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MacBook Pro - Restart Loop

M

Manchester

macrumors member
Original poster
Feb 22, 2010
61
2
I'm after some advice on an issue that I've got with my wifes MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2012). It's got an issue whereby it's going through a restart loop, and won't allow login.

I contacted Apple via their chat facility, and carried out a series of diagnostics as instructed, most suggested attempts failed, as it would just restart.

Took it into an Apple store, where they carried out further diagnostics, with the below results/comments:-
  • Ran Mac Resource Inspector - passed
  • Unable to load into a triage volume as the machine power cycled.
  • Checked the machine internally - no issues found
  • Unable to run storage diagnostics because it power cycled.
  • Unable to load into safe mode or internet recovery.
Apple recommended changing the logic board, at a cost of £470, however, there wasn't any confidence that this was the issue, or that it would resolve it.

Following taking it into Apple, the battery no longer holds a charge or rather it won't charge. When plugged in, the green light isn't bright, but very dull, and needs to be plugged in for it to work. Not sure what's gone on there.

I'd mentioned it to a techy mate, who thought the issue was driver related instead, but didn't offer much more. He'd also mentioned trying target disk mode, I did this, and it was the only method where the machine didn't restart, so I've managed to backup her photos and profile onto my MacBook.

Can anyone offer any suggestions, as to what the issue might be, and any potential ideas to try please.
 
Audit13 said:
Could be a faulty sata hard drive cable.
Click to expand...
How would I check that?

Expobill said:
can we reboot the macbook pro with the battery disconnected?
hopefully that is the problem.
Click to expand...
I'll have to google how to do that, but I'll give it a try.


In addition, I've read some similar posts too, and I must say that I have Crucial.com after market RAM, Apple checked this out instore and said that it was installed fine. Will no doubt be worthwhile me putting the original RAM back in as a check.
 
Expobill said:
can we reboot the macbook pro with the battery disconnected?
hopefully that is the problem.
Click to expand...
OK, I've disconnected the battery, and rebooted without this plugged in. No change, still goes into a reboot cycle. And still doesn't charge, or show that it's charging. Although as per my OP, this only came about after my visit to Apple.

Audit13 said:
There is no real way to check the sata cable.

A faulty sata cable in the 13" 2010 to 2012 Macbook pros is not uncommon.
Click to expand...

Stupid question, do I just buy a replacement, and replace the cable?
 
no worries the macbook won't charge because there is no battery attached.

so, is the green light brighter?

but you still have that loop.
the cable might be the issue. i would get a used one on that internet thing people are talking about.
i have extra parts for my macbook air including 3 keyboard ribbons, 2 speakers and a partridge in a pair tree
i hope i never use or replace but we never know.
 
Expobill said:
no worries the macbook won't charge because there is no battery attached.

so, is the green light brighter?

but you still have that loop.
the cable might be the issue. i would get a used one on that internet thing people are talking about.
i have extra parts for my macbook air including 3 keyboard ribbons, 2 speakers and a partridge in a pair tree
i hope i never use or replace but we never know.
Click to expand...

No it wasn't brighter, still very dull, no different whether connected or not.

And I appreciate that it wouldn't charge whilst disconnected. I've reconnected it.

Frustrating when you have issues.
 
Manchester said:
No it wasn't brighter, still very dull, no different whether connected or not.

And I appreciate that it wouldn't charge whilst disconnected. I've reconnected it.

Frustrating when you have issues.
Click to expand...
something is up with the power source, but try getting a replacement part for the drive.
i know how frustrating these thing can be.
 
Manchester said:
Stupid question, do I just buy a replacement, and replace the cable?
Click to expand...
Not a stupid question at all.

You can buy just the cable, disconnect it from the motherboard, drive, and IR sensor, and install the new cable.

You can get the cable with sensor: https://www.amazon.ca/MMOBIEL-Repla...r=8-10&keywords=macbook+pro+13+2012+hdd+cable

Or without the sensor: https://www.amazon.ca/EPD-Drive-Rep...pID=41-v1Ye0-uL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

I always went with just the cable as detaching the sensor is easy if you take your time and have good eyesight.
 
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Issue now resolved!! It turned out to be an issue with the keyboard, where it was causing a short. Keyboard replaced, and now working great.

Thanks for your suggestions and help, it’s greatly appreciated
 
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