MBP doesn't sleep automatically

[jlhopes]

Just recently, my 2010 MBP (running El Capitan) won't go to sleep when left on its own -- it has to be put into sleep manually, and sometimes it will wake from sleep on its own. This has only been happening for a few weeks, and there were no major changes to the computer at that time. It's a fairly minor issue, but I'd still like to try and resolve it.

If you have any suggestions as to what might help, I'd love to hear them. I tried resetting the SMC but it didn't seem to change anything. Another possibility is to upgrade to Sierra, but I feel like I shouldn't have to do that just to resolve this issue. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

 

[Weaselboy]

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1776

Try all the steps in this support article (towards the bottom).

Also, start Activity Monitor and look in the Energy tab then look in the preventing sleep column to see if any apps are listed there.

 

[jlhopes]

Thanks. I have seen those articles and checked most of those things. The only thing I didn't do was reset the NVRAM, as I didn't think it would affect power functions, but I guess it couldn't hurt to try. I will also try restarting in Safe Mode. Someone else recommended running OnyX for these kinds issues -- any thoughts on that? Thanks!

 

[Weaselboy]

Someone else recommended running OnyX for these kinds issues -- any thoughts on that? Thanks!

Not a big fan on Onyx. It just deletes cache files and purges logs... that sort of thing. None of it really helpful for your issue IMO.

Anything in that Activity Monitor column I mentioned?

 

[jlhopes]

Not a big fan on Onyx. It just deletes cache files and purges logs... that sort of thing. None of it really helpful for your issue IMO.

Anything in that Activity Monitor column I mentioned?

There's nothing with a "Yes" under "Preventing Sleep".
Interestingly, I tried booting into Safe Mode, and there the computer went to sleep as expected. Rebooted normally, and the same problem is still there. So, I guess it's caused by some non-Apple plugin or software? How to find it? Thanks.

 

[Weaselboy]

So, I guess it's caused by some non-Apple plugin or software? How to find it?

Yes likely... download and run the app Etrecheck. It will create an anonymized report showing all third party launch and startup items. You can post the report here if you like. Here is an example of what the report looks like.