Apple mbp15 mid09 Service Manual

 Apple Technician Guide

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009)

Updated: 2010-08-05

 Apple Inc.

© 2009 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.

Under the copyright laws, this document may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the
written consent of Apple.

Every eort has been made to ensure that the information in this document is accurate. Apple
is not responsible for printing or clerical errors.

Apple
1 Innite 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 [e-mail].

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009)

Contents

About This Guide

Manual Updates 9

Update 11 June 2010 9
Updated 14 May 2010 9
Updated 26 January 2010 9
Updated 13 January 2010 9
Updated 2 December 2009 10

Updated 11 August 2009 10
Updated 6 July 2009 10
Updated 10 June 2009 11
Apple Technician Guide Introduced 08 June 2009 11

Feedback 12

Basics

Overview 14

Identifying Features 14
Product Congurations 14
Note About Images in This Manual 15
Battery Precaution 15
Battery Removal Tool 15
Service Fixture 16

Serial Number Location 17

Serial Number on Bottom Case 17
Transferring the Serial Number 18

General Information 19

Required Tools 19
Display Panels 20
The Glass Panel 21
Keycap Replacement 22

Troubleshooting

General Troubleshooting 24

Update System Software 24
Apple Service Diagnostics 24
Test Points 24
Troubleshooting Theory 24
Hardware vs. Software 25
Clamshell Service Diagnostic Read Me 25
Emerging Issues 25
Functional Overview 26
Block Diagram, MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) 27
Liquid Contact Indicators 28
Common Reset Procedures 28
Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies 30

Symptom Charts 31

Startup and Power Issues 31

No Power 31
Won’t Start Up 34
Intermittent Shutdown 37
No Video/Bad Video 42
Battery Isn’t Recognized or Won’t Charge 45
Kernel Panic/System Crashes 48
Battery Run Time Too Short 52
Won’t Run on Power Adapter Alone 52
Power Adapter Issue 53
Noise / Hum / Vibration 55
Burnt Smell / Odor 57
Battery Leaking or Swollen 58
Uncategorized Symptom 58

Communications 59

Ethernet Port/Device Issue 59
AirPort/Bluetooth: Defective Wireless Devices 61
No/Poor Wireless Signal 63
Bluetooth Wireless Input Device Loses Connection 64
AirPort Card: Kernel Panic 66
Wireless Performance Issue / Slow Connection 67
Wireless Input Device Doesn’t Pair 69
Uncategorized Symptom 70

Display 71

Display Anomalies 71
Defective Camera / Built-in iSight Not Operating Correctly 76
Backlight Issue / No Backlight 78
Noise / Unstable Flickering 79
Mechanical/Physical Damage 80
Cosmetic Defects 81
Uncategorized Symptom 81

Mass Storage 82

Hard Drive Read/Write Issue 82
Hard Drive Not Recognized/Not Mounting 83
Hard Drive Noisy 85
Optical Drive Won’t Accept/Reject Media 86
Optical Drive Read/Write Data Error 88
Optical Drive Not Recognized/Mount 90
Optical Drive Noisy 91
Optical Drive Not Performing to Specs 93
Uncategorized Symptom 94

Input/Output Devices 95

USB Port Does Not Recognize Known Devices 95
Built-in Keyboard Does Not Work Properly 96
Specic Keys Don’t Work 97
Built-in Trackpad Does Not Work 98
Built-in Keyboard Has Dim or No Keyboard Backlight 99
Built-in Keyboard Is Not Recognized 100
Built-in Trackpad Does Not Track Properly 101
Apple Remote Inoperable 103
Built-in Speaker Has No Audio 104
Distorted Sound from Internal Speaker 105
SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card Will Not Insert Into Slot 107
SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card Not Recognized By System 108
FireWire Port Not Recognizing Known Devices 109
Uncategorized Symptom 110

Mechanical Issues: Thermals and Enclosure 111

Reset/Power Button Stuck 111
System Runs Hot 113
Uncategorized Symptom 115

Take Apart

General Information 117

Connector Types on Logic Board 117
Battery Precaution 121
Service Fixture 122
Icon Legend 123
Temperature Concerns 123
Replacement Steps 123
Screw Sizes 123

Bottom Case 124

Removal 125
Replacement 127

Battery 128

Removal 129

Replacement 130

Hard Drive and Bracket 132

Removal 133
Replacement 136
Reinstalling Software that Came with the Computer 138
Installing Mac OS X 138
Installing Applications 138

Hard Drive/IR/Sleep Indicator Cable 139

Removal 140
Replacement 140

Memory 141

Removal 142
Replacement 143

Bluetooth Card With Holder 144

Camera Cable Guide 147

LVDS Cable Guide 149

Display Assembly 151

Removal 152
Replacement 155
Display Hinge Behavior 157

Display Clutch Cover 158

Removal 159
Replacement 160

AirPort Card 162

Removal 163
Replacement 164

Antenna Board 165

Removal 166
Replacement 166

Optical Drive 167

Optical Drive Data Cable 172

Right Speaker / Subwoofer 174

Fan, Right 179

Logic Board 181

Removal 182

Replacement 186

Fan, Left 188

Heatsink 190

Removal 191
Replacement 192

Trackpad 194

Removal 195
Replacement 197

Left Speaker 200

Microphone 202

MagSafe Board 204

Center Bracket 206

Top Case 208

Battery Indicator Light Cable and Board 210

Views

Exploded Views 213

Main Assembly 1 213
Main Assembly 2 214

External Views 215

Front View 215
Port View 216

Screw Chart 217

Screw Location Diagrams 219

Bottom Case Screws 219
Battery and Optical Drive Assembly Screws 220
LVDS Cable Guide, Right Fan, Camera Cable Guide Screws 221
HD/IR/Sleep Indicator, Metal Cover, Logic Board Screws 222
Trackpad, Midwall Snap, Midwall Pogo Screws 223
Right Speaker and Display Assembly Hinge Screws 224
Battery Indicator Light Board and Center Bracket Screws 225
Left Fan, Left Speaker and Heatsink Screws 226
AirPort Card and Antenna Board Screws 227

 Apple Technician Guide

About This Guide

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009)

© 2009 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.

Manual Updates

Update 11 June 2010

Troubleshooting

• General Troubleshooting: Common Reset Procedures: Resetting the System Management
Controller (SMC): Updated step 3 to clarify LED behavior on the MagSafe connector; deleted
statement that resetting the SMC requires resetting the date and time.

