User profile for user: TheStoneKing
TheStoneKing Author
User level: Level 1
9 points

MacBook Pro shuts down (almost) unexpectedly

Hello,


I have the problem that my Mac shuts down (almost) randomly; I did some research and couldn't find any good solution to my specific problem.


Specs:

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2014)

Processor: 2,2 GHz Intel Core i7

Memory: 16 Go 1600 MHz DDR3

Graphics: Intel Iris Pro 1536 Mo

OS: macOS High Sierra 10.13.6

Storage: 251 Go SSD (38 Go free space)



The problem:

In some situations, my MacBook Pro shuts down spontaneously. The screen turns black (the backlight stays on) for 5 to 15 seconds. If the computer is hot the fans usually start to run loudly until complete shut down, but it can also happen when the computer is cold, in which case, there might be no fan activity to hear.

I updated my system from Mavericks (10.9) to High Sierra (10.13) around February and the problem started to happen around May and occurred more and more since then.

After re-starting it, it does not give any error message and boots as if nothing had happened.


It almost never happens:

- (1) when it is on a stable surface; power adapter plugged in or not, fully charged or charging, connected to internet via ethernet-thunderbolt, Wi-Fi off

(If not displaced and not using Wi-Fi (see below), it can run fine for more than ten days without any occurrence of the problem)


It happens often:

- (2) when not on a stable surface or in displacement. (It can be in the stable configuration above, then unplugged and brought to another room and shut down will most likely happen within the ten following minutes). A shock or quick displacement does not cause shut down on itself.

- (3) when in a stable configuration but connected to internet via Wi-Fi


It happens almost surely:

- (4) When both of the above elements are met; not a stable surface and Wi-Fi on and connected. (i.e.: typical laptop use; taking the MacBook Pro out of my bag, booting, logging in, and turning on the Wi-Fi. In this case the computer will almost surely shut down within ten minutes)


In safe mode, it also happens, but less frequently. However, it does some weird forced sleep pauses where the screen turns dark grey for 5 to 15 seconds and does not respond during this time. Afterwards it just recovers as nothing had happened. (Once in safe mode, after the screen turned black, the fans didn't stop working for several minutes, even if the laptop was already cold).


I did some proper SMC and PRAM reset with no apparent effects.


Hardware diagnostic did not find anything


I don't think that the problem comes from the battery as I can do full charge cycles in configuration (1) without any unexpected shut down.


I don't thick that the problem comes from overheating (that was my first lead)

- SMC/PRAM reset did nothing.

- I did a CPU stress test (both in config. (1) and (1) + safe mode) with the '' yes < /dev/null & '' commend (x8) for several minutes; activity monitor displayed 100% use on the 8 logical core; the computer became hot, the fan worked loudly, but no shut down occurred.


I would be grateful if someone could give me some solution or hint regarding this problem; I cannot make any sense out of it, as the causes seems somewhat random or uncorrelated…

It is really frustrating not to be able to use my MacBook Pro as it is supposed to be used. It is also a big problem as I use it for both studies and work.


P.

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2014), macOS High Sierra (10.13.6)

Posted on Sep 21, 2018 2:19 AM

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12 replies
User profile for user: TheStoneKing
TheStoneKing Author
User level: Level 1
9 points

Sep 22, 2018 5:41 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Hi!

Thank you for the quick reply!


Here is the Etrecheck repport:


EtreCheck version: 4.3.6 (4D041)

Report generated: 2018-09-22 14:16:08

Download EtreCheck from https://etrecheck.com

Runtime: 2:52

Performance: Excellent


Problem: Other problem

Description:

Unexpected shut-down


Major Issues:

Anything that appears on this list needs immediate attention.


Adware - Adware detected.


Minor Issues:

These issues do not need immediate attention but they may indicate future problems.


Time Machine auto backup disabled - Time Machine auto backups are disabled.

Kernel extensions blocked - There are blocked kernel extensions awaiting user approval.

Clean up - There are orphan files that could be removed.

Unsigned files - There are unsigned software file installed. They appear to be legitimate but should be reviewed.

