Apple mb13 al late08 Service Manual
Apple Technician Guide
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008)
Updated 2010-06-15
Apple Inc.
© 2008 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 (13-inch, Aluminum, Late
2008)
Contents
Manual Updates 9
Updated 15 June 2010 9
Updated 14 May 2010 9
Updated 16 November 2009 9
Updated 21 August 2009 9
Updated 19 June 2009 10
Updated 9 June 2009 10
Updated 10 March 2009 10
Updated 16 December 2008 11
Updated 17 November 2008 11
Updated 19 October 2008 12
Updated 17 October 2008 12
Manual introduced 14 October 2008 12
Basics
Overview 14
Identifying Features 14
Note About Images in This Manual 15
Serial Number Location 16
Serial Number On Top Case 16
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
Troubleshooting Theory 20
Hardware vs. Software 20
Functional Overview 21
Block Diagram 22
Liquid Submersion Indicators 23
Common Reset Procedures 24
Apple Service Diagnostics 25
Clamshell Service Diagnostic Read Me 26
Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies 26
Symptom Charts 28
Startup and Power Issues 28
No Power 28
Won’t Start Up 31
Intermittent Shutdown 34
No Video/Bad Video 38
Battery Isn’t Recognized or Won’t Charge 42
Kernel Panic/System Crashes 45
Battery Run Time Too Short 48
Won’t Run on Power Adapter Alone 48
Power Adapter Issue 49
Noise / Hum / Vibration 51
Burnt Smell / Odor 53
Battery Leaking or Swollen 54
Uncategorized Symptom 54
Communications 55
Ethernet Port/Device Issue 55
AirPort/Bluetooth: Defective Wireless Devices 57
No/Poor Wireless Signal 59
Wireless Input Device Loses Connection 60
AirPort Card: Kernel Panic 62
Wireless Performance Issue / Slow Connection 63
Wireless Input Device Doesn’t Pair 66
Uncategorized Symptom 67
Display 68
Display Anomalies 68
Defective Camera / Built-in iSight Not Operating Correctly 73
Blank / No Video 74
Backlight Issue / No Backlight 75
Quick Check 75
Noise / Unstable Flickering 76
Quick Check 76
Cosmetic Defects 78
Uncategorized Symptom 78
Mass Storage 79
Hard Drive Read/Write Issue 79
Hard Drive Not Recognized/Not Mounting 80
Hard Drive Noisy 82
Optical Drive Won’t Accept/Reject Media 83
Optical Drive Read/Write Data Error 85
Optical Drive Not Recognized/Mount 87
Optical Drive Noisy 88
Optical Drive Not Performing to Specs 90
Uncategorized Symptom 91
Input/Output Devices 92
USB Port Does Not Recognize Known Devices 92
Built-in Keyboard Does Not Work Properly 93
Specic Keys Don’t Work 94
Built-in Trackpad Does Not Work 95
Built-in Keyboard Has Dim or No Keyboard Backlight 96
Built-in Keyboard Is Not Recognized 97
Built-in Trackpad Does Not Track Properly 98
Apple Remote Inoperable 100
Built-in Speaker Has No Audio 101
Distorted Sound from Internal Speaker 102
Uncategorized Symptom 103
Mechanical Issues: Thermals and Enclosure 104
Reset/Power Button Stuck 104
System Runs Hot 105
Clamshell does not stay closed when stored vertically 107
Uncategorized Symptom 107
Take Apart
General Information 109
Connector Types on Logic Board 109
Icon Legend 112
Temperature Concerns 112
Replacement Steps 112
Access Door 113
Removal 114
Replacement 115
Battery 116
Removal 117
Replacement 117
Hard Drive Bracket 119
Hard Drive 121
Removal 122
Replacement 124
Installing Mac OS X and Applications 126
Installing Applications 126
Bottom Case 127
Removal 128
Replacement 129
Memory 130
Removal 131
Replacement 132
Mid Wall 133
Battery Connector Cover 135
Battery Cable Guide 137
Battery Power Cable 139
Removal 140
Replacement 140
Battery Indicator Light (BIL) Cable 141
Removal 142
Replacement 144
Camera Cable Guide 145
Removal 146
Replacement 146
LVDS Cable Guide 147
Display Assembly 149
Removal 150
Replacement 151
Display Clutch Cover 153
Removal 154
Replacement 155
AirPort Card 156
Removal 157
Replacement 158
AirPort Antenna 160
Optical Drive 162
Removal 163
Replacement 164
Optical Drive Flex Cable 166
Right Speaker / Subwoofer 168
Removal 169
Replacement 170
Hard Drive Connector Cable 171
Removal 172
Replacement 173
Fan 174
Keyboard Flex Bracket 176
Trackpad 178
Removal 179
Replacement 182
Logic Board 187
Removal 188
Replacement 191
Left Speaker 193
Removal 194
Replacement 195
MagSafe Board 196
Removal 197
Replacement 197
Heatsink 198
Removal 199
Replacement 200
Microphone Cable 202
Removal 203
Replacement 204
Center Bracket 205
Kensington Lock 206
Hard Drive Front Bracket with IR/Sleep Cable 208
Top Case 210
Additional Procedures
Hinge Replacement and Alignment 213
Views
Exploded Views 216
Main Assembly, 1 of 2 216
Main Assembly, 2 of 2 217
Display Assembly 218
External Views 219
Port View 219
Screw Chart 220
Screw Location Diagrams 222
Bottom Case 222
Display Assembly 223
Top Case 224
Manual Updates
Updated 15 June 2010
Troubleshooting:
• General Troubleshooting: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC): Updated text
to clarify MagSafe LED behavior; deleted text requiring resetting date and time.
