macbook pro only charges when shutdown with shift-cntl-opt

<< light turns green then amber then light fades off. >>

that suggests a hardware issue:

About your Mac laptop’s power adapter - Apple Support

see section:

MagSafe power adapter light colors

Other users have seen Amber change to slowly blinking Amber, which indicates "Battery Health Management has the situation under control", which is NOT an error message.

You should Reset your MagSafe Power Adapter, by giving it a timeout.

disconnect from power and from the computer and have it sit by itself for a quarter hour.

(sitting facing the corner, or sitting on the naughty stair is optional).

MagSafe or USB-C charging?

How did you decide it is or is not charging?