32-bit Apps - This machine has 32-bits apps that may have problems in the future.


Hardware Information:

MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2014)

MacBook Pro Model: MacBookPro11,2

1 2.2 GHz Intel Core i7 (i7-4770HQ) CPU: 4-core

16 GB RAM - Not upgradeable

BANK 0/DIMM0 - 8 GB DDR3 1600 ok

BANK 1/DIMM0 - 8 GB DDR3 1600 ok

Battery: Health = Normal - Cycle count = 350


Video Information:

Intel Iris Pro - VRAM: 1536 MB

Color LCD


Drives:

disk0 - APPLE SSD SM0256F 251.00 GB (Solid State - TRIM: Yes)

Internal PCI 5.0 GT/s x2 Serial ATA

disk0s1 - EFI (MS-DOS FAT32) [EFI] 210 MB

disk0s2 250.79 GB

disk1s1 - Macintosh HD (APFS) 250.79 GB (213.52 GB used)

disk1s2 - Preboot (APFS) [APFS Preboot] 250.79 GB (33 MB used)

disk1s3 - Recovery (APFS) [Recovery] 250.79 GB (519 MB used)

disk1s4 - VM (APFS) [APFS VM] 250.79 GB (1.07 GB used)


Mounted Volumes:

disk1s1 - Macintosh HD 250.79 GB (35.51 GB free)

APFS

Mount point: /


disk1s4 - VM [APFS VM] 250.79 GB (35.51 GB free)

APFS

Mount point: /private/var/vm


Network:

Interface usbmodem1451: Arduino Uno 2

Interface usbmodem1411: Arduino Uno

Interface en0: Wi-Fi

Interface en3: Bluetooth PAN

Interface bridge0: Thunderbolt Bridge

Interface en4: Thunderbolt Ethernet

One IPv4 address

2 IPv6 addresses

Interface en5: iPhone


System Software:

macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 (17G65)

Time since boot: Less than an hour

System Load: 1.95 (1 min ago) 1.61 (5 min ago) 1.55 (15 min ago)


Security:

SystemStatus
GatekeeperMac App Store and identified developers
System Integrity ProtectionEnabled


Adware:

Safari Extension: Searchme

Reason: Adware name match


Unsigned Files:

Launchd: /Library/LaunchAgents/com.sony.WirelessAutoImportLauncher.agent.plist

Executable: /Library/Application Support/WirelessAutoImport/WirelessImporterDaemon

Details: Exact match found in the whitelist - probably OK

Launchd: /Library/LaunchAgents/ouc.plist

Executable: /Library/StartupItems/StartOuc/StartOuc

Details: Exact match found in the whitelist - probably OK

Launchd: /Library/LaunchDaemons/org.virtualbox.startup.plist

Executable: /Library/Application Support/VirtualBox/LaunchDaemons/VirtualBoxStartup.sh restart

Details: Exact match found in the whitelist - probably OK

Launchd: /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper.plist

Executable: /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper

Details: Exact match found in the whitelist - probably OK

Launchd: /Library/LaunchAgents/com.cisco.anyconnect.notification.plist

Executable: '/opt/cisco/anyconnect/bin/Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Notification.app' --wait-apps '/opt/cisco/anyconnect/bin/Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Notification.app'

Details: Exact match found in the whitelist - probably OK

Launchd: /Library/LaunchDaemons/HWNetMgr.plist

Executable: /Library/StartupItems/HWNetMgr/HWNetCfg

Details: Exact match found in the whitelist - probably OK

Launchd: /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.cisco.anyconnect.vpnagentd.plist

Executable: /opt/cisco/anyconnect/bin/vpnagentd -execv_instance

Details: Exact match found in the whitelist - probably OK

Launchd: /Library/LaunchAgents/com.cisco.anyconnect.gui.plist

Executable: '/Applications/Cisco/Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.app' --wait-apps '/Applications/Cisco/Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.app'

