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[README] Common (some unsolved) Problems in 10.12 Sierra

RehabMan

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Joined
May 2, 2012
Messages
181,112
Motherboard
Intel DH67BL
CPU
i7-2600K
Graphics
HD 3000
Mac
  1. MacBook Air
Mobile Phone
  1. iOS
The problems listed here are likely to be experienced by anyone installing macOS Sierra 10.12 on a laptop.

This is NOT a troubleshooting thread. Please do not ask questions regarding your specific problem in this thread. Open a separate thread instead. Only if you have a question regarding the content of this post, or have a an idea for an additional Q/A in this thread, reply here.


10.12.5 Notes

For HD520/HD530/HD620/HD630 you may need Lilu.kext and IntelGraphicsFixup.kext.
See here for details:
https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/macos-10-12-5-update.220866/#post-1504116


10.12.4 Notes

Clover r3994 or later required for kext injection. And r4049 is required if you expect to boot the installer...

IntelBacklight.kext is not working correctly with 10.12.4 (same with ACPIBacklight.kext). Until it is fixed, you can use Brightness by bergdesign with it, or you can use patched AppleBacklight.kext or an AppleBacklightInjector.kext customized for your graphics device and display identifier.

New guide: https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/...rol-using-applebacklightinjector-kext.218222/

Note: Many people will assume brightness is working correctly simply by deleting IntelBacklight.kext. But if you look at things carefully you will notice that you do not have correct brightness range, and the range will likely be different before a sleep/wake cycle vs. after. For others (with a lower BIOS PWMMax), it can be worse: black screen at higher brightness levels prior to a sleep/wake cycle.

SysPrefs -> Displays issue may be fixed.

Activity Monitor may crash if you select the "Energy" tab. And if you had previously selected that tab, Activity Monitor will crash on startup. You can remove ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.ActivityMonitor.plist, or set SelectedTab to zero within it to enable use of Activity Monitor again (without use of the Energy tab). Another method suggested by bozma88:
If you lock the ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.ActivityMonitor.plist file, you can reopen it after a crash (triggered by selecting the Energy tab) without deleting the .plist again. It always defaults to CPU view. Note that you have to click "Ignore" after the crash and then manually reopen it. If you click "Reopen" in the crash notice tab, it tries to reinitialise the same instance and it crashes nevertheless.

The issue with Activity Monitor is fixed by ACPIBatteryManager.kext v1.71. Make sure you update to the latest.

Starting with 10.12.4, there are some relatively common problems with Broadwell graphics. First is an issue waking from sleep (no solution, no dedicated thread). Second is an issue with QE (must remove AppleBDWGraphics.kext to avoid random panic), which looks like a memory corruption issue. Read here: https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/lets-talk-about-broadwells-uknown-gpu-hang-kp-issue.230111/


SysPrefs -> Trackpad is empty

You can work around by copying the prefpane for the trackpad from 10.11.

Details here: http://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/solved-trackpad-preference-pane-is-blank.199946/


Use VoodooPS2Controller.kext v1.8.25 or later.

https://github.com/RehabMan/OS-X-Voodoo-PS2-Controller


SysPrefs -> Displays may fail with an error

Affects only certain laptops (may be fixed in 10.12.4). No clear pattern yet. Suspect it is an EDID issue.

To fix EDID issue, read here:

https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/display-prefpane-cant-load-found-the-problem-and-solution.203955/


Run Apps from Anywhere is now missing from SysPrefs -> Security & Privacy -> General

If you had "Anywhere" already selected, upon updating to 10.12, it will still be available. But if you did a fresh install, this option is no longer present.

Never mind though, you can enable it in Terminal:
Code:
sudo spctl --master-disable


VoodooPS2Controller.kext versions prior to 1.8.24 will cause a KP

Update to 1.8.24 or later.

https://github.com/RehabMan/OS-X-Voodoo-PS2-Controller


Caps lock is unreliable

Using VoodooPS2Controller.kext, you will notice the capslock key is unreliable.

Use VoodooPS2Controller.kext v.18.25 or later.

https://github.com/RehabMan/OS-X-Voodoo-PS2-Controller


-xcpm is no longer available for Ivy Bridge CPUs

This flag was typically used with certain Ivy Bridge CPUs due to problems with ssdtPRgen.sh and native power management.

