brightness fade

[roneboy]

I've got a 13 in. Macbook with the aluminum case that I think i bought in about 2009. Even with in plugged in the brightness fades in about 5 min. Do I need a new battery. I know its old but don't want to spend the money on a new battery if its something else. Thanks back

 

[mrplow]

When you say brightness fades..... what exactly leads to this and what exactly happens?

If you use the functions keys to brighten the display do they work? What energy saving preferences are set?

 

[roneboy]

Thxs Mrplow for the reply. As soon as I open up my lid the computer screen is nice and bright but in a matter if mins you can see the screen get dark. Almost too dark with my old eyes to see. As for as the function keys, they only will darken it because ot it at is brightest. Enery saving is at computer sleep 3 hrs. while the display sleep is at 15 min. My battery is old and does look la little swollen. Thxs

 

[mrplow]

Well, the easiest way to determine if it's the battery is to remove it and just put the Mac on mains power.

It's also worth resetting the PRAM/SMC

About NVRAM and PRAM
Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)

 

[roneboy]

Thxs, I'll try all of that. Just so you know too. After it gets dark and i shut the cover down without turning off the computer, it starts off bright again for a min or so then fades darker again. Thxs again for all your help.

 

[roneboy]

Took the battery out and plugged it to main and the computer doesn't even turn on. I;ll have to look into the PRAMS/SMC too.

 

[mrplow]

If all is well it should as least Boston mains power alone.

Do the resets then try with and without the battery