To test the battery itself, you can use pre-boot diagnostics. This is a quick diagnostic test that checks hardware across your laptop.

It can test the battery, along parts like the hard drive and fans.

You’ll need to restart your laptop, then press a specific key to trigger pre-boot diagnostics.

Each brand of computer comes with their specific key for this test. For example, it’s “F12” for Dell computers, “Esc” for HP computers, and “D” for Apple Macs.

There is no specific test for the motherboard, but if pre-boot diagnostics comes back to you with failure reports on the RAM and GPU, you may be able to confirm a motherboard failure. This is because the RAM and GPU are embedded on the motherboard of most modern laptops.

On Apple MacBook laptops, if Apple Diagnostics reports a SMC failure, you can also confirm a logic board failure. The motherboard is where power runs through to reach the battery, so the battery will be unable to charge without this channel.

For the charger and charger port, you can use a spare charger to test them first. If that doesn’t work, you can check the charger port with a multimeter. This tests the charger port for failures, as they may become bent or loose. That way it is unable to carry the charge from the charger.

2. My laptop won’t turn on. Is the battery dead?

Not necessarily.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t actually need a working battery to turn on your laptop.

A laptop that won’t turn on might make most laptop users think they need a battery replacement, but that isn’t so. It’s a common scapegoat for dead laptop issues.

Even if you do have a dead battery, you should still be able to turn the laptop on, as long as it is plugged in to the power adaptor (charger pack).

The battery is only the part that stores power to use while the laptop isn’t plugged in. It’s not the part that powers up your laptop.

That’s the motherboard’s job.

The power current goes from the charging port to the motherboard, where power goes through the circuit board to all the other parts of the laptop.

So when your laptop won’t turn on, it’s not because of a dead battery.

It isn’t simply the motherboard’s fault either, it could be some other hardware issue.

A dead laptop can mean a few hardware failures coming from either the motherboard, RAM, or video card. These components are crucial for the laptop’s start up process, and when one falls, the laptop might not be able to turn on.

3. Do I need to unplug my laptop once it reaches full charge?

No, you don’t need to unplug your laptop once it reaches full charge. Leaving the charger cable plugged in your laptop won’t “overcharge” or harm the laptop’s battery life.

I can tell this from my own experience of having seen thousands of computers that need repairs.

I myself have always preferred plugging the charger in whenever I can. While my wife has always used her laptop on battery. Both of our laptops have lasted for well over 8 years!

So, you don’t have to worry about leaving your laptop to charge overnight. You can just leave the charger in while you use it, while you’re not using it, anytime really.

The lithium-ion batteries on modern laptops are made with a mechanism that is designed to stop charging the battery once it reaches full charge.

This avoids the accidents that may happen if the battery keeps charging and starts to heat up. If you click on the battery icon on your laptop, you should see it indicating “plugged in, charging” or “plugged in, fully charged”.

If you’re concerned about battery life deteriorating, that shouldn’t be a big problem with lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are also made to be able to be recharged over and over again, without losing their power capacity.

You could charge your laptop hundreds of times and that wouldn’t change its average battery life and performance. Of course, after about 600 charging cycles or more, the battery could lose its performance and start to fail. Then you’ll need to replace it.

4. What does “service battery” on my MacBook mean?

Apple MacBook laptops have different battery status indicators that tell users about their batteries and when it needs to be serviced. This includes “service battery”, “replace soon”, or “replace now”. Newer Macs may just show “service recommended”.

“Service battery” means that the battery may be holding less charge or isn’t working as well as when it was new. The battery is still working and can be charged up and used, but will need a little attention soon. You might want to take it to the Apple Store for some TLC.

As we’ve mentioned above, a high charging cycle count means that the battery may be on its way out soon. You can check your cycle count on your Mac, from “System Information”. Go to Hardware > Power, then you’ll be able to see “Battery information”.

There you can find information like your laptop’s full charge capacity and cycle count. You can only look up the maximum cycle count for your Mac model from Apple Support.

Although a high charging cycle count should be something to be aware of, it’s not the only cause of laptop battery failure. Even a battery with a low cycle count can fail. Along with the performance of the battery, the way the battery’s been used, and the overall performance of the laptop can cause battery failure.

5. Should I use a surge protector?

Yes, you should!

A surge protector can protect your laptop from getting fried by a current gone awry. When a power surge happens, the current is redirected to other sockets and can pass into your laptop through the charger.

This can do all sorts of damage, including burning the motherboard or frying the battery.

However, don’t assume that a power board with surge protector will prevent power spike from damaging your computers completely. It helps, but it’s not 100% protection.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is a much better power surge protector for your computers.

If your computer is critically important for your business, you should consider getting a UPS. Many businesses have UPS for their main computers, printers.

