White Macbook 2006 random shutdown solved removed cpu heatsink and more

I picked up a cheap macbook from a secondhand retailer for $300 and it regularly shutdown, froze, restarted as well as the grey kernel panic screen completely random no real pattern. I set about trying to solve the problem swapping ram and hard drive with my identical 2006 macbook (which I had similar problems with last year, fixed that one with a new battery connector cable). The ram and hard drive made no difference so I downloaded istat menus to see if any combination of cpu voltage, current and temperature were causing the random shutdowns. It seemed when the temperature reached certain values the computer would shutdown or freeze(around 30 to 50 degrees). I'd read on other forums about faulty cpu temperature diodes so I reapplied heatsink compound to the cpu heatsink and checked all the wiring for shorts but nothing seemed to solve the problem. I was ready to retire the computer and use it for spares for my other macbook when needed but I pulled the keyboard off one more time and tried something completely radical. This fix requires some forward planning and software installation but it has completely solved my Random shutdowns completely.
for instructions see my next post *Fix for random shutdowns white macbook*

Ok this is not for the non technical person but it is quite a simple process with the right instructions.
This first step is very important install the software coolbook($10) and fan control (Free)( not smc fan control). Set up coolbook to operate the cpu at the lowest speed and voltage for both power adapter and battery(1002MHz and .95Volts). Remove the keyboard to access the computer logic board (instructions can be found at iFixit). Remove the four screws and two connectors holding the heatsink to the logicboard and gently lift the heatsink out (very important that you leave the fan screwed in and connected). Close the computer back up if you wish to test just gently connect the keyboard and loosly sit the keyboard back in. Restart and reset the pram immediately. Let the computer boot up and then open system preferences and configure Fan Control to your liking. So far no random shutdowns for over a week (was getting many a day previously.

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Hi i am currently using a white macbook mid 2009 with 10.6.8 version and i wanted to upgrade it to yosemite? So wanted to know if it would be alright?

hi i am currently using a white macbook mid 2009 with 10.6.8 version and i wanted to upgrade it to yosemite? So wanted to know if it would be alright?

Hi Shubham Nahar,
The system requirements for Yosemite are listed here.
How to install OS X Yosemite on your Mac
Before you install Yosemite, make sure you have one of these Macs:
iMac (Mid-2007 or newer)
MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer)
MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer)
MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer)
Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer)
Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer)
Xserve (Early 2009)
Your Mac also needs:
OS X Mavericks, Mountain Lion, Lion, or Snow Leopard v10.6.8, already installed
2 GB or more of memory
8 GB or more of available disk space
I don't have that Macbook, so maybe others can chime in as well.
Take care,
Nubz

Random Shutdown SOLVED

This just DUGG'd
http://maba.wordpress.com/2006/09/01/macbook-shutdown-solved-at-last-hopefully/
"The heat sink expands during operation and gets into contact with the sensor cable and melts the cable’s isolation. This in turn causes a short circuit and, thus, the immediate shutdown of the Macbook. As the heat sink is cooling down, the heat sink contracts to the point that it looses its contact with the cable and breaks up the short circuit."

I am experiencing random shutdown with my black MacBook, but suspect that it is a firmware issue rather than hardware issue for the following reasons:
1. When the MacBook shutdown to the point that it will not boot up, I immediately remove the battery and adapter, press the power button for a few seconds, replace the battery, and it will start up and operate normally.
2. The MacBook will operate normally by pressing the power button until the long beep, even when it has shutdown and refuse to boot up with a single press of the power button.
3. It could soon shutdown suddenly after a long period of power off or sleep (which means the CPU temperature is still low).
4. The shutdown could also happen after quitting an application with high CPU load with the fan running, which seems to be a case of sudden drop in CPU temperature.
I hope that Apple can update the SMC firmware quickly to address this issue.

TEST YOUR MACBOOK FOR RANDOM SHUTDOWNS

http://techpaedia.com/apple/2006/08/27/testing-your-macbook-for-random-shut-down s/
i encourage yo uto all check that out, im running the test right now, hoping for the best
for all of you people who know your stuff, could this be bad for my computer?

The procedure will not harm a normal MacBook. It will cause the fans to run at fairly high speed to keep the CPU cool. (If your fans were broken or disconnected, then the CPU would overheat; that's why I said "normal.")
I recently read someone conjecture that the GMA950 graphics chip can overheat, causing a shutdown. This may be what they're trying to test with the procedure.
I've also seen speculation that there's a mechanical short between the top case and the main logic board. If that's the cause of the shutdowns, then I don't see the "yes" procedure having any value.

2.5 y/o macbook develops random shutdown?

