Macbook Pro 2018 15in overheating when lid is closed kernel task 500%

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macbook2018 Author

Level 1

4 points

Macbook Pro 2018 15in overheating when lid is closed kernel task 500%

I have a 2018 Macbook Pro 2018 15 inch that has recently shown strange activity with the lid closed. I think some processes are preventing the macbook from going to sleep.

A few days ago I closed my computer with >30% battery left. I left it closed overnight and when I opened it the next morning, the battery was critically low, warning me to plug it in to proceed (I think it was 0%).

Just now, I closed my macbook at 100% (it was charging all day) and left it in my backpack for about 4 hours (unplugged). When I came back to it, it was extremely hot and the battery was at ~60%. I checked activity monitor and kernel_task was at 500%. This is the first time I caught it in the act of what I believe was some task not stopping properly and draining the battery.

I did have many apps open when I closed the computer. Is there an instance where apps may keep it running and how can I check what the culprit is?

MacBook Pro 15", OS X 10.11

Posted on Jan 2, 2020 8:48 PM

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Answer 1

Jan 2, 2020 9:01 PM in response to macbook2018

Hi - if you type into your Spotlight Search "Activity Monitor" that will show you hardware statistics for your disk, memory, etc. As far as your lid being closed and your battery dying, I would recommend going to Energy Saver in Apple Logo>Preferences and choosing the option to "Restore Defaults" for both Battery and Power Adapter tabs. After that, see if the issue persists after a good old fashioned reboot of the machine, Apple Logo>Restart. Hope this helps!

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Answer 2

Jan 2, 2020 9:04 PM in response to macbook2018

That specifically sounds like a hardware problem, a possible defect of the display. I would make an appointment with your closest Genius Bar and have them inspect the Macbook at your earliest convenience. You can make an appointment here: https://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/

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Answer 3

macbook2018 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 2, 2020 8:58 PM in response to macbook2018

Another problem I have had is that the screen remains black sometimes when I open the lid. The touch bar lights up and the screen remains black. I close it and wait a few seconds, then open it and the screen may come on. I saw some videos where the backlight was not coming on and the screen was visible using a flashlight, but with a separate light on the screen, there is nothing there, so that is not my problem.

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Macbook Pro 2018 15in overheating when lid is closed kernel task 500%

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