Need laptop battery replacement?

Hopefully, we’ve answered what you want to know about your laptop’s power and battery options.

If you need more advice and help with your laptop, we’re here to help! At Safemode Computer Service, located in the heart of Inner West Sydney, our experienced technicians can assist you with any computer issue you have. We fix all computers, whether you have a desktop or laptop, PC or Mac. Call us today, or come on down to our Enmore store!

3 steps to test, troubleshoot common Apple Mac computer problems yourself

With Macbook laptops and desktop Macs, there are a few common problems that users may come across. While they can be quite frustrating to face, there are a few tricks and tools that you can use to figure it all out. Here are some common Mac issues and how you can fix them yourself.

Common Mac issues

Start up issues

When you’ve had your Mac for a while, parts may start to fail. These hardware failures can cause some pretty bad issues, where you may experience some trouble while starting up your Mac. These start up issues may include: the question mark folder error, infinite loading bar, or in some situations, your Mac may not turn on at all.

These issues usually can be traced back to hardware issues related to the parts that are essential to the macOS start up process. The hard drive, logic board, RAM, and video card should be thoroughly checked out to solve this problem. You can also try resolving possible software issues as well.

Spinning beach ball

The spinning beach ball as a “loading” indicator is considered an iconic Apple symbol. But it can also be pretty frustrating to get it all the time while you’re working.

This could be a sign that your Mac’s processor is overworked and cannot manage all the processes that you’re working on. Or you might not have enough RAM space to handle the many tasks you have open.

It shouldn’t be a problem if it goes away after you close some programs from the Activity Monitor. By closing background apps that you’re not using, you can smooth things out and reduce your system’s workload. But if the problem persists, you might have to figure out what’s really wrong with your Mac by running diagnostics.

Slow performance

Similar to the constant spinning beach ball problem, slow macOS performance is also a common issue that Mac users come across. Most of the time, this can be identified as a hard drive issue. Hard drives can start to lose functionality over its 3-5 year lifespan, and cause all sorts of issues. Some of these issues may be apparent from when you start your Mac, or you’ll notice that some files are lost or you’re unable to open them. A slow Mac could also be a sign of hard drive failure. It might not be completely failed, but could be getting there. It’s a good idea to catch these issues early before you’re met with the tragedy of complete hard drive failure. Backing up your data regularly is also something you should be doing.

Known hardware issues across different Mac models

Certain models of Mac computers have some widely-known hardware issues that Apple offers recall programs for. Some publicly acknowledged hardware issues include the butterfly keyboard, video cards, and screens on Macbook laptops. Apple offered free replacements for these parts in various limited recall programs.

However, some Mac users may not experience problems with the part until after the program has ended, or just simply missed it. This just means they can’t get a free fix from Apple. It’s helpful to be aware of these issues, so when something comes up, you will definitely know what it is.

How to fix Mac issues

When you find that your Mac isn’t working properly, you can try out some software fixes first. Even if you solve the problem with these fixes, it’s still a good idea to run checks on your hardware. That way you can make sure that everything is in tip top shape.

1. Restart and reset

A small but mighty fix for a lot of computer issues is a quick restart. Don’t underestimate the power of the simple computer restart, it can actually solve a lot of software and driver issues. We recommend restarting your Mac as a first step to fix your Mac issues.

If your Mac has frozen up and you can’t restart it from the power options, you can turn it off manually. Press down the power button for about 6 seconds until it powers down. Just remember, only do this when you absolutely have to.

Some more soft fixes include resetting the SMC and PRAM / NVRAM. These two resets are specific to Mac laptops and desktop computers. They can solve a range of issues related to startup, power and the battery.

SMC resets

The System Management Controller (SMC) is where your Mac stores information related to things like startup, fan and temperature control, the keyboard, and more. If the SMC is not working properly, you might notice problems with power, performance, or battery.

By resetting the SMC back to default settings, you might be able to resolve software related issues. To do so, you’ll have to refer to the kind of Mac you have:

Desktop Mac: Disconnect the power adaptor and reconnect it after 15 seconds. Then wait another 5 seconds before turning the Mac on again.

Macbook laptop with T2 security chip: Shutdown the Mac and hold down Control + Option + Shift. This process may turn on the Mac. Hold these three keys for 7 seconds, then press and hold the power button as well. Your Mac will turn off after these 7 seconds. Wait for a few seconds before turning on the Mac again.

Macbook laptop without T2 security chip: Shutdown and unplug the Mac, then hold down Control + Shift + Option + Power button for 10 seconds. Then you can plug the power cord back and turn on the Macbook again.

NVRAM / PRAM resets

While they seem to be different things by name, the parameter RAM (PRAM) and non-volatile RAM are essentially the same thing. It’s only that newer Macs use NVRAM rather than PRAM.

