Apple Technician Guide
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009)
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009)
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2009)
Updated 2010-06-11
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 smfeedback4@apple.com.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009)
Contents
Manual Updates 8
Updated 11 June 2010 8
Updated 14 May 2010 8
Updated 15 January 2010 8
Updated 2 December 2009 8
Basic
Overview 12
Identifying Features 12
Product Congurations 13
Note About Images in This Manual 13
Battery Precautions 14
Battery Removal: Tri-Lobe Microstix #2 Screws 14
Serial Number Location 15
Serial Number On Bottom Case 15
Transferring the Serial Number 16
General Information 17
Required Tools 17
The Glass Panel 18
Keycap Replacement 18
Troubleshooting
General Troubleshooting 20
Update System Software 20
Apple Service Diagnostics 20
Test Points 20
Troubleshooting Theory 21
Clamshell Service Diagnostic Read Me 21
Functional Overview 22
Block Diagram: MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) 23
Block Diagram: MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2009) 24
Liquid Submersion Indicators 25
Common Reset Procedures 25
Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies 28
Display Hinge Behavior 29
Symptom Charts 30
Startup and Power Issues 30
No Power 30
Won’t Start Up 33
Intermittent Shutdown 36
No Video/Bad Video 40
Battery Isn’t Recognized or Won’t Charge 44
Kernel Panic/System Crashes 47
Battery Run Time Too Short 49
Won’t Run on Power Adapter Alone 50
Power Adapter Issue 51
Noise / Hum / Vibration 52
Burnt Smell / Odor 54
Battery Leaking or Swollen 55
Uncategorized Symptom 55
Communications 56
Ethernet Port/Device Issue 56
AirPort/Bluetooth: Defective Wireless Devices 58
No/Poor Wireless Signal 60
Bluetooth Wireless Input Device Loses Connection 61
AirPort Card: Kernel Panic 63
Wireless Performance Issue / Slow Connection 64
Wireless Input Device Doesn’t Pair 67
Uncategorized Symptom 68
Display 69
Display Anomalies 69
Defective Camera / Built-in iSight Not Operating Correctly 74
Backlight Issue / No Backlight 76
Noise / Unstable Flickering 77
Mechanical/Physical Damage 78
Cosmetic Defects 79
Uncategorized Symptom 79
Mass Storage 80
Hard Drive Read/Write Issue 80
Hard Drive Not Recognized/Not Mounting 81
Hard Drive Noisy 83
Optical Drive Won’t Accept/Reject Media 84
Optical Drive Read/Write Data Error 86
Optical Drive Not Recognized/Mount 88
Optical Drive Noisy 89
Optical Drive Not Performing to Specs 91
Uncategorized Symptom 92
Input/Output Devices 93
USB Port Does Not Recognize Known Devices 93
Built-in Keyboard Does Not Work Properly 94
Specic Keys Don’t Work 95
Built-in Trackpad Does Not Work 96
Built-in Keyboard Has Dim or No Keyboard Backlight 97
Built-in Keyboard Is Not Recognized 98
Built-in Trackpad Does Not Track Properly 100
Apple Remote Inoperable 101
Built-in Speaker Has No Audio 102
Distorted Sound from Internal Speaker 103
Express Card Will Not Insert Into Slot 105
Express Card Not Recognized By System 106
FireWire Port Not Recognizing Known Devices 107
Uncategorized Symptom 107
Mechanical Issues: Thermals and Enclosure 108
Reset/Power Button Stuck 108
System Runs Hot 109
Uncategorized Symptom 111
Take Apart
General Information 113
Connector Types on Logic Board 113
Icon Legend 116
Temperature Concerns 116
Screw Sizes 116
Bottom Case 117
Battery 122
Removal 123
Replacement 125
Hard Drive Bracket 127
Hard Drive 129
Removal 130
Replacement 132
Installing Mac OS X 133
Installing Applications 133
Memory 134
Removal 135
Replacement 136
Bluetooth Card and Holder 138
Removal 139
Replacement 141
Camera Cable Guide 142
LVDS Cable Guide 144
Fans 147
Optical Drive 149
Optical Drive Flex Cable 153
Hard Drive Connector Cable 155
Battery Indicator Light (BIL) Cable and Board 157
Hard Drive Bracket, Front 160
Display Assembly 162
Removal 163
Replacement 166
Display Hinge Behavior 168
Display Clutch Cover 169
Removal 170
Replacement 171
Cable Clip for AirPort Card 173
AirPort Card 174
Removal 175
Replacement 176
Antenna Board 179
Removal 180
Replacement 180
Right Speaker/Subwoofer 181
Logic Board 183
Removal 184
Replacement 187
Trackpad 188
Removal 189
Replacement 192
MagSafe Board 197
Removal 198
Replacement 199
Heatsink 200
Removal 201
Replacement 203
Left Speaker 205
Microphone Cable 208
Express Card Cage 210
Top Case 213
Views
Exploded View 216
Main Assembly, 1 of 2: MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) 216
Main Assembly, 2 of 2: MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) 217
Display Assembly (both models) 218
Main Assembly, 1 of 2: MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2009) 219
Main Assembly, 2 of 2: MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2009) 220
External Views 221
Front View 221
Port View 222
Screw Location Diagrams 223
Bottom Case 223
Main Modules 224
Display Assembly 225
Feedback 226
Manual Updates
Updated 11 June 2010
Troubleshooting:
• General Troubleshooting: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC): Updated
steps 3 and 4
Updated 14 May 2010
Basics:
• General Information: Keycap Replacement: Added section about keycap replacement kit
Troubleshooting:
• Symptom Charts: Input/Output Devices: Built-In Keyboard Does Not Work Properly: Revised
step 1 of Deep Dive table for keycap kit reference
• Symptom Charts: Input/Output Devices: Specic Keys Don’t Work Properly: Revised step 5 of
Quick Check table for keycap kit reference
Updated 15 January 2010
Take Apart:
• Battery: Added battery label reminder
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)
• Symptom Charts: Communications: Revised for CSD considerations
• Symptom Charts: Display: Revised for CSD considerations
Updated 16 November 2009
Troubleshooting:
• General Troubleshooting: Added note to heatsink row in Apple Service Diagnostics table
• Symptom Charts: Startup and Power Issues: Updated suggested x for shutdown code “-95”
Updated 17 August 2009
Troubleshooting:
• General Troubleshooting: Added section “Display Hinge Behavior”
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Basics — Manual Updates 8
Take Apart:
• Connector Types on Logic Board: Modied camera cable shim Cautions. If the camera cable
shim is not replaced during reassembly, the camera cable could work loose, resulting in a
short or no video. A replacement shim is now included with replacement logic boards.
• Tools: Removed at-blade screwdriver; added tri-lobe screwdriver part number
• Display Assembly: Added camera cable shim Cautions
• Heatsink: Some heatsink models do not include a thermal sensor cable. Added note to step
1 of Removal, and revised step 3 of Replacement accordingly.
Updated 17 June 2009
Views:
• Exploded View: Corrected “Main Assembly, 1 of 2: MacBook Pro (17-inch Early 2009)”
Updated 09 June 2009
Basics:
• Product Congurations: Added link to product specications for Mid 2009 model
• General Information: Required Tools: Updated versions of AHT and ASD diagnostic tools
Troubleshooting:
• Block Diagram: Added block diagram for MacBook Pro (17-inch Mid 2009)
• Burn Smell/Odor: Revised step 2 of Deep Dive table
• Built-In Keyboard Has Dim or No Backlight: Revised step 1 of Deep Dive table
Views:
• Exploded View: Added 2 exploded views for MacBook Pro (17-inch Mid 2009)
Updated 03 June 2009
Basics:
• Battery Removal: Added mention of trackpad to note
Troubleshooting:
• Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC): Revised steps to reset SMC.
• Display/Display Anomalies: Added “Deep Dive: Vertical/Horizontal Lines” table
• Built-in Trackpad Does Not Work: Modied Deep Dive table for trackpad replacement
• Built-in Trackpad Does Not Track Properly: Modied Deep Dive table for trackpad
replacement
Take Apart:
• Battery: Removal: Added “trackpad” to rst note
• Trackpad: Added new section following Logic Board for trackpad replacement instructions
Updated 10 April 2009
Troubleshooting:
• Added new section “Liquid Submersion Indicators”
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Basics — Manual Updates 9
Take Apart:
• Bluetooth Card and Holder: Added screw part number
• Hard Drive Connector Cable: Added screw part numbers
• Battery Indicator Light (BIL) Cable and Board: Added screw part number
• Right Speaker/Subwoofer Added screw part number; corrected screw length
• Logic Board: Added screw part numbers
Views:
• Screw Location Diagrams: Main Modules: Updated screw part numbers
Updated 27 March 2009
Troubleshooting:
• Kernel Panic/System Crashes: Corrected Deep Dive table for missing steps 4 and 5
Updated 06 March 2009
Basics:
• Overview: Added important note on battery removal tool
Troubleshooting:
• Block Diagram: Updated terms
• Revised SMC Reset instructions
• Updated “Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies” topic
• Intermittent Shutdown: Added new table “Troubleshooting Shutdown Causes”
Take Apart:
• Connector Types: Added keyboard cable image and caution; added shim to camera cable
image
• Bottom Case: Reordered sequence for replacing screws 1 and 10
• Battery: Updated battery screw quantity from 5 to 3; revised step 5 warning
• AirPort Card: Reworded step 2 under “Replacement”
• Optical Drive: Added shim replacement reminder to camera cable
• Logic Board: Updated procedure to remove logic board without removing MagSafe board.
• MagSafe Board: Added port test using unplugged power adapter cable
• Display Assembly: Added shim replacement reminder to camera cable; added Replacement
section “Aligning Display to Top Case”
Views:
• Main Exploded View: Changed Bluetooth card to 922-8965
• Display Exploded View: Added “without glass” modier to Anti-Glare Display, 661-5095
• Screw Location Diagrams: Updated battery screw quantity to 3
Apple Technician Guide introduced 13 February 2009
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Basics — Manual Updates 10
Apple Technician Guide
Basic
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009)
© 2009 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
Overview
2010-06-11
The MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) computer features both the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M
integrated graphics processor and a high-performance NVIDIA 9600M GT graphics processor,
Multi-Touch trackpad, and aluminum body. Refer to more features below.
Identifying Features
The main features and service dierences include:
• Aluminum unibody enclosure, machined from a single piece of aluminum
• Ultrathin 17-inch LED-backlit glossy display, 1920 by 1200 pixels
• Mini DisplayPort connector and three high-powered USB 2.0 ports
• Express Card slot, 34mm
• Battery indicator button on left side
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Basics — Overview 12
• Product identication label is etched on bottom case near hinge
• Logic board, MagSafe board, and some other components have a uniform black color with
no component silkscreening.
Product Congurations
This table shows the MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) model congurations at introduction:
Feature Standard (MB604) Optional (Z0G5)
Intel Core 2 Duo processor 2.66 GHz 2.93 GHz
Memory, DDR3 1066, SO-DIMMs 4 GB (2 x 2 GB);
up to 8 GB (2 x 4 GB)
Hard Drive, Serial ATA 320 GB, 5400 rpm 320 GB, 7200 rpm; or 128
Optical Drive (SATA) 8x DL Super, 9.5 mm 8x DL Super, 9.5 mm
Housing Aluminum unibody
Display, 17-inch glass LCD,
1920x1200, 114 dpi, LED backlight
I/O • USB: 3- USB 2.0 (high powered)
Battery 95 WHr lithium polymer
Power Adapter 85 W MagSafe
wide-screen glossy wide-screen glossy display;
• FireWire: 1-FW800
• Video I/O: Mini Display Port
• Audio I/O: Combo digital.analog in, Combo digital/
analog/iPhone headset out, Microphone, Stereo
speakers with subwoofer
• Camera: Wave 4 (f2.4, 3 micron pixel (640x480))
• Other: IR, Battery Indicator Light, 34mm Express card
4 GB (2 x 2 GB);
up to 8 GB (2 x 4 GB)
GB or 256 GB solid state
or anti-glare display
without glass
2010-06-11
For MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2009) congurations, refer to:
http://support.apple.com/specs/
Note About Images in This Manual
Because a pre-production 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.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Basics — Overview 13
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.
2010-06-11
Battery Removal: Tri-Lobe Microstix #2 Screws
Important: Tri-lobe Microstix #2 screws secure the battery in place. Use a tri-lobe large #0
screwdriver (Apple part number 922-8991) for the battery screws.
Important: The only time the battery should be removed is when replacing these:
• battery
• trackpad
• top case
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Basics — Overview 14
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.
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Basics — Serial Number Location 15
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.”
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Basics — Serial Number Location 16
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 #0 screwdriver
• Magnetic Phillips #00 screwdriver (preferably with a long handle)
• Torx T6 screwdriver
• Large tri-lobe #0 screwdriver (Apple part number 922-8991)
• Black stick (Apple probe tool, part number 922-5065) or other nonconductive nylon or
plastic atblade tool
• EMI-safe plastic or nylon tweezers for installing ex cables (optional)
• Thermal grease (Apple thermal compound syringe, part number 922-7144)
• Alcohol wipes
• Permanent marking, felt-tip pen
• Pencil with eraser
• Foam wedge xture for display assembly removal (Apple part number 922-8779)
• Kapton tape
• Tweezers, ESD safe, extra ne points, for at cable replacement
• Magnifying glass, for reading serial number etched on bottom case
• Digital volt meter (troubleshooting)
2010-06-11
Refer to Knowledge Base article “Hand Tools for Desktop and Portable Repairs--AP/CA/EU/JP/
LA/US” to purchase tools:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3452
In addition, the following software programs are required for troubleshooting:
• Apple Service Diagnostic (ASD), version 3S132 or later
• Apple Hardware Test, version 3A175 or later
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Basics — General Information 17
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.
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).
