Apple MacBook 13 late 2009 Service Manual
Apple Technician Guide
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009)
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009)
MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2010)
Updated 2010-06-15
Apple Inc.
© 2009 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
Under the copyright laws, this document may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the
written consent of Apple.
Every eort has been made to ensure that the information in this document is accurate. Apple
is not responsible for printing or clerical errors.
Apple
1 Innite Loop
Cupertino, CA 95014-2084
USA
+ 1 408 996 1010
www.apple.com
Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, MacBook, and Macintosh are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in
the U.S. and other countries.
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009)
Contents
Updates 7
Updated 15 June 2010 7
Updated 18 May 2010 7
Updated 09 April 2010 7
Updated 01 April 2010 7
Updated 18 February 2010 8
Updated 15 January 2010 8
Updated 8 January 2010 9
Updated 2 December 2009 9
Updated 5 November 2009 9
Updated 27 October 2009 9
Apple Technician Guide introduced 20 October 2009 10
Feedback 10
Basics
Overview 12
Safety: Battery Precautions 13
Serial Number Location 14
Transferring the Serial Number 15
Note About Images In This Guide 15
Caution About Ordering Replacement Parts 15
Troubleshooting
General Troubleshooting 17
Update System Software 17
Troubleshooting Theory 17
Hardware vs. Software 17
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009): Functional Overview 18
MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2010): Functional Overview 19
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009): Block Diagram 20
MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2010): Block Diagram 21
Liquid Contact Indicators 22
Common Reset Procedures 23
Apple Service Diagnostics 24
Clamshell Service Diagnostic Read Me 25
Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies 25
Symptom Charts 27
Startup and Power Issues 27
No Power 27
Intermittent Shutdown 33
No Video/Bad Video 38
Battery Isn’t Recognized or Won’t Charge 41
Kernel Panic/System Crashes 43
Battery Run Time Too Short 45
Won’t Run on Power Adapter 46
Noise / Hum / Vibration 47
Battery Leaking or Swollen 50
Uncategorized Symptom 50
Communications 51
Ethernet Port/Device Issue 51
AirPort/Bluetooth: Defective Wireless Devices 53
No/Poor Wireless Signal 55
Wireless Input Device Loses Connection 56
Wireless Performance Issue / Slow Connection 59
Wireless Input Device Doesn’t Pair 61
Uncategorized Symptom 63
Display 64
Display Anomalies 64
Defective Camera / Built-in iSight Not Operating Correctly 69
Blank / No Video 70
Backlight Issue / No Backlight 71
Noise / Unstable Flickering 72
Mechanical/Physical Damage 74
Cosmetic Defects 74
Uncategorized Symptom 74
Mass Storage 75
Hard Drive Read/Write Issue 75
Hard Drive Not Recognized/Not Mounting 76
Hard Drive Noisy 78
Optical Drive Won’t Accept/Reject Media 79
Optical Drive Not Recognized/Device Not Mounting 83
Optical Drive Noisy 84
Optical Drive Not Performing to Specs 86
Uncategorized Symptom 87
Input/Output Devices 88
USB Port Does Not Recognize Known Input Devices 88
Built-in Keyboard Does Not Work Properly 89
Specic Keys Don’t Work 90
Built-in Keyboard Is Not Recognized 90
Built-in Trackpad Does Not Track Properly 92
Built-in Trackpad Does Not Work 93
Built-in Speaker Has No Audio 95
Distorted Sound from Internal Speaker 96
Uncategorized Symptom 98
Mechanical Issues: Thermals and Enclosure 99
Reset/Power Button Stuck 99
System Runs Hot 100
Uncategorized Symptom 102
Take Apart
General Information 104
Connector Types on Logic Board 104
Tools 107
Icon Legend 108
Temperature Concerns 109
Replacement Steps 109
Note About Images In This Guide 109
Screw Sizes 109
Bottom Case 110
Top Case Snaps 115
Battery 117
Removal 118
Replacement 119
Trackpad 121
Removal 122
Replacement 123
Hard Drive Bracket 126
Hard Drive 128
Removal 129
Replacement 131
Hard Drive Connector Cable 133
Hard Drive Grommets 134
Memory 136
Removal 137
Replacement 138
Fan 140
AirPort/Bluetooth Flex Cable 143
Rear Vent 145
Rear Speaker 148
AirPort/Bluetooth Card 152
Optical Drive 154
Optical Drive Flex Cable 158
Logic Board 160
Removal 161
Replacement 163
Heatsink 169
Removal 170
Replacement 172
MagSafe Board 173
Removal 174
Replacement 175
Display Module 176
Removal 177
Replacement 181
Top Case with Keyboard 184
Additional Procedures
Trackpad Grounding Strap 187
Views
Exploded Views 190
Display View 190
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009): Main View (side-by-side serial numbers) 191
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009): Main View (stacked serial numbers) 192
MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2010): Main View (stacked serial numbers) 193
External Views 194
Front View 194
Rear View 195
Port View 195
Screw Locations 196
Bottom Case 196
Battery, Rear Vent, Hard Drive Connector Cable 197
Logic Board, Optical Drive, Speaker, Fan, MagSafe Board, Display 198
AirPort/Bluetooth Card and Heatsink 199
Top Case and Trackpad 200
Updates
Updated 15 June 2010
Troubleshooting:
• General Troubleshooting: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC): Updated text
to clarify MagSafe LED behavior; deleted text requiring resetting date and time.