Hi,
my 2.0 ghz core2duo white macbook has done the random shutdown thing 2 nights in a row, and its never happened before. no warning, no prior indication, it just instantly shuts down. I haven't heard of this developing on an older macbook. Both times the computer was under light load, on battery power and had maybe 20% charge left.
I did see one thread where on old battery may be an alternative cause, so I downloaded the suggested coconutbattery, which tells me my battery has a capacity of 4036 mAH now, as opposed to 5020 when new. I don't know if this is significant but it doesn't seem that 80% of the original battery capacity is too bad.
Does anyone have experience of this happening, or any helpful info for me?? This is a pain as I was hoping to use my macbook for some live music soon... not too confident of that now.
thanks, Simon Gregory

I'm not sure resetting the SMC is good advice, according this article:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1894
It says only to do it very very specific issues, and random shutdown is not one of them. The article specifically warns against doing it as a troubleshooting measure...

New Macbook Pro - Random Shutdowns

I got a 15" MacBook Pro 2 months ago and today I started having lots of problems. The macbook will start and then after a few minutes, it will randomly shut down. After each shutdown I cannot start the computer again. Pressing the power button does nothing. After about 5 minutes of shutting down the computer will start again on its own and then shutdown again in a few minutes. And the cycle continues like that. This happens while the macbook is plugged in as well.
I do not think it is a battery problem because I removed the battery and turned it on while it is plugged in and still it is the same problem. I don't think it is a software issue because the same problem happens when I boot in both Mac OSX and Windows XP. Anyone have this problem?

Hi dennyhle,
Boot up from the osX dvd holding down the 'c' key, wait for the language screen to come up, pick a language and then from a menu choose Disk Utility and check the permissions and the drive for errors.
If the problem remains after that boot up from the osX dvd again but this time hold the 'd' key to start the hardware test, run an extensive one.
Hope this helps.

Case Cracks White MacBook (2006)

I have observed cracks on my white macbook (Late 2006 model) case (both insde & out side). Everytime I take an appointment with the Genius, they say that they are so busy to replace the case and they might need at least 3-5 business days. Since I did not have an alternate computer, I have delayed a bit. Now that I recently got a iMac, I would like to turn in my macbook for repair. Not sure if apple has spares to repair the cracked outer shells. Any idea how long and how much it costs to get it fixed ? Or can I return my laptop to get some store credit and buy a new Macbook ??

sparu wrote:
Not sure if apple has spares to repair the cracked outer shells. Any idea how long and how much it costs to get it fixed ? Or can I return my laptop to get some store credit and buy a new Macbook ??
Only Apple would know that. Also, ask Apple. Not going to happen. You can't return a 6 year old mac and expect to get a store credit. Since the repair volume of the store seems to be high, get an estimate and leave it there for repair if you find the price of repair to be acceptable.

MacBook Pro Random Shutdown with Error Code: 4SNS/1/40000000: TAOP

Hi All,
Hope you can help, I have a 1st gen, MBP which i've recently upgraded the HD to a 500gb. Has been working perfectly until today when it had a few instances of random shut downs and not being able to power up...
Got this error code while checking the Hardware test, but not sure what it actually means : 4SNS/1/40000000: TAOP
Anyone got any ideas?? The HD is fully compatible and has worked flawlessly since installation, but now wondering if it has something to do with that??!
Hope someone can shed some light,
Thanks!
Darren

I too have a MBP 15". After 3+ years of good operation, it's developed a sudden shutoff. It happens when the machine is hot. I can get it happen often if playing a web video in Safari.
I've also run AHT and got error 4SNS/1/40000000: TCOP
Troubleshooting:
I used the widget iStat and the utility smcFanControl to monitor the CPU temperature and fan speeds. I found a direct correlation between CPU temperature spikes, fan speed, and shutdowns. My machine shutdown/failed immediately if the CPU spiked for 2 seconds above 120 Celcius - that's a hot spike. I think it's a safety shutdown.
By using the smcFanControl, I could nearly eliminate the shutdown by forcing the CPU fans to run full speed (6,000 RPM). This way, I could keep the temperature between 68-100 Celsius. However, I could still create conditions using multiple web video playback in Safari & Firefox that could spike the temp above 120 C. I found that running fans at full speed were not enough. Something additional must be wrong regarding heat transfer or sensing. So, I'm guessing the thermal grease on the CPU heatsink is old/dry/cracked. Or, there is dust/link blocking the airflow. Or, there is a design flaw with the heatsink so that it is insufficient to cool or monitor the CPU temperature properly. Not sure yet.
I see on other forums that there is a new heatsink design and part number. The design has better thermocouple placement. And, if replaced, it will have new thermal grease.
My question is: How can I purchase a new replacement heatsink for my MBP? Anybody know part numbers or vendors?

