QuintenDH Author

Level 1

46 points

MacBook Pro randomly shuts down.

I am the proud owner of a MacBook Pro 2014 15", but i recently started getting an issue where it shuts down randomly.

This problem started about 1 and a half week ago on macOS 11.7.4

When I "ask" the terminal is gives me "recent shutdown cause error code -128".

This happens when I'm using battery as well as when using AC power.

I've tried a number of things:

Resetting the SMC as wel as the PRAM. (Ctrl + Option + Shift + Power / Option + Command + P + R)
Reinstalling macOS. (2 times 11.6.8 and 2 times 11.7.4)
Using the Mac in "Safe Boot". (Shift on boot)
Replaced the battery. (was over 1425 cycles anyway)
Hardware test, nothing showed up. (Command + D on boot)
I tried to delete appleThunderboltNHI.kext. (was back every time/not sure it worked)
Installed Ubuntu 20.04 LTS. (no problems)

Meanwhile i installed macOS 11.6.8 on 2 MacBooks using a usb.

The problem is only on one device so it also isn't the installer-usb.

I now have installed Mavericks (original to this device) to see if that works. (to be continued...)

It also doesn't happen when it's on screensaver. (I left it for 2 nights and it stayed on)

Apple support tells me it's a hardware issue but I found it weird that Ubuntu works then.

I'm hoping one of you guys may be able to help me to at least tell me what the issue is.

MacBook Pro 15″

Posted on Mar 13, 2023 2:51 AM

Top-ranking reply

turnedwand

Level 1

32 points

Posted on Jan 23, 2024 1:32 PM

Update: did not replace SSD but did disassemble and clean for first time in a while. I wasn’t hearing the fans spin up that much but did notice the laptop would get kinda hot. Sometimes they would turn on but not usually. I sprayed out a bunch of dust that was all over and also inside the fan assemblies. It was kind of a lot. I think the process of disconnecting the battery, spraying out all the dust from the fans, and also replacing the thermal paste (which I did because I was already in there so I figured why not), has seemingly resolved the issue. Computer gets much less hot and hasn’t shut off like it was doing. I also noticed where the SSD would go if I were to replace it and it would be super easy. Easier than taking apart the fans or replacing the thermal paste. I didn’t have an appropriate SSD lying around so I didn’t switch that.

I think the computer was getting hot and trying to start the fans but was getting resistance due to dust and so the fans sent back a signal saying “hey we can’t do our job so turn off before you damage us.”

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55 replies

Jul 15, 2024 5:03 PM in response to jalapengo

I have the exact same Macbook Pro 2014 and it just started doing fhat today. It shut down, then when I powered it up it just shuts down immediatly. I think it was the latest update!!?

dod anyone find an answer yet?

Sep 10, 2024 6:13 AM in response to luis741

I originally asked for an 2020 M1 chip at a retailer, and only figured out in 2024 that I had an i5 prosessor... (I trusted the retailer as they ASSSURED me 100% that it was M1), and it has been overheating and been loud since day 1. It did start shutting down after i closed the laptop around April this year for me. It is super annoying and I am super happy I have onedrive or my bachelor thesis and all my work would've been gone. I really hope they would fix this. Because getting a new mac seems tideous and expensive... :))))

Sep 11, 2024 4:07 PM in response to QuintenDH

I am facing the same issue with my Macbook Air 2022. It keeps on shutting down randomly.

It asked me to install the new OS.

I took it to apple care center, they installed the new OS and the shutting down randomly thing is still happening.

They are asking to replace the MOTHERBOARD. I am not sure if this is the solution. Its really expensive too

Any help please

QuintenDH Author

Level 1

46 points

Mar 13, 2023 5:58 AM in response to Owl-53

I can't replace the RAM.

It's soldered on.

QuintenDH Author

Level 1

46 points

Mar 13, 2023 6:55 AM in response to Owl-53

I will.

Thanks so far.

Owl-53

Level 10

103,207 points

Mar 13, 2023 6:58 AM in response to QuintenDH

Welcome so far

Jun 9, 2023 10:08 PM in response to QuintenDH

A week ago, started to do the same

11.7.7, 15, Mid2014

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Dec 20, 2023 6:21 AM in response to QuintenDH

Your 1st post in this thread! Thanks...

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/254708552?sortBy=oldest_first

Jan 9, 2024 12:30 AM in response to jalapengo

Same issue. My Macbook Pro (mid-2014, 15 inch) is switching of randomly. Funny that they are all doing it around the same time. Thanks for all the suggestions. Will try them out.

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Jan 23, 2024 2:19 PM in response to turnedwand

Great work my friend, thanks for the report! :)

Jan 27, 2024 5:35 PM in response to QuintenDH

I've had the same problem with my 2017 Macbook Pro

Retina and it says it's a "kernel task"

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Jan 27, 2024 6:30 PM in response to yaboihime24

Practically everything is a "kernel task".

phmock

Level 1

9 points

Jan 27, 2024 6:43 PM in response to QuintenDH

Just updated with the latest iOS. Maybe that’ll help

my 15” was also shutdown down randomly.

too bad Apple can’t help.

I’m sad.

Apr 7, 2024 4:42 AM in response to QuintenDH

If everyone gets issue in the same time it means new macbook sales dwindle and Apple is forcing you to buy new model - there are no coincidences

luis741

Level 1

26 points

Jul 9, 2024 8:34 PM in response to JakeJoyride

This is the right answer here.

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MacBook Pro randomly shuts down.