Updated 14 May 2010

Basics

• General Information: Added new section “Keycap Replacement.”

Troubleshooting

• Symptom Charts: Input/Output Devices: Built-In Keyboard Does Not Work Properly: Changed
st step in Action column of Deep Dive to refer to Keycap Replacement articles HT4002 and
HT4003.

• Symptom Charts: Input/Output Devices: Specic Keys Don’t Work: Changed last step in
Quick Check column to refer to Keycap Replacement articles HT4002 and HT4003.

Updated 26 January 2010

Troubleshooting::

• General Troubleshooting: Updated Liquid Submersion Indicator topic and changed wording
from Liquid Submersion Indicator (LSI) to Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI)

• Symptom Charts: Startup and Power Issues: Burnt Smell / Odor: Changed Liquid Submersion
Indicator (LSI) to Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI)

Take Apart:

• Heatsink: Added screw replacement order for heatsink screws

Updated 13 January 2010

Basics:

• General Information: Added new section “Display Panels” describing the glossy and antiglare
panels

Take Apart:

• Updated Display Assembly procedure to include new graphics of glossy and antiglare
display cable removal (step 4).

• Updated Optical Drive procedure to include new graphics of glossy and antiglare display
cable removal (step 4).

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) About This Guide — Manual Updates 9

Updated 2 December 2009

Troubleshooting:

• General Troubleshooting: Added new section “Clamshell Service Diagnostic Read Me”

• Symptom Charts: Startup and Power Issues: Revised for Clamshell Service Diagnostic (CSD)
considerations

• Symptom Charts: Communications: Revised for CSD considerations

• Symptom Charts: Display: Revised for CSD considerations

Take Apart:

• Updated screws for right and left speakers

Updated 11 August 2009

Troubleshooting:

• Added Bluetooth card information to Startup and Power Issues Symptom Charts

• Added Bluetooth card information to Communications Symptom Charts

Take Apart:

• Added Bluetooth card procedure (for anti-glare model with Bluetooth option)

• Added note to beginning of Camera Cable Guide procedure explaining that the procedure
does not apply to the anti-glare model with Bluetooth card option

• Added information to Right Speaker/Subwoofer and Top Case procedures about foam on
speaker and/or top case

Exploded View:

• Added Bluetooth card and anti-glare display

Updated 6 July 2009

General Information:

• Service Fixture graphics were changed.

• A link to the service xture movie was added

Take Apart:

• Added battery as “First Step” to all procedures except memory removal.

• Display Assembly, Optical Drive, and the Logic Board chapters were updated with
information about the shim located behind the camera cable connector. If the shim is not
replaced during reassembly, the camera cable could work loose, resulting in no video. A
replacement shim is now included with replacement logic boards.

• Logic Board, Fan, and Heastsink chapters were updated with new service xture graphics

Views

• Added screw photos to Screw Chart

• Added nine Screw Location Diagrams

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Manual Updates — Updated 2 December 2009 10

Updated 10 June 2009

Take Apart:

• Added battery as “First Step” to various procedures

Apple Technician Guide Introduced 08 June 2009

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Manual Updates — Updated 10 June 2009 11

Feedback

We want your feedback to help improve this and future Technician Guides!

Please email any comments to:

[e-mail]

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) About This Guide — Feedback 12

 Apple Technician Guide

Basics

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009)

© 2009 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.

Overview

2010-08-05

The MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) computer features a 2.66, 2.8, or 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
processor, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics processor, and an SD Card slot. Refer to
more features below.

Identifying Features

The main features and service dierences include:

• SD card slot

• Intel 2.66 GHz, 2.8GHz, or 3.06 GHz processor

• Advanced built-in battery that last up to 7 hours on a single charge

• Select models 9600M GT with 256MB or 512MB of GDDR3 memory

Product Congurations

For product congurations, refer to Applecare Tech Specs: http://support.apple.com/specs/

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Basics — Overview 14

Note About Images in This Manual

Because a pre-production or very similar model was used for most of the images shown in
this manual, you may notice small dierences in appearance between the image pictured and
the computer you are servicing. However, although the appearance may dier, the steps and
sequence are the same unless noted.

Screw sizes shown are approximate and indicate the total length including the screw head.

Battery Precaution

This computer contains an internal-only battery that is serviceable by Apple-authorized service
providers only. Tamper-proof screws are employed to prevent customers from attempting to
remove it. Note: Before you begin any procedure, disconnect the battery from the logic board.
Failure to do so could damage the computer.

Battery Removal Tool

To remove the security screws holding the battery in place, you will need a special tool, the Torx
Plus Tamper 6 screwdriver, Apple part number 922-9101, available through GSX.

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Basics — Overview 15

Service Fixture

Use the custom-made service xture (922-9102) to provide support to the logic board
whenever removing and replacing the left fan and heatsink. Failure to use the service xture
will ex the logic board and strain components on the board.

The xture is two-sided; one side is for fan removal and installation and the other side is for
heatsink removal and installation. The graphics below demonstrate the logic board positioned
on each side of the xture with the screws highlighted. Review the movie for more information.

Fan installation and removal side

2010-08-05

Heatsink installation and removal side

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Basics — Overview 16

Serial Number Location

Serial Number on Bottom Case

Turn over the computer to see the serial number etched on the bottom case near the hinge.

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Basics — Serial Number Location 17

Transferring the Serial Number

When replacing a bottom case, retain the customer’s bottom case until the repair is complete.
Before installing the replacement bottom case, use a ne-tip permanent marker to write the
original serial number legibly in uppercase box letters directly onto the inside of the new
bottom case.

CAUTION: Take great care in deciphering the small typeface of the etched serial number
on the bottom case. You might need a magnifying glass to see it clearly. It is imperative
that you transfer the correct alphanumeric characters. Keep in mind that Apple serial
numbers always use the numbers 1 and 0 instead of the Roman letters “I” and “O.”

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Basics — Serial Number Location 18

General Information

Required Tools

Caution: To prevent scratches or other cosmetic damage to the computer housing, use a soft

cloth as a protective layer when removing and installing the external screws.