Updated 18 May 2010
Basics
• Overview: Added new model: MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2010)
Troubleshooting:
• General Information: Tools: Updated Apple Service Diagnostic to 3S136 and Apple Hardware
Test version to 3A181 MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) and to 3A199 for MacBook (13-inch, Mid
2010)
• Functional Overview: Added version for MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2010)
• Block Diagram: Added version for MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2010)
• Symptom Charts: Startup/Power Issues: No Power deep dive table: Added power-on pads for
MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2010) logic board
Take Apart
• Trackpad: Added alternate trackpad kit part number 922-9551
• Fan: Replaced image showing screws
• Optical Drive: Replaced 4.49 mm screw with part number 922-9516
Views:
• Exploded Views: Added Main View for MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2010)
• Screw Locations: Replaced optical drive screw part number
Updated 09 April 2010
Take Apart
• Top Case Snaps: Added new procedure showing how to replace the three top case snaps
Updated 01 April 2010
Basics
• Caution About Ordering Replacement Parts: Added reminder to enter product serial number
in GSX before ordering replacement part
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) Basics — Updates 7
Troubleshooting
• Symptom Charts: Input/Output Devices: Revised trackpad steps in Deep Dive to refer to
trackpad grounding strap procedure
• Symptom Charts: Input/Output Devices: Revised speaker steps in Deep Dive to address
right/left speakers on top case
Take Apart:
• Battery: Added alternate part numbers for battery screws
• Trackpad: Added alternate part number for trackpad kit; corrected image for T6 set screw
• Logic Board: Added stacked serial number image; added reminder to enter product serial
number in GSX before ordering replacement part
• Top Case: Added reminder to enter product serial number in GSX before ordering
replacement part
Additional Procedures
• Trackpad Grounding Strap: Added new procedure to check for or install grounding strap
from chassis ground to trackpad; this addresses jumpy cursor movement symptom
Views:
• Exploded Views: Added new notes about the need to refer to GSX for the most accurate
parts list; added second Main View for modied part numbers
• Screw Locations: Added alternate part numbers for battery screws
Updated 18 February 2010
Take Apart:
• General Information: Connector Types on Logic Board: Added LVDS cable image and
replacement caution to check for gold traces
• General Information: Tools: Added torque driver recommendation for 6 display screws
• Bottom Case: Added new Replacement step 4 to align bottom case notches to clutch
• Rear Vent: Added optional torque driver to Tools; revised step 2 screws, including new 4-mm
screw with red locktite and screw ID table; added torque specications
• Logic Board: Added optional headphone jack to Tools; added new Replacement steps 4-6 to
align ports using a headphone jack
• Display Module: Added optional torque driver to Tools; revised Replacement step 1 to
include torque specications
• Top Case with Keyboard: Added replacement note about transferring the trackpad
Views:
• Screw Locations: Added torque specications for 6 display screws
Updated 15 January 2010
Take Apart:
• Battery: Added battery label reminder
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) Basics — Updates 8
Updated 8 January 2010
Troubleshooting:
• General Information: Tools: Updated Apple Service Diagnostic to 3S135
Take Apart:
• Trackpad: Added cautions to avoid bending exures
Updated 2 December 2009
Troubleshooting:
• General Troubleshooting: Added new section “Clamshell Service Diagnostic Read Me”
• Symptom Charts: Startup and Power Issues: Revised for Clamshell Service Diagnostic (CSD)
considerations
• Symptom Charts: Communications: Revised for CSD considerations
• Symptom Charts: Display: Revised for CSD considerations
Updated 5 November 2009
Troubleshooting:
• Symptom Charts: Input/Output Devices: Built-In Trackpad Does Not Work: Revised step 2 and
step 6 of Deep Dive table to check normal trackpad clicking motion
Take Apart:
• Bottom Case: Added image for screwdriver angle
• Rear Speaker: Modied image for step 4 to emphasize recessed screw
• Optical Drive: Modied image for step 1 to emphasize recessed screw
