Chosen Solution
Here is the situation: I tried to start up my Macbook a week or so ago and it wouldn’t start up. Turns out my off brand replacement battery was junk. So I got a new one and installed it. The computer started up and charged with no problem. The next day, it wouldn’t turn on. I messed around with it a bit and found online that resetting the SMC and PRAM may help. I did that and it worked for a day. Then, when my computer wouldn’t work again, I reset the SMC and PRAM again and it once again started working. A few days later, and once again it wouldn’t work unless plugged in. When plugged in, it shows a Green LED no matter what and the battery indicator lights have done various weird things (stayed on despite the computer being unplugged and can’t turn on, showed 2-7 solid despite being a full charge, and many others). So I reset the SMC/PRAM again and it worked for an hour. Then I cleaned the charging port (brand new charging cord so that isn’t the problem) and still the MagSafe LED was green. Turned on the computer while plugged in and the battery display had an X in it. Reset SMC/PRAM and got it working again and downloaded a battery tester app. According to the battery testing app the battery is working in prime condition. No red flags at all. So if my battery is fine, and my computer occasionally works just fine, what the heck is the problem? I have read that it could be the MagSafe DC-In board inside but many say that shouldn’t be the problem because it still works when plugged in almost always (for a little while that didn’t work one of those times but then I let it sit for a while and it started working again) and in the DC board wasn’t working the computer wouldn’t register being plugged in. I have read that it could be the logic board but posts seem to suggest that it can’t be that because if it were the logic board it shouldn’t be randomly working at times and not working at others (it lasted 3 days with no SMC or PRAM reset once… also, I am typing this on the system, unplugged right now). SO WHAT IS WRONG? Please help me if you can. I don’t live anywhere near a tech and even if I did this thing is so old most won’t bother with it. Also, due to the current Pandemic, options are severely limited but I need this computer for work. Here are some of the other things I have done that haven’t seemed to make a difference: I tried removing the battery and resetting the SMC, I have tried plugging in my computer while the battery was out and using it and I could do that (but I would like to stress that clearly the battery works as I am currently typing on this computer using only battery power), Using other cables and internal batteries (to no positive change). My computer is the Early 2011 13’’ MacBook Pro 2.7 GHz i7 with 8GB RAM. The battery is the only thing that isn’t original. Please help if you can! I am happy to provide more info if necessary! Update 1: 6/7/20 9:35 PM
Update 2: 6/8/20 8:57 AM
Time for a new MagSafe connector! MacBook Pro Unibody 13" and 15" MagSafe DC-In Board and here’s how! MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Early 2011 MagSafe DC-In Board Replacement I also think your charger may need replacing. Please don’t buy a cheap knock off unit as they will damage your system! Get the REAL Apple unit directly from Apple. You likely need a new MagSafe charger as well: REAL Apple 60W MagSafe Power Adapter (for MacBook and 13-inch MacBook Pro) ● Don’t Replace Your MacBook Charger With a Cheap Knockoff ● OEM MagSafe Chargers vs Cheap Imposters: Teardown for Truth ● Lacking safety features, cheap MacBook chargers create big sparks ● FAKE Magsafe MacBook Chargers on eBay - Watch before buying a Mac Charger
