Apple MacBook Pro 15 2.53GHZ mid 2009 Service Manual
Apple Technician Guide
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009)
Updated: 2010-08-05
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.
Please send feedback to smfeedback3@apple.com.
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid
2009)
Contents
About This Guide
Manual Updates 9
Update 11 June 2010 9
Update 14 May 2010 9
Update 26 January 2010 9
Update 13 January 2010 9
Update 2 December 2009 10
Update 11 August 2009 10
Update 7 July 2009 10
Feedback 12
Basics
Overview 14
Identifying Features 14
Product Congurations 14
Note About Images in This Manual 15
Battery Precaution 15
Battery Removal: Torx Plus Tamper 6 Screwdriver 15
Serial Number Location 16
Transferring the Serial Number 17
General Information 18
Required Tools 18
Display Panels 19
The Glass Panel 21
Keycap Replacement 21
Troubleshooting
General Troubleshooting 23
Update System Software 23
Apple Hardware Test/Apple Service Diagnostics 23
Test Points 23
Troubleshooting Theory 23
Hardware vs. Software 24
Clamshell Service Diagnostic Read Me 24
Emerging Issues 24
Functional Overview 25
Block Diagram 26
Liquid Contact Indicators 27
Common Reset Procedures 27
Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies 29
Display Hinge Behavior 30
Symptom Charts 31
Startup and Power Issues 31
No Power 31
Won’t Start Up 34
Intermittent Shutdown 37
No Video/Bad Video 42
Battery Isn’t Recognized or Won’t Charge 45
Kernel Panic/System Crashes 48
Battery Run Time Too Short 52
Won’t Run on Power Adapter Alone 52
Power Adapter Issue 53
Noise / Hum / Vibration 55
Burnt Smell / Odor 57
Battery Leaking or Swollen 58
Uncategorized Symptom 58
Communications 59
Ethernet Port/Device Issue 59
AirPort/Bluetooth: Defective Wireless Devices 61
No/Poor Wireless Signal 63
Bluetooth Wireless Input Device Loses Connection 64
AirPort Card: Kernel Panic 66
Wireless Performance Issue / Slow Connection 67
Wireless Input Device Doesn’t Pair 69
Uncategorized Symptom 70
Display 71
Display Anomalies 71
Defective Camera / Built-in iSight Not Operating Correctly 76
Backlight Issue / No Backlight 78
Noise / Unstable Flickering 79
Mechanical/Physical Damage 80
Cosmetic Defects 81
Uncategorized Symptom 81
Mass Storage 82
Hard Drive Read/Write Issue 82
Hard Drive Not Recognized/Not Mounting 83
Hard Drive Noisy 85
Optical Drive Won’t Accept/Reject Media 86
Optical Drive Read/Write Data Error 88
Optical Drive Not Recognized/Mount 90
Optical Drive Noisy 91
Optical Drive Not Performing to Specs 93
Uncategorized Symptom 94
Input/Output Devices 95
USB Port Does Not Recognize Known Devices 95
Built-in Keyboard Does Not Work Properly 96
Specic Keys Don’t Work 97
Built-in Trackpad Does Not Work 98
Built-in Keyboard Has Dim or No Keyboard Backlight 99
Built-in Keyboard Is Not Recognized 100
Built-in Trackpad Does Not Track Properly 101
Apple Remote Inoperable 103
Built-in Speaker Has No Audio 104
Distorted Sound from Internal Speaker 105
SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card Will Not Insert Into Slot 107
SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card Not Recognized By System 108
FireWire Port Not Recognizing Known Devices 109
Uncategorized Symptom 110
Mechanical Issues: Thermals and Enclosure 111
Reset/Power Button Stuck 111
System Runs Hot 112
Uncategorized Symptom 114
Take Apart
General Information 116
Connector Types on Logic Board 116
Temperature Concerns 119
Replacement Steps 119
Note About Images in This Guide 119
Screw Sizes 119
Bottom Case 120
Battery 124
Removal 125
Replacement 126
Hard Drive and Bracket 128
Removal 129
Replacement 132
Reinstalling Software that Came with the Computer 134
Installing Mac OS X 134
Installing Applications 134
Hard Drive/IR/Sleep Indicator Cable 135
Removal 136
Replacement 136
Memory 137
Removal 138
Replacement 139
Bluetooth Card With Holder 140
Camera Cable Guide 143
LVDS Cable Guide 145
Display Assembly 147
Removal 148
Replacement Notes 152
Display Hinge Behavior 153
Display Clutch Cover 155
Removal 156
Replacement 157
AirPort Card 159
Removal 160
Replacement 161
Antenna Board 162
Removal 163
Replacement 163
Optical Drive 164
Optical Drive Data Cable 168
Right Speaker / Subwoofer 170
Fan 175
Logic Board 177
Heatsink 183
Removal 184
Replacement 185
Trackpad 187
Removal 188
Replacement 190
Left Speaker 193
Microphone 196
MagSafe Board 198
Center Bracket 200
Sleep Sensor/Battery Indicator Light Cable and Board 202
Top Case 204
Views
Exploded Views 207
Exploded View #1 207
Exploded View #2 208
External Views 209
Front View 209
Port View 210
Screw Chart 211
Screw Location Diagrams 213
Bottom Case Screws 213