• Logic Board: Replacement: Added reminder to not remove serial number label
Views:
• Screw Locations: Added heatsink screw length
Updated 27 October 2009
Troubleshooting:
• Symptom Charts: Startup and Power Issues: No Video/Bad Video: Added backlight fuse
location to step 9 of Deep Dive table; updated for separate heatsink solution
• Symptom Charts: Display: Backlight Issue/No Backlight: Added backlight fuse location to
step 6 of Deep Dive table
• Symptom Charts: Mechanical Issues: Thermals and Enclosure: Updated for separate heatsink
solution
Take Apart:
• General Information: Tools: Added thermal grease, cleaning wipes, T8 and #1 screwdrivers
• Trackpad: Updated steps based on trackpad kit contents
• Rear Vent: Tools: Changed from T7 to T8 screwdriver
• Optical Drive: Added image to step 2
• Heatsink: Added heatsink procedure
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) Basics — Updates 9
• Logic Board (includes Heatsink): Changed title to “Logic Board;” added heatsink replacement
reminder
• MagSafe Board: Tools: Changed from #00 to T6 screwdriver
Views:
• Exploded Views: Main View: Added heatsink kit 076-1358; revised logic board reference
• Screw Locations: Added heatsink screws
Apple Technician Guide introduced 20 October 2009
Feedback
We want your feedback to help improve this and future Technician Guides!
Please email any comments to smfeedback4@apple.com
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) Basics — Feedback 10
Apple Technician Guide
Basics
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009)
© 2009 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
Overview
2010-06-15
The MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) features a brighter LED-backlit display, a 2.26 GHz Intel Core
2 Duo processor, and the graphics performance of NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics.
Faster DDR3 memory, a larger 250 GB hard drive, and a new Mini DisplayPort round out some of
the performance and feature upgrades.
The MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2010) features a 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, NVIDIA GeForce
320M graphics, and a 250 GB hard drive
A longer-lasting, high performance, internal battery is no longer customer replaceable. This
high-density battery can be safely removed only by an authorized Apple service provider.
For full technical specications, refer to AppleCare Tech Specs:
http://support.apple.com/specs/
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) Basics — Overview 12
Safety: Battery Precautions
This computer contains an internal-only battery that is serviceable by Apple-authorized service
providers only. Tamper-proof screws are employed to prevent customers from attempting to
remove it.
WARNING: Every time you remove the bottom case, disconnect the battery cable from the
logic board.
WARNING: Because the battery is internal and connected to the logic board by a cable, it MUST
BE DISCONNECTED before performing service procedures. If you fail to do so, live current from
the battery will short circuit the components and render the logic board and/or LVDS cable
unusable.
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) Basics — Overview 13
Serial Number Location
Turn over the computer to see the serial number etched on the bottom case front.
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) Basics — Serial Number Location 14
Transferring the Serial Number
When replacing a bottom case, retain the customer’s bottom case until the repair is complete.
Before installing the replacement bottom case, use a ne tip permanent marker to write the
original serial number clearly and legibly in uppercase box letters directly onto the inside of the
new bottom case.
CAUTION: Take great care in deciphering the small typeface of the etched serial number
on the bottom case. You might need a magnifying glass to see it clearly. It is imperative
that you transfer the correct alphanumeric characters. Keep in mind that Apple serial
numbers always use the numbers 1 and 0 instead of the Roman letters “I” and “O.”
2010-06-15
Note About Images In This Guide
Because a pre-production model was used for most of the images shown in this guide, you may
notice small dierences in appearance between the image pictured and the computer you are
servicing. However, although the appearance may dier, the steps and sequence are the same
unless noted.