See here for a potential fix: https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/solved-ssdtprgen-aicpupm-kernel-panics-and-stepping-woes.202421/

With recent versions of Clover (r4155+), you can also set config.plist/KernelAndKextPatches/KernelIvyXCPM=true.


Karabiner is broken

Ouch! I really like that app. Hopefully it is fixed soon with an update.

Karabiner Elements appear to be a replacement. It seems to be a WIP and has some issues, however...


Skylake Graphics issues

Widespread reports of glitches on the menu bar with HD530. Problems with sleep.

A fix for the menu bar glitch: https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/fix-skylake-menu-bar-glitch-fix.206400/


HD4400/HD4600 crashing with Safari and video playback

Install IntelGraphicsFixup.kext + Lilu.kext.


Haswell (and Broadwell) lags/pauses/unresponsiveness shortly after boot (and after wake from sleep)

Shortly after login (and somewhat prior to login), the mouse and/or graphics may seem unresponsive. This usually clears up after about 20 seconds. The same effect is observed after wake from sleep.

This seems to affect only Haswell graphics hardware.

May be related to SMBIOS changes, as similar effects were observed when using MacBookPro11,2 with previous versions of OS X/macOS. But now the problem appears also with MacBookAir6,2 and MacBookPro11,1.

The solution appears to be removing unused connectors from the ig-platform data in the framebuffer kext:
https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/...s-in-10-12-sierra.202316/page-94#post-1485104


Brightness and Volume keys will not work

It is some sort of change in the IOHIKeyboard base class. Maybe we will know more when Apple releases updated source code.

For now, use the menu bar to adjust volume and you can use Brightess by bergdesign to similarly adjust the brightness via the menu bar.

http://bergdesign.com/brightness/

Also, brightness keys can be mapped to F14/F15 if your PS2 kexts allow for customization. For example, with my version of VoodooPS2Controller.kext, you can customize the mapping with ACPI. The following small SSDT can be used to map the Dell PS2 codes to F14/F15 instead of the codes normally used for brightness:

Code:
// Custom ADB codes to change Dell brightness keys to F14/F15
// some SSDTs use a different path than _SB.PCI0.LPCB.PS2K, so adjust accordingly
DefinitionBlock ("", "SSDT", 2, "hack", "ps2k", 0)
{
    External(\_SB.PCI0.LPCB.PS2K, DeviceObj)
    Scope (\_SB.PCI0.LPCB.PS2K)
    {
        Name(RMCF, Package()
        {
            "Keyboard", Package()
            {
                "Custom ADB Map", Package()
                {
                    Package(){},
                    "e005=6b",
                    "e006=71",
                },
            },
        })
    }
}
//EOF

Note: 10.12.1 beta tends to fix the volume and mute keys (and perhaps the other media playback keys). And brightness keys are partially fixed, but still have problems.

The new VoodooPS2Controller.kext v1.8.25 or later maps the brightness keys to F14/F15. As long as you don't re-assign them in SysPrefs->Keyboard->Shortcuts, this is a fine work around.

https://github.com/RehabMan/OS-X-Voodoo-PS2-Controller


Some audio codecs will require an additional patch (AppleHDA)

If you are using target codec 0x11d4198b, you may need to also zero out codec compare 0x11d4198a (a new supported codec in 10.12).

eg. in KextsToPatch:
Comment: 0x11d4198a to zero
MatchOS: 10.12.x
Name: AppleHDA
Find: <8a19d411>
Replace: <00000000>


Some Broadcom WiFi no longer supported

The drivers have been removed as these devices were included on Macs that are not supported by Sierra.

https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/...i-devices-unsupported-in-macos-sierra.201746/


Broadcom WiFi BCM94352 requires additional patches

The patch was created by the-darkvoid.

eg. in KextsToPatch:
Comment: AirPortBrcm4360 - fcvo, 10.12.x (credit the-darkvoid)
MatchOS: 10.12.x
Name: AirPortBrcm4360
Find: <81f952aa 00007529>
Replace: <81f952aa 00006690>

