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Resolved Question

Macbook battery will not charge when computer is turned on

Jan 5, 2013 12:46AM PST

My MacBook (13" Late 2006 2.4 Ghz Intel Core 2 Du, ) running OSX 10.7.5, will not charge the battery when the computer is running. Shutting the computer down, waiting a few seconds the charger will then charge the battery.
In addition the computer will not "run" on the power adapter alone (i.e. with the battery removed).
I have tried SMC and PRAM resets.

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TC_Cosmic has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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How old is that battery?
Jan 5, 2013 1:00AM PST

If it's very old, this seems to happen. Old batteries can also damage the charging circuits and chargers so they symptoms match what I've seen in old battery failures.
Bob

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The battery is only six months old.
Jan 5, 2013 1:56AM PST

The replacement battery (6 months old) is direct from Apple. I did try the original battery (which has some life in it) but did not solve my problem

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Then it's likely charger or laptop.
Jan 5, 2013 2:07AM PST

Chargers are pretty cheap so take it to a genius bar and "forget" to bring your charger. You'll know more in minutes.
Bob

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Macbook charger only works when computer was off
Jan 12, 2013 1:33AM PST

Wasn't able to get to a genius bar. There isn't one in Kazakhstan (Astana) that I am aware off. However, I borrowed a friend's charger and hey presto everything back to normal. The Battery now charges rapidly, even when the computer is turned on. The functionality of using the MacBook whilst only on the charger (without a battery installed) is back.

Thanks for your help

Terry

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Good to read.
Jan 12, 2013 2:13PM PST

I think you understood how being forgetful can be our sly way of testing something out.

Chargers are pretty cheap and here's a parting tip. -> Can't tell which part is borked? Replace the cheapest part first.
Bob