MacBook Pro Early 2011: Startup issues, Color Glitching, Freezing, Fans working Fast, Heating Up, and Apple Hardware Test not completing.

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Level 1

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MacBook Pro Early 2011: Startup issues, Color Glitching, Freezing, Fans working Fast, Heating Up, and Apple Hardware Test not completing.

Hello Everyone! Hope You All are Safe and Well.

I have an Early 2011 MacBook Pro. Next Month will complete 11 Years of using the laptop. In 2017, I upgraded the RAM to the full capacity of 16 GB (2 x 8 GB), as well as put in an SSD. Since January, the laptop has been having major issues, that several Time Machine restores have not fixed. I have to reboot the laptop several Times before I can get to the login screen. There are color glitches, the laptop keeps freezing, Extreme Heating, and the Fans start going really fast.

After doing a Time Machine restore, the issues temporarily go away, but come back. When I try going into the menu to do a Time Machine Restore, the colors sometime mess up there. Sometimes it takes several attempts to get into that menu, and sometimes the screen shuts off, and I cannot turn it back on, so the Time Machine restore does not complete. The Apple Hardware Test keeps failing (long and short versions), since the computer freezes just before completion. The colors glitch out there as well.

The SSD has enough space, reads and writes well, so it does not seem to be the issue. I did the REMBER Test, and it did not show any errors. It seems the issue May either be a GPU or other hardware issue.

The laptop is currently on OS Sierra (issues started on OS El Capitan, that is why I upgraded the OS). I’ve spent many Hours on the phone with Apple, and have tried many of the commands. Is there any additional test if the Apple Hardware Test does not complete? Could the RAM be causing the issues? I could get a replacement, due to the warranty. Would replacing the RAM fix it? These issues just started in January. I’m not sure why AHT does not complete. When it’s working, the colors are fine, but after the color glitch starts, the cursor even mutually stops moving. Then I have to reboot. When the laptop has issues, I try to reboot, and I often get stuck on a White Screen, or a pink status bar, and I am unable to get to the login screen, so I have to try several Times.

I would really appreciate any advice.

Thank You.

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 10.12

Posted on Mar 30, 2022 3:38 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

kaz-k

Level 8

49,224 points

Mar 30, 2022 4:56 AM in response to pjanveja

Hi,

I'm not sure if you tried SMC resetting already which could solve the issue.

How to reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support

If it doesn't help, you'd better make Genius Bar reservation if there is retail AppleStore near you or find local Apple Authorized Service Provider to be examined your MacBook Pro there.

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Apple - Find Locations - Location Selector

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Answer 2

Allan Jones

Level 9

69,170 points

Apr 22, 2022 7:52 AM in response to pjanveja

...as well as put in an SSD.

When you installed the SSD, did you replace the drive CABLE as well? Although the cable issue is more common on 13-inch models from 2009-2012, the larger MBPs of the period use the same kind of delicate drive cable with the same potential for wear though the vibration of normal use and transport.

The symptoms a worn cable creates can mimic other problems like a bad drive, and sometimes will even cause kernel panics. Rather than test the cable you have, just replace it. I've seen case here where symptoms as confusing as yours went away when the cable as replaced.

Even if yours is not yet symptomatic, at 11 years old it is going to be an issue soon. Many fail in the 3-5 year range.

Cables are available, cheap, and easy to replace:

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/Apple/9229751/

PS: Apple Genius appointments won't with this one help due to the "vintage" issue you raise that are shown in this Apple article:

Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired warranty - Apple Support

Find an Apple Authorized Service Provider willing to work on older models.

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Answer 3

HWTech

Level 9

56,192 points

Mar 31, 2022 5:06 PM in response to pjanveja

If the AHT freezes, then that is a symptom and usually means a hardware issue of some sort. Can you tell what test AHT is running when it freezes? That may be a clue.

If you have the 15" or 17" model, then a GPU is a possibility. You can try forcing the laptop to use the Intel GPU instead of the discrete GPU by using the gfxCardStatus app. However, some GPU failures may not be blocked by using the Intel GPU.

https://gfx.io/

https://github.com/steveschow/gfxCardStatus

What is the make & model of the memory upgrade? Macs are very picky about the RAM they use plus some third party RAM tends to fail prematurely. It is usually best to only use memory from Crucial or OWC, but even then you need to only use the exact part numbers listed when using the tools on their respective websites to identify the memory for your Mac. Make sure both memory modules are firmly latched into place. The plastic latches on either side of the memory can sometimes pop loose or not latch very well. In fact when inserting the module nearest the Bottom Case it can unlatch the other module so it is best to gently press on the edge of the module furthest from the Bottom Case (use a non-metallic non-conductive tool or toothpick, being careful to only press on an empty area so not to damage the extremely small & fragile surface mount components on the RAM module).

There is also a possibility that one of the memory slots is bad. Usually the slot nearest the Bottom Case tends to fail most often due to cracked solder joints. Usually if this is the case pressing on the center of the bottom case or on the base of the memory slot can trigger the laptop to freeze and/or have graphical glitches. Also, if you still have the original RAM, then maybe try it instead to see if the problem goes away.