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Basics — General Information 18
Apple Technician Guide
Troubleshooting
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 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 Service Diagnostics
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
TG1H Heatsink*
Th2H Logic Board
TN0D Logic Board
TN0P Logic Board
Tm0P Logic Board
Ts0P Trackpad ex
* If the installed heatsink has no thermal
cable, ignore this code.
2010-06-11
Test Points
There is no silkscreen text on nal production logic boards. Test points mentioned in
troubleshooting charts are solely for reference.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) General Troubleshooting — Update System Software 20
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:
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)
2010-06-11
CSD does not check for issues with the OS X or other software-related problems such as
application or extension conicts.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) General Troubleshooting — Troubleshooting Theory 21
Functional Overview
Refer to this diagram for symptoms related to MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) logic board
connectors.
Sleep LED, Infrared (IR)sensor,
magnetic sleep sensor:
• no sleep LED status,
• no infrared reception,
• no sleep when display closed
• no video on internal display
(sensor stuck)
• no power on (shorting SMC)
Trackpad, trackpad
button thermal
sensor:
• no cursor
movement
• no click action
• runs slow (no sensor
input)
Keyboard,
power on
button:
• no power
• non-
responsive
keys
or center
Right speaker/subwoofer:
• no sound from right
speaker or subwoofer
• distorted sound from right
Optical drive:
• no optical drive visible
• no startup from optical drive
failing—
• no keyboard backlight
• no startup (if Airport cable is
shorted)
Camera (includes AirPort,
Bluetooth, webcam and
ambient light sensor):
Any of these communications
• no keyboard backlight
• intermittent
shutdown
• freezes
• noisy fan
• no startup, pointer
unresponsive, kernel panic
• video artifacts when 9400
GPU is used (shared RAM)
Keyboard backlight:
Fan:
Memory:
Battery (under
logic board):
• not running when
battery only
• no power on
Fan:
• intermittent
shutdown
• freezes
• noisy fan
Express
card:
• no card
seen (USB or
PCI express
buses)
LCD, backlight:
• no video on internal
LCD
• no backlight
Hard drive:
• no hard
drive visible
• no startup
from hard
drive
battery button:
• no battery error
• no battery level while
charging
• no battery level shown when
button pressed
Battery indicator LEDs,
MagSafe connector
(under logic board):
• no power on
Connectors located on
the opposite side of the
Heatsink thermal
sensor:
Left speaker
input
• no integrated sound
left
Microphone
• no sound from left
• distorted sound on
• no startup
• system freezes
•
system shutdown
logic board:
• no battery charge
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) General Troubleshooting — Functional Overview 22
Block Diagram: MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009)
Refer to this diagram to see how modules are interrelated.
1920x1200
LCD Display
Display Port
µDVI-I/SL
(mini DP)
GDDR3 VRAM
512 MB
Mono Amp
LM48310
Headphone
& S/PDIF
OUT
Headphone
& S/PDIF IN
Camera
VGA
One
Antenna
GPU, Proximity,
Left Heat pipe
Thermal Sensor
EMC1403
= Connector
Internal
Display
LPC
Display Port
Mono Amp
LM48310
Azalia Audio
Internal mic
USB
USB
USB
Bluetooth 2.0
Keyboard
Trackpad
Batt Charger
Proximity
Thermal Sensor
HPA00330AI
Battery Charger
BIL (LED)
Backlight LED
Driver, APP001A
LVDS
Graphics Mux
Display Port Mux
GPU
nVidia G96M
RealTek
ALC885Q
IR
USB PSOC
CY8C24794
CPU, Proximity,
Right Fin-stack
Thermal Sensor
EMC1403
Battery
95WHr Li-Poly
PWM
LVDS
Display Port
LVDS
PCIE x16
Mono Amp
LM48310
High-Definition Audio
USB 2.0
USB 2.0
USB 2.0
USB 2.0
USB 2.0(low speed)
USB 2.0(full speed)
USB 2.0(full speed)
Pwr (V,I)
Sensors
Batt.
BIL
ADC
SM Bus
SM Bus
SM Bus
CPU
Penryn
2.66/2.93
GHz
FSB
1066 MHz
Integrated
North& South
Bridge
MCP79
nVidia
LPC
SMC
Renesas
H8S/2117
IMVP 6+
Voltage Reg.
Intersil
ISL9504B
DDR3-1066
DDR3-1066
SM Bus 0
SM Bus 1
RGMII
PCIE x1
PCIE x1
PCIE x1
USB 2.0
PCIE x1
SATA Hard Drive
SPI
Debug
Port
Fan
Lid
System/sleep LED
SM Bus
SM Bus
DDR3 SDRAM
up to 4GB
SODIMM 0SO-DIMM 0
SO-DIMM 1
SODIMM 1
DDR3 SDRAM
up to 4GB
Apple Stereo Headset
Ethernet Phy
10M/100M/1000M
Realtek RTL8211CL
Firewire 400/800
LSI FW643
Flash Cache 2/4GB
Express Card Slot
Airport
802.11a,b,g,n
X9 module
Optical DriveSATA
Boot ROM, 32Mb
Macronix
MX25L3205DM2I-12G
SMS
Vref DACs &
Margin Control
Trackpad,
ALS
MCP, Proximity,
Right Heat pipe
Thermal Sensor
EMC1403
SM Bus 0
2.5" SATA
(Both sockets will be
filled, base config is
two 2GB SO-DIMMs)
RJ45
Firewire
(Flash cache/Venice
card is not used)
Two
Antennas
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) General Troubleshooting — Block Diagram: MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) 23
Block Diagram: MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2009)
Refer to this diagram to see how modules are interrelated.
1920x1200
LCD Display
Display Port
µDVI-I/SL
(mini DP)
GDDR3 VRAM
512 MB
Mono Amp
LM48310
Headphone
& S/PDIF
OUT
Headphone
& S/PDIF IN
Camera
VGA
One
Antenna
GPU, Proximity,
Left Heat pipe
Thermal Sensor
EMC1403
= Connector
Internal
Display
LPC
Display Port
Mono Amp
LM48310
Azalia Audio
Internal mic
USB
USB
USB
Bluetooth 2.0
Keyboard
Trackpad
Batt Charger
Proximity
Thermal Sensor
HPA00330AI
Battery Charger
BIL (LED)
Backlight LED
Driver, APP001A
LVDS
Graphics Mux
Display Port Mux
GPU
nVidia G96M
RealTek
ALC885Q
IR
USB PSOC
CY8C24794
CPU, Proximity,
Right Fin-stack
Thermal Sensor
EMC1403
Battery
95WHr Li-Poly
PWM
LVDS
Display Port
LVDS
PCIE x16
Mono Amp
LM48310
High-Definition Audio
USB 2.0
USB 2.0
USB 2.0
USB 2.0
USB 2.0(low speed)
USB 2.0(full speed)
USB 2.0(full speed)
Pwr (V,I)
Sensors
Batt.
BIL
ADC
SM Bus
SM Bus
SM Bus
CPU
Penryn
2.8/3.06
GHz
FSB
1066 MHz
Integrated
North& South
Bridge
MCP79
nVidia
LPC
SMC
Renesas
H8S/2117
IMVP 6+
Voltage Reg.
Intersil
ISL9504B
DDR3-1066
DDR3-1066
SM Bus 0
SM Bus 1
RGMII
PCIE x1
PCIE x1
PCIE x1
USB 2.0
PCIE x1
SATA Hard Drive
SPI
Debug
Port
Fan
Lid
System/sleep LED
SM Bus
SM Bus
DDR3 SDRAM
up to 4GB
SODIMM 0SO-DIMM 0
SO-DIMM 1
SODIMM 1
DDR3 SDRAM
up to 4GB
Apple Stereo Headset
Ethernet Phy
10M/100M/1000M
Realtek RTL8211CL
Firewire 400/800
LSI FW643
Flash Cache 2/4GB
Express Card Slot
Airport
802.11a,b,g,n
X9 module
Optical DriveSATA
Boot ROM, 32Mb
Macronix
MX25L3205DM2I-12G
SMS
Vref DACs &
Margin Control
Trackpad,
ALS
MCP, Proximity,
Right Heat pipe
Thermal Sensor
EMC1403
SM Bus 0
2.5" SATA
(Both sockets will be
filled, base config is
two 2GB SO-DIMMs)
RJ45
Firewire
(Flash cache/Venice
card is not used)
Two
Antennas
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) General Troubleshooting — Block Diagram: MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2009) 24
Liquid Submersion Indicators
To help discover accidental damage to the computer, the top case includes spill sensors called
liquid submersion indicators (LSI). The sensors are visible when the bottom case and most of
the modules have been removed. Normally represented by small white dots, the LSIs turn red
(indicated by the small, areas circled below) when they have come in contact with liquid, such
as an accidental spill.
For more information, refer to the Knowledge Base article HT3425: http://support.apple.com/
kb/HT3425?viewlocale=en_US.”
2010-06-11
Common Reset Procedures
When a reset procedure is required for troubleshooting, follow the applicable steps:
Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
The System Management Controller is an integrated circuit (computer chip) that is on the
logic board. As the name implies, it is responsible for power management of the computer. It
controls backlighting, hard drive spin down, sleep and wake, some charging aspects, trackpad
control, and some input/output as it relates to the computer sleeping.
Over time, the settings in the System Management Controller may become unusable, which
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) General Troubleshooting — Liquid Submersion Indicators 25
can result in operational anomalies with the computer. Examples include not turning on, not
waking from sleep, not charging the battery, or not recognizing the AC Adapter, among others.
Don’t reset the SMC if the computer is unresponsive. An SMC reset should only be a last resort
in cases where a hardware failure of the power management system is suspected. Performing
an SMC reset returns the hardware, including NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory),
to default settings and forces the computer to shut down.
For most situations, a restart is sucient. If the computer has stopped responding, try each one
of these steps, one by one. Test in between steps to see if it has worked. If one step works, don’t
worry about the next, as you’re up and running! Only go on to reset the SMC if you’ve tried all
of the steps listed here and the computer still isn’t working.
1. Force Quit (Option-Command-Escape).
2. Restart (Control-Command-Power).
3. Force Shut Down (press the power button for 10 seconds).
Reset the SMC as follows only if the above steps did not resolve the situation.
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/HT1411>
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) General Troubleshooting — Common Reset Procedures 26
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>
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) General Troubleshooting — Common Reset Procedures 27
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 4
Dark Up to 6
Combination Up to 8
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 5 or more
Dark 7 or more
Combination 9 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.
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) General Troubleshooting — Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies 28
Display Hinge Behavior
The MacBook Pro models have a unique counterbalanced clutch system. The design 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.
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) General Troubleshooting — Display Hinge Behavior 29
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 silkscreen 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 charge state.
2. Verify battery status as being partly charged,
charging with AC power.
3. Reset SMC.
4. Refer to Deep Dive table for battery diagnostic
testing.
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts 30
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Isolate peripherals as cause.
Disconnect all peripherals and
external devices and verify unit
starts.
2. Reset SMC, and verify unit
starts. (Alternative hardware
SMC reset can be forced by
shorting R5001 pads on logic
board or removing all system
power for 1 minute.) Can
system start up after SMC
reset?
3. Will system power up with
battery only? Check battery
level LED indicator for status
of battery charge or battery
use error. Inspect battery
connector for burn marks or
damaged pins if substituting a
known-good battery to verify
starting on battery.
Yes Suspect peripherals as cause.
Reconnect each one at a time,
verifying unit operation as
external device is reinstalled.
No Go to step 2
Yes Corrupt SMC state preventing
power on. Issue resolved with
SMC reset.
No Go to step 3
Yes System can start up from
known-good battery -customer battery possibly at
fault or needs to be charged.
Continue to verify customer
battery then AC adapter use
and battery charging. Go to
step 4.
No System will not power using
known-good battery only. Go
to step 5
P11
2010-06-11
4. Customer battery may be run
down, or not recognized.
Verify customer battery in
a known-good system is
recognized and accepting a
charge. Conrm customer
battery is not consumed nor
defective.
5. Inspect battery cable
connection at logic board and
reseat if necessary. Replace
cable if found damage or
burned. Can the system power
on from a charged battery with
battery cable inspections or
replacement?
Yes Battery is recognized,
charging and health is good.
Return to test unit with
customer battery and AC
adapter power. Go to step 6.
No Replace customer battery
for not charging (P10) or not
recognized (P11). Customer
to purchase a replacement
battery if consumed.
Yes Battery power restored, return
to test unit with customer
battery and AC adapter
power. Go to step 6.
No Logic board is expected to
power on with battery only.
Inspect and test power on
key. Go to step 10.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts 31
P10
or
P11
6. Inspect MagSafe power
adapter. Verify AC adapter is
correct wattage, compatible
with product and works on
known-good computer.
Yes Power adapter is good, go to
step 7
No Release stuck pin or replace
adapter due to wire damage,
not working or burned pins
P14
7. Inspect MagSafe port on
computer for physical damage,
debris or metal fragments
attracted to magnetic
connector. Is MagSafe
connector clean and free from
defects?
8. Verify adapter status LED
turns on green then orange
indicating power and battery
charge in progress.
A green LED can indicate a full
battery, removal of battery or
battery not recognized.
9. Verify power from adapter is
present on logic board.
Remove system battery, use
AC power only. Reseat or test
known-good MagSafe cable to
achieve power for logic board.
Yes Go to step 8
No Clean port assembly. Replace
MagSafe board if necessary.
Yes System starts and has power.
MagSafe LED indicates power
is owing to logic board.
Verify customer battery will
also charge. Review battery
health to ensure customer
satisfaction.
No AC power is down or battery
is not charging. Go to step 9
Yes Logic board has power
adapter energy to start
system. MagSafe cable reseat
or replacement resolved issue.
If still no system power on
indications, go to step 10
No AC adapter power not going
to logic board power supplies.
Replace logic board.
X03
P11
X03
M21
2010-06-11
10. Test and inspect Top Case
Power Button.