Additional background: http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/312759-fix-macos-sierra-dp1-bcm94532z-wifi/

In addition, for 10.12.1+, you will need these three patches:

Comment: PCI Error #1 (credit Neo.aka.Darkman)
MatchOS: 10.12.1
Name: AirPortBrcm4360
Find: <4139C4751B>
Replace: <4139C46690>

Comment: PCI Error #2 (credit Neo.aka.Darkman)
MatchOS: 10.12.1
Name: AirPortBrcm4360
Find: <410FB7CD39C1750C>
Replace: <410FB7CD39C16690>

Comment: PCI Error #3 (credit Neo.aka.Darkman)
MatchOS: 10.12.1
Name: AirPortBrcm4360
Find: <837DC4047406>
Replace: <837DC4046690>

Additional background: http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/316060-pre-release-macos-sierra-10121/#entry2281834


Patches mentioned above not needed with latest FakePCIID.kext + FakePCIID_Broadcom_WiFi.kext (1.3.3 or greater).


Graphics boot glitch patch for 10.12

A new patch is required.

eg. in KextsToPatch:
Comment: Boot graphics glitch, 10.12.dp1 (credit denskop)
MatchOS: 10.12.x
Name: IOGraphicsFamily
Find: <01000075 25>
Replace: <010000eb 25>

Read also here for further information/tips: https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/fix-resolve-boot-screen-garble.175799/

For those too lazy to read, keep in mind:
- the glitch fix does not remove the glitch entirely... it only reduces the severity
- the glitch fix is most effective if CSM/legacy boot is enabled in BIOS


new USB port limit patch

A new patch is required. Keep in mind the port limit patch is for temporary use only. You should plan on creating a custom SSDT to configure USBInjectAll.kext such that the port limit patch is not needed.

eg. in KextsToPatch:
Comment: change 15 port limit to 26 in XHCI kext (100-series)
MatchOS: 10.12.x
Name: AppleUSBXHCIPCI
Find: <83bd74ff ffff10>
Replace: <83bd74ff ffff1b>

USB power properties injection method has changed

See guide:
https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/guide-usb-power-property-injection-for-sierra.222266/


New patch for SMBIOS whitelist AirportBrcm4360 abgn WiFi

eg. in KextsToPatch:

Comment: AirPortBrcm4360 whitelist patch (board-id), 10.12.dp1, credit RehabMan
MatchOS: 10.12.x
Name: AirPortBrcm4360
Find: <31db4c3b 7dd87512>
Replace: <31dbffc3 90909090>


New minStolenSize patches for Broadwell and Skylake

The minStolenSize patch is used if you can't set DVMT-prealloc to the required value. You need 64mb or larger, typical PC laptop defaults to 32mb.

eg. in KextsToPatch

Comment: Broadwell minStolenSize patch (credit RehabMan based on original by Austere.J)
Name: AppleIntelBDWGraphicsFramebuffer
MatchOS: 10.12.x
Find: <89 45 C8 39 C7 76 4F>
Replace: <89 45 C8 39 C7 eb 4F>

Comment: Skylake minStolenSize patch (credit RehabMan based on original by Austere.J)
Name: AppleIntelSKLGraphicsFramebuffer
MatchOS: 10.12.x
Find: <89 45 C8 39 C6 76 51>
Replace: <89 45 C8 39 C6 eb 51>

Better than using the minStolenSize patch is to patch the framebuffer such that the assertion never fires.

Read here: https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/...lensize-patch-with-32mb-dvmt-prealloc.221506/


New mechanism for system logs

Sierra uses a new mechanism for logging. Both at the application level and system level. Logs created by kexts using IOLog are automatically redirected to the new mechanism.

See this thread for ideas on access: https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/...ay-the-console-now-works.207833/#post-1375525

Further details at developer.apple.com.
 
Last edited:
I do not see the Display PrefPane issue listed... I suppose it's not a general/common issue then?

And btw, did you test whether your BCM943602BAED needs the new wifi patch?

Thanks :D
 
Last edited:
I do not see the Display PrefPane issue listed... I suppose it's not a general/common issue then?

Affects some not others. When I understand the pattern, and have a chance to install on more laptops, I'll add it.

I wonder if swapping the older prefpane would help...

