MacBook Pro startup will not complete successfully

Question

Level 1

9 points

MacBook Pro startup will not complete successfully

Early 2015 15” Macbook Pro running Big Sur

Problem began when the machine suddenly shut down entirely in mid-session, with no previous odd behavior or warning. I started it up again with the power button - Apple logo appeared and progress bar came up. Booted normally as far as the login screen, but after entering the password and hitting return, it completely shut off again. Then went into an endless loop of restarting, flashing login screen briefly, and then immediately shutting off, then restarting again, etc. All with no further input from me. Had to stop it by holding down the power button until system was fully off.

I tried resetting the SMC, several times, with no effect. Then rebooted in recovery mode and ran disc repair on the various volumes. Still no go. Then reinstalled the whole OS from Time Machine, again no change. Then did a clean Big Sur new install from the web with updates, and am still stuck in the boot & crash loop with no apparent change from any of this.

I’m out of ideas. Is there any way to address this issue? Seems like a software glitch, but maybe hardware problem? I’m out of my depth here, advice appreciated.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 11.7

Posted on Apr 23, 2023 3:12 PM

Reply

Answer 1

mczilla Author

Level 1

9 points

Apr 24, 2023 4:26 PM in response to kaz-k

Thanks for the tips. After all the resets, disc repairs & diagnostics, the problem seems to resolve around trouble with the battery not charging properly. This machine went through a factory recall on the battery several years ago, must be a weak link in there. I can start in safe mode, but that's it. Which is not of much use without sound function and other limitations. I already got a new replacement 16" MBP, so it's kind of academic now. Was hoping to bring the old one back to life as a backup, but probably not worth it if the hardware is failing. Now I have two old MBPs in the closet.

Reply

Answer 2

kaz-k

Level 9

52,698 points

Apr 24, 2023 2:37 AM in response to mczilla

Hi,

Did you try to reset NVRAM?

Reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support

If it doesn't help either, try to run Apple Diagnostics if it reports hardware related error.

Use Apple Diagnostics to test your Mac - Apple Support

If it doesn't help either, you'd better contact Apple Support or take your MacBook Pro to your local retail AppleStore, Genius Bar or Apple Authorized Service Provider to be examined your MacBook Pro there.

As far as I know, it's free.

Official Apple Support

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Find Locations

Reply

Answer 3

Apr 24, 2023 5:10 PM in response to mczilla

Try checking the health of the SSD by running DriveDx and posting the complete DriveDx text report here using the "Additional Text" which looks like a piece of paper.

If Safe Mode is working, then when you reinstalled the OS, did you perform a clean install by first erasing the whole physical SSD before reinstalling the OS? And did you test the laptop thoroughly before installing any third party software and before migrating/restoring from a backup? If not, then you brought back the issue from a backup or a third party app.

Also test the laptop with all external devices disconnected in case one of them is causing a problem.

Reply

MacBook Pro startup will not complete successfully

Similar questions