The following tools are required to service the computer:

• Clean, soft, lint-free cloth

• ESD wrist strap and mat

• Magnetic Phillips #00 screwdriver

• Magnetic Phillips #000 screwdriver (preferably with a long handle)

• Torx T6 screwdriver

• Torx Plus® Tamper 6 screwdriver, for battery removal (Apple part number 922-9101)

• Logic/Fan/Heatsink service xture (part number 922-9102)

• Black stick (Apple probe tool, part number 922-5065) or other nonconductive nylon or

plastic atblade tool

• Thermal grease (Apple thermal compound syringe, part number 922-7144)

• Alcohol wipes

• Foam wedge xture for display assembly removal (part number 922-8779)

• Kapton tape

• Tweezers, ESD safe, extra ne points, for at cable replacement

Refer to Knowledge Base article “Hand Tools for Desktop and Portable Repairs--AP/CA/EU/JP/
LA/US” to purchase tools:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=500200

In addition, the following software programs are required for troubleshooting:

• Apple Service Diagnostic (ASD), version 3S132

• Apple Hardware Test, version 3A171

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Basics — General Information 19

Display Panels

Customers can choose the standard glossy display (661-5215) or an optional antiglare display
(661-5295). The antiglare display became a CTO option in August 2009.

External dierence:

(A) Glossy display has a black border and the glass runs edge-to-edge

(B) Antiglare display has a silver bezel, no glass, and a matte nish.

2010-08-05

Internal dierence:

The glossy display models do not have a Bluetooth card and antenna in the top left corner.

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Basics — General Information 20

The antiglare display models have a Bluetooth card and antenna in the top left corner.

The Glass Panel

Warning: The glass panel for this model is not a serviceable part. If the glass is broken or

scratched, replace the display assembly. Attempting to remove the glass can permanently
shatter the display face and damage other parts.

To clean the glass panel, use the Apple polishing cloth (922-8245) and iKlear Apple Polish or
Brillianize anti-static spray cleaning solution. Alternatively, IPA (isopropyl alcohol) can be used.

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Basics — General Information 21

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 dierent 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 dierences among keycap procedures, refer to “MacBook/MacBook

Pro: Keycap Replacement Matrix” (HT4001).

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Basics — General Information 22

 Apple Technician Guide

Troubleshooting

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009)

© 2009 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.

General Troubleshooting

Update System Software

Important: Whenever possible before beginning troubleshooting, ensure the latest software

and rmware updates have been applied.

Apple 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
Th2H Logic Board
TN0D Logic Board
TN0P Logic Board
Tm0P Logic Board
Ts0P Trackpad ex
TB0T Battery pack
TB1T Battery pack
TB2T Battery pack
TB3T Battery pack

2010-08-05

Test Points

There is no silkscreen text on nal production logic boards. Test points mentioned in
troubleshooting charts are solely for reference.

Troubleshooting Theory

For general information on troubleshooting theory, refer to:

http://service.info.apple.com/service_training/en/006/troubleshoot/index.php?page=intro

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) General Troubleshooting — Apple Service Diagnostics 24

Hardware vs. Software

For information on how to isolate a hardware issue from a software issue, refer to:

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 benets 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 conicts.

Emerging Issues

2010-08-05

For the latest on troubleshooting issues, refer to Global Service Exchange (GSX) and reference
Service Source, Knowledge Base and the Service News tabs for product specic information.

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) General Troubleshooting — Hardware vs. Software 25

Functional Overview

Refer to this diagram for symptoms related to MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) logic board
connectors.

Sata hard drive + Sleep led

+ Infrared sensor:

-no hdd visible in system

profiler

-no sleep led status

-no infrared reception

-no power on (if shorting

SMC)

Battery:

-not running when on

battery only

-no power on if wrong

power adapter used

-no battery level

displayed

Trackpad

+trackpad button

+thermal sensor:

-no cursor movement,

-no click action

-unit running slower (no

trackpad thermal sensor)

sound

Ram:

-no boot,

-freeze or kernel panic

-video artifacts

Right Speaker and

Subwoofer:

-no sound from right speaker

or woofer

-distorted right or center

Sata optical drive:

-no odd visible

-no boot from odd

ambient light sensor:

-any of these

communications failing

-no keyboard backlight

activation is possible

-no startup (if shorted

Airport cable)

-no keyboard

backlight

-freezes

-noisy fan

Clamshell to Airport,

Bluetooth, iSight and

Keyboard

backlight:

Right Fan :

-intermittent shutdown

Keyboard + power

on button:

-no power on with

keyboard

-dead keys

-no battery level while

charging

-no sleep when

clamshell closed,

-no video on internal

display (sensor stuck)-

no battery level shown if

button pressed

+battery level button

+magnetic sleep

sensor:

-no battery error

indication,

Battery indicator leds

Left speaker

-no left sound,

-distorted left sound

the other side of the

MLB:

input

-no integrated sound

Microphone

Left fan

-intermittent shutdown

-freezes

-noisy fan

LCD + backlight:

-no video on internal

lcd

-no backlight

Connectors located on

Magsafe connector

(underneath mlb):

-no power on

-no battery charge

-no led on adapter

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) General Troubleshooting — Functional Overview 26

Block Diagram, MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009)

Refer to this diagram to see how modules are interrelated.

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) General Troubleshooting — Block Diagram, MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) 27

Liquid Contact Indicators

Liquid Contact Indicators (LCI) have been added to specic locations on current Mac portables
and desktop keyboards to help determine if systems have been exposed to liquid. Damage due
to liquid exposure is not covered by the Apple one (1) year limited warranty or the AppleCare
Protection Plan (APP). Normally represented by small white dots, the LCIs turn red when they
have come in contact with liquid, such as an accidental spill.

Important: The Liquid Contact Indicator (LCI) is a tool that helps technicians identify whether
or not a product has been in contact with liquid. Technicians should not rely solely on this tool,
but should perform a thorough examination for signs of liquid contact, such as corrosion.

For more information, refer to Knowledge Base article HT3400: “About Liquid contact indicators
(LCI) on portable and desktop computers.” http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3400

Common Reset Procedures

When a reset procedure is required for troubleshooting, follow the applicable steps:

Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)

To reset power management via the SMC chip:

1. If the computer is on, turn it o by choosing Shutdown from the Apple () menu.

2. Connect the power adapter to the computer and to a working power source.

3. Important: Use the keys on the left side of the keyboard. On the built-in keyboard, press

Shift-Control-Option along with the power button once.

Note: When the LED on the MagSafe connector is orange, resetting the SMC will change it
to green for a few seconds, indicating that SMC was correctly reset.

4. Wait 5 seconds and press the power button to restart the computer. Note: If bottom case
is removed, you may alternately reset the SMC by disconnecting the power adapter and the
main battery, and holding the power button down for ve seconds.