Stuck or open power on key or
keyboard disconnect can
disable the power on of
system. If button does not
work, locate pads R5015 on
logic board just to right of IR/
sleep cable. Short pads to
power up logic board. If power
on key is stuck, keyboard cable
must be disconnected for
R5015 to work. Does system
power on? (Reconnect
keyboard cable to conrm bad
or intermittent connections.)
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 32
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
No No logic board power on
when shorting R5015 pads.
Replace logic board.
K05
M01
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 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.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Reset SMC and Clear PRAM to
set default startup device to
internal hard disk drive (HDD).
Yes User hard drive bootable,
issue resolved default
settings.
2010-06-11
2. Is system indicating a memory
error with repeated sleep LED
1 or 3 ash sequence and beep
tones if sound is enabled?
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 33
No Customer system not starting
up, go to step 2
Yes Troubleshoot memory issues,
go to step 3
No Continue with startup
sequence verication go to
step 4
3. Reseat customer memory
and/or swap in knowngood memory to isolate bad
memory and replace defective
parts.
Yes Customer memory defective
and replaced. Continue to
verify startup process. Go to
step 4
No Should known-good memory
fail in one or more slots,
replace logic board.
X02
M07
4. Hold the Alt (Option) key
during startup and verify there
is a bootable hard drive shown
in Startup Manager. Choose
customer hard drive. Does
start up from this drive work?
5. Insert product OS install disc
in optical drive. Install disc
is bootable and should be
present in Startup Manager.
Can system start up from OS
install disc?
6. Boot from a known-good
bootable copy of product OS
on a USB drive or network
server to start up and verify
internal mass storage devices
are available using System
Proler and Disk Utility.
Yes System starting up from
customer hard drive. Startup
issue resolved
No Customer hard drive not
present or does not start up
from this drive. Continue to
nd bootable device. Go to
step 5
Yes Starts up from optical drive -
customer hard drive not yet
bootable, go to step 8
No Computer has no internal
bootable devices. Test
external startup devices, go
to step 6
Yes System started up from
external device and reports
data regarding internal SATA
devices. Go to step 7
No No startup devices available.
Replace logic board
M02
2010-06-11
7. Troubleshoot optical drive
and optical drive cable with
cable reseat and knowngood part substitutions. Is
there a defective optical drive
component to replace?
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 34
Yes Cable reseat solved issue.
Continue to verify hard drive
issues, go to step 8
Defective optical drive cable
X03
found and replaced. Continue
to verify hard drive issues, go
to step 8
Defective optical drive found
J03
and replaced. Continue to
verify hard drive issues, go to
step 8
No Replace logic board M19
8. Use Disk Utility loaded from
OS install disc to verify if hard
drive is available on device list.
Is customer hard drive listed in
Disk Utility?
Yes Customer hard drive available
for inspections and repair. Go
to step 10.
No Hard drive not present,
troubleshoot hard drive and
cable. Go to step 9.
9. Troubleshoot hard drive and
hard drive SATA cable with
cable reseat and known-good
part substitutions. If customer
hard drive, is there a defective
hard drive component to
replace?
10. Boot system with Shift key
down. Does it work?
11. Use Disk Utility to repair
customer hard drive and
repair permissions if system OS
found on hard drive. Is hard
drive bootable after software
repairs?
Yes Reseat of SATA cable now has
customer hard drive visible in
Disk Utility, go to step 10
Defective hard drive SATA
cable found and replaced,
now has customer hard drive
visible in Disk Utility, go to
step 10
Suspect customer hard drive
defective, attempt OS restore,
go to step 10
No Known-good hard drive and
known-good hard drive SATA
cable used, still no hard drive
present. Replace logic board
Yes Go to software
troubleshooting article
No Go to step 11
Yes OS on customer hard drive
repaired, issue resolved.
No Hard drive not bootable,
perhaps missing OS, go to
step 12
X03
M19
2010-06-11
12. Use Disk Utility to partition
customer hard drive with one
GUID partition then restore
Mac OS from product OS install
disc. Is hard drive bootable
after OS install?
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 35
Yes Customer hard drive now
starts up from new OS image,
issue resolved
No Replace hard drive. H02
Intermittent Shutdown
Unlikely cause: hard drive, optical drive
Troubleshooting Shutdown Issues
Before troubleshooting shutdown issues, always do the following:
• Run the available Apple diagnostics to check for cause of previous shutdown(s). Running
ASD also helps isolate any abnormal value reading from a thermal, voltage, or current
sensor or from a fan speed meter.
• Collect all available information from the user on shutdown details: periodicity, power state
when issue happens, running applications, running time before shutdown.
User-related shutdowns
A computer shutdown may be caused by user operation. Shutting down the computer (by
selecting the Shut Down menu, by pressing the power button for at least 4 seconds, or by
programming a timed shutdown in the Energy Saver preferences) should not be considered as
a failure unless the power button or the magnetic sleep sensors are found to be defective.
Suggested steps for troubleshooting:
• Reset SMC.
• Check Energy Saver preferences settings.
• Test top case button and magnetic sleep sensor operation and secure connection to logic
board.
Activity-related system shutdowns
These shutdowns are linked to system settings, devices drivers, applications, or operating
system freezes.
• System could not nish the standard shutdown process and had to force shutdown.
• An installed watchdog detected that an application did not respond within the specied
time. (This watchdog can be enabled in Mac OS X Server Energy Saver preferences.)
Suggested steps for troubleshooting:
• Check the system logs and activity monitor utility for clues on the freezing process.
• Check for available software and rmware updates for installed device drivers, applications,
or operating system.
• Start the system from a known-good and up-to-date bootable drive for issue reproduction.
Power-related system shutdowns
These shutdowns are due to power management, poor connections or defective power
sources.
• External or battery power source was removed.
• Battery went empty while computer was on.
• Battery went empty while computer was asleep.
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 36
Suggested steps for troubleshooting:
• Reset SMC.
• Check that AC cable, AC adapter and battery connections are secure to logic board.
• Verify battery and power adapter sources using the Battery and Adapter test utility.
Hardware-related system shutdown
These shutdowns are due to temperature, voltage, current, fan speed or other hardware-related
sensor values going out of range.
• One of the temperature sensors reached a specied temperature limit.
• One of the voltage sensors reached a specied voltage limit.
• One of the current sensors reached a specied current limit.
Suggested steps for troubleshooting:
• Check all sensors connections and values using Apple Service Diagnostics and other
available Apple Service utilities.
• Conrm correct Apple-branded battery and power adapter are installed.
• Check for abnormal battery temperature.
• Check fan(s) operation.
• Conrm cleanliness of heatsink ns and air ows.
• Conrm heatsink is correctly seated on logic board and thermal material is present.
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Intermittent shutdown
• Powers o during startup
• Powers o with desktop use
1. Collect details from customer on shutdown
occurrence and system conguration when it
happens (on battery, when running for a while,
frequency of shutdowns, running applications,
shutdown repeatability). If shutdown can be easily
reproduced, check next steps:
2. Verify battery charge status
3. Check AC adapter MagSafe connector and
connection with system
4. Reset SMC and PRAM
5. Start up with shift key down for safe mode
6. Startup from known-good bootable device
7. Run ASD for sensors + thermal tests
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 37
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Activity related shutdowns:
Reset SMC and PRAM and
verify that shutdown issue still
happens.
2. Booting from known-good
bootable drive , verify that
shutdown issue still happens.
3. Power related shutdowns :
verify that shutdown issue
can ONLY be reproduced with
user’s battery and AC adapter.
Yes Check with known-good
bootable drive: go to step 2
No Shutdown cause was related
to SMC or Pram programmed
shutdown settings or
corruption, and was resolved
by reverting them to default
settings.
Yes Go to Power related
shutdowns on step 3
No Shutdown events do not
happen on known-good OS.
Reinstall Mac OS on customer
hard drive, update OS with
latest version and check if any
rmware update is available.
Yes Intermittent power issue
means checking user’s
AC cable for intermittent
connection, checking user’s
battery and AC adapter
health,
2010-06-11
4. Reset SMC and PRAM, then
verify if shutdown symptoms
does not happen anymore.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 38
No Issue also happens with
known-good battery and AC
adapter. Go to step 4
Yes Shutdown cause was related
to SMC or Pram settings or
corruption, and was resolved
by reverting them to default
settings.
No Shutdown event still occurs.
Go to step 5.
5. Check system running on
battery only. Use known-good
charged battery.
Verify if shutdown/reset/sleep
issues disappear when knowngood battery is used without
AC adapter.
Yes Recharge customer battery
and retest. Check for
customer battery health
in Apple System Proler or
run Battery & Adapter Test
utility, and replace battery if
its health is reported bad or
consumed.
No Symptoms unchanged - Go
to step 6
P09
6. Check with known-good AC
adapter source only
Remove battery and use
known-good AC adapter.
Verify if the shutdown/reset/
sleep issues disappear with
known-good adapter.
7. Hardware-related shutdowns:
Run ASD or other latest
available service utility and
verify if a sensor failure is
reported.
Yes Faulty user’s AC adapter.
Replace user’s AC adapter if
AC cable and duckhead were
conrmed good.
No Symptoms unchanged - Go to
Hardware-related shutdowns
on step 7
Yes -If a temperature or a fan
sensor failure is reported, go
to step 8
-If a voltage or a current
sensor failure is reported
in ASD w/known good AC
adapter and batteries, replace
logic board.
No Setup ASD to loop test suite
for burn in tests and go to
step 7. if no failure is found
after burn in tests, return unit
to customer for no failure
found.
P14
M23
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 39
8. Verify if a thermal sensor or fan
failure is reported in ASD or
other available service utility.
Yes -If fan not running failure,
check for fan cable seating
and retest. If same failure
after retest replace fan with
known-good fan and retest.
If issue does not happen with
known-good fan, replace
user’s fan.
-If an over temp failure
reported, check for cause of
over temp, like obstructed
vent, dust in heatsink n,
clogged fan and retest. If still
failing replace part where
sensor is located (logic
board, battery, or trackpad)
according to the sensor
location table . Go to step 9
X22
M23
P17
K99
No Replace Thermal module
Go to step 9
9. Isolate if issue solved
Verify if shutdown/issue does
not happen anymore after part
exchange.
Yes Issue xed
No Replace logic board with
corresponding symptom:
-if for thermal error cause
-if for other cause
No Video/Bad Video
Unlikely cause: hard drive, optical drive, top case, battery, power adapter
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Power, but No Video
• Power
• No video
• fan, hard drive spin, or optical
drive reset sound
• sleep LED is on or went on
• light if Caps Lock pressed
1. Reset SMC.
2. Reset PRAM.
3. If no startup chime, verify with known-good
memory.
4. Verify with external monitor.
5. Press Alt key on startup..
X10
M18
M08
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 40
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Characterize video issue
Dene whether the issue is a
bad image with backlight OR
no video issue.
Verify whether some image
even distorted is visible.
2. Isolate Peripherals as cause
Disconnect all peripherals,
external devices, Express
Card and display adapters if
present and verify that video is
displayed.
3. Adjust Brightness
Power-on unit , attempt to
adjust brightness to maximum
using brightness (F1/F2)
keys and verify that video is
displayed.
Yes Bad image quality, go to step
5
No No image seen or no
backlight, go to Step 2
Yes Suspect peripherals as cause.
Reconnect one at a time,
verifying unit operation at
each stage
No Go to Step 3
Yes Video displayed - Brightness
set to minimum, panel
backlight was inadvertently
turned o. If backlight returns
to low check for stuck F1 key
on keyboard.
No Go to Step 4
4. Reset SMC
Reset SMC and verify that
system video is displayed.
5. Reset PRAM.
If no action, use external
keyboard with same sequence.
Verify that system video is
displayed.
Yes Corrupt SMC State preventing
video.
No Go to Step 5
Yes Invalid or Corrupt PRAM
contents aecting video
output
No Go to step 6
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 41
6. Connect External video
Connect known-good VGA/
DVI adapter to known-good
display, press power button
and close display to force main
screen startup on external
video. Verify that video is
correct when displayed from
external display.
Yes Video correct on external
display. Research available
rmware and software
updates, retest.
If returning with software
already updated, go to Step 7
No Replace logic board with
according symptom code:
-no video
-bad/distorted video
M03
M04
7. Isolate LCD display detection
Disconnect external monitor
and reopen display and restart
unit. Verify that sleep LED
indicator goes o after internal
LCD has been detected.
8. Check for sleep sensor
condition
If display assembly sleep
sensor is stuck in a closed state,
video will appear on internal
display temporarily, until the
OS sleeps the system.
Disconnect IR/sleep cable and
restart unit without external
display. Verify that system
starts up with video on internal
display stays on and does not
go into sleep mode.
Yes Sleep LED goes o when LCD
detected.
-If still no video then Go to
step 8,
-If video present, but with
defect, go to step 9
No Internal LCD not detected.
Run Clamshell Service
Diagnostic utility and check
for LCD panel presence. If
not found, reseat LVDS cable
connection on logic board
and retest. If sleep led does
not go o after cable is
reseated, go to step 10
Yes Sleep sensor was stuck or had
shorted cable. Replace IR/
sleep cable (or enclosing top
case)
No Symptoms unchanged - Go
to Step 9
X13
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 42
9. Check for No Backlight
Condition.
Power on unit.
Using a lamp or bright light
source, inspect for faint image,
and verify that any faint image
appears.
Yes Logo image visible - check
and reseat LVDS cable
connector on logic board.
Inspect cables for damage
near clutches:
. if damaged, replace display
assembly and go to step 11
. if cable is not damaged, run
Clamshell Service Diagnostic
utility and check for LCD
panel presence. If not found,
reseat it and retest, then go
to step 11
No If symptom continues, go to
step 10.
L09
10. Verify with Known good
display assembly
Connect known-good display
assembly to system.
11. Verify with reseated backlight
cable or replaced display
assembly
Verify that unit now has video
and backlight.
