Beeping three times and won't turn on

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Level 1

6 points

Beeping three times and won't turn on

I have a Mac Book Pro '13. I have experienced this problem 4 or 5 times. Unexpectedly, my computer will shut down either while I'm using it or while its asleep. Then, it will start making 3 beeping noises every 5 seconds. It will not turn on and just gives me a black screen. Every time this has happened to me I have fixed it but differently each time. I have pushed shift+control+option, many other key combinations, and simply by holding the power button for 10 seconds. It turns on after a good time diving into apple forums. I never lose anything on my computer. My computer thinks that it just restarted unexpectedly and asks to send a report to Apple. But, I do not believe that it just "restarted unexpectedly." Basically, I am wondering if there is any way I can prevent this from happening again. I've seen on online forums that I need to reinstall my software and that seems very drastic. Is there any way I can fix this without wiping my computer completely? Thanks!

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Yosemite (10.10.3)

Posted on Apr 16, 2015 7:36 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

lllaass

Level 10

210,411 points

Apr 16, 2015 7:41 AM in response to aefreeze

Which tone:

1 tone, repeating every 5 seconds: This indicates no RAM is installed.
3 successive tones, a 5 second pause (repeating): This indicates RAM does not pass a data integrity check.
1 long tone while holding down the power button: Indicates an EFI ROM update is in progress on a computer manufactured before 2012.
3 long tones, 3 short tones, 3 long tones: Indicates EFI ROM corruption is detected and the computer is in EFI ROM recovery mode.

For more info see:

Mac computers: About startup tones - Apple Support

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Answer 2

aefreeze Author

Level 1

6 points

Apr 16, 2015 11:11 AM in response to lllaass

Its 3 consecutive tones with 5 second pauses. What does it mean that RAM does not pass an Integrity check? Do do I make it pass?

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Answer 3

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Apr 16, 2015 11:14 AM in response to aefreeze

Take out the RAM modules and clean the contacts. Reinstall them making certain that they are properly seated. If this RAM is not original, install the RAM that came with the MBP. If no success, make an appointment at an Apple store genius bar.

Ciao.

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Answer 4

lllaass

Level 10

210,411 points

Apr 16, 2015 11:16 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

Before going to the Apple store try one stick at a time and ty in each slot. Maybe a bad stick or maybe a bad slot.

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Answer 5

Apr 16, 2015 11:21 AM in response to aefreeze

Only the 13" 2013 MacBook Pro models had removable memory modules, see for removal/insertion instructions if yours is a 13" model: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT1270

If yours is not in the list, then you need to take it to an Apple store genius bar for testing by the technicians.

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Answer 6

aefreeze Author

Level 1

6 points

Apr 16, 2015 11:33 AM in response to aefreeze

These are all very helpful, but I don't think I understand the RAM very well. I am not very educated in computer terms so this is all new to me!

To Ralph Laundry1: I have a Macbook Pro '13 2013. Where are the memory modules located?

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Answer 7

Apr 16, 2015 11:46 AM in response to aefreeze

After going over the technical specifications and user guide for the 2013 MacBook Pro it looks like the memory is not user accessible on that model. It would be best to take it to an Apple store genius bar and have the techs check it for you.

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Answer 8

aefreeze Author

Level 1

6 points

Apr 17, 2015 5:39 AM in response to aefreeze

I would like to add to this problem. This morning (just about 15 min ago) I opened my computer to print something and before even logging in it shuts off. I had 70% battery so it couldn't have died. I turned it back on and it started the same beeping this time. While trying to turn it back on, the fan turns on and it hasn't turned off since. Also my battery says there is no battery available which is odd cause I had battery when I originally opened it. So I have it plugged in right now and its not gaining charge.

This is extremely concerning to me since I am a college student and I have a lot of things on this computer. I also live in an area where there is no apple store near by. The closest is about 2 hours away.

Any other tips?

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Answer 9

Apr 17, 2015 5:50 AM in response to aefreeze

That sounds like you have even more going wrong than memory, that sounds a lot like a failure of the logic board. You really need to get that MacBook Pro to an Apple repair facility for testing.

See:Apple - Support - Service Answer Center for options in getting service support.

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Answer 10

aefreeze Author

Level 1

6 points

Apr 17, 2015 8:22 AM in response to Ralph Landry1

Oh wow. Thanks for all the help!

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Answer 11

Apr 17, 2015 9:14 AM in response to aefreeze

You are welcome, best of luck getting this serviced quickly so you can get your work done.

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Answer 12

Jan 20, 2016 8:54 AM in response to lllaass

I installed a new SSD in my Mac Mini, and when I tried to turn it on, I got the three beeps and it wouldn't start up. I thought I had made some major mistake, but thanks to your post, I just removed and reinstalled the RAM and everything worked fine. You saved me a lot of time and grief. Thanks!

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Answer 13

Iambmfh

Level 1

4 points

Feb 11, 2017 8:40 PM in response to aefreeze

Did you ever figure out this situation? I have the EXACT same thing going on with my mac right now. Even removed and put back in the same RAM.

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