The main difference is that the NVRAM stores less information. It is a slimmed down version with just the essentials like the time zone, screen resolution, and the selected startup disk.

When your Mac is taking forever to boot, you could try resetting the NVRAM. This resolves startup disk issues by reverting the NVRAM back to default settings.

To reset the NVRAM or PRAM, restart your Mac and hold down Command + Option + P + R for 20 seconds (your Mac may restart). Release the keys and start the Mac up normally. For older Macs that chime at boot, hold the four keys until you hear a second chime.

2. Reinstall macOS

Sometimes you just need a clean slate to get things going again. You can do this by reinstalling macOS from macOS Utilities. This is another way to resolve software issues by refreshing your OS. Just make sure you have a Time Machine backup, or a backup on an external hard drive before you do so. This is because the process can wipe your drive.

To reinstall macOS, restart your Mac and hold down Command + R when you boot it up again. This gets you to macOS Utilities where you can pick “Reinstall macOS”. Then, as long as you have an internet connection, you Mac should download and install the right version of macOS for you.

3. Run diagnostics

Testing your hardware is always useful when you want to thoroughly find out what’s wrong with your Mac. Even if your problem does seem to go away after fixing software issues, underlying hardware issues might cause more problems down the line. So you might want to take some time to run checks on your Mac’s hardware.

Apple diagnostics

One easy way to check on almost everything on your Mac is by running Apple Diagnostics. Apple Diagnostics, or Apple Hardware Test, can help you test hardware on your Mac, including the hard drive, battery, fan, and more.

To run Apple Diagnostics, restart your Mac and hold down the “D” key until you reach a language selection page. After picking the language, a loading bar should appear to indicate that the test has started. If Apple Diagnostics finds any problems, it will report them with reference codes and suggest solutions as well.

Other specific apps and software

Apple diagnostics is only a base-level type of hardware test that can only do so much. Say you’ve narrowed the problem down to the hard drive. You can run First Aid from Disk Utility to check and possibly repair your hard drive.

You may also try some other branded hardware analysis software to test your hard drive, RAM, or video card. These apps can help you run extensive tests with thorough results.

Expert Mac repairs at Safemode Computer Service

Maybe you end up with a problem with solutions that are out of your reach. That’s where we can help. At Safemode Computer Service, we deliver the most trusted and reliable computer repair services in Sydney. Our experienced technicians can help you test and offer the right advice for any computer issue you have, from desktop Macs to Macbook laptops. Come on down to our Inner West store today, or call to make an appointment.

What to do if your Mac won’t boot up: fixing Apple startup issues

A lot of things could cause a Macbook to stop booting up properly, or not even start up at all. It could be a software or hardware problem. Either way, you’re probably looking to boot it up normally again.

Here’s a few things you could run through to fix the problem and get your Mac working again. This includes some simple checks and software resets as a first step. Then we can move on to checking on your hardware and repairing any possible faults.

Having said that, Apple computers have sophisticated designs. Fixing Apple computers is a challenge even for a computer technician who is only specialized in Windows PC. DIY repair for a novice user is often not possible. After you’ve gone through the tips below and your computer still doesn’t work, it’s most likely that you need professional computer repair services.

Reported Problems:

One of the biggest challenges we have ever done! An Apple MacBook Pro 13 inch A1278 year 2011 laptop was booked in for repairs. The laptop was soaked with water (lots of water, inside a bag) and was no longer booting up.

The Repairs:

This laptop may have suffered multiple water damages. The mission of rescuing this laptop won’t be an easy ride. More than one part will need to be replaced. For this laptop, after extensive testings, we have determined that its logic board, heatsink and screen need to be replaced.

We first have a look inside this laptop.

Now let’s remove the logic board from the computer. Make sure to disconnect other parts first.

Now we can have a look at the logic board.

Testing has confirmed that this logic board is damaged and will need to be replaced. We can now take out a replacement logic board and replace it.

Here we encounter an unexpected problem. This logic board, for some reason, is different from common MacBook Pro A1278 logic boards, it’s nowhere to be found in the market.

Unable to use the common A1278 logic board, we talked to our suppliers to source for an alternative Apple logic board with the same specs.

Now we have the replacement board, installing it brought up another issue. The board’s heatsink was not compatible and had to be replaced too.

Now we have replaced both logic board and heatsink for this MacBook Pro laptop, next is to replace the screen.

Replacing screen for Apple MacBook Pro unibody laptops is never an easy job. The screen is behind a glass cover, replacing the screen means we need to remove the glass cover first. The glass cover is fragile and may break when you attempt to take it out.

Heat up the glass cover with a heat gun and remove it with a suction cup.

Carefully remove the glass cover and make sure not to damage or burn anything underneath.