For more information:

http://www.apple.com/support

HT3964—Apple Portables: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
<http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964>

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) General Troubleshooting — Liquid Contact Indicators 28

Resetting the Parameter RAM (PRAM)

To reset PRAM,

1. If the computer is on, turn it o.

2. Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to

hold these keys down simultaneously in Step 4.

Note: If the keyboard does not have an Option key, use the Alt key instead.

3. Turn on the computer.

4. Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys.

Important: You must press this key combination before the gray screen appears.

5. Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the

second time.

6. Release the keys.

For more information:

http://www.apple.com/support

HT1379—Apple Portables: Resetting the PRAM <http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379>

Starting Up in Safe Mode

A Safe Boot is a special way to start Mac OS X when troubleshooting. To start up into Safe Mode
(Safe Boot),

1. Make sure the computer is shut down.

2. Press the power button.

3. Immediately after you hear the startup tone, press and hold the Shift key.

Note: The Shift key should be held as soon as possible after the startup tone but not

before.

4. Release the Shift key when you see the screen with the gray Apple and progress indicator
(looks like a spinning gear). During startup, ”Safe Boot” appears on the Mac OS X startup
screen. To leave Safe Mode, restart the computer normally, without holding down any keys
during startup.

For more information:

http://www.apple.com/support

HT1564—What is Safe Boot, Safe Mode? <http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1564>

TS1884—Safe Boot take longer than normal startup <http://support.apple.com/kb/

TS1884>

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) General Troubleshooting — Common Reset Procedures 29

Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies

When displaying a single color over the screen area, the LCD panel might show one or more
pixels that are not properly lit. To determine if the display has an acceptable number of pixel
anomalies, follow the steps below:

1. Set the display image to one of the following colors: all-white, all-red, all-green, all-blue, or
all-black display. Knowledge Base article 112125: “Service Diagnostics Matrix”, has the LCD
Tester Diagnostic Utility that will generate these patterns on the screen.

2. Using a jeweler’s loupe, pocket microscope, or other magnifying device, identify and
count each pixel anomaly:

Bright subpixel anomaly = subpixel that is always on

Dark subpixel anomaly = subpixel that is always o

3. The number of acceptable pixel anomalies for this computer is:

Bright Up to 3
Dark Up to 5
Combination Up to 7

4. If the number of subpixel anomalies exceeds the acceptable number shown above,
replace the LCD panel display assembly. Numbers outside the acceptable range would be

Bright 4 or more
Dark 6 or more
Combination 8 or more

5. If the number of subpixel anomalies is acceptable, explain to the customer that the
pixel anomalies are within specications, and no repair is necessary.

Important: Do not release the specications 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 aected 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 signicantly increase
the retail price for products using LCD displays. These factors apply to all manufacturers
using LCD technology—not just Apple products.

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) General Troubleshooting — Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies 30

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. Run Battery Diagnostic Utility.

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

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 31

2. Reset SMC (remove all system
power for 1 minute), and verify
unit starts. 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. Conrm 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

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.

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 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

Yes Go to step 8

No Clean port assembly. Replace

MagSafe board if necessary.

P14

X03

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 32

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.

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

P11

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.

10. Remove two screws on metal
cable cover to access keyboard
connector.

-Plug known good powered
AC adapter.

-Try to power system using
power key

-If no power, use conductive
tool to short pin 5 of keyboard
connector with ground on
logic board as seen on image
to the left. (Make sure you
don’t touch any other pins on
the connector.)

-Does system power on?

-If not, power on key may be
stuck. Disconnect keyboard
cable and try shorting pin 5 to
ground.

- Does the system power on?

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.

Yes Power on key works ne, issue

resolved.

Power on key works after
keyboard cable is reseated.
Issue resolved.

Power on key was stuck, had
to disconnect keyboard cable
to be able to power on by
shorting pin 5 to ground.

Replace top case for stuck
power on key.

No No logic board power on

when shorting keyboard pin 5
to ground.

Replace logic board. M01

X03

M21

K05

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 33

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.

2010-08-05

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 (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 34

No Customer system not starting

up, go to step 2

Yes Troubleshoot memory issues,

go to step 3

No Continue with startup

sequence verication 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
Proler 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

2010-08-05

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 (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 35

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

2010-08-05

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 (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 36

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 Causes

Your computer’s system log may record why it shut down or went into sleep mode. Reviewing
SMC codes in the system.log of the Console application may provide some information about
why the event occurred.

To review SMC codes in the system.log in Console:

1. Open the Console application. Console is located in the /Applications/Utilities/ folder.

2. Select Open System Log under the File menu.

3. Using the lter in the upper right corner, search for “Cause.”

4. Use the table below to interpret the cause and review the suggestion if shutdown was

unexpected.

Example: Entry found “Jun 6 18:06:28 localhost kernel[0]: Previous Shutdown Cause: 5”

By looking for the code 5 in table below, you will discover that computer shut down was
caused by user selection of System Menu option “Shutdown…”

Depending on the cause reported, the shutdown could be xed by using the Quick Check
table, or the Deep Dive troubleshooting.

Shutdown
Cause
Number

3

5

-2

-60

0

Forced shutdown: Normal behavior,
if power button was pressed for
more than 4 seconds.

Normal shutdown: Normal behavior
if software initiated shutdown/
restart.

Power supply disconnected: Normal
behavior if power source was
removed from computer with no
battery.

Battery fully drained: Normal
behavior if unit was left asleep on
battery for too long.

Battery/Power disconnected: Normal
behavior if battery was removed
while system was on and no other
power source connected.

Cause Suggested Fix

If shutdown was unexpected, check
top case (for power button stuck or
shorted cable).

If shutdown was unexpected, check
Energy Saver setting in System
Preferences.

If shutdown was unexpected,
check power cord/power supply
(for intermittent failure or bad
connection).

Charge battery.

If shutdown was unexpected, check
battery/power supply.

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 37

Shutdown
Cause
Number

Cause Suggested Fix

-61

-62

-3

-71

-74

-75

-78

-79

Watchdog timer detected
unresponsive application, shutting
down the system.

Troubleshoot for stuck application,
startup item and any loading
preferences (Mac OS X Server Energy
Saver).

Watchdog timer detected
unresponsive application, restarting
the system.

Troubleshoot for stuck application,
startup item and any loading
preferences (Mac OS X Server Energy
Saver).

Multiple temperature sensors
exceeded the dened limit..

Run Apple Service Diagnostics to
check which sensor went beyond
expected thermal limits.