And btw, did you test whether your BCM943602BAED needs the new wifi patch?

BCM94360 is supported natively, so I suspect no patch required.
 
Well do you think swapping older IOHID drivers from 10.11 would fix the keyboard keys? And is it actually a proper solution...?
 
Well do you think swapping older IOHID drivers from 10.11 would fix the keyboard keys? And is it actually a proper solution...?

I haven't tried, and I'm no good at predicting the future. Karabiner is broken too, so we'll see what happens there...
 
hello to decrease or increase the sound is also to decrease or increase the brightness of the screen
can be ordered has Siri to do it for us
 
Thank you Rehabman!
 
The problems listed here are likely to be experienced by anyone installing macOS Sierra 10.12 on a laptop.

SysPrefs -> Trackpad is empty

You can work around by copying the prefpane for the trackpad from 10.11.

Details here: http://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/solved-trackpad-preference-pane-is-blank.199946/


SysPrefs -> Display may fail with an error

Affects only certain laptops. No clear pattern yet.


Run Apps from Anywhere is now missing from SysPrefs -> Security & Privacy -> General

If you had "Anywhere" already selected, upon updating to 10.12, it will still be available. But if you did a fresh install, this option is no longer present.

Never mind though, you can enable it in Terminal:
Code:
sudo spctl --master-disable


VoodooPS2Controller.kext versions prior to 1.8.24 will cause a KP

Update to 1.8.24.


Caps lock is unreliable

Using VoodooPS2Controller.kext, you will notice the capslock key is unreliable.


Karabiner is broken

Ouch! I really like that app. Hopefully it is fixed soon with an update.


Brightness and Volume keys will not work

It is some sort of change in the IOHIKeyboard base class. Maybe we will know more when Apple releases updated source code.

For now, use the menu bar to adjust volume and you can use Brightess by bergdesign to similarly adjust the brightness via the menu bar.

http://bergdesign.com/brightness/


Some audio codecs will require an additional patch (AppleHDA)

If you are using target codec 0x11d4198b, you may need to also zero out codec compare 0x11d4198a (a new supported codec in 10.12).

eg. in KextsToPatch:
Comment: 0x11d4198a to zero
MatchOS: 10.12.x
Name: AppleHDA
Find: <8a19d411>
Replace: <00000000>


Broadcom WiFi BCM94352 requires an additional patch

The patch was created by the-darkvoid.

eg. in KextsToPatch:
Comment: AirPortBrcm4360 - fcvo, 10.12.x (credit the-darkvoid)
MatchOS: 10.12.x
Name: AirPortBrcm4360
Find: <81f952aa 00007529>
Replace: <81f952aa 00006690>

Additional background: http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/312759-fix-macos-sierra-dp1-bcm94532z-wifi/


Graphics boot glitch patch for 10.12

A new patch is required.

eg. in KextsToPatch:
Comment: Boot graphics glitch, 10.12.dp1 (credit denskop)
MatchOS: 10.12.x
Name: IOGraphicsFamily
Find: <01000075 25>
Replace: <010000eb 25>


new USB port limit patch

A new patch is required. Keep in mind the port limit patch is for temporary use only. You should plan on creating a custom SSDT to configure USBInjectAll.kext such that the port limit patch is not needed.

eg. in KextsToPatch:
Comment: change 15 port limit to 26 in XHCI kext (100-series)
MatchOS: 10.12.x
Name: AppleUSBXHCIPCI
Find: <83bd74ff ffff10>
Replace: <83bd74ff ffff1b>


New patch for SMBIOS whitelist AirportBrcm4360 abgn WiFi

eg. in KextsToPatch:

Comment: AirPortBrcm4360 whitelist patch (board-id), 10.12.dp1, credit RehabMan
MatchOS: 10.12.x
Name: AirPortBrcm4360
Find: <31db4c3b 7dd87512>
Replace: <31dbffc3 90909090>

Nice write up mate. Recommend to those people to stay at 10.11.6 if you want to keep full functionality of VoodooPS2.
 
SysPrefs -> Display may fail with an error
This is what I am experiencing. I believe specs are in sig. (Using phone to post)
Can upload pic or anything else needed.
 
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