Yes System is functioning with
known-good display assembly
Replace display assembly if
following symptom reporting:
- had no power issue
- had incorrect/missing colors
- had blank video
- had distorted / blurred video
- had vertical/horizontal lines
- had noise/unstable ickering
- had dim backlight
- had bad spot(s)/pixels
- had no backlight
- could not change resolution
No Symptoms unchanged -
replace logic board
Yes Issue was only due to
damaged display assembly or
unseated cable.
No Display cable damaged the
logic board. Replace logic
board.
L01
L02
L03
L04
L05
L06
L07
L08
L09
L10
M03
M25
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 43
Battery Isn’t Recognized or Won’t Charge
Unlikely cause: display assembly, speakers, optical drive, hard drive, trackpad
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Battery isn’t recognized or won’t
charge
• AC adapter
• No MagSafe LED indicator
• No orange charge indication
• Battery status LEDs:
- single chase
- all ash
- no LED
1. Check battery level and test AC power.
2. Refer to Deep Dive table for battery diagnostic
testing.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Does the MagSafe LED
go green to amber when
connected to the system?
Yes Battery is recognized and
charging. Go to step 6
No LED is green, Battery may be
full or not recognized. Go to
step 2
2010-06-11
2. When the Battery status
button is pressed, did any of
the lights come on?
3. Does battery status indicate
a fully charge battery with all
LEDs on?
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 44
LED was on momentarily then
went out. Go to No Power for
system (M01)
Yes Go to step 3
No Go to step 11
Yes Customer battery charged,
check health. Go to step 13.
No Go to step 4
4. Does battery status indicate
the battery is not recognized
with a single LED on that
chases back and forth 5 times?
Yes Go to step 8 and tag battery
as a possible P11 candidate.
No Go to step 5
(P11)
5. Does battery status indicate
the battery is recognized but
not charging with all LEDs
blinking?
6. Does battery status indicate
battery charge and ash the
next level 5 times?
7. Does battery status indicate a
low battery with a LED ashing
rapidly indicating initial
charging of battery?
8. Test with a known-good
battery. Is battery recognized
and charging?
Yes Go to step 8 and tag battery
as a possible P10 candidate
No Go to step 6
Yes Customer battery charging,
check battery condition. Go
to step 13
No Flashing rst LED only, go to
step 7
No battery status LEDs on, go
to step 11
Yes Allow customer battery to
charge to 1 LED on before
checking battery condition.
Go to step 13.
No Go to step 8
Yes Replace customer battery
(P10 not charging or P11 not
recognized)
(P10)
P10 or
P11
2010-06-11
9. Inspect customer battery cable
connector for corrosion or
obstructions.
10. Reseat battery harness at logic
board connector, and retest.
Is battery recognized and
charging?
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 45
No Go to step 9
Yes Clear obstructions and
replace battery if corroded
P10 or
P11
and recheck. (P10 not
charging or P11 not
recognized)
No Go to step 10
Yes Issue resolved by cable reseat.
Check battery condition, go
to step 13
No Replace logic board M20
11. Battery status LEDs not
working - inspect button stuck
or cable disconnect at logic
board and reset SMC.
Yes LED status now working. Go
to step 3.
No Go to step 12.
12. Remove system battery and
connect and test a knowngood battery status indicator
Yes Replace customer battery
LED indicator assembly. Go to
step 3
assembly. Do LEDs indicate a
battery not recognized chase
No Replace customer logic board. M20
pattern?
13. Open Apple System Proler
and click on the Power Tab on
the left. Is the battery over 300
Yes Battery has been consumed,
and customer will need to
purchase a replacement.
cycle counts?
No Go to step 14.
14. Is battery less than a year old? Yes Go to step 16
No Battery warranty expired, go
to step 15
15. Considering the age of the
battery greater than one year
old, is the health of the battery
“Good” according to system
proler?
Yes Battery is in good health
and out of 1 year warranty
coverage. Battery should
continue to function until
consumed.
X03
16. For batteries still covered by
warranty, is the health of the
battery “Good?”
17. With battery charge greater
than 20% does battery support
system operation without AC
connected?
18. Test with a known-good
battery. Does known-good
battery support battery only
operation?
No Battery is consumed after
warranty coverage. Customer
to purchase a new battery.
Yes Battery functioning normal.
Go to step 17.
No Battery has premature
P08
capacity loss. Replace
customer battery.
Yes Customer battery is good
No Go to step 18
Yes Replace customer battery for
P12
will not run system on battery
alone
No Replace logic board M20
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 46
Kernel Panic/System Crashes
Unlikely cause: Battery, Power Adapter
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Memory Issues/Kernel panic and
freezes
• Display notice of system kernel
panic during start up and
desktop use.
• System freeze during use.
• System freeze upon wake from
sleep.
1. Reset SMC and clear PRAM
2. Remove suspect external devices.
3. Verify user memory is Apple-approved memory,
and memory conguration matches memory
installed.
4. Start up with shift key down for safe mode.
5. Startup from known-good bootable device
6. Check panic.log info for crash cause
7. Run AHT for sensors test
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Isolate Peripherals as cause.
Disconnect all peripherals,
external devices, and display
adapters if present
Yes Suspect peripherals as cause.
Reconnect one at a time,
verifying unit operation at
each stage
2010-06-11
2. Reset SMC and clear PRAM
then verify that unit starts
without panic issues.
3. Boot in Safe Mode with Shift
key down, and check for recent
kernel panic data in panic log.
Open Panic.log le on hard
drive and check for aected
interface that crashed. If unit
still crashes during startup, you
will need to take out disk to
a good system to access the
le. Verify that kernel panic
dependency is not with an I/O
interface.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 47
No Go to Step 2
Yes Issue resolved with default
startup settings.
No Go to step 3
Yes Kernel Panic is not a system
I/O related device. Go to step
5
No I/O device related crash, go to
step 4
4. Remove I/O device where
possible to pinpoint faulty
device:
- Disconnect camera cable
from display assembly (for
AirPort, Bluetooth, camera, and
ambient light sensor). Camera
cable can be disconnected
without aecting startup and
test.
- Bluetooth card to isolate
Bluetooth.
- optical drive cable to isolate
optical drive.
- hard drive cable to isolate
hard drive.
Memory cards can be removed,
relocated, or tested with
known-good memory. Because
system will run on one card,
this is a useful test for nding
bad memory or bad memory
slot.
If issue remains after testing
I/O device, replace with knowngood part(s) to conrm issue
resolved.
Yes System starts up when I/O
device removed, replace
aected I/O device or module
containing it.
If AirPort card presence is
crashing system, replace
AirPort card. If still issue,
replace display assembly (for
Bluetooth, camera, or cable
damage).
If Bluetooth card presence
is crashing system, replace
Bluetooth. If issue remains,
replace display assembly for
damaged Bluetooth (camera)
cable.
If optical drive presence is
crashing system, replace
optical drive cable and retest.
If issue remains try with
known-good optical drive.
If still issue, replace optical
drive.
If hard drive presence is
crashing system, replace hard
drive cable and retest. If issue
remains, try with known-good
hard drive. If still issue, replace
hard drive.
Reseat memory or replace
suspect memory with knowngood memory.
N13
L14
N15 or
L16
X03
J03
X03
H01
X01
2010-06-11
5. Start up from optical drive or
known-good OS.
Attempt to start up with
original or product install disc,
or from an external hard drive
with product OS installed,
and verify that system starts
without kernal panic.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 48
No Symptoms unchanged, go to
step 5
Yes Kernel panics cease running
alternate OS. Run ASD/
DiskUtility to repair and test
hard drive. If repair attempts
fail, repartition hard drive
and reinstall OS. Replace hard
drive if restore fails.
No Symptoms unchanged, go to
Step 6
H03
6. Disconnect display assembly
and test with known-good
display assembly. Verify that
system now starts up without
kernel panic/freeze.
Yes Replace display assembly. L14
No Go to step 7
7. Check for thermal values and
fan running speed
Run ASD to check for fan
and sensors test, and verify
that ASD does not report any
overtemp, failing sensor, or fan.
Yes No thermal fail detected -
Replace logic board with
matching symptom:
- If hang or freeze
- If Kernel Panic/system
crashes
No If sensor test failed, reseat
sensor connections on logic
board and retest. If still failing,
replace sensor or part where
it is located (top case, display,
other) :
If top case sensor failed
If display sensor failed
If logic board sensor failed
If fan test failed, replace fan.
If overtemp , replace heatsink.
M05
M06
X99
L14
M18
X03
X10
2010-06-11
Battery Run Time Too Short
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Battery Run Time Too Short
Battery runs out of power very
quickly (less than two hours)
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 49
1. Check if the battery is covered under a repair
extension program. Use the “Portable Computer
Battery Screening Process for Apple Service
Providers” (Knowledge Base CP165).
2. Verify no applications have runaway processes
with the CPU. See “Runaway applications can
shorten battery runtime” (Knowedge Base
TS1473).
3. Run battery diagnostic testing..
Won’t Run on Power Adapter Alone
Unlikely cause: RAM, display assembly, hard drive, optical drive, top case, speakers, camera,
microphone
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Won’t Run on Power Adapter
Alone
Runs on battery but not on power
adapter only.
1. Verify proper wattage adapter is being used.
2. Check for dirty or stuck pins on the MagSafe
connectors, both on the adapter and the
computer.
3. Connect the AC adapter to known-good power
source.
4. Verify power cord or plug is properly attached to
AC adapter and MagSafe cable is not damaged.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. With battery removed, will a
known-good AC adapter start
up and run the system and
show MagSafe LED status?
Yes Conrm user’s AC adapter as
bad and replace.
No Verify MagSafe board cable
seating to logic board. Go to
step 2
P14
2010-06-11
2. Does a known-good power
adapter’s LED light up either
green or amber?
3. Does the unit run on knowngood power adapter alone?
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 50
Yes SMC on logic board senses AC
power adapter. Go to step 3
No Replace the MagSafe board.
Go to step 3.
Yes Issued resolved. X03
No Replace logic board.. M01
Power Adapter Issue
Unlikely cause: logic board, RAM, display assembly, hard drive, optical drive, top case, speakers,
camera, microphone
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Power Adapter Issue
• No power
• No Power LED
• Non-operational
• Stuck /broken pin
1. Connect AC adapters MagSafe connector to the
computer. The LED on the connector should be
green or amber.
2. Verify power cord, or plug, is rmly attached to
AC adapter.
3. Verify AC power source is supplying AC power.
4. Check for dirty or stuck pins on the MagSafe
connectors, both on the adapter and the
computer. Use and cleaning of power adapter
with MagSafe
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Verify that the MagSafe LED
is green or amber while
connecting a known-good AC
adapter on customer system.
Yes SMC on logic board senses AC
power adapter and enabled
power. Go to step 4.
No Verify MagSafe interconnect
board is connected to logic
board. Go to step 2
2010-06-11
2. Does the unit run on knowngood AC power adapter only?
3. Verify the MagSafe LED
is green or amber while
connecting known-good
power adapter on customer
system.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 51
Yes Issued resolved. P99
No Replace the MagSafe
interconnect board. Go to
step 3.
Yes Bad MagSafe interconnect
board. Issue resolved.
No Go to step 4
X03
4. Does the customer’s power
adapter have stuck or
bent pins on the MagSafe
connector?
Yes Replace power adapter. P15
No Go to step 5
5. Does the cable or duckhead
have visible damage?
6. Check that LED on MagSafe
connector is displaying both
green (if battery charged) and
orange (when charging).
Yes Replace cable or duckhead. P16
No Go to step 6
Yes Verify adapter with known-
good unit and customer unit
and troubleshoot source of
error
No Replace power adapter. P03
Noise / Hum / Vibration
Unlikely cause: RAM, display assembly, top case, camera, microphone, battery
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Noise / Hum / Vibration
Computer or AC adapter emits a
noise or vibration.
1. Verify and reproduce the source of the noise from
the computer / adapter with the customer.
2. If the AC adapter is the source of the noise
disconnect and try a known-good adapter. ( a
small amount of hum or vibration is normal with
AC adapters ).
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Use of a known-good AC
adapter eliminates the noise/
vibration.
2. Verify if the noise is heard
through the speakers and / or
headphones.
Yes Replace AC adapter. P04
No Go to step 2
Yes Go to step 3
No Go to step 4
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 52
3. Disconnect any peripheral
devices, cards, or cables
attached to the unit. Verify the
noise is gone.
Yes Check for possible ground
loop.
No Go to step 6
4. Locate the source of the noise.
Is the noise from an optical
drive?
5. Is the noise from the hard
drive?
6. Is the noise coming from the
fan?
Yes Check with a dierent media
disc. Possible issue with disc
label or out of balance media.
If not related to media, and
noise is above normal level,
replace optical drive.
No Go to step 5
Yes It is normal for drives to
produce noise when they
spin up or the heads move.
Replace drive if noise is above
normal levels.
No Go to step 6
Yes The fan(s) are generally
running in a slow mode,
but may accelerated when
intensive processing is
required (calculation, 3D
gaming, or screen saver
animation). If still beyond
expected sound level, check
for interference of fan with
other mechanical element of
system (foam, bracket, shield)
before replacing a noisy fan.
J04
H06
X03
2010-06-11
7. Noise maybe related to
interference from other
electrical devices operating
near the computer, or on
the same AC power source.
Verify if noise is gone when
operating in a dierent
location on a dierent AC
circuit.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 53
No Go to step 7. P04
Yes Perhaps operating the unit
with a surge suppressor will
eliminate or reduce the noise.
Change location of use or
limit use of other device that
is inducing the noise.
No Replace logic board. M99
Burnt Smell / Odor
Unlikely cause: Enclosure
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Burnt Smell / Odor
Computer or power adapter emits
an odor or smell of smoke.
1. Disconnect AC adapter from the computer.
2. Attempt to identify the source of the odor. Visual
clues are component damaged like capacitor chip
popped or burn marks.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Has the source of the odor
been identied.
2. Are any burn marks visible on
components?