Battery and Optical Drive Assembly Screws 214
LVDS Cable Guide, Fan, and Camera Cable Guide Screws 215
HD/IR/Sleep Indicator, Metal Cover, and Logic Board Screws 216
Trackpad, Midwall Snap, and Midwall Pogo Screws 217
Right Speaker and Display Assembly Hinge Screws 218
Battery Indicator Light Board and Center Bracket Screws 219
Left Speaker and Heatsink Screws 220
AirPort Card and Antenna Board Screws 221
Apple Technician Guide
About This Guide
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009)
© 2009 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
Manual Updates
Update 11 June 2010
Troubleshooting
• General Troubleshooting: Common Reset Procedures: Resetting the System Management
Controller (SMC): Updated step 3 to clarify LED behavior on the MagSafe connector; deleted
statement that resetting the SMC requires resetting the date and time.
Update 14 May 2010
Basics
• General Information: Added new section “Keycap Replacement.”
Troubleshooting
• Symptom Charts: Input/Output Devices: Built-In Keyboard Does Not Work Properly: Changed
st step in Action column of Deep Dive to refer to Keycap Replacement articles HT4002 and
HT4003.
• Symptom Charts: Input/Output Devices: Specic Keys Don’t Work: Changed last step in
Quick Check column to refer to Keycap Replacement articles HT4002 and HT4003.
Update 26 January 2010
Troubleshooting:
• General Troubleshooting: Updated “Liquid Submersion Indicator” topic and changed
wording from Liquid Submersion Indicator (LSI) to Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI)
• Symptom Charts: Startup and Power Issues: Burnt Smell / Odor: Changed Liquid Submersion
Indicator (LSI) to Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI)
Update 13 January 2010
Basics:
• General Information: Added new section “Display Panels” describing the glossy and antiglare
panels
Take Apart:
• Updated Display Assembly procedure to include new graphics of glossy and antiglare
display cable removal (step 4).
• Updated Optical Drive procedure to include new graphics of glossy and antiglare display
cable removal (step 4).
2010-08-05
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009) About This Guide — Manual Updates 9
Update 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
Take Apart:
• Updated screws for right and left speakers
Update 11 August 2009
Troubleshooting:
• Added Bluetooth card information to Startup and Power Issues Symptom Charts
• Added Bluetooth card information to Communications Symptom Charts
Take Apart:
• Added Bluetooth card procedure (for anti-glare model with Bluetooth option)
• Added note to beginning of Camera Cable Guide procedure explaining that the procedure
does not apply to the anti-glare model with Bluetooth card option
• Added information to Right Speaker/Subwoofer and Top Case procedures about foam on
speaker and/or top case
Exploded View:
• Added Bluetooth card and anti-glare display
Update 7 July 2009
Troubleshooting:
• General Troubleshooting: Added section on display hinge behavior
Take Apart:
• Display Assembly: Added section on display hinge behavior
• Display Assembly, Optical Drive, and Logic Board: Added information about the shim located
behind the camera cable connector. If the shim is not replaced during reassembly, the
camera cable could work loose, resulting in no video. A replacement shim is now included
with replacement logic boards.
• General Information: Removed extra graphic of low-prole solid platform ex cable. Added
instructions to replace the connector shim when reconnecting the camera cable.
• Added battery as “First Step” to all procedures except Memory
Views
• Screw Chart: Updated several screw numbers and photos
• Screw Location Diagrams: Added nine diagrams
2010-08-05
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009) Manual Updates — Update 2 December 2009 10
Apple Technician Guide Introduced 08 June 2009
2010-08-05
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009) Manual Updates — Update 7 July 2009 11
Feedback
We want your feedback to help improve this and future Technician Guides!
Please email any comments to:
smfeedback3@apple.com
2010-08-05
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009) About This Guide — Feedback 12
Apple Technician Guide
Basics
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009)
© 2009 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
Overview
2010-08-05
The MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009) computer features a 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
processor, built-in battery, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics processor, and an SD
card slot.
