this post was submitted on 29 Mar 2025
10 points (100.0% liked)

techsupport

2716 readers
29 users here now

The Lemmy community will help you with your tech problems and questions about anything here. Do not be shy, we will try to help you.

If something works or if you find a solution to your problem let us know it will be greatly apreciated.

Rules: instance rules + stay on topic

Partnered communities:

You Should Know

Reddit

Software gore

Recommendations

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
[email protected]
10
MacBook Pro refuses to turn on (lemmy.fish)
submitted 5 days ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
5 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Hey all, I'm having an issue with my ~2009 MacBook Pro that refuses to turn on, and I could really use some help. Here are the details:

Symptoms:

The MacBook Pro doesn't turn on at all.

The charger stays green, even with the battery in.

When I connect the battery, all the battery indicator dots flash on, then turn off.

The MagSafe connector shows 12V on the pins, so the charger seems to be supplying power.

I’ve removed the battery, and the issue persists.

The battery appears to have a swelling issue.

Troubleshooting so far:

SMC & NVRAM Reset: Tried both, but still no luck. What should be noted though is that when I do an SMC reset for a few seconds the battery level indicator light will flash at one bar as if the battery is empty. This only happens when the batteries are moved.

Charger Works: I’ve tested the charger with another MacBook, so I know it’s functioning properly.

Battery Removed: Even with the battery taken out, it still won’t power on. Also note that the battery appears swollen. Do this, I will probably turn it in.

Board Inspection: I’ve inspected the board visually, but nothing seems wrong. I haven’t taken it apart more than that yet.

OS: The MacBook ran Linux with rEFInd as the boot manager.

Additional Info:

I’m not sure if the swollen battery could be related to the issue, but it seems worth noting.

I haven’t gone deep into the MacBook to check for possible other issues yet.

Anyone run into a similar problem or have any suggestions on what I should check next? I would really appreciate any help.

top 5 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] [email protected] 8 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago) (1 children)

Dead and dangerous battery. Find a replacement, or use it as a plug-in only machine.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 5 days ago

The issue persists even without the battery.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (1 children)

According to osxdaily, without the battery

  1. Unplug the MagSafe power cable
  2. Hold down the Power button for 10 seconds and continue to hold it down
  3. While still holding the Power button, connect the MagSafe power cable to the MacBook Pro and continue to hold the Power button for another 10 seconds
  4. Release the Power button, then press the Power button as usual to power on the computer and boot the Mac

I guess the fans will run at full blast tho

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Thank you so much!!! This is the solution, I just wasn't powering it up correctly. You're a lifesaver.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 days ago

No problem!