Details: Exact match found in the whitelist - probably OK

Launchd: /Library/LaunchAgents/HWPortCfg.plist

Executable: /Library/StartupItems/HWPortDetect/HWPortCfg

Details: Exact match found in the whitelist - probably OK

Launchd: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.valvesoftware.steamclean.plist

Executable: ~/Library/Application Support/Steam/SteamApps/steamclean Public

Details: Exact match found in the whitelist - probably OK


32-bit Applications:

41 32-bit apps


Kernel Extensions:

/Library/Application Support/VirtualBox

[Loaded] VBoxDrv.kext (Oracle America, Inc., 5.2.8)

[Loaded] VBoxNetAdp.kext (Oracle America, Inc., 5.2.8)

[Loaded] VBoxNetFlt.kext (Oracle America, Inc., 5.2.8)

[Loaded] VBoxUSB.kext (Oracle America, Inc., 5.2.8)


/Library/Extensions

[Not Loaded] acsock.kext (Cisco, 4.5.0 - SDK 10.9)

[Not Loaded] SONYDeviceType04.kext (Sony Corporation, 1.3.0.06030 - SDK 10.10)

[Not Loaded] RDUSB0037Dev.kext (Roland Corporation, 1.0.0 - SDK 10.9)


/Library/Extensions/HuaweiDataCardDriver_10_9.kext/Contents/PlugIns

[Blocked] MBBACMData.kext (HUAWEI DEVICE USA INC., 6.00.06.00 - SDK 10.10)

[Blocked] MBBActivateDriver.kext (HUAWEI DEVICE USA INC., 6.00.05 - SDK 10.10)

[Blocked] MBBEthernetData.kext (HUAWEI DEVICE USA INC., 6.00.05.00 - SDK 10.10)


System Launch Agents:

[Not Loaded] 9 Apple tasks
[Loaded] 181 Apple tasks
[Running] 103 Apple tasks
[Other] One Apple task


System Launch Daemons:

[Not Loaded] 35 Apple tasks
[Loaded] 191 Apple tasks
[Running] 110 Apple tasks


Launch Agents:

[Loaded] ouc.plist (? 95eaf36e - installed 2018-06-07)
[Other] com.sony.SonyAutoLauncher.agent.plist (? a756a1bd - installed 2016-12-01)
[Loaded] com.cisco.anyconnect.notification.plist (? 8b01cb06 - installed 2017-10-18)
[Loaded] org.macosforge.xquartz.startx.plist (Apple Inc. - XQuartz - installed 2016-10-26)
[Running] com.sony.WirelessAutoImportLauncher.agent.plist (? c33fba7e - installed 2016-12-06)
[Loaded] com.intego.backupassistant.agent.plist (? f2f62dfd - installed 2013-10-14)
[Loaded] com.cisco.anyconnect.gui.plist (? 40bd3462 - installed 2017-10-18)
[Other] com.adobe.ARMDCHelper.cc24aef4a1b90ed56a725c38014c95072f92651fb65e1bf9c8e43c37a2 3d420d.plist (Adobe Systems, Inc. - installed 2018-08-14)
[Running] HWPortCfg.plist (? 799429ac - installed 2018-06-07)


Launch Daemons:

[Loaded] com.adobe.ARMDC.SMJobBlessHelper.plist (Adobe Systems, Inc. - installed 2018-08-14)
[Not Loaded] org.virtualbox.startup.plist (? 700b9385 - installed 2018-03-26)
[Running] com.cisco.anyconnect.vpnagentd.plist (? f363637f - installed 2017-10-18)
[Loaded] com.adobe.fpsaud.plist (Adobe Systems, Inc. - installed 2018-06-26)
[Loaded] com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper.plist (? 6d8cb30e - installed 2016-06-26)
[Loaded] org.macosforge.xquartz.privileged_startx.plist (Apple Inc. - XQuartz - installed 2016-10-26)
[Running] HWNetMgr.plist (? eba97c80 - installed 2018-06-07)
[Loaded] com.adobe.ARMDC.Communicator.plist (Adobe Systems, Inc. - installed 2018-08-14)
[Running] com.intego.BackupAssistant.daemon.plist (? f4eb85c2 - installed 2013-10-14)