Identifying Features
The identifying features include:
• SD card slot
• 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
Product Congurations
For product congurations, refer to http://support.apple.com/specs/
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009) Basics — Overview 14
Note About Images in This Manual
Because a pre-production or very similar model was used for most of the images shown in
this manual, 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.
Screw sizes shown are approximate and indicate the total length including the screw head.
Battery Precaution
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.
Battery Removal: Torx Plus Tamper 6 Screwdriver
To remove the security screws holding the battery in place, you will need a special tool, the Torx
Plus Tamper 6 screwdriver, Apple part number 922-9101, available through GSX.
2010-08-05
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009) Basics — Overview 15
Serial Number Location
Serial Number on Bottom Case
Turn over the computer to see the serial number etched on the bottom case near the hinge.
2010-08-05
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009) Basics — Serial Number Location 16
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 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.”
2010-08-05
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009) Basics — Serial Number Location 17
General Information
Required Tools
Caution: To prevent scratches or other cosmetic damage to the computer housing, use a soft
cloth as a protective layer when removing and installing the external screws.
The following tools are required to service the computer:
• Clean, soft, lint-free cloth
• ESD wrist strap and mat
• Magnetic Phillips #00 screwdriver
• Magnetic Phillips #000 screwdriver (preferably with a long handle)
• Torx T6 screwdriver
• Torx Plus Tamper 6 screwdriver (Apple special tool, part number 922-9101)
• Black stick (Apple probe tool, part number 922-5065) or other nonconductive nylon or
plastic atblade tool
• Thermal grease (Apple thermal compound syringe, part number 922-7144)
• Alcohol wipes
• Foam wedge xture for display assembly removal (part number 922-8779)
• Kapton tape
• Tweezers, ESD safe, extra ne points, for at cable replacement
Refer to Knowledge Base article “Hand Tools for Desktop and Portable Repairs—AP/CA/EU/JP/
LA/US” to purchase tools:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=500200
In addition, the following software programs are required for troubleshooting:
• Apple Service Diagnostic (ASD), version 3S132
• Apple Hardware Test, version 3A172
2010-08-05
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009) Basics — General Information 18
Display Panels
Customers can choose the standard glossy display (661-5215) or an optional antiglare display
(661-5295). The antiglare display became a CTO option in August 2009.
External dierence:
(A) Glossy display has a black border and the glass runs edge-to-edge
(B) Antiglare display has a silver bezel, no glass, and a matte nish.
2010-08-05
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009) Basics — General Information 19
Internal dierence:
The glossy display models do not have a Bluetooth card and antenna in the top left corner.
The antiglare display models have a Bluetooth card and antenna in the top left corner.
2010-08-05
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009) Basics — General Information 20
The Glass Panel
Warning: The glass panel for this model is not a serviceable part. If the glass is broken or
scratched, replace the display assembly. Attempting to remove the glass can permanently
shatter the display face and damage other parts.
To clean the glass panel, use the Apple polishing cloth (922-8245) and iKlear Apple Polish or
Brillianize anti-static spray cleaning solution. Alternatively, IPA (isopropyl alcohol) can be used.
2010-08-05
Keycap Replacement
Service packages of 78 replacement keycaps are now available in the U.S. and Canada (U.S.
version keyboard only) for designated MacBook and MacBook Pro computers. The packages
allow you to replace individual keycaps rather than the entire top case.
There are four dierent keycap packages, based on the color of the key and the type of
keyboard (version D and S).
Part number Key color Keyboard
922-9277 Black Version D
922-9279 Black Version S
922-9278 White Version D
922-9280 White Version S
For step-by-step instructions, refer to the relevant support article: “MacBook/MacBook Pro:
Black Keycap Replacement” (HT4002) or “MacBook: White Keycap Replacement” (HT4003).
For an overview of the dierences among keycap procedures, refer to “MacBook/MacBook
Pro: Keycap Replacement Matrix” (HT4001).
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009) Basics — General Information 21
Apple Technician Guide
Troubleshooting
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 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.
Apple Hardware Test/Apple Service Diagnostics
The following software programs are required for troubleshooting:
• Apple Service Diagnostic (ASD), version 3S132
• Apple Hardware Test, version 3A172
Run Apple Service Diagnostic to determine if any of the thermal sensors are malfunctioning.
Replace any failing sensors. See chart below for correlation between error code and part.
