Macbook Random Shutdown Syndrome

Joined
Jan 3, 2010
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Points
1
I have a less than 4 yrs. old Macbook that has been flawless until recently. It now has begun the dreaded "RSS" random shutdown syndrome. It is out of warranty and now Apple wants to charge $280 flat rate for this fix. I told them to pound sand as I have a HP laptop and Clone PC that are over 8 yrs. old and never a single problem. I know things fail, but I expected more from Apple that is why we switched. Can someone guide me to a good place for the fix (I am in Southern, CA). I would prefer local, but if I have to ship it I will. Or is their anyway of obtaining these parts to do it myself? Thanks guys!


Specs-
Mac OS X Version 10.5.8
1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo
2 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
 
Joined
Apr 7, 2009
Messages
3,308
Reaction score
58
Points
48
Location
Whangarei NZ
Your Mac's Specs
27 iMac+Thunderbolt, iMac 21,
Welcome to the Forum. Have you tried a bit of troubleshooting yourself - do you know if it is Hardware related or software initiated. How about doing a back up and a clean basic install to see if it continues to happen.
 
OP
D
Joined
Jan 3, 2010
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Thank you! I did take my Macbook into the Genius bar in Brea, CA. They performed a stress test and it seemed fine. The fan was spinning as I heard it while it was on. They swapped batteries and even plugged in the power cord to the wall. He said it was probably an internal issue and I said "no crap." The reason why I say it is the "RSS" is because it can be 1 min. - 30 min. max and it shuts down and doesn't prompt me. It shut down all three times while I was there. How can I tell if it is hardware or software related? What can I do to check? And I guess I can do a backup (how do I do that)? I do have a ton of purchased music via iTunes and a ton of Photos on it. Thanks for the help!
 
Joined
Aug 28, 2009
Messages
147
Reaction score
4
Points
18
First suggestion: I wouldn't trust the fan sound alone.
You have the same MBP I have.

Get smcFanControl and run it. Don't adjust anything, but look at the fan RPM. 0-rpm = dead fan. There should be 2 fans. I had 1 fan die, and I didn't know it until the 2nd fan died. Then I had the same kind of RSS problem. The first time I ran smcFanControl, I had 0-RPM on both fans.
It also has a temp read out - anything over about 80-degree C is bad and you will probably get an over-temp panic shutdown.

If the fans are running and it is hot, the fans may need to be cleaned.
 
OP
D
Joined
Jan 3, 2010
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Points
1
First suggestion: I wouldn't trust the fan sound alone.
You have the same MBP I have.

Get smcFanControl and run it. Don't adjust anything, but look at the fan RPM. 0-rpm = dead fan. There should be 2 fans. I had 1 fan die, and I didn't know it until the 2nd fan died. Then I had the same kind of RSS problem. The first time I ran smcFanControl, I had 0-RPM on both fans.
It also has a temp read out - anything over about 80-degree C is bad and you will probably get an over-temp panic shutdown.

If the fans are running and it is hot, the fans may need to be cleaned.


I will tackle this project when I get home. I did take it apart and clean the inside yesterday and it did the same thing. I will keep everyone posted. Thanks!
 
OP
D
Joined
Jan 3, 2010
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Points
1
I did install the smcFanControl. After start up and nothing running I got these temps. after 5 mins. The fans rpm's 1498 temp 37*c. I also have Dash Monitor that allows me to see different temps. Main Heatsink 1 is 33*c and Main Heatsink 2 is 32*c.

My computer lasted 7-10 mins. Right before the shutdown it prompted me "Are you sure you want to shut down or restart your computer." Then it immediately shut down.

Please help guys as I am new to Apple and I would love to get my baby fixed. How do I tell if it is software or hardware related? Thanks!
 
Joined
Apr 7, 2009
Messages
3,308
Reaction score
58
Points
48
Location
Whangarei NZ
Your Mac's Specs
27 iMac+Thunderbolt, iMac 21,
Replied to your PM but you have it blocked - so might be a good plan to allow PMs
 
Joined
Feb 8, 2010
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Random shutdowns

I had the problem with random shutdowns (RSS) on my macbook pro. I deselected put hard drive to sleep when possible in the energy saver preferences and have not had the problem since.
 
Joined
Nov 28, 2007
Messages
25,564
Reaction score
486
Points
83
Location
Blue Mountains NSW Australia
Your Mac's Specs
Silver M1 iMac 512/16/8/8 macOS 11.6
And try downloading a little utility called Applejack. Print and read the instructions and run Applejack as directed for deep cleaning.

http://applejack.sourceforge.net/

Keep us posted?
 
OP
D
Joined
Jan 3, 2010
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Points
1
^ Thanks for the tips guys! I have been so busy with school and work late at night I haven't even touched my Macbook in weeks to try to solve this issue. Lucky I have Fri and Monday of this next week off.
 

Shop Amazon


Shop for your Apple, Mac, iPhone and other computer products on Amazon.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
Top