Swollen battery for the past few days - MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015)

Question

I checked with Macbook Pro mid-2015 15" swollen battery and I am asking this question. My MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015), details enclosed, is working perfectly. For the past two days I noticed a strange bulge in the bottom and the lid isn't closing correctly.

I have been handling it really carefully - dust free, never dropped down, etc. And here are some more information about the machine. Should I continue using it with the bulge or should I do anything to reduce the bulge? As this is my only source of income with the work I do here and there's no alternate for me.

I always use it in a clamshell mode (lid closed, power connected, external monitor, keyboard and mouse always connected). I cannot remove the power cable, if I do so, the system switches off in clamshell mode.

To use closed-display mode with your Mac notebook, here's what you need:

• An AC power adapter or an external display that provides power over USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C).
• An external keyboard and mouse or trackpad, either USB or wireless.
• A USB-C to USB adapter or cable if you're using a USB mouse or keyboard with a Mac that has USB-C ports.
• An external display or projector.

I have been using my MacBook Pro in the above setup for about three years. It's been 39 months since I bought it and here's the Battery Information:

Model Information:
    Serial Number:  D86XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    Manufacturer:   SMP
    Device Name:    bqXXXXXX
    Pack Lot Code:  0
    PCB Lot Code:   0
    Firmware Version:   702
    Hardware Revision:  1
    Cell Revision:  3244
Charge Information:
    Charge Remaining (mAh): 8623
    Fully Charged:  Yes
    Charging:   No
    Full Charge Capacity (mAh): 8909
Health Information:
    Cycle Count:    8
    Condition:  Normal
Battery Installed:  Yes
Amperage (mA):  0
Voltage (mV):   12817

AC Charger Information:
    Connected:  Yes
    ID: 0x0aa1
    Wattage (W):    85
    Family: 0x0085
    Serial Number:  0x00XXXXXX
    Charging:   No

I recently installed coconutBattery and here are some details about that.

The cycle count is also very less. I am not sure why it got so much swollen and it also affects the trackpad and other things, I really hope it doesn't come out breaking. Should I continue using? I have booked an appointment with AASP on Monday, but I do have a heavy usage on this weekend - tomorrow and day after. Geographically, I am in London, if it helps. Please advice me.

Happy to provide more information if possible.

Answer 1

You should definitely locate a service provider that can run a test today / tomorrow. Remote service is easy for this and quick and consider getting a backup and then take your computer to the Apple Store if they are open in your country.

• https://locate.apple.com
• https://support.apple.com/15-inch-macbook-pro-battery-recall

This is the battery airbag inflating to prevent a problem like fire or failure. Protect your data immediately, the hardware also needs attention. You may be covered by a safety program about the Apple batteries in the MacBook and it has precautions to take. In the past, these original batteries have exploded. I would take it to Apple Store immediately.

Also if the battery continues to swell it will eventually break something inside your computer. Others have mentioned that a swollen battery broke the trackpad on their MacBook Pro. All the more reason to take it to an Apple Store even if you think you are out of warranty. This design is like crumple zones in a car - the hardware is designed to save life in the event the design tolerances are exceeded. If the car is going to crash, it might as well do so safely. Same with a battery, if it’s getting over charged, it might as well let you know clearly and safely.

I also found this fairly recent (2019) article about Lithium Polymer batteries and off-gassing.