Updated 14 May 2010
Basics:
• General Information: Keycap Replacement: Added section about new keycap replacement
kit
Troubleshooting:
• Symptom Charts: Startup and Power Issues: Intermittent Shutdown: Revised section
• 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 16 November 2009
Take Apart:
• General Information: Connector Types: Added replacement note about installing foam
gasket on LVDS connector.
• Display Assembly: Added replacement note about installing foam gasket.
• Logic Board: Added replacement note about installing foam gasket.
Updated 21 August 2009
Troubleshooting:
• General Troubleshooting: Troubleshooting Theory: Updated link information
Take Apart:
• Display Assembly: Added reminder about correct position of AirPort cable when
reconnecting to AirPort Card
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) Basics — Manual Updates 9
Updated 19 June 2009
Troubleshooting:
• Startup and Power Issues: Modied Noise/Hum/Vibration Deep Dive table, steps 7-8
• Display: Modied Noise/Unstable Flickering Deep Dive table, steps 3-6
Updated 9 June 2009
Troubleshooting:
• 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:
• Added Trackpad replacement instructions
• Memory: Corrected memory card pin count from 200-pin to 204-pin
• Logic Board: Added reminder to not remove MagSafe screws during logic board service
Views:
• Exploded Views: Added Trackpad part to Main Assembly, 2 of 2
Updated 24 March 2009
Important: When ordering parts, please replace like-for-like. Refer to the exploded view, screw
chart, and the Global Service Exchange (GSX) parts ordering system to further identify part
replacement by conguration code.
Views:
• Added part numbers to Main Assembly and Display Assembly exploded views
• Added 5 alternate part numbers to Screw Chart
Updated 10 March 2009
Troubleshooting:
• Updated Knowledge Base article link for Liquid Submersion Indicators.
• Added “Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies” topic
• Intermittent Shutdown: Added new table “Troubleshooting Shutdown Causes”
Take Apart:
• Connector Types: Added keyboard cable image and caution
• AirPort Card: Reworded step 2 under “Replacement”
• Logic Board: Added step for bottom case clip and 2 screws; added step to show MagSafe
cable routing
• MagSafe Board: Added port test using unplugged power adapter cable
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) Basics — Manual Updates 10
Updated 16 December 2008
Basics:
• Product Conguratios: Corrected “Better” model number to MB466
• Required Tools: Added EMI-safe tweezers to tools list; added ASD and AHT version numbers
General Troubleshooting:
• Functional Overview: Updated heatsink thermal sensor box; updated memory startup tones
• Block Diagram: Updated memory to DDR3 and Bluetooth to 2.1
• Apple Service Diagnostics: Added new heading and error code sensor chart
Symptom Charts:
• Added step 6 to “Won’t Start Up” quick check chart
• Updated step 6 of “Intermittent Shutdown” deep dive chart
• Updated “No Video/Bad Video” deep dive chart
• Updated “Defective Camera” charts
• Added Unlikely causes to Blank/No Video chart
• Added Unlikely causes to Backlight Issue/No Backlight chart; added symptoms to quick
check chart
• Added Unlikely causes to Noise/Unstable Flickering chart
• Updated “Built-In Keyboard Does Not Work Properly” charts
• Updated “Specic Keys Don’t Work” quick check chart; added Unlikely causes
• Updated “Built-In Keyboard Has Dim or No Keyboard Backlight” deep dive chart
Take Apart:
• Connector Types on Logic Board: Added tweezers for Locking Lever ex cable
• Battery: Added note to seat battery connector
• Hard Drive: Replaced steps 4-6 of Installing Mac OS X and Applications
• Display Assembly: Added Important Note reminding technician to install a new thermal pad
on the AirPort Card whenever the display assembly is removed and replaced
• AirPort Card: Updated image in replacement step 1; noted using black stick
• Optical Drive: Revised step 3 to disconnect cable
• Fan: Added black stick to release fan connector
• Logic Board: Added tweezers for locking-lever ex cables
• Hard Drive Front Bracket with IR/Sleep Cable: Added tweezers for locking-lever ex cables
Views:
• Exploded View: Display Assembly: Added international AirPort Card part numbers
Updated 17 November 2008
• Take Apart: Added important replacement step in AirPort Card topic alerting technicians
to check that the AirPort cable is inserted properly into the AirPort Card connector. If the
cable is inserted backwards, it will damage the logic board.
