MBP weak battery...

Question

I've briefly looked through threads similar to this, but I don't think any of those apply. I bought my MBP in summer of 06 (so https://support.apple.com/macbookpro15/batteryexchange/ doesn't apply), and since then, it's run 353 battery cycles. It looks like all exchanges have to have <300 cycles, so I don't think I can get it replaced normally. However, the battery health seems unusually low...coconutBattery reports 30% health at the moment. The entire Power section of System Profile reads:
System Power Settings:
AC Power:
System Sleep Timer (Minutes): 10
Disk Sleep Timer (Minutes): 10
Display Sleep Timer (Minutes): 10
Automatic Restart On Power Loss: No
Wake On AC Change: No
Wake On Clamshell Open: Yes
Wake On LAN: Yes
Display Sleep Uses Dim: Yes
Battery Power:
System Sleep Timer (Minutes): 0
Disk Sleep Timer (Minutes): 10
Display Sleep Timer (Minutes): 45
Wake On AC Change: No
Wake On Clamshell Open: Yes
Display Sleep Uses Dim: Yes
Reduce Brightness: Yes
Hardware Configuration:
UPS Installed: No
AC Charger Information:
Connected: Yes
Charging: No
Battery Information:
Model Information:
Manufacturer: Sony
Device name: ASMB012
Pack Lot Code: 0003
PCB Lot Code: 0000
Firmware Version: 102a
Hardware Revision: 0400
Cell Revision: 0303
Charge Information:
Charge remaining (mAh): 1600
Fully charged: Yes
Charging: No
Full charge capacity (mAh): 1662
Health Information:
Cycle count: 353
Battery health: Fair
Battery Installed: Yes
Amperage (mA): 0
Voltage (mV): 12391
Is this something unusual, and if so do you think Apple would/could do anything about it?

Answer 1

Your battery is certainly on the way out, and 30% health is quite low. Even though your battery is not part of the recall, be aware that there are two 'replacement' programs for batteries, the recall, and a general acknowledgement that there are battery problems which is coupled to a battery warranty extension (to two years for Core Duo machines). You may have already read the page where that is explained.
Even though you have >300 cycles you are clearly far below the 80% health those 300 cycles should have held to. So, you need a new battery, and Apple might provide one for free. Call AppleCare (there are special prompts for battery problems) or visit an Apple Store. Be polite but firm. Worst-case scenario, you have to buy a new battery. But it's probable that will step up - their customer service is quite good.
Hope this helps...