User Launch Agents:

[Loaded] com.valvesoftware.steamclean.plist (? 0 - installed 2017-05-03)
[Not Loaded] org.virtualbox.vboxwebsrv.plist (Oracle America, Inc. - installed 2018-03-26)


User Login Items:

iTunesHelper Application (Apple - installed 2018-07-14)

(/Applications/iTunes.app/Contents/MacOS/iTunesHelper.app)


Internet Plug-ins:

FlashPlayer-10.6: (installed 2018-07-14)

QuickTime Plugin: (installed 2018-08-01)

AdobePDFViewerNPAPI: (installed 2018-09-20)

AdobePDFViewer: (installed 2018-09-20)

Flash Player: (installed 2018-07-14)

SharePointBrowserPlugin: (installed 2016-12-28)

Unity Web Player: (installed 2017-02-06)


Safari Extensions:

Searchme.safariextz - Adware - http://www.spigot.com/ (installed 2014-10-04)


3rd Party Preference Panes:

Flash Player (installed 2018-06-26)

FUSE for OS X (OSXFUSE) (installed 2015-01-08)

MacFUSE (installed 2008-12-19)

NTFS-3G (installed 2010-10-11)

TeXDistPrefPane (installed 2016-02-23)


Time Machine:

Skip System Files:

Mobile backups: Yes

Auto backup: No

Volumes being backed up:

Macintosh HD: Disk size: 250.79 GB - Disk used: 215.28 GB

Destinations:

E******s [Local] (Last used)

Total size: 999.83 GB

Total number of backups: 14

Oldest backup: 2017-08-23 14:57:48

Last backup: 2018-09-22 13:24:49


Top Processes by CPU:

Process (count)Source% of CPULocation
WindowServerApple8
kernel_taskApple1
sandboxdApple1
syspolicydApple0
trustd (3)Apple0


Top Processes by Memory:

Process (count)SourceRAM usageLocation
kernel_taskApple1.33 GB
mds_storesApple442 MB
mdworker (5)Apple183 MB
DockApple150 MB
DashboardClientApple130 MB


Top Processes by Network Use:

ProcessSourceInputOutputLocation
mDNSResponderApple164 KB40 KB
netbiosdApple26 KB7 KB
apsdApple4 KB3 KB
kernel_taskApple0 B0 B
com.apple.photomomentsApple0 B0 B


Top Processes by Energy Use:

Process (count)SourceEnergy (0-100)Location
WindowServerApple5
lsd (2)Apple0
FolderActionsDispatcherApple0
CommCenterApple0
mdsApple0


Virtual Memory Information:

Available RAM11.70 GB
Free RAM8.42 GB
Used RAM4.30 GB
Cached files3.28 GB
Swap Used0 B


Software Installs (past 30 days):

NameVersionInstall Date
Gatekeeper Configuration Data1542018-09-09
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC (18.011.20063)18.011.200632018-09-20


Clean up:

/Library/LaunchAgents/com.sony.SonyAutoLauncher.agent.plist

/Library/Application Support/Sony Application Launcher/SonyAutoLauncher.app/Contents/MacOS/SonyAutoLauncher

Executable not found


End of report

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User profile for user: greenshirt1
greenshirt1
User level: Level 1
9 points

Dec 30, 2018 9:21 PM in response to TheStoneKing

I have your solution! See below!


Are you still having this problem? I've had a nearly identical experience - same laptop model, same pattern of shutdowns, same diagnostic tests, same disappointing failures. I was about to take it back to the genius bar for the 4th time but found an amazing workaround on an online forum where there are tons of users experiencing this problem. I really can't overstate how great this solution is and I'd say there's a 99.9% chance it works in your case. It involves disabling the thunderbolt port for some reason...and magically the problem is gone. I'll put the instructions below.