Caution About Ordering Replacement Parts
Caution: Some modules have more than one part number due to dierent product
congurations. Before ordering a replacement part, ALWAYS enter the product serial
number in GSX to nd the compatible part.
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) Basics — Serial Number Location 15
Apple Technician Guide
Troubleshooting
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009)
© 2009 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
General Troubleshooting
Update System Software
Important: Whenever possible before beginning troubleshooting, ensure the latest software
and rmware updates have been applied.
Troubleshooting Theory
For general information on troubleshooting theory, go to GSX and nd the Service Training
course menu link. From there you can access the Troubleshooting Theory self-paced course.
Hardware vs. Software
For information on how to isolate a hardware issue from a software issue, refer to:
TS1388—Isolating issues in Mac OS X <http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1388>
TS1394—Mac OS X: Troubleshooting installation and software updates <http://support.apple.
com/kb/TS1394>
HT2956—Troubleshooting Mac OS X installation from CD or DVD <http://support.apple.com/
kb/HT2956>
For information on how to troubleshoot a software issue, refer to:
HT1199—Mac OS X: How to troubleshoot a software issue <http://support.apple.com/kb/
HT1199>
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) General Troubleshooting — Update System Software 17
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009): Functional Overview
Refer to this diagram for symptoms related to logic board connectors. To more easily view this
page, select the Rotate command.
Trackpad/trackpad button/
thermal sensor:
• no cursor movement
• no click action
• runs slow (trackpad thermal
sensor input missing)
Keyboard/power
on button:
• no power on from
keyboard
• nonresponsive keys
Sleep LED:
• no sleep LED status
Right speaker:
• no/distorted treble output
from right top case speaker
Wide-range rear speaker:
• no /bad medium or bass
center sound output
SATA optical drive:
• no SATA optical drive visible
in System Profiler
• no startup from optical drive
antennas:
• no /poor wireless reception
• device(s) not seen in System
Profiler
• no communication with them
• no startup (if shorted cable)
AirPort/Bluetooth
AirPort/Bluetooth:
of power adapter)
• X symbol for battery in menu
bar
hard drive
selected in Sound Input
Preferences)
• not running when on battery
only
• no power on (if incorrect model
• no SATA hard drive
visible in System Profiler
• no startup from internal
• no internal sound
input level (when
internal microphone is
Battery:
Fan:
• intermittent shutdown
• freezes
• noisy fan
Memory:
• no startup
• freeze or kernel panic
• horizontal video lines
MagSafe connector
(under logic board):
• no power on
• no battery charge
SATA harddrive:
Left speaker:
Microphone:
• no/distorted treble
case speaker
output from left top
LCD, but main monitor
on external display
when connected
(sensor stuck)
• no video on internal
• no sleep when display
closed
Sleep sensor:
Connector located on
other side of logic
board:
• no LED on adapter
LCD/backlight/camera:
• no video on internal
LCD
• no backlight
• no camera
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) General Troubleshooting — MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009): Functional Overview 18
MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2010): Functional Overview
Refer to this diagram for symptoms related to logic board connectors. To more easily view this
page, select the Rotate command.
Trackpad/trackpad button/
thermal sensor:
• no cursor movement
• no click action
• runs slow (trackpad thermal
sensor input missing)
Keyboard/power
on button:
• no power on from
keyboard
• nonresponsive keys
Battery:
• not running when on battery
only
• no power on (if incorrect model
of power adapter)
• X symbol for battery in menu
bar
Sleep LED:
• no sleep LED status
Right speaker:
• no/distorted treble output
from right top case speaker
Wide-range rear speaker:
• no /bad medium or bass
center sound output
SATA optical drive:
• no SATA optical drive visible
in System Profiler
• no startup from optical drive
antennas:
• no /poor wireless reception
• device(s) not seen in System
Profiler
• no communication with them
• no startup (if shorted cable)
AirPort/Bluetooth
AirPort/Bluetooth:
• no startup from internal
hard drive
internal microphone is
selected in Sound Input
Preferences)
SATA harddrive:
• no SATA hard drive
visible in System Profiler
Microphone:
• no internal sound
input level (when
• freeze or kernel panic
• horizontal video lines
case speaker
output from left top
• no startup
Memory:
• no/distorted treble
Fan:
• intermittent shutdown
• freezes
• noisy fan
MagSafe connector
(under logic board):
• no power on
• no battery charge
• no LED on adapter
LCD/backlight/camera:
• no video on internal
LCD
• no backlight
Left speaker:
LCD, but main monitor
on external display
when connected
(sensor stuck)
• no video on internal
• no sleep when display
closed
Sleep sensor:
Connector located on
other side of logic
board:
• no camera
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) General Troubleshooting — MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2010): Functional Overview 19
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009): Block Diagram
Refer to this diagram to see how modules are interrelated.