SO-DIMM Memory temperature
exceeds limits

Swap memory module and check
with known-good one to conrm
issue is with memory; also check fans
and air ow.

Battery temperature exceeds limits. Swap battery and check with known-

good one to conrm issue is with
customer battery.

Communication issue with AC
adapter.

Incorrect current value coming from

Check MagSafe connector/adapter
plug/cable.

Check AC adapter plug/cable.

AC adapter
Incorrect current value coming from

battery

Check battery and battery connection
to logic board.

-86

-95

-100

-101

-103

Proximity temperature exceeds
limits.

Check thermal contact with heatsink,
fan connection/activity.

Temperature exceeds limits. Check thermal contact with heatsink,

fan connection/activity.

Power supply temperature exceeds

Check fans and air ow.

limits.
LCD temperature exceeds limits. Check LCD panel and environment

temperature.

Battery cell under voltage detected. Check battery.

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 38

Quick Check

Symptom Quick Check

Intermittent shutdown

• Powers o during startup

• Powers o with desktop use

1. Verify battery charge status

2. Check AC adapter MagSafe connector and

connection with system

3. Reset SMC and PRAM

4. Start up with shift key down for safe mode

5. Startup from known-good bootable device

6. Check system.log info for shutdown cause

7. Run AHT /ASD for sensors + thermal test

Deep Dive

Check Result Action Code

1. Identify shutdown code

recorded in system log le.
Open the system.log le with
console application. Search
for occurrences of “previous
shutdown cause” return codes.
Verify system log looking for
codes that indicate abnormal
shutdown events.

Yes -Intermittent power means

checking battery health , AC
source and MagSafe cable
seating ; go to step 4

-Sleep means running sleep
sensor test; go to step 7

-Overtemp means checking
for clogged heatsink, shorted
sensors cables or defective
fan; go to step 8

2010-08-05

2. Reset SMC and clear PRAM;
then monitor system
performance to verify if
system shutdowns cease. Are
shutdown symptoms and
events gone?

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 39

No system.log lists only normal

shutdown codes, no codes
related to heat sensors or
power concerns. Go to step 2

Yes Shutdown cause related to

SMC or PRAM resolved by
changing to default settings.

No Shutdown event still occurs.

Go to step 3.

3. Start up from product OS
install disc or from an external
hard drive with product Mac
OS.
Are shutdown symptoms and
events gone while starting up
from this known-good Mac
OS?

Yes Shutdown events cease on

known-good OS. Reinstall
Mac OS on customer hard
drive and update OS with
latest version and check
if bootROM updates are
available.

No Symptoms unchanged - go to

step 4

4. Check system running on
battery only. Use known-good
charged battery.
Verify that shutdown/reset/
sleep issues disappear when
known-good battery is used
without AC adapter.

5. Check with known-good AC
adapter source only
Remove battery and use
known-good AC adapter.
Does the shutdown/reset/
sleep issue disappear with
known-good adapter?

6. Check if power removed error
reported “improper shutdown
detected” in system.log
If shutdown error is related
to power removed shutdown
cause, run ASD and check for
overvoltage sensor failure
reported.

Yes Recharge customer battery

and retest. Check for
customer battery health in
Apple System Proler or run
battery testing utility, and
replace if reported battery
health is reported bad or
consumed.

No Symptoms unchanged - Go

to step 5

Yes Faulty adapter. Replace

customer AC adapter if AC
cable and duckhead were
conrmed faulty.

No Symptoms unchanged - Go

to step 6

Yes If voltage or current sensor

failure conrmed in ASD
w/known good DC and
batteries, replace logic board.

No Go to step 9

P09

P14

MO8

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 40

7. Check if sleep event happens
repeatedly in system.log
If sleep/wake events are
repeatedly reported, plug
external monitor and run ASD
to check for sleep sensor test.
Verify if sleep sensor test is
failing.

Yes Check for intermittently

shorted BIL/sleep sensor in
top case. If damaged, replace
BIL/sleep sensor cable of top
case.

Reseat and retest sleep
sensor with ASD. If failing
again, check with a coin for
presence of a magnet in left
side of display clamshell.
If magnet present, replace
BIL/Sleep Sensor cable and
retest.

If magnet missing, replace
display assembly.

If still sleep sensing failing
after above test, replace logic
board

No Go to step 8

X03

X03

L15

M22

8. Check if over temp cause

reported in system.log
If shutdown error is related
to over temp shutdown
cause, run ASD and verify
that a sensor or fan failure is
reported.

9. Isolate if issue solved
Verify that shutdown/issue
does not happen anymore
after part exchange.

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 does not happen with
known-good fan, replace fan.

-If over temp failure reported
check for cause of over temp
like obstructed vent, dust
in heatsink n, or clogged
fan and retest. If still failing
replace part where sensor is
located (logic board, battery,
display assembly or trackpad)
according to the sensor
location table of service
manual.
Go to step 9

No Replace Thermal module

Go to step 9

Yes Issue xed

No Replace logic board with

corresponding symptom:

-if for thermal error cause

-if for other cause

M18

X03

X10

M18

M08

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 41

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..

Deep Dive

Check Result Action Code

1. Characterize video issue

Dene 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.

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

2010-08-05

3. Adjust Brightness
Power-on unit , attempt to
adjust brightness to maximum
using brightness (F1/F2)
keys and verify that video is
displayed.

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 42

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 and verify that
system video is displayed.

Yes Corrupt SMC State preventing

video.

No Go to Step 5

5. Reset PRAM.
If no action, use external
keyboard with same sequence.
Verify that system video is
displayed.

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.

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.

Yes Invalid or Corrupt PRAM

contents aecting video
output

No Go to step 6

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

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

M03
M04

2010-08-05

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 still
does not go o after cable is
reseated, go to step 10

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 43

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 BIL/ 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 sensor was stuck or had

shorted cable. Replace BIL/
sleep sensor cable.

No Symptoms unchanged - Go

to Step 9

X13

9. Check for No Backlight

Condition.
Power on unit.
Using a lamp or bright light
source, inspect for faint image,
and verify that faint image
appears.

10. Verify with Known good
display assembly
Connect known-good display
assembly to system.

Yes Logo image visible - check

LVDS cable and inspect 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 LVDS cable and retest,
then go to step 11

No If symptom continues, go to

step 10.