• Troubleshooting: Updated steps in the Burnt Smell/Odor symptom. Added step 3 to the
Quick Check table as a reminder to verify AirPort cable connection.
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) Basics — Manual Updates 11
Updated 19 October 2008
Corrected internal links.
Updated 17 October 2008
• Corrected internal links.
• Take Apart: Reorganized topic sequence following Display Assembly.
• Exploded View: Display Assembly: Corrected display assembly part number to 661-4820.
Manual introduced 14 October 2008
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) Basics — Manual Updates 12
Apple Technician Guide
Basics
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008)
© 2008 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
Overview
The MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) computer features a powerful new NVIDIA
GeForce 9400M graphics processor, Multi-Touch trackpad, and aluminum body. Refer to more
features below.
Identifying Features
The main features and service dierences include:
• Aluminum case
• Glass backlit, glossy, widescreen display panel
• Mini DisplayPort connector
• Battery indicator button on left side
• Illustrations for removing the battery, hard drive, and memory cards are pictured on the
inner side of the access door.
• Product identication label is on top case front edge, visible when the access door and
battery are removed.
• Logic board, MagSafe board, and some other components have a uniform black color with
no component silkscreening.
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) Basics — Overview 14
Product Congurations
The following table shows the MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) model congurations
at introduction:
Feature Better (MB466) Best (MB467)
Intel Core 2 Duo processor 2.0 GHz 2.4 GHz
Memory, DDR3 1066, SO-DIMMs 2 GB (2 x 1 GB);
up to 4 GB (2 x 2 GB)
Hard Drive, Serial ATA 100 5400
rpm
Optical Drive (SATA) 8x DL Super, 9.5 mm 8x DL Super, 9.5 mm
Keyboard Standard Backlight
Housing Aluminum Aluminum
Display 13.3-inch glass LCD, 1280x800, 114 dpi, LED backlight,
Battery 45-Whr Lithium Ion
Power Adapter 60 W MagSafe
160 GB;
up to 320 GB
glossy nish
2 GB (2 x 1 GB);
up to 4 GB (2 x 2 GB)
250 GB;
up to 320 GB
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.
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) Basics — Overview 15
Serial Number Location
Serial Number On Top Case
Remove the access door and battery to see the serial number on the inside front wall of the top
case.
2010-06-15
Transferring the Serial Number
When replacing a top case, retain the customer’s top case until the repair is complete. Before
installing the replacement top case, peel up the serial number label from the original top case
and transfer it to the replacement.
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) 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
• Black stick (Apple probe tool, part number 922-5065) or other nonconductive nylon or
plastic atblade tool
• Tri-lobe Large #0 driver (Apple part number 922-8991) for trackpad replacement
• Tri-lobe Small #00 driver (Apple part number 922-9013) for trackpad replacement
• Torx T5 screwdriver from regional supply vendor for trackpad replacement
• 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 (optional)
• Pencil with eraser
• Foam wedge xture for display assembly removal (Apple part number 922-8779)
• Kapton tape
• Digital volt meter (troubleshooting)
2010-06-15
Refer to Knowledge Base article “Hand Tools for Desktop and Portable Repairs--AP/CA/EU/JP/
LA/US” to purchase tools:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=500200
In addition, the following software programs are required for troubleshooting:
• Apple Service Diagnostic (ASD), version 3S125 or later
• Apple Hardware Test, version 3A148 or later
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) 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).
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) Basics — General Information 18
Apple Technician Guide
Troubleshooting
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008)
© 2008 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
General Troubleshooting
Update System Software
Important: Whenever possible before beginning troubleshooting, ensure the latest software
and rmware updates have been applied.
Troubleshooting Theory
For general information on troubleshooting theory, go to GSX and nd the Service Training
course menu link. From there you can access the Troubleshooting Theory self-paced course.