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) General Troubleshooting — MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009): Block Diagram 20
MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2010): Block Diagram
Refer to this diagram to see how modules are interrelated.
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) General Troubleshooting — MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2010): Block Diagram 21
Liquid Contact Indicators
Liquid contact indicators (LCI) have been added to specic locations on current Mac portables
to help determine if systems have been damaged by liquid. The sensors are only visible when
the bottom case and some of the modules have been removed. Normally represented by small
white dots, the LCIs turn red when they have come in contact with liquid, such as an accidental
spill.
For more information, refer to Knowledge Base article HT3400: “About Liquid contact indicators
(LCI) on portable computers.” http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3400
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) General Troubleshooting — Liquid Contact Indicators 22
Common Reset Procedures
Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
To reset power management via the SMC chip:
1. If the computer is on, turn it o by choosing Shutdown from the Apple () menu.
2. Connect the power adapter to the computer and to a working power source.
3. Important: Use the keys on the left side of the keyboard. On the built-in keyboard, press
Shift-Control-Option along with the power button once.
Note: When the LED on the MagSafe connector is orange, resetting the SMC will change it
to green for a few seconds, indicating that SMC was correctly reset.
4. Wait 5 seconds and press the power button to restart the computer. Note: If bottom case
is removed, you may alternately reset the SMC by disconnecting the power adapter and the
main battery, and holding the power button down for ve seconds.
For more information:
http://www.apple.com/support
HT1411—Apple Portables: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) <http://
support.apple.com/kb/HT3964>
Resetting the Parameter RAM (PRAM)
To reset PRAM,
1. If the computer is on, turn it o.
2. Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to
hold these keys down simultaneously in Step 4.
Note: If the keyboard does not have an Option key, use the Alt key instead.
3. Turn on the computer.
4. Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys.
Important: You must press this key combination before the gray screen appears.
5. Hold down keys until the computer restarts, and you hear the startup chime a second time.
6. Release the keys.
For more information:
http://www.apple.com/support
HT1379—Apple Portables: Resetting the PRAM <http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379>
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) General Troubleshooting — Common Reset Procedures 23
Starting Up in Safe Mode
A Safe Boot is a special way to start Mac OS X when troubleshooting. To start up into Safe Mode
(Safe Boot):
1. Make sure the computer is shut down.
2. Press the power button.
3. Immediately after you hear the startup tone, press and hold the Shift key.
Note: The Shift key should be held as soon as possible after the startup tone but not
before.
4. Release the Shift key when you see the screen with the gray Apple and progress indicator
(looks like a spinning gear). During startup, ”Safe Boot” appears on the Mac OS X startup
screen. To leave Safe Mode, restart the computer normally, without holding down any keys
during startup.
For more information:
http://www.apple.com/support
HT1564—What is Safe Boot, Safe Mode? <http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1564>
TS1884—Safe Boot take longer than normal startup <http://support.apple.com/kb/
TS1884>
Apple Service Diagnostics
Run Apple Service Diagnostics to determine if any of the thermal sensors are malfunctioning.
When sensors fail, replace the corresponding part —logic board, battery, or top case. See chart
below for correlation between error code and part.
Name Location
TC0D Logic board
TC0P Logic board
Th1H Logic board
TN0D Logic board
Ts0P Trackpad ex cable
TB0T Battery
TB1T Battery
TB2T Battery
TB3T Battery
Refer to Knowledge Base article 112125: Service Diagnostics Matrix for diagnostic software.
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) General Troubleshooting — Apple Service Diagnostics 24
Clamshell Service Diagnostic Read Me
Isolating video and wireless issues in portable computers can be time consuming and
confusing. The Clamshell Service Diagnostic (CSD) is a new diagnostic tool that checks Apple’s
latest portable computers for the presence of AirPort, Bluetooth, LCD and Ambient Light Sensor
(ALS) to assist you in quickly making a failure determination.