Yes Replace the aected part. P08
No Go to step 2
Yes Remove display assembly and
clutch cover. An improperly
seated cable, a damaged
cable, or a reversed AirPort
Card connection can blow
components near the
connector on the logic board.
Is AirPort Card cable correctly
oriented and connected?
If so, replace the damaged
part.
If not, reseat the AirPort cable
correctly and replace the
damaged logic board.
P08
2010-06-11
No Go to step 3
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 54
3. Is the computer operating
normally?
Yes This could be related to
No Please refer to best related
Battery Leaking or Swollen
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
normal operation.
troubleshooting section. If
after inspecting the unit you
feel there is a possible safety
issue with the computer or
AC adapter, please notify
Apple.
Battery Leaking or Swollen
• Computer wobbles
• Trackpad button does not work
• Deformed bottom case
1. Check if the battery is covered under a repair
extension program. Reference: MacBook,
MacBook Pro (15-inch) or MacBook Pro (17-inch)
with swollen battery article (Knowledge Base
TS2358).
2. Use the “Portable Computer Battery Screening
Process for Apple Service Providers” (Knowledge
Base CP165) and use “Battery pack is visibly
deformed” case under section 2E. Use symptom
code P13.
Uncategorized Symptom
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Uncategorized Symptom
Unable to locate appropriate
symptom code
Verify whether existing symptom code applies
to the issue reported by the customer. If not,
document reported symptom and send feedback
to smfeedback@apple.com stating that a suitable
symptom code could not be found.
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 55
Communications
Ethernet Port/Device Issue
Unlikely cause: power adapter, battery, speakers, optical drive, hard drive, fan, camera,
microphone, top case, display assembly, AirPort card
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Ethernet Port/Device Issue
• No Ethernet device present
• Unable to access network
resources
• Ethernet device shows no
connection
• Ethernet device unable to get
an IP address
• Slow network performance
1. Check the network cable for damage, try a
known good Ethernet cable – CAT5 or better
recommended for 100Mbps+ connections.
2. Check Ethernet ports on Mac and wall/switch for
dust, debris, damage or bent pins.
3. Ensure distance from networking infrastructure is
less than 300 feet / 105 meters.
4. Verify port, cable and network hardware with a
known good system. Isolate rewall, MAC address
ltering or hardware access control devices.
5. Check system logs. Isolate OS by starting up from
original install media (10.5.x) or compatible known
good OS.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Visually inspect Ethernet
connector to ensure all pins
will make physical contact with
CAT5 network cable.
Yes Ethernet interface contacts
are good. Go to step 2.
No Pins are damaged or bent at,
replace logic board.
M10
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) 56
2. Isolate OS by booting from
original install media. Verify
Network Link status active by
using Network Utility on install
DVD. If the Ethernet interface
(en0) Link Status is inactive,
recheck physical connect and
link activity indicator on hub/
switch.
Yes Ethernet interface (en0) Link
Status is active, go to step 3.
No If connection is OK on known-
good system, replace logic
board.
M10
3. Verify if IP address is listed
for the Ethernet interface in
System Preferences: Network.
Connect computer to network
with known-good DHCP IP
allocation, ensuring static
DHCP maps or ltering is not
preventing address allocation.
Note: DHCP allocation may not
be instantaneous depending
on network. Retest.
4. Verify connection by using
Network Utility to ping another
connected computer on the
same subnet. Ensure the
target computer’s IP address is
valid, on the same subnet and
powered on. Ensure no MAC
address ltering or hardware
access control devices are
present. Use a simple hub/
switch environment.
Yes Go to step 4.
No If connection is OK on known-
good system, replace logic
board.
Yes Go to step 5
No If the symptoms do not
change, replace the logic
board.
M10
M10
2010-06-11
5. Verify Ethernet performance
and reliability by starting up
from a known-good OS install,
and downloading a large le
from a web site or le server.
Yes If there is no performance or
connectivity issue isolated
solely to the system under
test, the problem may be the
network environment. No
repair is necessary.
No If there are connection
dropouts or poor
performance not seen on
a known-good test system,
replace the logic board.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) 57
M10
AirPort/Bluetooth: Defective Wireless Devices
Unlikely cause: power adapter, battery, speakers, optical drive, hard drive, fan, camera,
microphone, top case
Caution: When testing an AirPort card connection, wait at least 5 seconds after shutdown
before touching the camera cable connection to the logic board. Waiting less than that could
damage the AirPort card.
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
AirPort or Bluetooth: Defective
Wireless Devices
• Unable to join networks or pair
devices
• Card not available or
recognized
• Intermittent device or
connection dropouts
1. Open System Preferences and make sure AirPort
or Bluetooth is turned on and (for AirPort) that a
network is selected.
2. Check that base station is not using unsupported
connection and encryption protocols.
3. Check for nearby interference sources such as
microwave ovens or cordless phones (Knowledge
Base HT1365)
4. Check the number of users trying to use AirPort in
the area for possible network congestion.
5. Isolate OS by booting from original install
media (10.5.x). Attempt to connect to base
station (AirPort) or pair with wireless keyboard
(Bluetooth).
6. Reset PRAM.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
2010-06-11
1. Open System Proler, check to
see if AirPort or Bluetooth is
recognized. Ensure software
and rmware updates for
AirPort and Bluetooth have
been applied.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 58
Yes (AirPort) Ensure MAC address
ltering is not enabled on the
base station.
(Bluetooth) Ensure
target devices are set to
discoverable.
No If card is not detected or
software updates do not
resolve issue, go to step 2.
2. Run Clamshell Service
Diagnostic utility and check
for all devices presence. If not
found, reseat the camera cable
connection to the logic board.
Yes Loose logic board connection. N04
No AirPort issue, go to step 3,
Bluetooth issue go to step 7.
3. (AirPort) Verify the antenna
connections to the AirPort
card are not reversed or loose.
Reseat antenna and I/O cable
connections.
4. (AirPort) Try a known-good
AirPort antenna.
5. (AirPort) Try a known-good
AirPort card.
6. (AirPort) Try a known-good
display assembly if available.
7. (Bluetooth) Enable Bluetooth
and try a known-good
Bluetooth card. Although
Bluetooth cabling is part of
camera cable, Bluetooth card
is separate. Verify that System
Proler sees known-good
Bluetooth card.
Yes Loose connections or crossed
N04
antenna.
No If the connectors are secure,
antenna connections not
reversed and show no signs
of damage or wear, go to step
4.
Yes Replace AirPort antenna. N14
No Continue to use known-good
antenna, go to step 5.
Yes Replace AirPort card. N12
No Go to step 6.
Yes Replace display assembly. L16
No Replace logic board. M11
Yes Replace Bluetooth card. N15
No Go to step 8.
2010-06-11
8. (Bluetooth) Enable Bluetooth
and try a known-good display
assembly, if available, and
Bluetooth card. Bluetooth
cabling is part of camera cable.
Verify that System Proler sees
known-good Bluetooth card.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 59
Yes Replace display assembly. L16
No Replace logic board. M11
No/Poor Wireless Signal
Unlikely cause: power adapter, battery, speakers, optical drive, hard drive, fan, camera,
microphone, top case
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
No/Poor Wireless Signal
• Unable to nd networks
• Intermittent connection
dropouts
• Slow transfer speeds
1. Check for nearby interference sources in the
2.4/5GHz range such as microwave ovens and
cordless phones (Knowledge Base HT1365).
2. Check that computer is within base station range
– move closer to base station.
3. Base station checks:
a. Base station is not set to low-power
transmission mode
b. Base station is not using unsupported
connection and encryption protocols
c. Check for possible Wi-Fi channel overlap
(nearby base stations using adjacent channel)
4. Isolate OS by booting from original install media
(10.5.x). Attempt to connect to base station.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Open System Proler, check to
see if AirPort card is recognized
under Network: AirPort Card.
Yes Use Software Update to make
sure all AirPort software and
rmware updates have been
applied. Ensure base station
is not using MAC address
ltering or creating a hidden
network.
2010-06-11
2. Run Clamshell Service
Diagnostic utility and check
for all devices presence. If not
found, reseat the camera cable
connection to the logic board.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 60
No If card is not detected, go
to M11 - AirPort/Bluetooth Defective wireless devices.
Yes Loose logic board connection N04
No Go to step 3.
3. Verify the antenna connections
to the AirPort card are not
reversed or loose. Reseat
antenna and I/O cable
connections.
Yes Loose connections or crossed
antenna
No If the connectors are secure,
antenna connections not
reversed and show no signs
of damage or wear, go to step
4.
N04
4. Try a known-good AirPort
antenna.
5. Try a known-good AirPort card. Yes Replace AirPort card. N12
6. Try a known-good display
assembly if available.
Yes Replace AirPort antenna. N14
No Continue to use known good
antenna, go to step 5.
No Continue to use known-good
antenna & card; go to step 6.
Yes Replace display assembly. L16
No Replace logic board. M11
Bluetooth Wireless Input Device Loses Connection
Unlikely cause: display assembly, speaker assembly, optical drive, hard drive
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
2010-06-11
Bluetooth Wireless Input Device
Loses Connection
Check Bluetooth input device has fully charged
batteries.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. System Proler should list
Bluetooth radio device under
system hardware. Is Bluetooth
device available?
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 61
Yes Bluetooth radio present, verify
Bluetooth preference settings,
go to step 2.
No Attempt Bluetooth repair, go
to step 5.
2. System Preferences has a
Bluetooth panel. Ensure
Bluetooth is on and
discoverable. Are there any
devices listed in pairing
window?
Yes Choose known-good device
and establish a connection.
Go to step 3.
No Attempt Bluetooth repair, go
to step 5.
3. Ensure a known-good
Bluetooth device is on, in close
range and in discoverable
mode. Is computer pairing
with known-good device?
4. Is computer pairing with user’s
Bluetooth device?
5. Run Clamshell Service
Diagnostic utility and check
for all devices presence. If not
found, reseat camera cable on
logic board. Verify that a USB
Bluetooth controller is visible
in System Proler.
6. Install a known-good
Bluetooth card. Verify that a
USB Bluetooth controller is
visible in System Proler.
Yes Pairing veried, connect with
user’s device, go to step 4
No Attempt Bluetooth repair, go
to step 5.
Yes Connection established,
continue testing for
connection loss, go to step 8.
No Check for software updates
K07
for both computer & device.
Yes Loose cable connection. N04
No Go to step 6.
Yes Replace Bluetooth card N15
No Go to step 7
2010-06-11
7. Install and test a known-good
display assembly. Verify that
a USB Bluetooth controller is
visible in System Proler.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 62
Yes Replace display assembly. L16
No Replace logic board. M11
8. Continue to test a known-good
Bluetooth device to determine
if there is a disconnect. Do
not allow computer to sleep
during this test. Is link lost
during test?
Yes Check for software update,
2.4 GHz radio interference or
device low battery.
If still losing link, replace
Bluetooth card.
If installed Bluetooth card is
known-good or was already
replaced, replace top case (for
Bluetooth antenna).
No Known-good device passed
test.
AirPort Card: Kernel Panic
Unlikely cause: power adapter, battery, speakers, optical drive, hard drive, fan, camera,
microphone, top case
N14
N14
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
AirPort Card: Kernel Panic
• Kernel panic on boot
• Kernel panic or freezing while
attempting to connect to Wi-Fi
networks
• Kernel panic while transferring
data on Wi-Fi networks.
1. Isolate OS by booting from original install media
(10.5.x). Attempt to connect to Wi-Fi network.
2. Use Software Update to make sure all AirPort
software and rmware updates have been
applied.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Use Software Update to make
sure all AirPort/Bluetooth
software and rmware updates
have been applied. Ensure
MAC address ltering is not
enabled on the base station. Is
kernel panic resolved?
Yes Software issue.
No Go to step 2.
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 63
2. Run Clamshell Service
Diagnostic utility and check
for all devices presence. If not
found, reseat the camera cable
connection to the logic board.
Is kernel panic resolved?
Yes Go to step 4.
No Go to step 3.
3. Isolate AirPort card by
removing the I/O connection
from the AirPort card. side.
Reconnect camera cable
connection to logic board. Is
kernel panic resolved?
4. Connect and test with a
known-good AirPort card. Is
kernel panic resolved?
Yes Go to step 4.
No Go to M06 Kernel Panic /
System Crashes.
Yes Replace AirPort card. N13
No Replace display assembly. L16
Wireless Performance Issue / Slow Connection
Unlikely cause: power adapter, battery, speakers, optical drive, hard drive, fan, camera,
microphone, top case
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 64
Wireless Performance Issue /
Slow Connection
• Slow or stalled data transfers
• Intermittent connection
dropouts
1. Check for nearby interference sources in the
2.4/5GHz range such as microwave ovens or
cordless phones (Knowledge Base HT1365)
2. (AirPort) Check the number of users trying to
use AirPort in the area for possible network
congestion. Move closer to base station to
improve signal reception.
3. (Bluetooth) Move devices closer together.
4. Check performance with a known-good system
5. (AirPort) Wireless base station checks:
a. Base station is not set to low-power
transmission mode.
b. Base station is not set to a slower protocol
mode (802.11b).
c. Check for possible Wi-Fi channel overlap
(nearby base stations using adjacent channel).
6. Isolate OS by booting from original install
media (10.5.x). Attempt to connect to base
station (AirPort) or pair with wireless keyboard
(Bluetooth)
7. Use Software Update to make sure all AirPort and
Bluetooth software and rmware updates have
been applied.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Inspect the display clutch
barrel for damage. AirPort
radio is in display clutch barrel
area.
2. Turn o Bluetooth. Retest
AirPort performance.
Refer to Knowledge Base
TS1809.
Yes Record damage: Proceed
to possibly repair damaged
parts, go to step 2
No No visible damage, go to step
2
Yes Possible AirPort interference
from the Bluetooth card.
Change AirPort base station
channel. (Knowledge Base
TS1809.)
No Continue by checking
connections, go to step 3
N06
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 65
3. Run Clamshell Service
Diagnostic utility and check
for all devices presence. If not
found, reseat the camera cable
connection to the logic board.