Hardware vs. Software
For information on how to isolate a hardware issue from a software issue, refer to:
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>
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Update System Software 20
Functional Overview
Fan:
• intermittent shutdown
• freezes
• noisy fan
Right speaker/subwoofer:
• no sound from right speaker or
subwoofer
• distorted sound from right or
center
Camera (includes AirPort,
Bluetooth, camera, and ambient
light sensor):
• failure of any parts listed above
• no keyboard backlight
• no startup if AirPort cable short
LCD, backlight:
• no video on internal
LCD
• no backlight
Battery (under logic
board):
• no power when
battery only
• no power on
Battery indicator LEDs,
battery button:
• no battery error
• no battery level while
charging
• no battery level shown
when button pressed
Keyboard
backlight:
• no keyboard
backlight
Keyboard, power
on button:
• no power
• nonresponsive
keys
Trackpad, trackpad button thermal
sensor:
• no cursor movement
• no click action
• runs slow (no sensor input)
Sleep LED, Infrared sensor,
magnetic sleep sensor:
• no sleep LED status
• no infrared reception
•
no sleep when display closed
•
wakes from sleep
• no video on internal display (sensor
stuck)
Hard drive:
• no hard drive visible
• no startup from hard drive
Optical drive:
• no optical drive visible
• no startup from optical drive
MagSafe connector
(under logic board):
•
no power on
•
no battery charge
Memory:
• no startup
• pointer unresponsive
and kernel panic
•
video artifacts
•
1 startup tone
(no memory)
•
3 startup tones
(bad memory)
Connectors on the other
side of logic board:
Heatsink thermal sensor
•
no startup
•
system shutdown
Left speaker
•
no sound from left
•
distorted sound on left
Microphone
•
no integrated sound input
Refer to this diagram for symptoms related to logic board connectors.
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Functional Overview 21
Block Diagram
Refer to this diagram to see how modules are interrelated.
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Block Diagram 22
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 only 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 four small, round dots shown below) when they have come in contact
with liquid, such as an accidental spill.
For more information, refer to the Knowledge Base article HT3425: “About liquid submersion
indicators (LSI) on portable and desktop computers.”
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Liquid Submersion Indicators 23
Common Reset Procedures
When a reset procedure is required for troubleshooting, follow the applicable steps:
Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
To reset power management via the SMC chip:
1. If the computer is on, turn it o by choosing Shutdown from the Apple () menu.
2. Connect the power adapter to the computer and to a working power source.
3. Important: Use the keys on the left side of the keyboard. On the built-in keyboard, press
Shift-Control-Option along with the power button once.
Note: When the LED on the MagSafe connector is orange, resetting the SMC will change it
to green for a few seconds, indicating that SMC was correctly reset.
4. Wait 5 seconds and press the power button to restart the computer. Note: If bottom case
is removed, you may alternately reset the SMC by disconnecting the power adapter and the
main battery, and holding the power button down for ve seconds.
For more information:
http://www.apple.com/support
HT1411—Apple Portables: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) <http://
support.apple.com/kb/HT1411>
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:
2010-06-15
http://www.apple.com/support
HT1379—Apple Portables: Resetting the PRAM <http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379>
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Common Reset Procedures 24
Starting Up in Safe Mode
A Safe Boot is a special way to start Mac OS X when troubleshooting. To start up into Safe Mode
(Safe Boot),
1. Make sure the computer is shut down.
2. Press the power button.
3. Immediately after you hear the startup tone, press and hold the Shift key.
Note: The Shift key should be held as soon as possible after the startup tone but not
before.
4. Release the Shift key when you see the screen with the gray Apple and progress indicator
(looks like a spinning gear). During startup, ”Safe Boot” appears on the Mac OS X startup
screen. To leave Safe Mode, restart the computer normally, without holding down any keys
during startup.
For more information:
http://www.apple.com/support
HT1564—What is Safe Boot, Safe Mode? <http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1564>
TS1884—Safe Boot take longer than normal startup <http://support.apple.com/kb/
TS1884>
Apple Service Diagnostics
Run Apple Service Diagnostics to determine if any of the thermal sensors are malfunctioning.
Replace any failing sensors. See chart below for correlation between error code and part.
Name Location
TC0D Logic board
TC0P Logic board
Th1H Logic board
TN0D Logic board
Th0H Heatsink
Ts0P Trackpad ex cable
TB0T Battery
TB1T Battery
TB2T Battery
TB3T Battery
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Apple Service Diagnostics 25
Clamshell Service Diagnostic Read Me
Isolating video and wireless issues in portable computers can be time consuming and
confusing. The Clamshell Service Diagnostic (CSD) is a new diagnostic tool that checks Apple’s
latest portable computers for the presence of AirPort, Bluetooth, LCD and Ambient Light Sensor
(ALS) to assist you in quickly making a failure determination.