Troubleshooting benets of using CSD include:
• Quick way (less than 1 minute) to determine whether clamshell-related modules (AirPort,
Bluetooth, LCD and ALS) are electrically connected without taking apart the system.
• Results of CSD can help pinpoint if any clamshell cables may need to be reseated to logic
board.
• Diagnostic results can help isolate a video or wireless issue to either the clamshell or the
logic board, to avoid unnecessary replacements of these components.
CSD checks for the presence of the computer’s:
• AirPort
• Bluetooth
• LCD
• ALS
CSD does not check for the presence of the computer’s:
• iSight camera
• externally connected hardware components (such as USB or FireWire devices)
CSD does not check for issues with the OS X or other software-related problems such as
application or extension conicts.
Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies
When displaying a single color over the screen area, the LCD panel might show one or more
pixels that are not properly lit. To determine if the display has an acceptable number of pixel
anomalies, follow the steps below:
1. Set the display image to one of the following colors: all-white, all-red, all-green, all-blue, or
all-black display. Knowledge Base article 112125: Service Diagnostics Matrix has the LCD
Tester Diagnostic Utility that will generate these patterns on the screen.
2. Using a jeweler’s loupe, pocket microscope, or other magnifying device, identify and
count each pixel anomaly:
Bright subpixel anomaly = subpixel that is always on
Dark subpixel anomaly = subpixel that is always o
3. The number of acceptable pixel anomalies for this computer is:
Bright Up to 3
Dark Up to 5
Combination Up to 7
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) General Troubleshooting — Clamshell Service Diagnostic Read Me 25
4. If the number of subpixel anomalies exceeds the acceptable number shown above, replace
the LCD panel display assembly. Numbers outside the acceptable range would be:
Bright 4 or more
Dark 6 or more
Combination 8 or more
5. If the number of subpixel anomalies is acceptable, explain to the customer that the pixel
anomalies are within specications, and no repair is necessary.
Important: Do not release the specications to customers. Instead, inform them that a
certain number of subpixel anomalies are considered acceptable, and these factors apply to
all manufacturers using LCD technology—not just Apple products.
When speaking with customers, please use the following explanation:
Active-matrix LCD technology uses rows and columns of addressable locations (pixels)
that render text and images on screen. Each pixel location has three separate subpixels
(red, green, and blue) that allow the image to be rendered in full color. Each subpixel has a
corresponding transistor responsible for turning the subpixel on or o.
There are typically millions of these subpixels on an LCD display. For example, the LCD
panel used in the Apple Cinema HD display is made up of 2.3 million pixels and 6.9 million
red, green, and blue subpixels. Occasionally, a transistor does not work perfectly, which
may result in the aected subpixel being turned on (bright) or turned o (dark). With
the millions of subpixels on a display, it is quite possible to have a low number of faulty
transistors on an LCD. Therefore, a certain number of subpixel anomalies are considered
acceptable. Rejecting all but perfect LCD panels would signicantly increase the retail
price for products using LCD displays. These factors apply to all manufacturers using LCD
technology—not just Apple products.
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) General Troubleshooting — Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies 26
Symptom Charts
Follow the steps in the order indicated below. If an action resolves the issue, retest the system
to verify. Note: A compilation of Quick Check tables is available at http://service.info.apple.
com/QRS/en/quickreference.pdf.
Note: There is no silk-screen text on nal production logic boards. The photos shown with test
points are from pre-production units and are solely for reference.
Startup and Power Issues
No Power
Unlikely cause: display assembly, speakers, optical drive, hard drive
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
No Power / Dead Unit
• No power
• No image
• No startup chime
• No fan or hard drive spin
• No reset sound from optical
drive
• No sleep LED activity
• No light if Caps Lock pressed
• Non-operational
1. Verify AC power presence with MagSafe LED
indicating on, or in charge state.
2. Verify unit’s power adapter on a known-good
system.
3. Reset SMC.
4. Run Battery Diagnostic Utility.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Test unit’s AC adapter on a
known-good system, and verify
that it can power and charge
the battery.
Yes AC adapter OK. Go to step 2
No Go to step 3. P01
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 27
2. Connect known-good and
correct model of AC adapter
to unit and verify that it can be
powered on.