Yes Loose logic board connection N04
No AirPort issue, go to step 4,
Bluetooth issue, go to step 8.
4. (AirPort) Verify the antenna
connections to the AirPort
card are not reversed or loose.
Reseat antenna and I/O cable
connections.
5. (AirPort) Try a known-good
AirPort antenna and verify that
issue is xed..
6. (AirPort) Try a known-good
AirPort card and verify that
issue is xed..
7. (AirPort) Try a known-good
display assembly if available
and verify that issue is xed..
8. (Bluetooth) Enable Bluetooth
and try a known-good
Bluetooth card if available.
Verify that Bluetooth is pairing
with known-good device.
Yes Loose connection or crossed
N04
antenna
No If the connectors are secure,
antenna connections not
reversed and show no signs
of damage or wear, go to
step 5
Yes Replace AirPort antenna. N14
No Continue to use known good
antenna, go to step 6.
Yes Replace AirPort card. N12
No Continue to use known-good
antenna & card, go to step 7.
Yes Replace display assembly. L16
No Replace logic board. M11
Yes Replace Bluetooth card. N15
2010-06-11
9. (Bluetooth) Enable Bluetooth
and try a known-good antenna
assembly if available. Verify
that pairing issue is xed.
10. (Bluetooth) Enable Bluetooth
and try a known-good display
assembly if available. Verify
that Bluetooth is pairing with
known-good device.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 66
No Go to step 9.
Yes Replace top case. N14
No Go to step 10.
Yes Replace display assembly. L16
No Replace logic board. M11
Wireless Input Device Doesn’t Pair
Unlikely cause: display assembly, logic board, optical drive, hard drive
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Wireless Input Device Doesn’t
Pair
• Can’t get the system to
recognize the Bluetooth
keyboard or mouse
1. Check Bluetooth System Preference is set to
Discoverable.
2. Check Bluetooth device has fully charged
batteries.
3. Check for Bluetooth software updates for both
the device and Mac OS X.
4. If the Bluetooth pairs with no problems, probe
about potential interference issue at user’s site.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. System Proler should list
Bluetooth radio device under
system hardware. Is Bluetooth
device available?
Yes Bluetooth radio present, verify
Bluetooth preference settings,
go to step 2.
No Attempt Bluetooth repair, go
to step 5.
2010-06-11
2. System Preferences has a
Bluetooth panel. Ensure
Bluetooth is on and
discoverable. Are there any
devices listed in pairing
window?
3. Ensure a known-good
Bluetooth device is on, in close
range and discoverable mode,
Is system pairing with knowngood device?
4. Is Bluetooth pairing with user’s
Bluetooth device?
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 67
Yes Choose known-good device
and establish a connection.
Go to step 3.
No Attempt Bluetooth repair, go
to step 5.
Yes Pairing veried, connect with
user’s device, go to step 4.
No Attempt Bluetooth repair, go
to step 5.
Yes Issue resolved.
No Check for SW update for both
System and user device.
5. Run Clamshell Service
Diagnostic utility and check
for all devices presence. If
not found, reseat camera
cable with logic board. Is the
Bluetooth radio present, on
and pairing with a knowngood device?
Yes Bad logic board connection.
Issue resolved.
No Go to step 6.
6. (Bluetooth) Enable Bluetooth
and try a known-good
Bluetooth card if available. Is
pairing issue xed?
7. (Bluetooth) Enable Bluetooth
and try a known-good antenna
assembly if available. Is pairing
xed?
8. (Bluetooth) Enable Bluetooth
and try a known-good
display assembly if available.
Is Bluetooth pairing with a
known-good device?
Uncategorized Symptom
Yes Replace Bluetooth card. N15
No Go to step 7.
Yes Replace top case. N14
No Go to step 8.
Yes Replace display assembly. L16
No Replace logic board. M11
2010-06-11
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Uncategorized Symptom
Unable to locate appropriate
symptom code
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 68
Verify whether existing symptom code applies to the
issue reported by the user. If not, document reported
symptom and send feedback to smfeedback@apple.
com stating that a suitable symptom code could not
be found.
Display
Display Anomalies
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Display Anomalies
• Incorrect/missing colors
• Distorted/blurred image
• Pixel anomalies
• Vertical/horizontal lines
• Non-uniform brightness
• Image icker
• Image persistence
1. Allow display to reach normal operating
temperature for about 15 minutes before
evaluating front-of-screen performance.
2. Check display preferences for use of custom
display prole.
3. Check brightness setting.
4. Check for Software Updates.
5. Clean glass panel while checking for dust/debris.
6. Go to Deep Dive: General
Deep Dive: General
Check Result Action Code
1. Verify if user’s issue is incorrect/
missing colors.
2. Verify if user’s issue is distorted/
blurred image.
Yes Go to Incorrect/Missing
Colors Deep Dive.
No Go to step 2.
Yes Go to Distorted/Blurred
Image Deep Dive.
2010-06-11
3. Verify if user’s issue is bright or
dark pixel anomalies.
4. Verify if user’s issue is vertical or
horizontal lines.
No Go to step 3.
Yes Go to Pixel Anomalies Deep
Dive.
No Go to step 4.
Yes Go to Vertical/Horizontal
Lines Deep Dive.
No Go to step 5.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) 69
5. Verify if user’s issue is nonuniform brightness.
Yes Go to Non-uniform
Brightness Deep Dive.
No LCD functioning OK.
Deep Dive: Incorrect/Missing Colors
Check Result Action Code
1. Verify display is listed in the
System Proler’s Graphics/
Displays device tree.
2. Verify System Preferences
Display Prole is valid for
display being tested. Color
prole should be set to Color
LCD, user may have created an
o-color calibration setting.
3. Verify that the glass panel is
free of contaminants.
4. Run Clamshell Service
Diagnostic utility and check
for LCD panel presence. If not
found, reseat and verify LVDS
cable is secure to the logic
board. Are colors restored?
Yes This ensures color prole can
be matched with LCD. Go to
step 2.
No Go to N09.
Yes If display prole is valid and
the colors are still incorrect or
missing go to step 3.
No Set System Preferences:
Displays: Color to Color LCD
and retest.
Yes Go to step 4.
No Clean glass panel using
approved method. Retest.
Yes Loose cable connection. Issue
resolved.
No Go to step 5.
2010-06-11
5. Set desktop pattern in System
Preferences to ‘Solid Gray Light’.
Verify if incorrect/missing color
issue aects entire display.
6. Set up display under test side
by side with another known
good display showing the
same image. Verify if issue
is noticeably worse on the
display being tested.
Yes Test a known-good display, go
to step 7.
No Go to step 6.
Yes Test a known-good display, go
to step 7
No Small variations in color
uniformity are normal and do
not warrant replacement or
repair of the display.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) 70
L02
7. Substitute a known-good
display assembly to test logic
board video output. Is normal
video restored?
Yes Replace display assembly. L02
No Replace logic board. M04
Deep Dive: Distorted/Blurred Image
Check Result Action Code
1. Sample image illustrates loss of
LVDS data signals to LCD or a
defective LCD panel. Inspect &
reseat LVDS cable connection
looking for damaged or bent
pins. Is image restored with
reseated cable connection?
2. Substitute a known good
display assembly to test logic
board video output. Is normal
video restored?
Yes Issue due to loose connection.
Display issue resolved.
No Go to step 2.
If logic board connector
damage, replace logic board.
Yes Replace display assembly. L04
No Replace logic board. M04
Deep Dive: Pixel Anomalies
Check Result Action Code
1. Determine if “defects” are dust/
debris on surface of glass panel.
2. Determine if bright pixel
defects exceed the acceptable
number. See
Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies.
Yes Clean glass panel.
No Go to step 2.
Yes Replace display assembly. L08
No LCD meets bright pixel defect
specications. Go to step 3.
M24
2010-06-11
3. Determine if dark pixel defects
exceed the acceptable number.
See
Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies.
4. Determine if the combination
of bright/dark pixel defects
exceed the acceptable number.
See
Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies.
Yes Replace display assembly. L08
No LCD meets dark pixel defect
specications. Go to step 4.
Yes Replace display assembly. L08
No Explain to user that LCD is
within specications. Do not
replace display assembly.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 71
Deep Dive: Vertical/Horizontal Lines
Check Result Action Code
1. Horizontal lines may be related
to a failing RAM module. Verify
if video issue only happens
AFTER the Apple logo and the
spinning wheel has appeared.
2. Start with shift key down
(safe mode) to disable system
extensions. Verify if issue still
happens when booting in safe
mode.
3. Isolate with only one memory
module installed , then with
the other one. Test with
known-good memory. Verify
that issue only happens with
specic RAM module(s).
4. Isolate with one known-good
memory module installed
in one of the memory slots.
Repeat by testing in the other
memory slot with knowngood memory module. Verify
that issue only happens with
specic memory slot on logic
board.
Yes Issue only happens AFTER
Apple logo and spinning
wheel appears. Go to step 2.
No Issues happens since startup.
Go to step 5.
Yes Go to step 5.
No No video issue when booting
in safe mode. Go to step 3.
Yes Replace aected RAM
module.
No Go to step 4
Yes Replace logic board. M07
No Go to step 5
X02
2010-06-11
5. Run Clamshell Service
Diagnostic utility and check
for LCD panel presence. If not
found, reseat the LVDS cable to
the logic board video output. Is
normal video restored?
6. Connect external compatible
DisplayPort display (or
DisplayPort adapter and
display). Verify if correct video
appears on external display.
7. Substitute a known-good
display assembly module to
test logic board LVDS video
output. Is normal video
restored?
Yes Issue resolved by reseating
loose LVDS cable..
No Go to step 6
Yes Go to step 7.
No Replace logic board M04
Yes Replace display assembly
module.
No Replace logic board. M04
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 72
L05
Deep Dive: Non-uniform Brightness
Check Result Action Code
1. Determine if brightness
uniformity issue is visible after
display has warmed up for 15
minutes.
2. Check LVDS cable connection
to logic board.
3. Determine if variation in
uniformity appears excessive
when compared to another
similar unit.
Yes Go to step 2.
No Display backlight can take
several minutes to stabilize.
Yes Reseat LVDS cable
No Got to step 3
Yes Replace display assembly. L07
No Explain to user that
LCD appears to meet
specications.
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 73
Defective Camera / Built-in iSight Not Operating Correctly
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Defective Camera
• Camera not detected
• No green LED for camera
• Excessive blooming
• Poor white balance
• Poor focus
• Green image
• Image distortion
1. Check for Software Updates.
2. Verify camera lens and glass panel are clear of
contaminants.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Launch System Proler and
conrm that “Built-in iSight” is
listed under USB High-Speed
Bus.
2. Run Clamshell Service
Diagnostic utility and check
for all devices presence. If
not found, inspect and reseat
camera cable on logic board.
Is iSight listed in System
Proler?
Yes Camera recognized. Go to
step 3
No Go to step 2.
Yes Camera recognized. Go to
step 3.
No Go to step 4.
2010-06-11
3. Launch PhotoBooth. Verify
that camera’s green LED is on
and image appears normal.
4. Substitute a known-good
display assembly to test logic
board camera connection.
Is iSight camera operating
properly?
Yes Issue resolved..
No Go to step 4.
Yes Replace display assembly. X11
No Replace logic board. M13
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 74
Blank / No Video
Unlikely cause: Power adapter, speakers, ODD/HDD, fan, microphone, top case
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Blank / No Video
• No video
• No backlight
1. Check brightness setting
2. Attach known-good supported external display.
3. Boot from Mac OS X install DVD that came with
computer.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Verify boot chime present
when system restarted.
Reset SMC and clear PRAM if
necessary for proper start up.
Is LCD video present?
2. Connect known-good
supported external display.
Verify whether image appears
on external display when
system is booted.
3. Verify if LCD backlight is on
by looking for faint glow
from display when viewed
in darkened room with
brightness adjusted to full.
Yes Go to step 3.
No Go to step 2.
Yes External display detected by
system. Go to step 3.
No Go to No Video symptom
code ow.
Yes Video signal from system
to external video is OK, LCD
backlight is on. Go to step 5.
No Go to step 4.
2010-06-11
4. Shine bright (low heat)
ashlight into the front of LCD.
Verify if an image is being
displayed.
5. Run Clamshell Service
Diagnostic utility and check
for LCD panel presence. If
not found, reseat and verify
that the display connections
to the logic board are secure.
Verify if image is restored after
reseating loose connections
Yes Image present but backlight
is not on. Check logic board
connections. Go to step 5.
No Go to No Video symptom.
Yes Issue resolved.
No Continue to test with known-
good display assembly. Go to
step 6.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 75
6. Verify LCD video works with a
known-good display assembly.
Yes Replace display assembly. L03
No Go to No Video symptom
code ow.
Backlight Issue / No Backlight
Unlikely cause: Power adapter, battery, speaker, ODD/HDD, fan microphone, top case
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Backlight Issue / No Backlight
• Display not illuminated
• Flashing, unstable or non
uniform background lighting
• Poor backlight at some or all
settings
Check that brightness setting is above minimum.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Connect external display, clear
PRAM to set brightness to
default level and verify if Color
LCD is listed in the System
Proler’s Graphics/Displays
device tree.
2. Run Clamshell Service
Diagnostic utility and check
for LCD panel presence. If not
found, reseat the LVDS cable
at the logic board. Repeat
verication in System Proler.
Yes Display panel detected by
system. Go to step 3.
No Go to step 2.
Yes Display panel detected by
system. Go to step 3.
No Go to step 4.
2010-06-11
3. Darken room and verify
backlight by detecting if any
glow is emitted from the
display
Yes Backlight operating. Go to
step 5.
No Go to step 4.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 76
4. Swap memory with knowngood memory to determine if
video issue is ram related..
Yes Reseat or replace defective
memory
No Go to step 5
X01
5. Inspect LVDS connectors and
cable under magnication for
pinched cables and damaged
or bent pins. Do any of the
connections appear to be
defective?