Troubleshooting benets of using CSD include:
• Quick way (less than 1 minute) to determine whether clamshell-related modules (AirPort,
Bluetooth, LCD and ALS) are electrically connected without taking apart the system.
• Results of CSD can help pinpoint if any clamshell cables may need to be reseated to logic
board.
• Diagnostic results can help isolate a video or wireless issue to either the clamshell or the
logic board, to avoid unnecessary replacements of these components.
CSD checks for the presence of the computer’s:
• AirPort
• Bluetooth
• LCD
• ALS
CSD does not check for the presence of the computer’s:
• iSight camera
• externally connected hardware components (such as USB or FireWire devices)
CSD does not check for issues with the OS X or other software-related problems such as
application or extension conicts.
Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies
When displaying a single color over the screen area, the LCD panel might show one or more
pixels that are not properly lit. To determine if the display has an acceptable number of pixel
anomalies, follow the steps below:
1. Set the display image to one of the following colors: all-white, all-red, all-green, all-blue, or
all-black display. Knowledge Base article 112125: Service Diagnostics Matrix has the LCD
Tester Diagnostic Utility that will generate these patterns on the screen.
2. Using a jeweler’s loupe, pocket microscope, or other magnifying device, identify and
count each pixel anomaly:
Bright subpixel anomaly = subpixel that is always on
Dark subpixel anomaly = subpixel that is always o
3. The number of acceptable pixel anomalies for this computer is:
Bright Up to 3
Dark Up to 5
Combination Up to 7
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Clamshell Service Diagnostic Read Me 26
4. If the number of subpixel anomalies exceeds the acceptable number shown above, replace
the LCD panel display assembly. Numbers outside the acceptable range would be
Bright 4 or more
Dark 6 or more
Combination 8 or more
5. If the number of subpixel anomalies is acceptable, explain to the customer that the
pixel anomalies are within specications, and no repair is necessary.
Important: Do not release the specications to customers. Instead, inform them that a
certain number of subpixel anomalies are considered acceptable, and these factors apply to
all manufacturers using LCD technology—not just Apple products.
When speaking with customers, please use the following explanation:
Active-matrix LCD technology uses rows and columns of addressable locations (pixels)
that render text and images on screen. Each pixel location has three separate subpixels
(red, green, and blue) that allow the image to be rendered in full color. Each subpixel has a
corresponding transistor responsible for turning the subpixel on or o.
There are typically millions of these subpixels on an LCD display. For example, the LCD
panel used in the Apple Cinema HD display is made up of 2.3 million pixels and 6.9 million
red, green, and blue subpixels. Occasionally, a transistor does not work perfectly, which
may result in the aected subpixel being turned on (bright) or turned o (dark). With
the millions of subpixels on a display, it is quite possible to have a low number of faulty
transistors on an LCD. Therefore, a certain number of subpixel anomalies are considered
acceptable. Rejecting all but perfect LCD panels would signicantly increase the retail
price for products using LCD displays. These factors apply to all manufacturers using LCD
technology—not just Apple products.
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies 27
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
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. If battery is not recognized, remove battery and
try to run from AC only.
4. Reset SMC.
5. Verify with known-good battery.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Isolate peripherals as cause.
Disconnect all peripherals and
external devices and verify unit
starts.
Yes Suspect peripherals as cause.
Reconnect each one at a time,
verifying unit operation as
external device is reinstalled.
No Go to step 2
2010-06-15
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 28
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?
Yes Corrupt SMC state preventing
power on. Issue resolved with
SMC reset.
No Go to step 3
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.
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.
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
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.
P11
P10
or
P11
2010-06-15
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?
6. Inspect MagSafe power
adapter. Verify AC adapter is
correct wattage, compatible
with product and works on
known-good computer.
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 29
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.
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?
Yes Go to step 8
No Clean port assembly. Replace
MagSafe board if necessary.
X03
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. With DVM, verify
voltage presence of Q7001, pin
5 is 16.7Vdc with AC adapter
connected. Reseat or test
known-good MagSafe cable to
achieve power for logic board.
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, 16.7V found on Q7001.
MagSafe cable reseat or
replacement resolved issue.
If still no system power on
indications, go to step 10
No No voltage measured on
Q7001, AC adapter power not
going to logic board power
supplies. Replace logic board.
P11
X03
M21
2010-06-15
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 R5015 pads
on logic board just above
trackpad connector, and
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 (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 30
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 for R5015
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
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