To give credit where it's due, the person who originally discovered this solution is at the bottom of this page:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/help-updated-to-macos-10-12-4-mbp-randomly-shuts-off.2039446/page-4


Step by step:

  1. Restart and open Recovery Mode by holding Command + R until the apple logo shows up
  2. At the top, click on "Utilities" -> "Terminal"
  3. Type "csrutil disable" and press enter
  4. Click on apple logo and restart normally
  5. Click on finder -> click "go" at top of screen -> click "Go to folder..."
  6. Type "/System/Library/Extensions" and press enter
  7. Find the icon named "AppleThunderboltNHI.kext" and rename it so that it says "AppleThunderboltNHI.kext.BAK" ...alternatively, you can drag that icon to the trash.
  8. Restart and open Recovery Mode by holding Command + R until the apple logo shows up
  9. At the top, click on "Utilities" -> "Terminal"
  10. Type "csrutil enable" and press enter
  11. Click on apple logo and restart normally


The problem should be gone. The only downside is that the thunderbolt port might not be usable...I'm not entirely sure because I have never used it myself. The other thing is that if you do another OS update (like to Mojave), people have reported that this file comes back and triggers the problem again. The solution would be to either avoid updating or update and then go through these steps again.


I truly hope this helps you or anyone else having this issue because it's been a lifesaver for me.


Reply
User profile for user: SteveHale
SteveHale
User level: Level 1
4 points

Nov 1, 2018 4:26 AM in response to TheStoneKing

I had the same problem. In my case the MacBook would stay on OK, all day, every day as long as it was on power and the lid was closed (attached to a monitor via HDMI). ONLY when the lid was up (open) did it do what yours was (is?) doing.


After a logic board swap out (£500!) the Apple repair shop still could not find the problem. EVENTUALLY after several weeks of them talking with Apple it was it found that one, or some of the "processes" was causing the problem. They would not explain what (they were fightened of Apple!) but the original shop I took it into (partner of the Apple repair centre) told me on the quiet that it was a know problem of high sierra and that Apple were no owning up to it.


Since what ever process(s) they switched off it has been fine. Though I am much aggrieved at having to pay for a logic board that was not needed and no amount of reasoning with them would even solicit a part refund for this!


Nearly put me of Macs and Apple completely.


Since Mojave has been installed it seems to be doing the same thing again so I am keeping an eye on it to see if I should restore High Sierra again.


SMB

Reply
User profile for user: SteveHale
SteveHale
User level: Level 1
4 points

Nov 17, 2018 12:21 PM in response to TheStoneKing

Yes I have also been experiencing the odd "shut down" issue. Sometimes it is at 35%, 50%, 25% 30%, there is no rhymn or reason, without power screen goes black, no keys bring the MB to life, then attach adapter eventually some key strokes bring up the login screen.


It is INCREDIBLY frustrating and I still think the problem is related to some internal code/services but that Apple have not really got their heads around, judging by my previous, VERY EXPENSIVE, experience.


You know, Apple want to be associated as a class above Microsoft but certainly don't act that way when they are confronted with issues or problems! They blame everyone, everything, other than themselves!


The reason I am sticking with Apple is simply because I don't want a laptop that spends ages reading a registery (from an MS Dos heirarchy - that STILL has not been gotten rid of to this day, even with 64 bit OS [watch that terrible black pop up screen when installing some software on Windows!])......


Though it is still frustrating that Apple seem to treat their customers so badly when there are issues that need sorting.


They know, I guess, that there is only two choices - Apple or Windows, in reality, but even so......


Wish you luck, really.....


Sorry I don't have any sensible suggestions to try.


SMB

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User profile for user: Karly555
Karly555
User level: Level 1
8 points

Dec 3, 2018 11:47 PM in response to TheStoneKing

Having the same situation on my MACBook Air. It’s running on Movaje 14. No pattern. All of a sudden constant shut down. I thought it was because of “Word” program as I was writing a 14 page paper for school so I switched to google docs because it was CONSTANTLY shouting down but then it started to happen again. I need to take several tests online and TERRIFIED that it will shut down on me during my test. O___0 FRUSTRATED RIGHT NOW!!!!!

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MacBook Pro shuts down (almost) unexpectedly

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