Persistent Issue with Mac Studio M2

Question

Level 1

4 points

Persistent Issue with Mac Studio M2

Some time ago, my Mac started exhibiting strange behavior, notably refusing to power on when I pressed the power button (the light would turn on momentarily, only to go off again), and sometimes, after putting it to sleep, it would crash when I tried to wake it up using the mouse (a Logitech Bluetooth mouse, by the way). After this, when I powered it on, it would start up as if nothing had happened, with all the programs and tabs still open, as if it had hibernated.

I took the machine to an authorized Apple service provider. It stayed there for 10 days, and they told me they ran all the diagnostics, concluding that everything was fine and that no issues had been identified by their tests.

There is an important detail. When the computer was with the authorized Apple service provider, I know that it was turned off and unplugged for 3 or 4 days.

When the computer returned, it worked without any problems for about two weeks. Then, the issue reappeared. it happened again a few times. It doesn’t happen regularly, which makes troubleshooting difficult. However, today something particularly intriguing occurred, and I believe it might help better understand what may be happening.

When I arrived at my desk this morning, I tried to power on the computer without success. In this video, you can see what was happening. Each time I pressed the power button, the power light would come on briefly, then immediately shut off again. One by one, I disconnected all peripherals until only the Mac Studio’s power cord remained. It still would not turn on.

After that, I disconnected the power cord for 5 seconds, plugged it back in, and the Mac Studio powered on as expected.

Given this, what do you think the underlying issue could be? Furthermore, what do you consider to be the best course of action, given that Apple’s specific diagnostics may not be detecting this intermittent problem?

Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to your guidance on how to proceed.

Best regards,

Mac Studio, macOS 14.6

Posted on Sep 9, 2024 2:08 AM

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Answer 1

Owl-53

Level 10

118,923 points

Sep 9, 2024 2:21 AM in response to marciorpinto

Too many External Devices connected to the Mac Studio maybe drawing too much electrical from the computer

Causing the machine to Try and Boot but can not without causing un-reversible damages to the computer

As this machine is an Apple Silicon machine - the equivalent of an SMC Reset ( Intel only ) would to shutdown, in you case, unplug from electrical for 5 seconds and plug back in

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Answer 2

Owl-53

Level 10

118,923 points

Sep 9, 2024 4:35 AM in response to marciorpinto

“ If I were to reset to factory settings, I wouldn’t use a backup. I’d reinstall everything manually. I prefer this approach since my Mac Studio only has around 7 or 8 applications, so it would be fairly quick to set everything up as it is now. “

A - If you believe this is the best option - proceed

“ As for the EtreCheck diagnostic suggestion, while it's worth considering, this issue is difficult to troubleshoot because it happens so randomly. Even if I start the computer in safe mode and run EtreCheck, I’m not sure it will detect any problems. “

A - Barring a Hardware Issue with the computer, which seems we can rule out visa vie the time the Experts have run Extensive Testing and found not issue with the Mac Studio itself.

A - This points to External Hardware / Software issue

“ Besides, in safe mode, does Mac Studio recognize third party peripherals? “

A - Restart in Safe Mode. This will perform a Disk Repair, clear cache files and only load Apple Software, extensions and fonts.

A - The boot up will be slow and can take some time - Normal.

A - Safe Mode will also eliminate Third Party Software, extensions and drivers from loading.

A - Etrecheck application will detect and report Installations the Third Party Software, extensions and drivers

“ If it doesn't, I can't select anything, because I don't have any mouse or keyboard with cable/cord. As a matter of fact, I would have the very same problem if trying to reset to factory settings. I'd have to get at least a keyboard with cable. “

A - Any third party USB-A or USB-C keyboard would do. Even a MS Windows USB keyboard would do

A - That is why I always keep a cheap USB-A McAlly keyboard always at the ready for such special occasions

Again, we can only point you in certain directions

The ultimate decisions rest with the user ( you )

If there is some trepidation about using Etrecheck application

Be assured, if the application were thought to be dangerous to use, no doubt the Apple Moderation Team would or could " Action " such a suggestion

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Answer 3

Owl-53

Level 10

118,923 points

Sep 9, 2024 2:37 AM in response to marciorpinto

You are welcome

Have you considered turning On the bluetooth keyboard and mouse just Before pressing the Power Button of the computer ?

Using a similar setup, only with a M2 Mac Mini with Sonoma 14.6.1

Sometimes, if there is no keyboard present during the startup process, the machine may just switch off ?

Baring that you may what to try the trouble shooting steps in this link

That is purely optional but worth a try ?

General Trouble Shooting of Apple Compute… - Apple Community

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Answer 4

marciorpinto Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 9, 2024 2:29 AM in response to Owl-53

Thank you for your reply.

I understand your point. However, lately, when the computer turns on, the only peripheral connected is the monitor. Nothing else.

I used to have an audio interface connected as well, but not anymore, because I suspected that it could be causing the issue, but it doesn't seem like that is the case.

The mouse and keyboard are Bluetooth devices, and I only turn them on after the computer has started.

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Answer 5

marciorpinto Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 9, 2024 2:47 AM in response to Owl-53

I have no issue connecting the Bluetooth devices before turning on the computer. However, I find it unlikely that this would cause the Mac Studio to not power on.

As for the troubleshooting suggestion, while it seems worth trying, I believe that if further action is necessary, the best course of action might be to reset the system to factory settings, no?

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Answer 6

Owl-53

Level 10

118,923 points

Sep 9, 2024 2:55 AM in response to marciorpinto

Seems a bit too drastic without having some idea what software is currently installed on the machine

I say this because if you were to start over from scratch and then use a TM Backup to Restore again.

If it is a software issue, would this not re-introduce the existing software issue back into the computer ?

Your choice but can not say what is best for your needs

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Answer 7

marciorpinto Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 9, 2024 3:09 AM in response to Owl-53

If I were to reset to factory settings, I wouldn’t use a backup. I’d reinstall everything manually. I prefer this approach since my Mac Studio only has around 7 or 8 applications, so it would be fairly quick to set everything up as it is now.

As for the EtreCheck diagnostic suggestion, while it's worth considering, this issue is difficult to troubleshoot because it happens so randomly. Even if I start the computer in safe mode and run EtreCheck, I’m not sure it will detect any problems.

Besides, in safe mode, does Mac Studio recognize third party peripherals? If it doesn't, I can't select anything, because I don't have any mouse or keyboard with cable/cord. As a matter of fact, I would have the very same problem if trying to reset to factory settings. I'd have to get at least a keyboard with cable.

Reply