Have a replacement glass cover in case you broke the original one. Always wear gloves and safety glasses to avoid injuries.

Now we should have access to the screen.

Let’s replace it with a new screen.

With new screen, new logic board, new heatsink installed, the rest of this job is simpler. Reassemble the laptop and test it out.

The laptop turns on fine and booted into Mac OS X normally. Try out other functions such as wireless, keyboard, touchpad to make sure it’s working properly.

All are working perfectly as they should be. Mission accomplished.

Looking for Apple Mac Repairs?

Does your Apple Mac have the same problem? Check our Apple Mac Repair services and Contact us now for a Free Quote. Pickup and Delivery is available for your convenience.

Reported Problems:

An Apple MacBook Air laptop was booked in with keyboard problem.

     

Owner of the laptop spilled water onto the keyboard of the Mac, since then the keyboard didn’t work properly. Random letters came up when typing. The laptop booted up straight into Safe Boot as if Shift key was engaged.

     

On this Apple MacBook Air, its keyboard unit is integrated into its aluminium casing. The keyboard is connected to touchpad unit, and touchpad unit is, via a ribbon cable, connected to logic board. Thus the problem may lie within any of these units. Replacing the keyboard unit does NOT guarantee to fix the problem. We have come across a different job (same Apple MacBook Air that had water spilt on) that had the same problem but due to both damaged keyboard and touchpad (demonstrated in another post).

The Repairs:

Using available spare parts and a number of tests, we have determined that the laptop keyboard needs to be replaced.

Let’s first have a look at its bottom cover.

     

Battery need to be disconnected to stop power going in to the laptop, so let’s take the battery out from the laptop.

There we’ll see logic board, fan and other parts. All these parts need to be removed before keyboard can be taken out.

Take extra precaution here because these electronic parts are sensitive, any “minor” accidental damages can cause great damages to the computer.

     

Once fan, logic board, wireless adaptor etc are removed from the laptop, we should have the below (speakers not yet removed).

Now let’s take out a same keyboard (integrated in aluminum case).

Different MacBook Air has different keyboard, make sure the part is compatible otherwise it will not fit and will not work.

Now we need to remove the keyboard and bottom casing from the laptop’s display panel. The job is simpler from here. Let’s put in the new keyboard, connect it to the display panel, reassemble the laptop and test it out.

The laptop starts up fine, open TextEdit and check every key.

All the keys are now working as they should. Another Apple MacBook Air laptop fixed successfully.

Looking for Apple Mac Repairs?

Does your Apple Mac have the same problem? Check our Apple Mac Repair services and Contact us now for a Free Quote. Pickup and Delivery is available for your convenience.

 

Reported Problems:

An Apple MacBook Pro Unibody 13-inch laptop was booked in with a strange problem. The laptop screen has lines sometimes, a blur duplicated image appeared on the screen, and the screen blacks out occasionally.

     

After a number of testing, we have determined that both of the laptop screen and LED cable must be replaced. Well preparation is the key for this job because this one will require a lot of time, skills and experience. Available spare parts are essential to complete the job right and important for testing.

Let’s remove the laptop bottom cover.

Let’s remove the laptop battery to stop power to the laptop.

Next, we’ve found that the laptop fan has some dust, let’s quickly clean it out. Using cleaning oil will help if necessary. Use a computer brush to clean out the dust.

     

Now we’ll disconnect LED cable from logic board, disconnect left speakers, then put the laptop to stand on its side.

We will then un-screw both hinges and carefully remove the display panel from bottom casing of the laptop.

Now we’ve got the display panel removed on this MacBook Pro laptop. The most difficult part is not yet to start.

Using a heat-gun, we’ll need to heat up the glass cover on the laptop display, take extra precaution here since over-heating it will cause damages on other parts inside the display. Not enough heat on the other hands will not help.

     

With a suction-cup, lift the glass cover up separating it from the display. Be careful here because the glass cover is fragile and can break easily if you use too much force. This process sometimes may break the glass cover so always make sure to have a replacement one in case.

Once that’s done, we can now remove the laptop screen and pull out its LED cable.

Check the screen details, make sure that you have a compatible screen and LED cable. Install the new screen and connect new LED cable.

Follow the same steps in reversed order to reassemble the laptop.

Now we’ve got an Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch A1278 laptop with new screen, new glass cover (if replaced), new LED cable, with internal fan cleaned. Let’s test it out.

          

So far so good, the problem is fixed and the laptop is working well.

Apple MacBook Pro laptops are designed differently comparing to others, replacing screen on these MACs requires a lot more work to be done.

Looking for Apple Mac Repairs?

Does your Apple Mac have the same problem? Check our Apple Mac Repair services and Contact us now for a Free Quote. Pickup and Delivery is available for your convenience.