Apple MacBook Pro 17 early 2009 Service Manual
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
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