Name Location
TC0D Logic Board
TC0P Logic Board
TG0D Logic Board
TG0H Logic Board
TG0P Logic Board
TG0T Logic Board
Th2H Logic Board
TN0D Logic Board
TN0P Logic Board
Tm0P Logic Board
Ts0P Trackpad ex
TB0T Battery pack
TB1T Battery pack
TB2T Battery pack
TB3T Battery pack
2010-08-05
Test Points
There is no silk-screen text on nal production logic boards. Test points mentioned in
troubleshooting charts are solely for reference.
Troubleshooting Theory
For general information on troubleshooting theory, refer to:
http://service.info.apple.com/service_training/en/006/troubleshoot/index.php?page=intro
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009) General Troubleshooting — Apple Hardware Test/Apple Service Diagnostics 23
Hardware vs. Software
For information on how to isolate a hardware issue from a software issue, refer to:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1388?viewlocale=en_US
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>
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.
Emerging Issues
2010-08-05
For the latest on troubleshooting issues, refer to Global Service Exchange (GSX) and the Service
Source, Knowledge Base and Service News tabs for product-specic information.
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009) General Troubleshooting — Hardware vs. Software 24
Functional Overview
Refer to this diagram for symptoms related to MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009) logic
board connectors.
Sata hard drive + Sleep led
+ Infrared sensor:
-no hdd visible in system
profiler
-no sleep led status
-no infrared reception
-no power on (if shorting
SMC)
-not running when on
battery only
-no power on if
insufficient power adapter
-no battery level
Battery:
-distorted right or center
sound
Ram:
-no boot,
-freeze or kernel panic
-video artifacts
Right Speaker and
Subwoofer:
-no sound from right speaker
or woofer
Sata optical drive:
-no odd visible,
-no boot from odd
-any of these
communications failing
-no keyboard backlight
activation possible
-no startup if shorted
Airport cable
backlight
-noisy fan
Clamshell to Airport,
Bluetooth, webcam and
ambient light sensor:
Keyboard
backlight:
-no keyboard
Fan :
-intermittent shutdown
-freezes
Trackpad +
trackpad button thermal
sensor:
-no cursor movement,
-no click action
-unit running slow (no
sensor input)
Keyboard + power
on button:
-no power on with
keyboard
-dead keys
-no battery level while
charging
-no sleep when
clamshell closed,
-no video on internal
display (sensor stuck)-
no battery level shown if
button pressed
indication,
battery level button +
-no battery error
magnetic sleep
sensor:
Battery indicator leds+
Left speaker
-no left sound,
-distorted left sound
the other side of the
MLB:
Microphone
input
-no integrated sound
LCD + backlight:
-no video on internal lcd
-no backlight
Magsafe connector
(underneath mlb):
-no power on
-no battery charge
Connectors located on
-no led on adapter
2010-08-05
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009) General Troubleshooting — Functional Overview 25
Block Diagram
Refer to this diagram to see how modules are interrelated.
2010-08-05
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009) General Troubleshooting — Block Diagram 26
Liquid Contact Indicators
Liquid Contact Indicators (LCIs) have been added to specic locations on current Mac portables
and desktop keyboards to help determine if systems have been exposed to liquid. Damage due
to liquid exposure is not covered by the Apple one (1) year limited warranty or the AppleCare
Protection Plan (APP). Normally represented by small white dots, the LCIs turn red when they
have come in contact with liquid, such as an accidental spill.
Important: The Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI) is a tool that helps technicians identify whether
or not a product has been in contact with liquid. Technicians should not rely solely on this tool,
but should perform a thorough examination for signs of liquid contact, such as corrosion.
For more information, refer to Knowledge Base article HT3400: “About liquid contact indicators
(LCI) on portable and desktop computers.” http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3400
Note: You need to login to GSX to be able to view this Service Provider-only Knowledge Base
article.
Common Reset Procedures
When a reset procedure is required for troubleshooting, follow the applicable steps:
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
HT3964—Apple Portables: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
<http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964>
2010-08-05
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009) General Troubleshooting — Liquid Contact Indicators 27
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 the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the
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>
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>
2010-08-05
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009) General Troubleshooting — Common Reset Procedures 28
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
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.
2010-08-05
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009) General Troubleshooting — Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies 29
Display Hinge Behavior
The MacBook Pro models have a unique counterbalanced clutch system that provides a
smooth, uid feel when opening, closing, or positioning the display. The counterbalanced clutch
system was designed so that when the display is vertical with respect to the ground, it will
remain in place regardless of the angle of the base.
Moving the display past vertical allows the hinges to release and the display to close. This is
normal behavior and no repair is necessary.
Refer to http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3304 for more information and to watch a video of
this hinge behavior.
2010-08-05
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009) General Troubleshooting — Display Hinge Behavior 30
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