Macbook Pro (15" Retina Late 2013) kernel_task CPU overloads and Apple Hardware Test returns PFM006 and PPN001 codes

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Level 1

12 points

Macbook Pro (15" Retina Late 2013) kernel_task CPU overloads and Apple Hardware Test returns PFM006 and PPN001 codes

Recently appeared problem with SMC - fans began constantly spin at max speed even when laptop quite cold. When I opened Activity Monitor it showed that process kernel_task heavily loads CPU (~600%) and System takes over 70% of recources. Problem still persists even after reseting SMC and NVRAM, after reinstall OS X from Recovery partition or from bootable thumb drive on clean drive (re-partitioned). Also it still reproducible on system loaded from external hard drive with installed Mavericks (10.9.2) and in Safe mode

Sometimes problem dissapears without any conditions, but when computer goes to sleep and awakes it reappears. When kernel_task active sleep mode cause system crash and force reloading.

Solutions provided by other users such as moving plists from kext doesn't help. (http://www.rdoxenham.com/?p=259)

I used smcFanControl for few months and it haven't been cause of any problems. When this problem began I did remove it and did all cleaning steps - it didn't help.

After performing Apple Hardware Test two codes had been shown - PFM0006 (SMC related code) and PPN0001 code. Last code doesn't mentioned in Apple knowlege base. Google search also not help. Message for this code - There may be an issue with power management system.

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Late 2013), OS X Mavericks (10.9.2)

Posted on Apr 10, 2014 5:45 PM

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Answer 1

BobHarris

Level 9

53,117 points

Jun 6, 2017 5:35 AM in response to Flaviano.reis

Flaviano.reis wrote:

I have the same problem with codes PPN001 and PFM006, Hey apple this is a very expensive machine, please we need a Recall.

MacBook Pro Retina 15" mid 2015

This forum is NOT a channel of communications to Apple. This is a user-to-user technical support forum.

You can use the "Contact Support" link at the top of this page.

You can make a Genius Bar appointment at your local Apple store and discuss your problem with them.

You can use macOS Feedback

<https://www.apple.com/feedback/macos.html>

They will not reply, but it does get read.

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Answer 2

Eric Root

Level 10

684,039 points

Jun 6, 2017 6:39 AM in response to Flaviano.reis

Hardware Repair - Keeping Confidential Data Safe

Genius Bar Reservation US

Authorized Service Provider

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Answer 3

UtenkovD Author

Level 1

12 points

Apr 25, 2014 2:15 AM in response to UtenkovD

In authorized service center was detected temperature sensor malfunction. Replace of top case solved the problem

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Answer 4

Apr 25, 2014 9:07 PM in response to UtenkovD

So glad to have found this! My brand new MBP Retina (Late 2013, Custom Config) is experiencing the exact same problem and I was able to get the same test codes from the diagnostic test.

Can't wait to get this resolved. This seems like a rare issue.

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Answer 5

Jul 7, 2014 2:35 AM in response to SPCELCTRNCOUTFT

Apple Hardware test declares PFM006 error which is a thermal sensor error. What is basically happening is that kernel is stuck starting and stopping computer intermittently to allow it to cool. So it hogs all cpu resources. However computer is not running hot, SMC Fan controller shows 40-41 degrees Celsius.

Does anyone on this forum know if doing a similar repair will solve my MBA problem? i.e. replacing top case $100 part as opposed to logicboard $300 part... would solve it? Oerwise machine works flawlessly except for a pop up that says an USB port is drawing too much current but apparently this too is directly related to the thermal sensor malfunction.

Can the thermal sensor itself be changed?

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Answer 6

killmall

Level 1

4 points

May 18, 2015 4:57 AM in response to UtenkovD

Exactly the same problem for me.
I do the same test that i found on google and nothing can help.
Same question, is it possible to replace only the defect sensor?
Is it possible ti desactivate this sensor (by managing fan control with a software?

Thanks for help, my mac is not usable, this is a big bug.

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Answer 7

korvin56

Level 1

0 points

Aug 16, 2015 12:40 AM in response to UtenkovD

the same problem

how to fix it?

fans began constantly spin at max speed even just when turn on. When I opened Activity Monitor it showed that process kernel_task heavily loads CPU (300%)

the same - PFM006 (SMC related code) and PPN001 code.

MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2013), OS X (10.10.5)

Pls help

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Answer 8

Gizzler

Level 1

4 points

Aug 24, 2015 11:42 AM in response to UtenkovD

Same problem here, .....

the same - PFM006 (SMC related code) and PPN001 code.

MacBookAir6,2 (13-inch, Late 2014), OS X (10.10.5)

Starts to look like a common issue!

Poor quality sensor(s) or bug?!

Anyone?

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Answer 9

Jan 5, 2016 9:02 AM in response to UtenkovD

Hello everyone,

I have the same problem....Mine is mpbr 2014 mid, just over the warranty of one year...very sad.

This issue detroyed all my expectation to an apple product. Apple should recall the machines to repair it...

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Answer 10

Oct 20, 2016 8:04 PM in response to UtenkovD

i have an MacBook Air 13" 2013 with THE SAME PROBLEM!!!!!! please help, what can i do ???

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Answer 11

BobHarris

Level 9

53,117 points

Oct 21, 2016 6:04 AM in response to elbestianegra99

According to UtenkovD's reply, there was a problem with the temperature sensors. So I would suggest you do what UtenkovD did and take your Mac into an Apple store or an Authorized Apple repair provider and have it evaluated and repaired.