen

While updating the firmware Update, i disrubted the download and now my macbook won't start up! Any suggestions on how to fix it? i only see a black screen and when i press the power button i hear the noise that it would make if it was going to start up. But i only see black.

Try:
- iOS: Not responding or does not turn on
- Also try DFU mode after try recovery mode
How to put iPod touch / iPhone into DFU mode « Karthik's scribblings
- If not successful and you can't fully turn the iOS device fully off, let the battery fully drain. After charging for an least an hour try the above again.
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Apple Retail Store - Genius Bar

PB won't start, has no power, won't charge BUT I NEED THE INFO desperately

Hello! As the subject states, it won't start, has NoOoOoOo power, cannot get it to charge (and it's been plugged in now for 2.5 days). While RIM CS said they might fix it, I need to get the information off the tab first as it's REALLY really REALLY important.
I did post in another thread, but it seems my issue is just a little more challenging that most, as I've tried ALL the "ideas" that I have come across - here and in other site forums. If only it were as easy as the pins being bent or getting another charger.....
So not only will mine NOT start up, and is COMPLETELY dead, but (and here's the fun part) the USB port has been busted since purchase. (Thought we'd manage without, but hah....)
- the battery was NOT fully depleted when it crashed as it does every second day (this was Friday)
- have a Rapid Charger, and have been using it all along
- it has been plugged in for DAYS and nothing IS happening; no lights whatsoever
NO light red, yellow, green, or otherwise that comes on when plugged in (or otherwise)
- Looks like this "stacking" that keeps coming up refers only to when plugged into computers, which I cannot do,
though I did try the 2 min interval anyhow for awhile
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Anything, oh wise BB PB peeps??
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chaosdivine thanks for the idea!
Had to laugh at the comment that the USB would be wobbly after some time had gone by. Mine was broken after first attempt to even use it!
Anyhow, good post, but did all that already. Plugged in and sit, plug and unplug, plug and try to turn it on, leave it off, etc. and then some etc.

Macbook won't start - apple icon turns to circle with diagonal line/slash

My Macbook won't start. When I turn on the power, the apple icon appears but then after a while it changes to a circle with a diagonal line/slash, then it just shows a gray screen.
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Yup, i encountered the same experience after a strange failed USB-loading, and a sudden shutdown of my macbook.
Luckily i manage to "safe-boot" (pressing "Shift" key once starting up the mac) my macbook so that i can save the necessary files before will lose them all.
After that i popped-in my SL Installation DVD, and did the reinstallation process. Fortunately, everything works as charm and everything is back to normal after Spotlight has done it's hard work.
Happy Apple user once again.

Macbook won't start on battery power

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