How to remove cpu/heatsink from Mega PC 651?

I'm looking for detailed instructions on how to remove the cpu/heatsink from a MSI Mega PC 651. So far the manual has been useless and the Quick install guide isn't even about the MEGA PC series. Can anyone supply detailed step-by-step instructions on how to remove the cpu/heatsink safely?
Lewis

Hi Lewis,
I presume you are refering to this guide?
http://www.msi.com.tw/html/support/manual/note/quick_installation.pdf
I don't think there are any better instructions, other than what you might get with the CPU. Here's some breif comments that may or may not help though:
Get an anti static strap and attach it to earth, (ie I leave my main PC plugged in and attach to it's chassis, when working on another PC)
Your CPU may be attached to the heatsink with thermal paste, if it is be very careful
On my 865 the CPU heatsink is screwed to the motherboard, it may also be held on with levers. Disconnect it as appropriate
Once the heatsink is loose gently remove it, you may need to lift one side first or it may lift the whole CPU out
Once the heatsink is out lift the CPU lever, the CPU will easily lift out
you may wish to remove the old thermal paste from the CPU and heatsink, I use ArctiClean 1+2 check your CPU supplier for options
put the CPU straight into an antistatic bag
Only when you are finished playing with your PC insides should you take off the antistatic strap
If you are still unhappy with these instructions try checking out the Intel or AMD website for help
Hope this helps
cheers
Rich

Macbook pro random shutdown "are you sure you want to shut down?"

Firstly, I'm asking this on behalf of my boyfriend who would ask himself if his computer were working!
His MacBook Pro 2.2GHZ new since July07 has just now, when started up, started displaying the shutdown message "are you sure you want to shut down?" and then shutting down anyway. Without being asked or prompted.
This has happened everytime it has been switched on after a couple of minutes it will just do it over again. It is fully charged.
Absolutely no idea what to do other than to take it down to the Mac Store and get it looked at.
If anyone has any help or advice it would be greatly appreciated,
thanks in advance. Charlie

Ok thought i had this fixed myself, i put it down to over heating as it was just acting normally for the last couple of hours but having just turned it off and started shutting everything down for the night it turned itself on!
I think i solved this by shutting the laptop but this has never happened before. I really hope someone can help, I've googled the problem to no avail and this is pretty much my last hope.
Thanks again
Charlie

Mid-2010 MacBook Pro random shutdown

Hi all, hoping you can help me with my very annoying shutdown issue. Sometimes it will happen within minutes of boot and sometimes the MBP will run for several hours without issue before it happens.
I've been able to replicate the shutdown across OSes (Snow Leopard, Lion, Mountain Lion). Initially I thought it might be bad memory but through swapping memory and running the AHT on a loop for several hours I've determined memory isn't the issue. I've reset the NVRAM, PRAM and SMC several times with no luck. Hard drive and battery is working properly and the AHT is finding no errors with the logic board. Pretty sure I've tried everything I can before bringing it in for service. And of course I'm just past the 3 year warranty date. Help!

You have the MacBookPro6,2, the Edsel of Macs. It may be covered by this program:
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010): Intermittent black screen or loss of video
Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store to have the machine tested. The routine hardware diagnostics used by service providers may not detect the fault. There is a specific test for this issue.
Print the first page of the panic report, and the support page linked above, and bring them with you.
Note that the replacement program only applies within three years of purchase. If you wait beyond that date, Apple may refuse the service. In that case, you'll be quoted a price of about $300 (in the U.S.) for a depot repair.
Back up all data on the internal drive(s) before you hand over your computer to anyone. If privacy is a concern, erase the data partition(s) with the option to write zeros* (do this only if you have at least two complete, independent backups, and you know how to restore to an empty drive from any of them.) Don’t erase the recovery partition, if present.
*An SSD doesn't need to be zeroed.
You may be able to stop the panics by disabling automatic graphics switching in the Energy Saver preference pane, but that's not a solution.
Most likely, the logic board will be replaced. Sometimes the replacement part is also defective, so be prepared for that possibility.

1 yr old Macbook pro random shutdowns on or off power

I have a MacBook pro thats about 1 year old, Mac OS X 10.6.8, completely updated, 2.66 GHz Intel Core i7.
It is randomly shutting down for no apparent reason... it happens about once a day, sometimes on the power sometimes when it's not, the battery time doesn't act strange at all, the temperature seems to be fine when it happens as well, between 60-70c like always. The screen goes blank, doesn't respond to anything i do, all lights are off, and then I hold down the power button and it makes a pop noise. I then turn it on again and its fine, and gives me an error report. It doesn't seem to be associated with any application... happens when I have just chrome open, just firefox, entourage, or word, any combination of those...Any ideas? It is definitely worrying me, especially since my warranty is pretty much just at the end of it's rope.