6. Substitute a known-good
display assembly to test
logic board video output. Is
backlight and display text back
to normal?
Noise / Unstable Flickering
Unlikely cause: Top case, battery
Yes Defective LVDS cable. Replace
display assembly.
Defective LVDS connector
on logic board. Replace logic
board.
No If connections are OK and
secure and the display is still
blank, go to step 6.
Yes Replace display assembly. L09
No Poor or no backlight LED
Driver power at logic board.
Replace logic board.
L09
M25
M25
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Noise / Unstable Flickering
• Image icker
• Audible noise
1. Verify known-good source sound le not causing
speaker distortion.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Verify if user’s issue is due to
video ickering coming from
display.
Yes Suspected ickering issue, go
to step 2.
No Audible noise issue, go to
step 5.
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 77
2. Verify display listed in the
System Proler’s Graphics/
Displays device tree is not
disappearing intermittently
(refresh System Proler to
observe).
Yes Power and LCD panel ID are
OK. Go to step 3.
No Go to No Video symptom
code ow.
3. Inspect and reseat the LVDS
cable and camera cable
connection between display
and logic board. Also test
if brightness setting is a
contributing factor. Has
ickering stopped?
4. Substitute a known good
display assembly to test logic
board video output. Has
ickering stopped?
5. Verify source of noise is
electrical, not mechanical.
Audio noise should not
be a concern since LCD
components are all solid
state devices including LED
backlights.
Yes Loose cable connection. Issue
No Go to step 4.
Yes Replace display assembly. L06
No Replace logic board. M04
Yes Noises that are not audible
No Noise from other source. Go
Mechanical/Physical Damage
resolved.
from the normal user position
are considered acceptable.
Return unit to the user.
to P04 Noise/Hum/vibration.
2010-06-11
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Mechanical/Physical Damage
• Broken glass
• Broken hinge
• Stripped screw/head
• Stripped screw boss
• Dent or scratch to chassis
1. Determine damage caused by user/technician
environment, accidental damage, or abuse.
2. Inform user/technician the failures are not
covered by Apple warranties. Refer to
http://www.apple.com/legal/warranty
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 78
Cosmetic Defects
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Cosmetic Defects
• Cracked LCD
• Scorched or melted LCD
• LCD impact damage
1. Determine damage caused by user/technician
environment, accidental damage, or abuse.
2. Inform user/technician the failures are not
covered by Apple warranties. Refer to
http://www.apple.com/legal/warranty
Uncategorized Symptom
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Uncategorized Symptom
Unable to locate appropriate
symptom code
Verify whether existing symptom code applies to the
issue reported by the user. If not, document reported
symptom and send feedback to smfeedback@apple.
com stating that a suitable symptom code could not
be found.
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 79
Mass Storage
Hard Drive Read/Write Issue
Unlikely cause: LCD, speakers, fan, camera, microphone
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Hard Drive Read/Write Issue
Bad Sector/Defective
Drive Formatting Issue
• Cannot save documents
• Read/Write error message
• Hang when accessing or
saving data
1. Boot from Install DVD. Verify S.M.A.R.T. status of
drive using Disk Utility.
2. Repair disk using Disk Utility.
3. Erase disk and reinstall Mac OS using Installer.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Start up from Restore DVD
and launch Disk Utility. Is hard
drive available for Disk Utility
to repair?
2. Did Disk Utility mount and
repair hard drive successfully?
Reseat hard drive if necessary.
Yes Go to step 2.
No Go to step 3.
Yes Restart computer. Go to step
6.
No If computer has not been
veried with a known-good
hard drive, go to step 3;
otherwise, go to step 7.
2010-06-11
3. Substitute a known-good
bootable hard drive, does
system start up to desktop?
Yes Reinstall user’s drive, go to
step 2.
No Continue to use known-
good bootable hard drive to
determine root cause. Go to
step 4.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) 80
4. After reseating hard drive SATA
and logic board connections,
does known-good hard drive
boot to desktop?
Yes Reinstall user’s drive, go to
step 2
No Suspect hard drive SATA
cable, go to step 5.
5. Replace hard drive SATA cable
and retest with known-good
hard drive.
6. Did user’s hard drive start up
successfully?
7. Partition, erase & install Mac OS
on user’s hard drive. Did install
complete without error and
start up successfully?
8. Replace user’s hard drive. Does
drive format correctly with a
GUID partition map and install
Mac OS without errors?
Yes Reinstall user’s drive, go to
step 2.
No Replace logic board. M19
Yes Issue resolved.
No Repair or replace hard drive,
go to step 7.
Yes Issue resolved
No Hard drive appears to be
defective, go to step 8.
Yes Issue resolved. H01
No SATA cable veried or
replaced and new hard drive
installed, replace logic board.
Hard Drive Not Recognized/Not Mounting
X03
M19
2010-06-11
Unlikely cause: LCD, speakers, fan, camera, microphone, AirPort
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Hard Drive Not Recognized/
Mount
Drive No Boot
• Flashing question mark
• Boots to grey screen
• Boots to blue screen
1. Use a known-good mouse. Stuck mouse button
will not allow boot.
2. Boot from Install DVD. Verify S.M.A.R.T. status of
drive using Disk Utility.
3. Repair disk using Disk Utility.
4. Erase disk and reinstall Mac OS using Installer.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) 81
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Boot from Restore DVD and
launch Disk Utility. Is hard
drive available for Disk Utility
to repair?
2. Did Disk Utility mount and
repair hard drive successfully?
Reseat hard drive if necessary.
3. Substitute a known-good
bootable hard drive, does
computer start up to desktop?
4. After reseating SATA and
logic board connections, does
known-good hard drive start
up to desktop?
Yes Go to step 2.
No Go to step 3.
Yes Restart computer, go to step
6.
No If computer has not been
veried with a known-good
hard drive, go to step 3;
otherwise, go to step 7.
Yes Install user drive, go to step 2.
No Continue to use known-
good bootable hard drive to
determine root cause. Go to
step 4.
Yes Install user drive, go to step 2.
No Suspect hard drive SATA
cable, go to step 5.
5. Replace hard drive SATA cable
and retest with known-good
hard drive.
6. Did user’s hard drive start up
successfully?
7. Partition, erase & install Mac OS
on user’s hard drive. Did install
complete without error and
start up successfully?
8. Replace user’s hard drive. Does
drive format correctly with a
GUID partition map and install
Mac OS without errors?
Yes Install user drive, go to step 2. X03
No Replace logic board. M19
Yes Issue resolved.
No Restore or replace user’s hard
drive, go to step 7.
Yes Issue resolved.
No Hard drive appears to be
defective. Go to step 8.
Yes Issue resolved. H01
No SATA cable veried or
replaced and new hard drive
installed, replace logic board.
M19
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 82
Hard Drive Noisy
Unlikely cause: LCD, speakers, fan, camera, microphone
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Hard Drive Noisy
• Noise during start up
• Noise during operation
• Noise when drive is copying or
saving data
1. Start up from Install DVD. Verify S.M.A.R.T. status
of hard drive using Disk Utility.
2. Repair disk using Disk Utility.
3. Check for reported noise and compare with
Knowledge Base article “Apple Portables: Hard
Drives and Noise “
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2354
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Boot from Restore DVD and
launch Disk Utility. Is hard
drive available for Disk Utility
to repair?
Yes Go to step 2.
No Replace hard drive or go to
H01 Drive not recognized/
mount.
2010-06-11
2. Repair disk using Disk Utility
and verify it completed
successfully
3. Is hard drive still noisy? Yes Remove hard drive and start
4. Erase disk and reinstall Mac
OS using Installer. Did process
complete?
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 83
Yes Restart computer. Go to step
3.
No Go to step 4.
up from external drive to test
fan noise. Go to step 6.
No Issue resolved.
Yes Restart computer. Go to step
3.
No Replace hard drive. Go to step 5.H06
5. After installing new hard drive,
do you still have drive noise?
Yes Remove hard drive and start
up from external drive to test
fan noise. Go to step 6.
No Issue resolved.
6. After removing hard drive,
verify if the system is still noisy.
7. Install a known-good hard
drive and verify if the noise
level is similar to user’s hard
drive.
Yes Fan noise or optical drive
noise likely to be the cause.
See ODD Noisy table and Fan
failures/Thermal issues table.
No Go to step 7.
Yes Hard drive noise level is
similar to a known-good
drive and does not require
replacement.
No Replace hard drive. Go to step 5.H06
Optical Drive Won’t Accept/Reject Media
Unlikely cause: LCD, speakers, fan, camera, microphone
Quick Check
2010-06-11
Symptom Quick Check
Optical Drive Won’t Accept/
Reject Media
• Cannot insert a disc into the
drive
• Cannot eject a disc placed into
the drive
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 84
1. Use Apple System Proler ATA section to see if
the optical drive appears. If not, see Optical Drive
Not Recognized.,
2. Restart computer and hold down mouse button
or keyboard eject key to cycle optical drive.
3. Inspect optical drive slot for obstructions
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Is optical drive listed in the
device tree for serial-ATA
devices in System Proler?
2. Verify all connections between
logic board, ex cable, and
optical drive are secure.
Visually inspect cables and
connectors for any debris,
damage, or bent pins. Is
optical drive now listed in
System Proler?
3. Disconnect user’s optical
drive by lifting SATA cable at
logic board and connecting
a known good optical drive
assembly. Is optical drive now
listed in System Proler?
4. Install and test user’s optical
drive with replacement SATA
ex cable. Is optical drive now
listed in System Proler?
Yes Optical drive has power,
inspect disc acceptance. Go
to step 5.
No Inspect hardware. Go to step
2
Yes Optical drive has power,
inspect disc acceptance. Go
to step 5.
No Replace any damaged cables
and retest. If connections
are good and with no visible
cable damage, go to step 3.
Yes SATA port functional,
reconnect user’s optical drive
& SATA cable. Go to step 4.
No Replace logic board. M19
Yes Cable change resolved issue. X03
No Replace the optical drive.
(Mechanical damage to
optical drive, if found)
X03
J03
(J06)
2010-06-11
5. Inspect optical drive slot
for disc insert/eject. Is there
clearance for disc use?
6. Insert known-good disc and
test user’s optical drive for
acceptance of disc. Does disc
auto eject?
7. Does disc mount to desktop? Yes Go to Eject Test step 8.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 85
Yes Go to step 6.
No Replace damaged optical
drive or system top case that
interferes with disc use.
Yes Replace the optical drive.
(Mechanical damage to
optical drive, if found)
No Go to step 7.
No Go to Optical Drive
Read/Write Data Error
troubleshooting page.
J01
(J05)
X13
J03
(J06)
8. Does disc eject properly from
optical drive?
Yes Issue resolved.
No Replace optical drive or top
case that interferes with disc
ejection.
J02
X13
9. With replacement ex cable
and interconnect board, is disc
now recognized?
Yes Issue resolved.
No Replace optical drive. If drive
has already been replaced,
then replace logic board.
Optical Drive Read/Write Data Error
Unlikely cause: LCD, speakers, fan, camera, microphone
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Optical Drive Read/Write Data
Error
• Errors when writing optical
media.
• Errors when reading optical
media.
• Hang when accessing or
preparing to write data.
1. Test optical media in another drive of the same
type in same type of machine to rule out media
issue.
2. Check with known-good discs like the Install discs
that came with the computer.
3. For write issues, check with known-good media
that performs well in another computer and
optical drive of the same type.
J03
2010-06-11
4. Check both CD and DVD media. If only one type
of media is producing errors, there is a laser issue.
(J99)
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Is media free to spin without
optical drive scraping edge or
surface of media?
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 86
Yes Go to step 2.
No Replace optical drive. J03
2. Can optical drive read both CD
and DVD known-good media?
Yes Go to step 6
No Reading CD only or DVD only
indicates laser issue, replace
optical drive.
Optical drive cannot read any
media reliably, go to step 3.
J03
3. Reseat cable connections
at logic board and optical
drive. Verify that media is now
recognized and reads reliably.
4. Disconnect optical drive by
lifting SATA cable at logic
board and connecting a
known-good optical drive.
Verify that media is now
recognized and reads reliably.
5. Install and test with
replacement optical drive SATA
ex cable. Verify that media
is now recognized and reads
reliably.
6. Test write data to compatible
CD and DVD media. Verify
burned media is recognized
and reads reliably.
Yes Reseat resolved issue. X03
No Go to step 4.
Yes SATA port functional,
reconnect user’s optical drive
& SATA cable. Go to step 5.
No Replace logic board. M19
Yes Cable change resolved issue. X03
No Replace the optical drive.
(Mechanical damage to
J03
(J05)
optical drive, if found)
Yes Issue resolved.
No Replace the optical drive.
(Mechanical damage to
J03
(J06)
optical drive, if found)
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 87
Optical Drive Not Recognized/Mount
Unlikely cause: LCD, speakers, fan, camera, microphone
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Optical Drive Not Recognized/
Mount
• Discs inject and eject, but do
not appear in Finder
1. Use Apple System Proler ATA section to see if
the optical drive appears.
2. Serial-ATA section of Apple System Proler will
show any media inserted.
3. Check Finder Preferences: General and make sure
“CD’s, DVD’s and iPods” is checked under “Show
these items on the Desktop.”
4. Check both CD and DVD media. If only one type
of media is recognized, there might be a laser
related issue. (J99)
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Is optical drive listed in the
device tree for SATA devices in
System Proler?
2. Verify all connections between
logic board, ex cable, optical
drive are secure. Visually
inspect cables and connectors
for any debris, damage, or bent
pins. Is optical drive now listed
in System Proler?
Yes Issue resolved.
No Go to step 2.
Yes Issue resolved.
No Replace any damaged cables
and retest. If connections
are good and with no visible
cable damage, go to step 3.
X03
2010-06-11
3. Disconnect optical drive by
lifting SATA cable at logic
board and connecting a
known-good drive. Is optical
drive now listed in System
Proler?
