Dead Battery????

bbkae · Sep 17, 2014

I have a 2013 Macbook Air and a few weeks ago, it started turning off randomly after a few minutes of use. It only works without turning off when it's plugged into the power.
I tried resetting the SMC various times, and the battery software update was not applicable to my device.
I'm not sure if it's a dead battery or not, because the device still charges.
I work for a magazine, and kinda need my laptop so any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you

Lifeisabeach · Sep 17, 2014

It could be a bad battery, or perhaps something faulty in the compartment for the battery. Here's how to check the battery to see how many charge cycles it has used:
Mac notebooks: Determining battery cycle count

And a free app to show you its health:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/battery-health/id490192174?mt=12

bbkae · Sep 17, 2014

The cycle count is 110/1000
when i press option and click on the battery, it says "condition: normal"
And the battery health is stated at 90%

RadDave · Sep 17, 2014

bbkae said:
The cycle count is 110/1000
when i press option and click on the battery, it says "condition: normal"
And the battery health is stated at 90%

Well those stats look fine to me - I use the same battery app on my MBPro (early '13) (at 200 cycles, 97% healthy, and 'normal') - check Apple's support article on Resetting SMC to make sure you did the maneuver correctly.

Did you purchase Apple Care w/ your laptop or are you still w/i the one year warranty period? A visit to an Apple Store or an authorized Apple retailer might be considered if the battery issue is not resolved. Good luck - Dave

bbkae · Sep 17, 2014

Yup, I know I resetted it correctly because the light on the power cord briefly changed colours.
I also ran a diagnostics test, and it said that there are no issues.
I don't think its water damage, because Ive never spilt a liquid on it.
The biggest problem is that I live in Dubai, and they haven't opened an apple store yet

bbkae · Sep 17, 2014

Do you think that the voltage its receiving could be an issue since this macbook was purchased in canada?

RadDave · Sep 17, 2014

bbkae said:
Do you think that the voltage its receiving could be an issue since this macbook was purchased in canada?

Well, my MBPro charging unit input range is 100-240V, so I suspect that yours is similar for the Air - not sure what kind of current you get in Dubai, but have you tried other power outlets? Also, if there is a plug-in adapter, you might want try another one? Dave

Beatles4Life · Sep 18, 2014

If you're using a universal to British plug adaptor (Dubai has the same plugs/voltage as the UK), that might be the problem. I had the same thing happen with my MacBook Pro when I was in England. I would recommend either getting a UK extension cord or an American to UK plug adaptor (like this one) and plugging your extension cord into that instead.

Hope that helps.