You can also try testing the memory using Memtest86. If you use version 7.5, you can configure it to loop more than four times. Use the downloaded Memtest86 .img or .iso file as a source for Etcher in order to create a bootable Memtest86 USB stick. Option Boot the USB stick and select the orange icon labeled "EFI". After the test begins you can safely remove the USB stick.

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Answer 4

sky_rat

Level 1

10 points

Apr 22, 2022 6:01 AM in response to pjanveja

My Mac Book Pro late 2011 had a GPU failure which requires a new logic board. I was lucky enough that Apple replaced the logic board, but it failed again a year later. Heres my post...

How to reinstall OS Sierra when Mac won't… - Apple Community

There is a software work around to switch to the Intel internal GPU which I used for several years, see here...

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/force-2011-macbook-pro-8-2-with-failed-amd-gpu-to-always-use-intel-integrated-gpu-efi-variable-fix.2037591/

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Answer 5

pjanveja Author

Level 1

5 points

Mar 30, 2022 4:11 PM in response to kaz-k

Hi, Thank You for the reply. I have tried that, but the issue is still there. I already have an appointment. I am concerned if they can still refuse to look at the laptop, due to the “vintage” status.

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Answer 6

pjanveja Author

Level 1

5 points

Apr 1, 2022 4:41 AM in response to HWTech

Thank You for the reply!

The AHT Freezes towards the end (still shows pass 1, so may not be the end), but it does not show which specific test at that point. Usually after around 1.5 Hours or so, the color glitch starts there, and eventually freezes.

The laptop is 15 inches.

The SSD and RAM are Both from Crucial (purchased from B&H Photo Online). When I had taken the laptop to the Genius Bar in 2017, I was suggested the exact SSD/RAM. The RAM is the maximum the laptop could take. I actually installed both while at the Genius Bar, and the specialist there helped me whenever I was getting stuck.

I remember the battery area (perhaps other areas too) was dusty, but the specialist at the Genius Bar did not think it had to be cleaned. Either way, the laptop was working quite well after the upgrades, with some issues once in a While. It did not give such a problem in just under 5 Years of having the upgrades, so it’s odd it started this Year.

I do have the old RAM and Hard drive. Since I have done all I could, I will take the laptop to have the Genius Bar run some tests. Perhaps we could install the old RAM there to see if that makes a difference. My concern is that the laptop was showing that around 11 GB RAM was being used out of the 16 GB, and the old RAM is a total of 8 GB. Would that become a problem? If we figure out that RAM is the issue, I should be able to get a free replacement.

Is Memtest86 free in that version? It seems it may be too technical. I hope they can guide me at the Apple Store, and at least tell me what needs to be fixed. I do not want to have to spend extra Money to get the issue taken care of.

I mostly make Travel Vlogs for YouTube, and will probably get a new laptop this Year. I would like to get at least some more good use of my current MacBook Pro to finish editing pending videos. Even after getting a new laptop, I would still like to keep this, even just for casual use.

I really appreciate the help! Thanks so much!

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Answer 7

pjanveja Author

Level 1

5 points

Apr 22, 2022 5:45 AM in response to HWTech

Hi, Hope You are well. The Apple Store was not much help. The old RAM is actually 4 GB (2x2), not 8 GB. I was wrong. I could try putting the old RAM back in, but it may have issues, since the laptop was using 10-11 GB or so of RAM (with the 16 GB (8x2) RAM). If that does not work, I could try to make the laptop not use one of the graphics cards. How can I know for sure if the issue is with RAM, SSD, or GPU? Perhaps I should try the AHT after putting in the old RAM. Is there any point to put the old HDD in?

I really thought there was 8 GB RAM originally. I eventually had to get the 16 RAM, but I’m not sure if it was bad that I did not initially get the 8 GB RAM configuration (if any). Money probably was saved going to the 16 GB directly from 8 GB, rather than initially getting an 8 GB configuration, and then getting the 16 GB upgrade.

Thank You.

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Answer 8

pjanveja Author

Level 1

5 points

Apr 22, 2022 6:53 AM in response to sky_rat

Thanks for Your response. The First diagnostics test passed, but the 2nd test could not be completed at Apple. It seemed they were not going to accept 2011 Versions had issues. I am aware of the work around, but I still would like to know of a way to actually determine what the issue is. It’s getting complicated.

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Answer 9

pjanveja Author

Level 1

5 points

Apr 22, 2022 9:43 AM in response to Allan Jones

Thanks for the reply. I put in the SSD/Higher RAM while I was in the Apple Store. They told me they couldn’t touch anything, but would guide me. They told me what all to do, and even helped me whenever I got stuck (despite the rules). I was not told by them that the wire needed replacing. When I went to an Apple Store Yesterday, they refused to help with putting the old RAM in. I was told I should contact the location that helped me before to see if they would agree. Such non-sense rules. They rather have me drive close to 45 Minutes, each way, but weren’t willing to help me in the location, which is around 7 - 10 Minutes away from me.

How can I know it’s the wire for sure?

I think it’s fairly easy for me to put the old RAM in on my own, instead of driving to the Apple Store. Is there any need to put in the old HDD? I think I should try AHT after that. The issue may be that the original RAM is only 8 GB (4x2), and the laptop has been 10-11 GB or so of RAM. If All that doesn’t work, I could try to make the computer not use the possibly bad GPU.

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