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

L09

L01
L02
L03
L04
L05
L06
L07
L08
L09
L10

2010-08-05

No Symptoms unchanged -

M03

replace logic board

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 44

11. Verify with reseated backlight
cable or replaced display
assembly
Verify that unit now has video
and backlight.

Yes Issue was only due to

damaged display assembly or
unseated cable.

No Display cable damaged the

logic board. Replace logic
board.

Battery Isn’t Recognized or Won’t Charge

Unlikely cause: display assembly, speakers, optical drive, hard drive, trackpad

Quick Check

Symptom Quick Check

M25

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. Reset SMC by pressing the (left) Shift-Control-

Option keys along with the power button once.

3. Test system, using Battery Diagnostic Utility.

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

LED was on momentarily then
went out. Go to No Power for
system (M01)

2010-08-05

2. When the Battery status
button is pressed, did any of
the lights come on?

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 45

Yes Go to step 3

No Go to step 11

3. Does battery status indicate
a fully charge battery with all
LEDs on?

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?

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?

Yes Go to step 8 and tag battery

as a possible P11 candidate.

No Go to step 5

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.

(P11)

(P10)

8. Test with a known-good

battery. Is battery recognized
and charging?

9. Inspect customer battery
contacts and battery cable
connector for corrosion or
obstructions.

10. Reseat battery harness at logic
board connector, and retest.
Is battery recognized and
charging?

No Go to step 8

Yes Replace customer battery

(P10 not charging or P11 not

P10 or

P11

recognized)

No Go to step 9

Yes Clear obstructions or

X03

replace the battery if cable if
corroded and recheck..

No Go to step 10

Yes Issue resolved by cable reseat.

Check battery condition, go
to step 13

No Replace logic board M20

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 46

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 Proler
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
proler?

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

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 47

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 conguration 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

2010-08-05

2. Reset SMC and clear PRAM
then verify that unit starts
without panic issues.

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 48

No Go to Step 2

Yes Issue resolved with default

startup settings.

No Go to step 3

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 aected
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.

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

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 49

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 aecting 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 conrm issue
resolved.

Yes System starts up when I/O

device removed, replace
aected 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

2010-08-05

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 (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 50

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

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 51

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)

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. Use “Apple Portables: Battery Life” (Knowledge

Base HT1466) to screen for short battery run

time. If replaced for run time too short, regardless
of warranty coverage, use symptom code P09 if
replaced.

Won’t Run on Power Adapter Alone

Unlikely cause: RAM, display assembly, hard drive, optical drive, top case, speakers, camera,
microphone

Quick Check

2010-08-05

Symptom Quick Check

Won’t Run on Power Adapter
Alone

Runs on battery but not on power
adapter only.

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 52

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.

5. Reset SMC by pressing the (left) Shift-Control­Option keys along with the power button once.

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?

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?

Power Adapter Issue

Yes Conrm user’s AC adapter as

bad and replace.

No Verify MagSafe board cable

seating to logic board. Go to
step 2

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

P14

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

5. Reset SMC by pressing the (left) Shift-Control­Option keys along with the power button once.

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 53

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.

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.

4. Does the customer’s power
adapter have stuck or
bent pins on the MagSafe
connector?

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

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

Yes Replace power adapter. P15

No Go to step 5

X03

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

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 54

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.

3. Disconnect any peripheral
devices, cards, or cables
attached to the unit. Verify the
noise is gone.

Yes Replace AC adapter. P04

No Go to step 2

Yes Go to step 3

No Go to step 4

Yes Check for possible ground

loop.

No Go to step 6

2010-08-05

4. Locate the source of the noise.
Is the noise from an optical
drive?

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 55

Yes Check with a dierent 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

J04

5. Is the noise from the hard

drive?

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

H06

6. Is the noise coming from the

fan?

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 dierent
location on a dierent AC
circuit.

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

X03

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.

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

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 56

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 the battery and 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.

3. Check AirPort Card cable orientation.

Deep Dive

Check Result Action Code

1. Has the source of the odor

been identied.

2. Are any burn marks visible on
components?

3. Refer to Liquid Contact

Indicators. Are any of the spill

sensors red?

Yes Replace the aected part. P08

No Go to step 2

Yes Replace the aected part. P08

No Go to step 3

Yes For more information, refer

to Knowledge Base article

http://support.apple.com/
kb/HT3400: “About Liquid

contact indicators (LCI) on
portable computers.

2010-08-05

Go to step 4

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 57

4. 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. Also check
for accidental damage cause
using Knowledge Base article

http://support.apple.com/
kb/CP161”.

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

• Trackpad button does not work

• Battery pack case has opened.

• Bottom cover cannot be
reinstalled

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 [e-mail] stating that a suitable
symptom code could not be found.

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 58

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

2010-08-05

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.

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 59

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.

Yes Go to step 4.

No If connection is OK on known-

good system, replace logic
board.

M10

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.

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 Go to step 5

No If the symptoms do not

change, replace the logic
board.

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.

M10

M10

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 60

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

2010-08-05

1. Open System Proler, check to
see if AirPort or Bluetooth is
recognized. Ensure software
and rmware updates for
AirPort and Bluetooth have
been applied.

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 61

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
that all devices are found. If
not, 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.

Verify that it xes the issue.

5. (AirPort) Try a known-good
AirPort card.

Verify that it xes the issue.

Yes Loose connections or crossed

antenna.

If Airport card connection

N04

M11

was found reversed, the
main logic board may have
been damaged and needs
replacement

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.

6. (AirPort) Try a known-good
display assembly if available.

Verify that it xes the issue.

7. (Bluetooth) Enable Bluetooth
and try a known-good
Bluetooth card.
Verify that System Proler sees
known-good Bluetooth card..

8. (Bluetooth) Enable Bluetooth
and try a known-good display
assembly, if available, and
Bluetooth card.
Run Clamshell Service
Diagnostic utility and check
that it sees the known-good
Bluetooth card.

Yes Replace display assembly. L16

No Replace logic board. M11

Yes Replace user’s Bluetooth card. N15

No Go to step 8.

Yes Replace display assembly. L16

No Replace logic board. M11

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 62

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 Proler, 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.

2010-08-05

2. Run Clamshell Service
Diagnostic utility and check
that all devices are found. If
not reseat the camera cable
connection to the logic board.

No If card is not detected, go to

previous Symptom - AirPort/
Bluetooth - Defective wireless
devices.

Yes Loose logic board connection N04

No Go to step 3.

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 63

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 , retest and verify that
issue is xed..