4. Install and test with
replacement optical drive SATA
ex cable. Is optical drive now
listed in System Proler?
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 88
Yes SATA port functional,
reconnect user’s optical drive
& SATA cable. Go to step 4.
No Replace logic board. M19
Yes Cable change resolved issue X03
No Replace the optical drive.
(Mechanical damage to
optical drive, if found)
J03
(J05)
Optical Drive Noisy
Unlikely cause: LCD, speakers, fan, camera, microphone
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Optical Drive Noisy
• Noise during boot
• Noise during operation
• Noise when drive is copying or
writing data
1. Test optical media in another drive of the same
type in same type of computer to rule out media
issue.
2. Check with known-good discs. Install discs that
came with the computer.
3. Check to see if noise occurs without media in
the drive. If so, check for hard drive (H06) and fan
(M18) caused noise.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Is optical drive constantly
seeking or cycling eject
mechanism without an optical
disc installed? Optical drive
should perform only one reset
sequence and rest idle, ready
for media.
2. Insert known good data CD.
Is media free to spin without
optical drive scraping edge or
surface of media? Verify disc
does not exceed maximum
thickness specication.
Yes Continue and verify with
media, go to step 2.
No Replace optical drive if
continuous activity occurs
with no disc installed.
Yes Continue and verify with
media, go to step 3.
No Internal mechanical
interference is aecting
rotational spin of media,
replace optical drive.
J04
J04
2010-06-11
3. Initial disc handling noise is
normal. Disc spinning and
head seek indicate disc is
mounting to desktop. Seek
noise should settle down
once mounted. Is noise above
normal and related to seek
activity?
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 89
Yes Replace optical drive. J04
No Go to step 4.
4. Disc spin should cease 30
seconds after mounting data
CD on OS desktop. Is the noise
related to disc spin?
Yes Go to step 5.
No Go to step 6.
5. Remove the optical drive and
check for the correct seating
of the brackets on the optical
drive and in the top case.
Reinstall drive in unit and
retest. Verify if drive is still
noisy.
6. Eject known good data CD.
Disc handling noise should
be one pop of disc from
motor hub and a motor gear
sound driving disc out of
optical drive. Is noise above
normal and related to disc
eject activity or multiple eject
attempts?
7. Disc spin should cease 30
seconds after mounting data
CD on desktop. Media may
be mounting on a defective
internal spindle hub. Is the
noise related to disc spin?
Yes Go to step 6.
No Issue resolved. Optical drive
was not properly mounted in
(J05)
enclosure. (Possible physical
damage to optical drive.)
Yes Replace optical drive. J02
No Go to step 7.
Yes Replace optical drive. J04
No Noise does not appear to be
related to optical drive.
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 90
Optical Drive Not Performing to Specs
Unlikely cause: LCD, speakers, fan, camera, microphone
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Optical Drive Not Performing to
Specs
Read or write speeds slower than
expected.
1. Test optical media in another drive of the same
type in same type of computer to rule out media
issue.
2. Check with known-good discs—Install discs that
came with the computer.
3. For disc write issues, check with known-good
media that performs well in another computer
and drive of the same type.
4. Check both CD and DVD media. If only one type
of media is producing errors, there might be a
laser related issue. (J99)
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Can optical drive read both CD
and DVD known-good media?
Yes Go to step 5
No Reading CD only or DVD only
indicates laser issue, replace
optical drive.
J03
2010-06-11
2. Reseat cable connections
at logic board and optical
drive. Verify that media is now
recognized and reads reliably.
3. Disconnect optical drive by
lifting SATA cable at logic
board and connecting a
known-good drive. Verify that
media is now recognized and
reads reliably.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 91
Optical drive cannot read any
media reliably. Go to step 2.
Yes Reseat resolved issue. X03
No Go to step 3.
Yes SATA port functional,
reconnect user’s optical drive
& SATA cable. Go to step 4.
No Replace logic board. M19
4. Install and test with
replacement optical drive SATA
ex cable. Verify that media
is now recognized and reads
reliably.
Yes Cable change resolved issue. X03
No Replace optical drive.
(Mechanical damage to
optical drive, if found)
J03
(J05)
5. Test write data to compatible
CD and DVD media. Verify
burned media is recognized
and reads reliably.
Yes Issue resolved.
No Replace optical drive.
Uncategorized Symptom
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Uncategorized Symptom
Unable to locate appropriate
symptom code
Verify whether existing symptom code applies to the
issue reported by the user. If not, document reported
symptom and send feedback to smfeedback@apple.
com stating that a suitable symptom code could not
be found.
(Mechanical damage to
optical drive, if found)
J03
(J06)
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 92
Input/Output Devices
USB Port Does Not Recognize Known Devices
Unlikely cause: LCD, hard drive, optical drive
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
USB Port Does Not Recognize
Known Devices
USB-wired keyboard/mouse or
USB ash drive not recognized
1. Check the for latest software update.
2. Use Apple System Proler to verify the computer
recognizes the USB bus.
3. Test port with known good Apple keyboard or
mouse.
4. Verify any USB hubs have sucient power.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Reset SMC and clear PRAM.
Was USB device recognized?
2. Is USB device receiving power
from USB port? Note: rst
device to need >500ma will
get 1000ma, all others are
limited to <500ma.
Yes Issue resolved.
No Go to step 2.
Yes Go to step 3.
No Replace logic board. M15
2010-06-11
3. Is the latest Mac-compatible
USB software driver for this
USB device installed?
Yes Replace logic board. M15
No Obtain Mac-compatible USB
driver.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) 93
Built-in Keyboard Does Not Work Properly
Unlikely cause: LCD, hard drive, optical drive
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Built-in Keyboard Does Not Work
Properly
• Keystrokes not recognized
• Locks up
• Displayed characters don’t
match
1. In System Preferences: International: Input Menu,
enable Keyboard Viewer. Select Show Keyboard
Viewer from the Input Menu in the menu bar.
Test the keyboard.
2. Conrm correct keyboard layout is selected.
3. Update to the latest system software.
4. Press Caps Lock, if the Caps Lock light goes on
to show at least a partial connection to the main
logic board.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. If specic keys are not working,
conrm if they are physically
broken.
Yes Refer to “MacBook/
MacBook Pro: Black Keycap
Replacement” (HT4002) or
“MacBook: White Keycap
Replacement” (HT4003). If a
keycap kit is available for this
model, order kit and replace
aected key(s).
2010-06-11
2. Reseat keyboard ex cable to
logic board and verify that all
keys are functional.
Go to step 4.
If a keycap kit is not available
for this model, replace
complete top case.
Go to step 4.
No Go to step 2.
Yes Issue resolved. X99
No Go to step 3.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) 94
K01
3. Disconnect and verify that
keyboard ex cable is in good
condition (no delamination or
torn cable end, no missing or
cracked tracks).
Yes Go to step 4.
No Replace top case. Go to step 5. K01
4. Reseat cable and check that
ex cable end is fully inserted
and aligned with connector
on logic board, and that
connector lock is closed. Verify
that keyboard now functions
properly. Reseat cable and
verify with ASD that all keys
are functional.
5. Verify that all keys are
functional using ASD.
Yes Issue resolved. K01
No Replace top case. Go to step 5.
Yes Issue resolved. K01
No Replace logic board. M15
Specic Keys Don’t Work
Unlikely cause: power adapter, battery, speakers, LCD, ODD/HDD, fan, microphone
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
2010-06-11
Specic Keys Don’t Work
• Keycap broken
• Key switch broken
• Sticky key
• Key pressed not recognized
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 95
1. Determine if damage caused by user/technician
environment, accidental damage, or abuse.
2. Inform user/technician the failures are not
covered by Apple warranties. Refer to
http://www.apple.com/legal/warranty
3. Inspect keycap to remove debris trapped under it.
4. If the keycap is loose, check if clasp is still intact
and reattach it.
5. Refer to “MacBook/MacBook Pro: Black Keycap
Replacement” (HT4002) or “MacBook: White
Keycap Replacement” (HT4003). If a keycap kit
is available for this model, order kit and replace
aected key(s). If a kit is not available, replace
complete top case (code K01).
Built-in Trackpad Does Not Work
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Built-in Trackpad Does Not Work
• Cursor does not move.
• Select button of trackpad
inoperable
• Multiple touch features
inoperable
1. Check for environmental factors such as humidity,
hand lotion or jewelry. Check if user is touching
the trackpad simultaneously with both hands.
2. Clean the trackpad surface (with the computer
powered o) using a clean, dry, lint-free cloth.
3. Make sure all software and rmware updates have
been applied.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Can you see the trackpad
continuously listed on USB in
Apple System Proler?
2. Does trackpad look damaged?
Verify trackpad alignment is
proper and click-depth set
screw is at factory setting.
Yes Go to step 5.
No Go to step 2.
Yes Replace trackpad according
to symptom found.
- No mouse/trackpad
response
- Trackpad cursor not tracking
properly
- Trackpad button issues
Go to step 6.
K02
K12
K13
2010-06-11
3. Reseat the trackpad ex cable
to the logic board. Does
trackpad work now?
4. Is the trackpad connector on
the logic board damaged?
5. In System Preferences:
Universal Access, turn o
special Keyboard and Mouse
& Trackpad settings. Set for
normal use, enable and test
multiple touch features. Does
trackpad work now?
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 96
No Go to step 3.
Yes Loose cable. Issue resolved.
No Go to step 4.
Yes Replace logic board. M24
No Go to step 5.
Yes Settings issue resolved.
No Go to step 6
6. Does the select button click?
Verify trackpad alignment is
proper and click-depth set
screw is at factory setting.
Yes All trackpad issues resolved.
No Go to step 7
7. Does a known-good trackpad
work?
Yes Replace trackpad according
to symptom found.
- No mouse/trackpad
response
- Trackpad cursor not tracking
properly
- Trackpad button issues
No Replace logic board. M16
Built-in Keyboard Has Dim or No Keyboard Backlight
Unlikely cause: LCD, hard drive, optical drive
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Built-in Keyboard Has Dim or No
Backlight
• In darkened room, keyboard
backlight does not come on or
is dim.
1. Make sure this computer model has a keyboard
backlight option by checking the conguration
label in the battery bay.
2. Make sure that keyboard backlight is turned on
and brightness turned up.
K02
K12
K13
2010-06-11
3. Block the ambient light sensor to simulate
darkened room.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Make sure the “illuminate
keyboard in low light
condition” option is checked in
Keyboard System Preferences;
then cover the ambient light
sensor located on left of
camera. Did the display dim?
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 97
Yes Ambient light sensor is
working. Go to step 4.
No Go to step 2.
2. Cover the ambient light sensor
again. Did the keyboard
backlight work?
Yes Issue resolved.
No Go to step 3.
3. In the Apple System Proler,
can you see the AirPort and
Bluetooth cards?
4. Reseat the keyboard backlight
connection to the logic board.
Does the keyboard backlight
work now?
5. Measure the voltage between
pin 4 and pin 2 of the
keyboard backlight connector
J5815. Is there voltage present
with the running system in a
dark room?
Yes The light sensor connection
No Go to step 4.
Yes Issue resolved.
No Go to step 5
Yes Replace top case. K10
No Replace logic board. M99
Built-in Keyboard Is Not Recognized
Unlikely cause: LCD, hard drive, optical drive
L14
to logic board is likely good.
Replace display assembly.
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Built-in Keyboard Is Not
Recognized
• Keystrokes not recognized
1. Reset SMC.
2. Press Caps Lock. If the Caps Lock light comes on
that indicates at least a partial connection to the
logic board.
3. In System Preferences: International: Input Menu,
enable Keyboard Viewer. Select Show Keyboard
Viewer from the Input Menu in the menu bar.
Test the keyboard.
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 98
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. In Apple System Proler do you
see “Apple Internal Keyboard/
Trackpad” listed under USB
hardware devices?
2. Reset SMC and verify if
keyboard/trackpad is now seen
in Apple System Proler.
3. Disconnect and verify that
keyboard ex cable is in good
condition (no delamination or
torn cable end, no missing or
cracked tracks).
4. Reseat cable and check that
ex cable end is fully inserted
and aligned with connector
on logic board, and that
connector lock is closed. Verify
that keyboard now functions
properly.
Yes Go to step 3.
No Go to step 2.
Yes Go to step 3.
No Replace logic board. M15
Yes Go to step 4.
No Replace top case. Go to step 5. K11
Yes Issue resolved.
No Replace top case. Go to step 5. K11
5. Verify that all keys are
functional using ASD.
Yes Issue resolved.
No Replace logic board. M15
2010-06-11
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 99
Built-in Trackpad Does Not Track Properly
Unlikely cause: LCD, hard drive, optical drive
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Built-in Trackpad Does Not Track
Properly
• Cursor movement is random,
uneven, or jumpy.
• Cursor hangs or stalls along
path.
1. Check for environmental factors such as humidity,
hand lotion or jewelry. Check if user is touching
the trackpad simultaneously with both hands.
2. Clean the trackpad surface (with the computer
o) using a clean, dry, lint free cloth.
3. Make sure all software and rmware updates have
been applied.
4. If the issue occurs when system is running from
the power adapter, use a grounded power cord
with the power adapter.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Can you see the trackpad
continuously listed under USB
in Apple System Proler?
2. Does the trackpad look
damaged?
Yes Trackpad communicating to
system. Go to step 5.
No Go to step 2
Yes Replace trackpad. Go to step 6.K02
2010-06-11
3. Reseat the trackpad ex cable
on the logic board. Does the
trackpad work now?
4. Is the trackpad connector on
the logic board damaged?
5. In System Preferences:
Universal Access, turn o
special Keyboard and Mouse
& Trackpad settings. Does
trackpad work now?
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 100
No Go to step 3.
Yes Loose cable. Issue resolved.
No Go to step 4.
Yes Replace logic board. M24
No Go to step 5.
Yes Settings issue resolved.
No Go to step 6.
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