Sounds like a power supply problem (not portable power supply), but I wouldn't want to bet on the specific issue. I realize that your MBP is not in warranty, but you might do well to visit your local Genius Bar to get their input.
This is an interesting problem; post here with the results.

MacBook Pro Random Shutdowns

Hi all,
My MacBook Pro has just recently begun randomly shutting itself down. I'm not sure why, but I have gathered that it's a known issues. Here are the specs on my laptop:
-2.4Ghz intel core 2 duo
-4GB of RAM
-500GB HD
-Nvidia 8600M GT graphics
I forgot exactly which model this is, but I've had it for a good two years now. The warranty ran out last January, and I had the logic board, disc drive, and screen all replaced by Apple right before it did. I am already on my second battery, and this one has lasted just over a year. These things suck. Here is the battery info:
Battery Information:
Model Information:
Manufacturer:    SMP
Device name:    ASMB012
Pack Lot Code:    0002
PCB Lot Code:    0000
Firmware Version:    0110
Hardware Revision:    0500
Cell Revision:    0200
Charge Information:
Charge remaining (mAh):    1323
Fully charged:    No
Charging:    No
Full charge capacity (mAh):    2435
Health Information:
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Condition:    Replace Now
Battery Installed:    Yes
Amperage (mA):    -1995
Voltage (mV):    11193
It switches back and forth from "replace soon" to "replace now". I realize the cycle count is very high and it is past it's lifetime apparently.
So, my two questions are: why is my computer randomly shutting down? I think it could be the battery or the logic board. And is there a recommended this-party battery that is better than the Apple ones? Not only are those $130, but they do not last long at all. Between the two, I'm hoping it's the battery.
Thanks in advance!

Unfortunately, many MacBook Pros of the Core 2 Duo generation instead of going to sleep properly when the battery voltage drops below a particular threshold just shut themselves off instead. It's always been unclear whether this is due to the battery misreporting its voltage or some other cause.
As you've likely surmised, the only fix is to replace the battery, at which time your machine should properly go to sleep when the battery charge gets too low.
Note that you do have to care for your battery as well; it will help it last longer but nothing will fix the fact that batteries will only last a certain number of cycles.
Apple's suggestions on the topic can be read here.

White Macbook (2006?) won't find available networks?

So my macbook (got it sometime in '06) had suddenly stopped functioning in any wi-fi capacity. It says it is searching for networks but doesn't find anything. I've tried cycling it on and off and have all so rebooted the whole machine. The network is working perfectly on the other 2 computers, 3 iphones and ipad in the house so I don't think it's on that end. Haven't had to do much troubleshooting on this front before.
Any help is greatly appreciated!

I had this same problem with a Dell Laptop, before I moved to the Mac line... Your problem is treatable, but not free. Your Wi-Fi receiver has died... One option you have for reparing it is to take to and Apple Retail store or Best Buy and have them perform diagnostics and replace the Wi-Fi reader. A cheaper option would be to buy a USB Wi-Fi reader... However I don't recomend this, because they are cheaply made and don't always work... Hope this answers your question!

MacBook Pro Random Shutdown. What's wrong? What can I do?

I just got a Macbook Pro 15" i5 about a month ago, but something weird has been going on. A couple of days after use I was using my computer and closed it for a few hours. When I came back to it, and opened the lid, it was no longer on. I thought I may have shut it down and forgot, but then it happened a couple of times again. It hasn't happened in the past week, so I thought it may be okay now. But I've recently (last couple of days) been watching things on my laptop and it seems that when the laptop is jogged, the video seems to pause. I thought it might be something I'm doing, but I never had this problem with my old mac. I think I should go to the store to get it fixed, but I was wondering what the issue is and whether I can do anything to correct it. It seems to me that it's a hardware issue and the laptop is somewhat unstable, but I was wondering if anyone had any insight. Thanks for your help. =D
Message was edited by: NintendoMad8

Yeah, I was already planning too. But I was wondering if anyone can provide any insight before I do. Or if anyone else has experienced this issue. Plus, I was wondering...if I just go down there will they be able to do anything, or will they make me book an appointment with the Genius Bar?
(Also, what is AASP?)
Message was edited by: NintendoMad8

White Macbook 2006 random shutdown solved removed cpu heatsink and more

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