5. Try a known-good AirPort card
and retest. Verify that issue is
xed..

6. Try a known-good display
assembly if available. Verify
that issue is xed..

Yes Replace user’s AirPort

antenna.

No Continue to use known good

antenna, go to step 5.

Yes Replace user’s AirPort card. N12

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

N14

2010-08-05

Symptom Quick Check

Bluetooth Wireless Input Device
Loses Connection

Check Bluetooth input device has fully charged
batteries.

Deep Dive

Check Result Action Code

1. System Proler should list

Bluetooth radio device under
system hardware. Is Bluetooth
device available?

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 64

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
that all devices are found. If
not, reseat camera cable on
logic board. Is the Bluetooth
radio present, on and pairing
with a known-good device?

6. Install and test a known­good Bluetooth card. Is the
Bluetooth radio present, on
and pairing with a known­good device?

Yes Pairing veried, 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 user’s Bluetooth card. N15

No Go to step 7.

2010-08-05

7. Continue to actively 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?

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 65

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 with user’s Bluetooth
device.

N14

N14

8. Continue to test user’s

Bluetooth device to determine
if there is a disconnect. Do not
allow computer to sleep during
this test. Is link lost during
test? If link is lost during start
up, turn on System Preferences:
Bluetooth: Advanced: “Open
Bluetooth Setup Assistant at
start up when no input device
is present”.

Yes Check for software update, 2.4

GHz radio interference, device
low battery or user’s device
features list for explanation.

No User’s device not losing

connection. Issue not
repeatable or resolved.

AirPort Card: Kernel Panic

Unlikely cause: power adapter, battery, speakers, optical drive, hard drive, fan, camera,
microphone, top case

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?

2. Reseat the camera cable
connection to the logic board.
Is kernel panic resolved?

Yes Software issue.

No Go to step 2.

Yes Go to step 4.

No Go to step 3.

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 66

3. Isolate AirPort card by
removing the I/O connection
from the AirPort card.
Reconnect camera cable
connection to logic board. Is
kernel panic resolved?

Yes Go to step 4.

No Go to M06 Kernel Panic /

System Crashes.

4. Connect and test with a
known-good AirPort card. Is
kernel panic resolved?

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

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.

2010-08-05

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.

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 67

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.

3. Run Clamshell Service

Diagnostic utility and check
that all devices are found. If
not, reseat the camera cable
connection to the logic board.

4. (AirPort) Verify the antenna
connections to the AirPort
card are not reversed or loose.
Reseat antenna and I/O cable
connections.

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

Yes Loose logic board connection N04

No AirPort issue, go to step 4,

Bluetooth issue, go to step 8.

Yes Loose connection or crossed

antenna

No If the connectors are secure,

antenna connections not
reversed and show no signs
of damage or wear, go to
step 5

N06

N04

2010-08-05

5. (AirPort) Try a known-good
AirPort antenna.

6. (AirPort) Try a known-good
AirPort card.

7. (AirPort) Try a known-good
display assembly if available.

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 68

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

8. (Bluetooth) Enable Bluetooth
and try a known-good
Bluetooth card if available.
Verify that Bluetooth is pairing
with known-good device.

Yes Replace Bluetooth card. N15

No Go to Defective Wireless

Devices.

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 Proler should list

Bluetooth radio device under
system hardware. Is Bluetooth
device available?

2. System Preferences has a
Bluetooth panel. Ensure
Bluetooth is on and
discoverable. Are there any
devices listed in pairing
window?

Yes Bluetooth radio present, verify

Bluetooth preference settings,
go to step 2.

No Attempt Bluetooth repair, go

to step 5.

Yes Choose known-good device

and establish a connection.
Go to step 3.

No Attempt Bluetooth repair, go

to step 5.

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 69

3. Ensure a known-good
Bluetooth device is on, in close
range and discoverable mode,
Is system pairing with known­good device?

Yes Pairing veried, connect with

user’s device, go to step 4.

No Attempt Bluetooth repair, go

to step 5.

4. Is Bluetooth pairing with user’s
Bluetooth device?

5. Run Clamshell Service
Diagnostic utility and check
that all devices are found. If
not, reseat camera cable with
logic board. Is the Bluetooth
radio present, on and pairing
with a known-good device?

6. (Bluetooth) Enable Bluetooth
and try a known-good
Bluetooth card if available. Is
pairing issue xed?

Uncategorized Symptom

Quick Check

Yes Issue resolved.

No Check for SW update for both

System and user device.

Yes Bad logic board connection.

Issue resolved.

No Go to step 6.

Yes Replace Bluetooth card. N15

No Go to Defective Wireless

Devices.

2010-08-05

Symptom Quick Check

Uncategorized Symptom

Unable to locate appropriate
symptom code

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 70

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 prole.

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.

2010-08-05

3. Verify if user’s issue is bright or
dark pixel anomalies.

4. Verify if user’s issue is vertical or
horizontal lines.

5. Verify if user’s issue is non­uniform brightness.

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.

Yes Go to Non-uniform

Brightness Deep Dive.

No LCD functioning OK.

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 71

Deep Dive: Incorrect/Missing Colors

Check Result Action Code

1. Verify display is listed in the

System Proler’s Graphics/
Displays device tree.

2. Verify System Preferences
Display Prole is valid for
display being tested. Color
prole 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 prole can

be matched with LCD. Go to
step 2.

No Go to N09.

Yes If display prole 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.

5. Set desktop pattern in System
Preferences to ‘Solid Gray Light’.
Verify if incorrect/missing color
issue aects 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.

7. Substitute a known-good
display assembly to test logic
board video output. Is normal
video restored?

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.

Yes Replace display assembly. L02

No Replace logic board. M04

L02

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 72

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 clamshell 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

specications. Go to step 3.

M24

2010-08-05

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

specications. Go to step 4.

Yes Replace display assembly. L08

No Explain to user that LCD is

within specications. Do not
replace display assembly.

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 73

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
specic 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
specic 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 aected RAM

module.

No Go to step 4

Yes Replace logic board. M07

No Go to step 5

X02

2010-08-05

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.

Yes Issue resolved by reseating

loose LVDS cable..

No Go to step 6

Yes Go to step 7.

No Replace logic board M04

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 74

7. Substitute a known-good
display assembly module to
test logic board LVDS video
output. Is normal video
restored?

Yes Replace display assembly

module.

No Replace logic board. M04

Deep Dive: Non-uniform Brightness

Check Result Action Code

L05

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
specications.

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 75

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 Proler and

conrm 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
Proler?

