xToxicInferno

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Feb 6, 2011
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18,510
I bought a used MacBook Pro recently and while it did have some problems, the machine itself has been running fine. The issue came up yesterday, I had the Mac plugged in, went to do something and came back and the light on the charger was out. The Macbook was about at 80% at this point and continued work fine. I shutdown and reset the SMC it didn't fix anything, then I tried to disconnect and reconnect the battery to the motherboard still didn't work. At this point in time, the battery has died from resetting and troubleshooting. The indicator on the side of the Macbook says the battery is dead, which makes sense. To me this is telling me that my charger is broke and not the Macbook but i also do not know anyone who also owns a Macbook to try their charger. So before I go out and buy a new charger, is there anything I may be missing?
 
Solution
After connecting the charger, try twisting it slightly to see if you get a light. Try one way then the other. I have an older model MacBook that will only charge when the Magsafe charger is twisted after it is connected.

If that makes no difference then disconnect the battery again. Then attach charger. If no light then it's not the battery. Your MacBook will run with no battery connected provided it is getting enough power from the adapter. Likely the charger went bad, happens all the time. Only buy an OEM one, there are lots of knock offs. I usually buy the 85 Watt model since it works for 13" and 15" MacBooks but you can get a 60 Watt if yours is only the 13".

xToxicInferno

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Feb 6, 2011
2
0
18,510


The only reason I don't suspect the battery is because I figure the charger would still light up even if it doesn't charge.
 

BadAsAl

Distinguished
After connecting the charger, try twisting it slightly to see if you get a light. Try one way then the other. I have an older model MacBook that will only charge when the Magsafe charger is twisted after it is connected.

If that makes no difference then disconnect the battery again. Then attach charger. If no light then it's not the battery. Your MacBook will run with no battery connected provided it is getting enough power from the adapter. Likely the charger went bad, happens all the time. Only buy an OEM one, there are lots of knock offs. I usually buy the 85 Watt model since it works for 13" and 15" MacBooks but you can get a 60 Watt if yours is only the 13".
 
Solution