HT201295: Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac

Learn about Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac
KGD
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Q: Fussy SMC Reset

My MacBook Pro 4,1 takes numerous efforts to perform an SMC reset when needed. Could there be an outstanding issue?  Any suggestions?

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.5), 4,1 6GB RAM, 17" Display, 512MB Vid

Posted on Mar 5, 2015 3:43 PM

by Linc Davis,Solvedanswer
Linc Davis Linc Davis
Level 10 (207,926 points)
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A:

If the light comes back on after a reset, then goes out again later, that's a hardware fault in the computer.

Posted on Mar 6, 2015 6:00 AM

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KGD

Q: Fussy SMC Reset

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  • Helpful answers

  • by my ginger,

    my ginger my ginger Mar 5, 2015 3:51 PM in response to KGD
    Level 4 (2,472 points)
    Mar 5, 2015 3:51 PM in response to KGD

    What do you mean by fuzzy? SMC reset with removable battery is / remove battery and power cord press and hold power button for 10 seconds. No light or sound happen. With battery you cannot remove it's/hold down command/option/shift and power button for 10seconds.No sound or anything happen. it ether reboots or you press the power button again and it reboots.  The only time you would hear anything is a pram reset.Command/option/p/r/keys for three chimes at startup.

  • by KGD,

    KGD KGD Mar 5, 2015 4:57 PM in response to my ginger
    Level 2 (499 points)
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    Mar 5, 2015 4:57 PM in response to my ginger

    Went through the process a number of times taking several hours.  Successful finally after I was just about to give up.

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Mar 5, 2015 5:27 PM in response to KGD
    Level 10 (207,926 points)
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    Mar 5, 2015 5:27 PM in response to KGD

    You should not need to reset the SMC more than once or twice in the lifetime of the device. If you're doing it regularly, either you're wasting your time or something is wrong with the hardware.

  • by KGD,

    KGD KGD Mar 5, 2015 8:23 PM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 2 (499 points)
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    Mar 5, 2015 8:23 PM in response to Linc Davis

    Likely so - unsure what to do without pourings lots of $$$ into it.  Would a 3rd party ac adapter make the difference?

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Mar 5, 2015 8:57 PM in response to KGD
    Level 10 (207,926 points)
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    Mar 5, 2015 8:57 PM in response to KGD

    Why are you doing the resets?

  • by KGD,

    KGD KGD Mar 6, 2015 1:12 AM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 2 (499 points)
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    Mar 6, 2015 1:12 AM in response to Linc Davis

    AC power light is off when connecting to the laptop; not providing power to the unit.

  • by Linc Davis,Solvedanswer

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Mar 6, 2015 6:00 AM in response to KGD
    Level 10 (207,926 points)
    Applications
    Mar 6, 2015 6:00 AM in response to KGD

    If the light comes back on after a reset, then goes out again later, that's a hardware fault in the computer.

  • by my ginger,

    my ginger my ginger Mar 6, 2015 9:18 AM in response to KGD
    Level 4 (2,472 points)
    Mar 6, 2015 9:18 AM in response to KGD

    Have you tried removing the battery and then connecting the mag safe power cord? You may still need to take it in to apple for a free evaluation. As to third party mag safe plugs. Some are good and others not so much. The ones that look more like the original are the best.

  • by KGD,

    KGD KGD Mar 6, 2015 9:31 AM in response to my ginger
    Level 2 (499 points)
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    Mar 6, 2015 9:31 AM in response to my ginger

    Went in that order.  Would they look at a 2008 machine that I bought used?  Connector seems to match original.

  • by my ginger,

    my ginger my ginger Mar 6, 2015 9:55 AM in response to KGD
    Level 4 (2,472 points)
    Mar 6, 2015 9:55 AM in response to KGD

    I'm sure they would. Look up your local apple store and call the genius bar and make an appointment.

  • by KGD,

    KGD KGD Mar 6, 2015 1:54 PM in response to KGD
    Level 2 (499 points)
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    Mar 6, 2015 1:54 PM in response to KGD

    Issue is repeating itself today.  May need to hit the Genius Bar.

  • by KGD,

    KGD KGD Mar 6, 2015 9:16 PM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 2 (499 points)
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    Mar 6, 2015 9:16 PM in response to Linc Davis

    Went to one of my local Best Buy stores where they sell Mac stuff - turns out the ac adapter needs replacement.  Problem solved.

  • by iLiving,

    iLiving iLiving Sep 22, 2015 7:06 PM in response to KGD
    Level 1 (29 points)
    Sep 22, 2015 7:06 PM in response to KGD

    Your last post would not have been necessary, it was just nice of you to post it.

     

    But: You helped me enormously by using the words "AC Adapter". I had to rest the SMC EVERYTIME I wanted to switch my iMac on (old one, just bought it on eBay); it never worked without resetting the SMC. I bought it without the original Apple power cord and used a regular one from my stereo. Believe it or not: That was the reason for the problem. I bought an original Apple cord and everything is fine now. Do I understand this? No, but thank you anyway!