Yes Go to step 5.
No Go to step 9.
3. Inspect unit’s AC adapter and
verify that cable and MagSafe
connector have no damage
and are clean and free from
defects.
4. Run Battery & Adapter
Diagnostics utility on a knowngood system and verify that
adapter health is good.
5. Reset SMC. Connect knowngood AC adapter and startup
unit to verify that battery is
recognized and charges.
Yes Replace AC adapter P01
No Clean connector assembly,
release any stuck pin then
retest AC adapter on a
known-good system.
If damaged, replace AC
adapter for following
symptoms:
-damaged /burnt pins,
-damaged wire,.
P15
P16
If still no power go to step 4
Yes Retest AC adapter on unit
No Replace AC adapter if failing
P14
Adapter Diagnostics test
Yes Corrupt SMC state prevented
battery management. Issue
resolved with SMC reset.
No Go to step 6
2010-06-15
6. Verify that battery connector is
correctly seated and does not
have any damaged or bent pin.
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 28
Yes Battery connector has no
visible damage. Go to step 7.
No Reseat battery connector and
retest. If physical damages are
found, replace damaged parts
and retest:
-damaged battery,
-damaged logic board
P11
M20
7. Unit’s battery may be run
down, or not recognized.
Run Battery Diagnostic utility
and verify the battery health.
Yes Battery health is reported
good . Let battery fully charge
and retest. If system still does
not run from battery only, go
to step 8.
No Battery health is not reported
good: Replace unit’s battery
according to test failure result:
- for not charging,
- for not recognized,
- for a consumed battery
customer will need to
purchase a replacement one.
P10
P11
8. Substitute unit’s battery with a
known-good one to verify that
system starts on battery.
9. Inspect MagSafe port on
computer for physical damage,
debris or metal fragments
attracted to magnetic
connector and verify that
MagSafe connector is clean
and free from defects.
10. Verify adapter status LED turns
on green or orange indicating
power or battery charge in
progress.
A green LED can indicate a
full battery or a battery not
recognized.
11. Reset SMC. Verify that system
powers on after SMC reset.
Yes Replace unit’s battery. P11
No Replace logic board. M20
Yes Go to step 10
No Clean port assembly. Replace
X03
MagSafe board if necessary.
Yes MagSafe LED on indicates
power is owing to logic
board. Go to step 12
No Go to step 11
Yes Corrupt SMC state prevented
system power. Issue resolved
with SMC reset.
No Go to step 12.
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 29
12. Reseat the keyboard ex cable
to logic board. A disconnected
keyboard or a stuck/open
power-on key can disable
system powering on. If power
button does not work, use
jeweler’s atblade screwdriver
to short the Power On pads on
logic board (see image, left)
to power up the logic board.
If power-on key is stuck,
keyboard ex cable might
need to be disconnected
before shorting pads. Verify
that system powers on.
Yes Power on key works ne, issue
resolved.
Power on key works when
keyboard cable is reseated.
Power on key appears to
be stuck, had to remove
keyboard cable to power on.
Replace top case for stuck
power on key. K05
No No logic board power on
when shorting power-on
pads. Go to step 13
13. Remove logic board and verify
that the MagSafe connector
is correctly connected
underneath logic board.
Yes Replace MagSafe board;
retest.
With replaced MagSafe board
and known-good AC adapter
connected, short Power On
pins. If system still does not
power on, replace logic board.
No Reseat MagSafe connector on
logic board and retest.
Won’t Start Up
Unlikely cause: display assembly, speakers, fan, camera, microphone
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Power but No start up
• No startup chime, some video
activity, Apple logo, startup
spin dial
• Startup chime with possible
beep tones.
• Fan, hard drive spin or optical
drive reset sound
• Sleep LED is on , blinking or
went out
• Caps Lock LED toggles when
pressed
1. Reset SMC.
2. Verify startup process passes initial memory
checks – no beep errors or ashing sleep LED
indicators. Display activity is starting up.
3. Clear PRAM. Verify starts up from user drive.
4. Connect known-good external bootable device
and press Option (Alt) key during startup; then
select external startup device to bring up system
for diagnostics.
5. Verify presence and status of user hard drive. Use
Disk Utility to repair drive and le permissions.
X03
M01
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 30
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