Yes Camera recognized. Go to

step 3

No Go to step 2.

Yes Camera recognized. Go to

step 3.

No Go to step 4.

2010-08-05

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 (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 76

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.

2010-08-05

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 by 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

code ow.

Yes Issue resolved.

No Continue to test with known-

good display assembly. Go to
step 6.

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 77

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
Proler’s Graphics/Displays
device tree.

2. Unplug and reseat the LVDS
cable at the logic board.
Repeat verication in System
Proler.

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.

2010-08-05

3. Darken room and verify
backlight by detecting if any
glow is emitted from the
display

4. Swap memory with known­good memory to determine if
video issue is ram related..

Yes Backlight operating. Go to

step 5.

No Go to step 4.

Yes Reseat or replace defective

memory

No Go to step 5

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 78

X01

5. Inspect LVDS connectors and

cable under magnication for
pinched cables and damaged
or bent pins. Do any of the
connections appear to be
defective?

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.

M25

6. Substitute a known-good

display clamshell to test
logic board video output. Is
backlight and display text back
to normal?

Yes Replace display assembly. L09

No Poor or no backlight LED

Noise / Unstable Flickering

Unlikely cause: Top case, battery

Quick Check

Symptom Quick Check

Noise / Unstable Flickering

• Image icker

• Audible noise

Deep Dive

1. Verify known-good source sound le not causing

speaker distortion.

M25

Driver power at logic board.
Replace logic board.

2010-08-05

Check Result Action Code

1. Verify if user’s issue is due to

video ickering coming from
display.

2. Verify display listed in the
System Proler’s Graphics/
Displays device tree is not
disappearing intermittently
(refresh System Proler to
observe).

Yes Suspected ickering issue, go

to step 2.

No Audible noise issue, go to

step 5.

Yes Power and LCD panel ID are

OK. Go to step 3.

No Go to No Video symptom

code ow.

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 79

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?

Yes Loose cable connection. Issue

resolved.

No Go to step 4.

4. Substitute a known good
display assembly to test logic
board video output. Has
ickering stopped?

5. Verify the source of the noise
is the electrical as opposed
to mechanical. Audio noise
should not be a concern now
that LCD components are all
solid state devices including
LED backlights.

Yes Replace display assembly. L06

No Replace logic board. M04

Yes Noises that are not audible

No Noise from another source.

Mechanical/Physical Damage

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

from the normal user position
are considered acceptable.
Return unit to the user.

Go to P04 Noise/Hum/
vibration.

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 80

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.

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 81

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

veried with a known-good
hard drive, go to step 3;
otherwise, go to step 7.

2010-08-05

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 (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 82

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 veried or

replaced and new hard drive
installed, replace logic board.

Hard Drive Not Recognized/Not Mounting

X03

M19

2010-08-05

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

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 83

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.

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

veried 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 veried or

replaced and new hard drive
installed, replace logic board.

M19

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 84

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.

2010-08-05

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 (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 85

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.

Optical Drive Won’t Accept/Reject Media

Unlikely cause: LCD, speakers, fan, camera, microphone

Quick Check

H06

2010-08-05

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 (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 86

1. Use Apple System Proler 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 Proler?

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 Proler?

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 Proler?

4. Install and test user’s optical
drive with replacement SATA
ex cable. Is optical drive now
listed in System Proler?

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)

2010-08-05

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 (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 87

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

2010-08-05

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 (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 88

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)

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 89

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 Proler ATA section to see if
the optical drive appears.

2. Serial-ATA section of Apple System Proler 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 Proler?

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 Proler?

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

2010-08-05

3. Disconnect optical drive by
lifting SATA cable at logic
board and connecting a
known-good drive. Is optical
drive now listed in System
Proler?

4. Install and test with
replacement optical drive SATA
ex cable. Is optical drive now
listed in System Proler?

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 90

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 specication.

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 aecting
rotational spin of media,
replace optical drive.

J04

J04

2010-08-05

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 (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 91

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.

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 92

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

2010-08-05

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 (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 93

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)

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 94

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 Proler to verify the computer

recognizes the USB bus.

3. Test port with known good Apple keyboard or
mouse.

4. Verify any USB hubs have sucient 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

2010-08-05

3. Is the latest Mac-compatible
USB software driver for this
USB device installed?

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 95

Yes Replace logic board. M15

No Obtain Mac-compatible USB

driver.

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. Conrm 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 specic keys are not working,

conrm 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
aected key(s).

2010-08-05

2. Reseat keyboard ex cable to
logic board and verify that all
keys are functional.

3. Disconnect and verify that
keyboard ex cable is in good
condition (no delamination or
torn cable end, no missing or
cracked tracks).

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 96

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.

Yes Go to step 4.

No Replace top case. Go to step 5. K01

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.

Yes Issue resolved. K01

No Replace top case. Go to step 5.

5. Verify that all keys are
functional using ASD.

Yes Issue resolved. K01

No Replace logic board. M15

Specic Keys Don’t Work

Unlikely cause: power adapter, battery, speakers, LCD, ODD/HDD, fan, microphone

Quick Check

Symptom Quick Check

Specic Keys Don’t Work

• Keycap broken

• Key switch broken

• Sticky key

• Key pressed not recognized

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.

2010-08-05

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
aected key(s). If a kit is not available, replace
complete top case (code K01).

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 97

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 Apple

Internal Keyboard/Trackpad
continuously listed on USB in
Apple System Proler?

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. Go to step

6.

2010-08-05

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 (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 98

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

K02

K12

K13

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 conguration
label in the battery bay.

2. Make sure that keyboard backlight is turned on
and brightness turned up.

3. Block the ambient light sensor to simulate
darkened room.

Deep Dive

Check Result Action Code

1. Cover the ambient light sensor,

located near camera. Did the
display dim?

2. Cover the ambient light sensor
again. Did the keyboard
backlight work?

Yes Ambient light sensor is

working. Go to step 4.

No Go to step 2.

Yes Issue resolved.

No Go to step 3.

2010-08-05

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 99

3. In the Apple System Proler,
can you see the AirPort and
Bluetooth cards?

Yes The light sensor connection

to logic board is likely good.
Replace display assembly.

No Go to step 4.

L14

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 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

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.

2010-08-05

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.

Deep Dive

Check Result Action Code

1. In Apple System Proler do you

see “Apple Internal Keyboard/
Trackpad” listed under USB
hardware devices?

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 100

Yes Go to step 3.

No Go to step 2.