My MBP 13" 2017 is shutting down every time the kernel_task goes above 75% of CPU load:

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Level 1

8 points

My MBP 13" 2017 is shutting down every time the kernel_task goes above 75% of CPU load:

When a fresh start, the MBP behaves normally. After about 10 minutes, the fan starts running. When it becomes loud (2 or 3 minutes later), I can see on the Monitor the 75% load of the CPU by the kernel_task. If left on, it shuts down completely with no warning.

This is what I have tried so far:

Reset the SMC and NVRAM: When it shuts down, the only way to start it back up is resetting the SMC.
Have re-installed the latest Catalina (10.15.5)
No peripherals are attached (or have ever been attached) or installed on it.
The diagnostics resulted in No Issues Found, Reference Code ADP000.
Installed CleanMyMac and ran the malware removal (none found), the clearing of cache, the system junk clean up, the optimization, checked the extensions and the onlty one was the Zoom launcher (sed for meetings).

Any suggestions?

Posted on Jun 2, 2020 2:05 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

HWTech

Level 9

56,390 points

Jun 3, 2020 10:11 AM in response to oz133

Uninstall CleanMyMac by following the developer's instructions. Cleaning apps are not needed on a Mac and usually cause more problems than they solve plus they impact system performance. CMM is notorious for causing problems.

See if your laptop qualifies for this free Apple SSD repair program (if it does, then make sure to take advantage of it and keep good working backups):

https://support.apple.com/13-inch-macbook-pro-solid-state-drive-service

FYI, here is a list of all the current publicly acknowledged free repair programs for various Apple products (some such as your laptop have multiple programs):

https://support.apple.com/exchange_repair

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Answer 2

HWTech

Level 9

56,390 points

Jun 12, 2020 10:56 AM in response to oz133

I'm glad you were able to get a free repair. I forgot that at one time Apple was replacing both SSD & the Logic Boards together. I didn't realize this was still a thing. Thanks for following up with the extra details. It never hurts to question Apple or the techs since sometimes since it is really difficult to keep track of all the rules for the various free repair programs. I know Apple doesn't make it easy for their techs either.

Apple only reinstalls the OS which originally shipped with the laptop. Whether you upgrade to Catalina or even Mojave is your choice. Just be aware that Catalina no longer supports 32bit apps so make sure you have either upgraded all the apps to 64bits or have uninstalled the 32bit apps before upgrading to Catalina. Here is information about macOS 32bit app support:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208436

Also here is an Apple article for creating a bootable macOS USB installer which also includes links to macOS installers from 10.11 to 10.15:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201372

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Answer 3

HWTech

Level 9

56,390 points

Jun 2, 2020 6:06 PM in response to oz133

First of all uninstall CleanMyMac by following the developer's instructions. Cleaning apps are not needed on a Mac and they usually cause more problems than they solve plus they impact system performance. CMM is notorious for causing system problems.

If you have a Touchbar model, then try connecting the power adapter to the right side USB-C ports. I know this doesn't make any sense but a reputable source has found there is an issue where using the charger on the left side USB-C ports will cause the CPU & fans to run fast.

If that doesn't help, then run EtreCheck and post the report here using the "Additional Text" icon which looks like a piece of paper.

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Answer 4

oz133 Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 3, 2020 8:02 AM in response to HWTech

Thanks for your prompt reply. I will uninstall the CMM as soon as I can. Unfortunately, there is only so much I can do in 10 minute periods, with about an hour in between, which is what my MBP allows me to do (these post I am doing from a work computer). I figured that the EtreCheck would be a priority, so the first part was downloading it. In the next 10 minute period, I will run it and try to send it attached. By the way, just an additional peace of info, I have been logging-in in safe mode, and the problem persists.

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Answer 5

oz133 Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 12, 2020 10:23 AM in response to HWTech

Thank you so much for your guidance. I sent my MBP for the SSD replacement. When they checked it, they said the Logic Board was to blame, not the SSD, and that it would cost me around 650C$. I remember to have seen a post on the SSD and the Logic board needing to be replaced together for these models. When the repair shop investigated with Apple, they indicated both the SSD and the Logic board would be replaced at no cost. I received my MBP yesterday and it seems to have been fixed. I restore my data from my Time Machine back up and it never went off for about an hour that the restore took place. However, It came back with High Sierra, not Catalina. Should I upgrade, even if the option to upgrade does not show in the Settings?

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