2009 MBP Power Chord / Battery Issue

Hello,

I have a 2009 MBP that has been incredible to me over the years.

Unfortunately, my power chord / battery has been having issues lately.

At first, the power chord would only be recognized (light up) and charge when the chord was placed in certain positions. If you moved, or stepped on the chord or the chord moved, the connection would be lost and the light would go down.

Now, the chord won't light up or charge no matter what position I put it in. I have done the battery reboots and all that good stuff.

Any idea on if the battery has to be replaced (I haven't had to yet) or if I need a new chord. Or is it something more than that? Would taking it to an apple store do the right tests on it?

Thanks for any help you can offer!

rams_man13 said:

Any idea on if the battery has to be replaced (I haven't had to yet) or if I need a new chord. Or is it something more than that?

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Have you tried cleaning the power cord connector and/or the power port on the computer? I usually like to use an old toothbrush for this.

As far as the battery. How many charge cycles does it have?

rams_man13 said:

Would taking it to an apple store do the right tests on it?

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This certainly wouldn't hurt. The Apple stores will usually do this sort of testing for free.

But I would say try the cleaning first. And let us know how many charge cycles are on the battery before heading to the Apple Store.

- Nick

pigoo3 said:

Have you tried cleaning the power cord connector and/or the power port on the computer? I usually like to use an old toothbrush for this.

As far as the battery. How many charge cycles does it have?



This certainly wouldn't hurt. The Apple stores will usually do this sort of testing for free.

But I would say try the cleaning first. And let us know how many charge cycles are on the battery before heading to the Apple Store.

- Nick

Click to expand...

I did clean it based on another suggestion I read online. I used a qtip. No difference.

The cycle count according to the "About This Mac" section reads 328 cycles.

It also says below "Condition: Service Battery"

I'm assuming this is the answer? Battery issue?

Why wouldn't the computer work when plugged in without the battery?

Before I make any further guess's or theories…it would probably be best to know exactly what model MacBook Pro you have.

There were multiple MBP releases in 2009…with multiple models in each release. 2009 was also a year when Apple made a big changes in the sort of battery that was used.

- Nick

pigoo3 said:

Before I make any further guess's or theories…it would probably be best to know exactly what model MacBook Pro you have.

There were multiple MBP releases in 2009…with multiple models in each release. 2009 was also a year when Apple made a big changes in the sort of battery that was used.

- Nick

Click to expand...

MBP, Mid 2009, 2.53 GHz, 15 inch, 4GB Memory.

Anything else that would help with that?

rams_man13 said:

MBP, Mid 2009, 2.53 GHz, 15 inch, 4GB Memory.

Anything else that would help with that?

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Thanks for the info.

If I got your MBP model correct…it has the non-user replaceable battery (is this correct)? If so…these battery's are supposed to be good for 1000 charge cycles. If yours only has 328 cycles…and it says "Service Battery"…something doesn't sound right.

On the other hand. If it did have the user replaceable battery. These battery's are only good for 300 cycles. Thus with 328 cycles…the Service Battery message could be appropriate.

- Nick

pigoo3 said:

Thanks for the info.

If I got your MBP model correct…it has the non-user replaceable battery (is this correct)? If so…these battery's are supposed to be good for 1000 charge cycles. If yours only has 328 cycles…and it says "Service Battery"…something doesn't sound right.

On the other hand. If it did have the user replaceable battery. These battery's are only good for 300 cycles. Thus with 328 cycles…the Service Battery message could be appropriate.

- Nick

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It is the non-user replaceable battery.

I was able to get a coworkers chord and plug it in. It recognized the chord and started charging. I think the chord is the problem.

rams_man13 said:

I was able to get a coworkers chord and plug it in. It recognized the chord and started charging. I think the chord is the problem.

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Great you tried this. I was going to suggest it & it slipped my mind.

Yes I agree. if someone else's cord works…sound like a new one is needed.

- Nick

pigoo3 said:

Great you tried this. I was going to suggest it & it slipped my mind.

Yes I agree. if someone else's cord works…sound like a new one is needed.

- Nick

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Thanks!

Is the Apple Store the best place to purchase a new charger?

rams_man13 said:

Is the Apple Store the best place to purchase a new charger?

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The Apple Store is probably the best place to purchase a brand new one.

They are also sold on eBay. Used Apple units…and 3rd party knock-offs which can be of varying quality.

Up to you.

- Nick

rams_man13 said:

Thanks!

Is the Apple Store the best place to purchase a new charger?

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Give Amazon.com a look. They have the original Apple MagSafe Adapter Chargers discounted.

I'd say you've just got one of Apple's famous frayed cord power adapters, a very common problem. Just google it.

If you're lucky enough at the Apple Store, they may just replace it for you, and hopefully ant no charge.

Their power adapters still have a poor cable and strain relief quality and design.

chscag said:

Give Amazon.com a look. They have the original Apple MagSafe Adapter Chargers discounted.

Click to expand...

And their "Amazon Prime" gets better quality units apparently. Not just power adapters either:
Amazon.com: apple power supply