MBP 17" 2010 Multiple Attempts Before It Boots.

[Controstock]

This issue started about a month ago. On lifting the top to wake from sleep there was a "phew" kind of sound then it died within 2 seconds. Hit the start button and the same again. Start button again and it got to grey screen then died, then another "phew". Start button again and it eventually booted as normal. I have run the hardware test from the install DVD and all seems to be ok. Reset PRAM etc repaired permissions, all to no avail. Any ideas?

OS 10.6.8
2.8 Ghz
4 GB RAM

 

[chscag]

Does the same thing happen when operating on battery alone or just when it's plugged in with the MagSafe Charger adapter?

 

[Controstock]

Yes it's the same on battery.

 

[chscag]

There are "sleep" magnets located in the cover or lid that when the lid is closed that causes the machine to go into sleep mode. It sounds like something is not working right with that circuit. Try resetting the SMC. Let's see if that cures the problem. See the following Apple KB article: LINK

 

[Controstock]

Sorry I should have mentioned that I have reset the SMC and also it is still the same if I put it to sleep with the lid up. It should wake with a keystroke but it dies. Someone on the Apple forum suggested it may be impending HD failure?

 

[chscag]

It may or may not be the hard drive, but it's easy enough to check it out. Boot your MacBook Pro with your Snow Leopard DVD, accept the license and language. But instead of going into the reinstall phase, select Utilities, Disk Utility, from the top menu. Run a verify for your hard drive from Disk Utility. That will tell you if the drive has problems or not.

By the way, you stated you ran the Apple Hardware Test. That should have checked the hard drive at the same time. But go ahead and do the above anyway.

I'm also thinking it sounds like it may be a power supply problem but we'll worry about that after you run the hard drive check.

 

[Controstock]

Disk Utility is saying the HD is ok. When you say a power supply problem I'm guessing you mean something internal? It charges fine, holds the charge fine and once it eventually boots up runs perfectly normally. Very confusing!

 

[chscag]

When you say a power supply problem I'm guessing you mean something internal?

Yes, specifically the power on - off switching and associated circuitry. You might want to have it checked out by Apple but make sure you get an estimate of repairs before allowing them to do anything.

 

[Controstock]

Ok many thanks for your help. Unfortunately sending to Apple is not an option financially at the moment.