dcunited001

Q: Why does my iSight camera periodically stop working, requiring PMU reset?

Just wondering why this happens? 

 

Using a Feb 2011 Macbook Pro with OSX Lion 10.7.4

 

It seems that every time i use my built-in iSight camera, then the next time i go to use it, it can not be found.  This requires that I reset the PMU, which is kind of annoying.  Then it works for a few weeks and the cycle of iSight begins again. 

 

Why does this happen?  It seems pretty trivial to consistently recognize a camera which is wired into my computer.  Is there something I could do to prevent this from happening again?  I have tried turning it on and off again. 

 

And currently, this article is linking to the reset instructions for Intel iMac instead of the Macbook Pro page...

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090

 

Thank you

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.4), Feb 2011

Posted on Jun 11, 2012 7:31 PM

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Q: Why does my iSight camera periodically stop working, requiring PMU reset?

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  • by EZ Jim,

    EZ Jim EZ Jim Jun 12, 2012 8:04 AM in response to dcunited001
    Level 7 (22,547 points)
    Jun 12, 2012 8:04 AM in response to dcunited001

    dcunited001 wrote: ... Just wondering why this happens?  ...

    Because something is wrong. 

     

     

    dcunited001 wrote: ...  Is there something I could do to prevent this from happening again? ...

    One of the following will fix it.

     

    (0)  If you need help with the following suggestions,

          you might rather contact your local retailer or

          Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) for help.

          They can help you or determine whether your Mac

          needs hardware service or only a software problem.

     

    (1) Close all open apps that use the camera and then

         try again with only one app running at a time.

         If the problem continues, delete any Log-In items and

         Dashboard Widgets that might be using your camera.

     

    (2) Try Apple's http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090

     

         Be sure to use the correct SMC/PMU reset procedure

         for your particular MBP model: model with a battery

         you should not remove on your own

     

         If these suggestions do not help, yours may be a

         hardware problem that will require a professional fix.

     

        Unless you have a current backup, make one now.

        Then use the final "Troubleshooting" suggestion:

     

    "... contact Apple or an Apple-Authorized Service Provider for service."

     

    (3) If you want to try one more thing on your own first,

         you can use Disk Utility to repair permissions.  Then

         download and apply the latest Lion Combo Update:

          http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1524

     

        Repair permissions again immediately following the

        system restart that completes the Combo update.

     

    Properly applying the Combo version of updates can sometimes correct software problems, but, if your trouble is caused by a hardware problem, there are no user serviceable parts of iSight.  See your AASP for hardware problems.

     

     

    dcunited001 wrote: ... article is linking to the reset instructions for Intel iMac instead of the Macbook Pro page...

    The article actually has THREE links to TWO different SMU/PMU reset instructions:

     

        • iMac G5 (iSight),

     

        • Intel-based iMacs;

     

        • MacBook and MacBook Pro

     

    You should use the last one ( http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964 ) Yes, it is the same article as for iNtel-based iMacs, but it is the correct one for you.

     

    The important thing is to page down to the section entitled "Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)".   Then click the reveal triangle ( ) to see and carefully follow the specific reset instructions for "Resetting the SMC on portables with a battery you should not remove on your own".  This is the proper reset process for your "Feb 2011 Macbook Pro".

     

     

    Message was edited by: EZ Jim

     

     

    Mac OSX 10.7.4

  • by talk2bks,

    talk2bks talk2bks Jun 18, 2012 7:26 AM in response to dcunited001
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 18, 2012 7:26 AM in response to dcunited001

    Mine cut out for the first time last night. After restart it starting working again.

     

    Here is my guess:

    My iMac was over heating at the computer cut it off. The left side of the comptuer was really really hot and the right side ws normal. I don't know what's on the left side but it was hot. The fans did not kick on either. I am guessing that the thermostat is on the right side of the computer.

     

    I turned off the computer, stuck a fan on it