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Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, MacBook, and Macintosh are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in
the U.S. and other countries.
Please send feedback to smfeedback3@apple.com.
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010)
Contents
About This Guide
Manual Updates 9
Update 11 June 2010 9
Update 14 May 2010 9
Update 20 April 2010 9
Apple Technician Guide Introduced 13 April 2010 9
Feedback 10
Basics
Overview 12
Specications 12
Battery Precaution and Tool 13
The Glass Panel 13
Keycap Replacement 14
Required Tools 14
Serial Number Location 15
System Serial Number on Bottom Case 15
Bar Code Serial Numbers on Memory Bracket 15
Transferring the System Serial Number 16
Troubleshooting
General Troubleshooting 18
Update System Software 18
Apple Service Diagnostics 18
Test Points 18
Troubleshooting Theory 18
Hardware vs. Software 19
Clamshell Service Diagnostic Read Me 19
Emerging Issues 19
Functional Overview 20
Block Diagram 21
Liquid Contact Indicators 22
Common Reset Procedures 22
Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies 24
Symptom Charts 25
Startup and Power Issues 25
No Power 25
Won’t Start Up 28
Intermittent Shutdown 30
No Video/Bad Video 35
Battery Isn’t Recognized or Won’t Charge 38
Kernel Panic/System Crashes 41
Battery Run Time Too Short 43
Won’t Run on Power Adapter Alone 44
Power Adapter Issue 45
Noise / Hum / Vibration 46
Burnt Smell / Odor 48
Battery Leaking or Swollen 49
Uncategorized Symptom 49
Hard Drive Read/Write Issue 75
Hard Drive Not Recognized/Not Mounting 76
Hard Drive Noisy 78
Optical Drive Won’t Accept/Reject Media 79
Optical Drive Read/Write Data Error 81
Optical Drive Not Recognized/Mount 82
Optical Drive Noisy 83
Optical Drive Not Performing to Specs 85
Uncategorized Symptom 86
Input/Output Devices 87
USB Port Does Not Recognize Known Devices 87
Built-in Keyboard Does Not Work Properly 88
Specic Keys Don’t Work 89
Built-in Trackpad Does Not Work 90
Built-in Keyboard Has Dim or No Keyboard Backlight 91
Built-in Keyboard Is Not Recognized 93
Built-in Trackpad Does Not Track Properly 94
Apple Remote Inoperable 95
Built-in Speaker Has No Audio 96
Distorted Sound from Internal Speaker 97
Audio: Microphone 99
SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card Will Not Insert Into Slot 100
SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card Not Recognized By System 101
Camera Issues 102
FireWire Port Not Recognizing Known Devices 103
Uncategorized Symptom 104
Mechanical Issues: Thermals and Enclosure 105
Reset/Power Button Stuck 105
System Runs Hot 107
Uncategorized Symptom 108
Take Apart
General Information 110
Connector Types on Logic Board 110
Battery Precaution 113
Battery Removal Tool 113
Icon Legend 114
Temperature Concerns 114
Replacement Steps 114
Note About Images in This Guide 114
Screw Sizes 114
Bottom Case 115
Removal 116
Replacement 118
Battery 119
Removal 120
Replacement 121
Hard Drive and Bracket 123
Removal 124
Replacement 127
Reinstalling Software That Came with the Computer 129
Installing Mac OS X 129
Installing Applications 129
Hard Drive/IR/Sleep Indicator Cable 130
Memory 132
Removal 133
Replacement 134
AirPort/Bluetooth Flex Cable 135
AirPort/Bluetooth Card With Holder 137
Optical Drive 143
Optical Drive Data Cable 145
Camera Cable Guide 147
LVDS Cable Guide 150
Display Assembly 153
Display Clutch Cover 156
Removal 157
Replacement 158
Right Speaker / Subwoofer 160
Fan, Right 164
Fan, Left 166
Logic Board 168
Removal 169
Replacement 172
Heatsink 173
Removal 174
Replacement 175
Trackpad 176
Removal 177
Replacement 179
Left Speaker 182
Microphone 184
MagSafe Board 186
Battery Indicator Light Cable and Board 188
Center Bracket 190
Top Case 192
Views
Exploded Views 196
Main Assembly 1 196
Main Assembly 2 197
Main Assembly 3 198
• General Troubleshooting: Common Reset Procedures: Resetting the System Management
Controller (SMC): Updated step 3 to clarify LED behavior on the MagSafe connector; deleted
statement that resetting the SMC requires resetting the date and time.
Update 14 May 2010
Basics
• Overview: Added new section “Keycap Replacement.”
Troubleshooting
• Symptom Charts: Input/Output Devices: Built-In Keyboard Does Not Work Properly: Changed
st step in Action column of Deep Dive to refer to Keycap Replacement articles HT4002 and
HT4003.
• Symptom Charts: Input/Output Devices: Specic Keys Don’t Work: Changed last step in
Quick Check column to refer to Keycap Replacement articles HT4002 and HT4003.
Take Apart
• Right Speaker/Subwoofer: Added note about inspecting top and bottom snubbers.
• Top Case: Added note about transferring black plastic stando to new case.
Update 20 April 2010
Updated ASD and AHT numbers in Basics Overview chapter.
Apple Technician Guide Introduced 13 April 2010
2008-10-19
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) Manual Updates 9
Feedback
We want your feedback to help improve this and future Technician Guides!
Please email any comments to:
smfeedback3@apple.com
2010-08-05
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) About This Guide — Feedback 10
The MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) computer features a 2.4, 2.53, or 2.66 GHz Intel dual core
processor. For full technical specications, refer to AppleCare Tech Specs:
http://support.apple.com/specs/
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) Basics — Overview 12
Battery Precaution and Tool
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.
To remove the security screws holding the battery in place, you will need a special tool, a large
tri-lobe #0 screwdriver, Apple part number 922-8991, available through GSX.
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 2010) Basics — Overview 13
Keycap Replacement
Service packages of 78 replacement keycaps are now available in the U.S. and Canada (U.S.
version keyboard only) for designated MacBook and MacBook Pro computers. The packages
allow you to replace individual keycaps rather than the entire top case.
There are four dierent keycap packages, based on the color of the key and the type of
keyboard (version D and S).
Part numberKey colorKeyboard
922-9277BlackVersion D
922-9279BlackVersion S
922-9278WhiteVersion D
922-9280WhiteVersion S
For step-by-step instructions, refer to the relevant support article: “MacBook/MacBook Pro:
Black Keycap Replacement” (HT4002) or “MacBook: White Keycap Replacement” (HT4003).
For an overview of the dierences among keycap procedures, refer to “MacBook/MacBook
Pro: Keycap Replacement Matrix” (HT4001).
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
• Large tri-lobe screwdriver, for battery removal (Apple part number 922-8991)
• Black stick (Apple probe tool, part number 922-5065) or other nonconductive nylon or
plastic atblade tool
• Thermal grease (Apple thermal compound syringe)
• 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:
In addition, the following software programs are required for troubleshooting:
• Apple Service Diagnostic (ASD), version 3S136
• Apple Hardware Test, version 3A186
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) Basics — Overview 14
Serial Number Location
System Serial Number on Bottom Case
Turn over the computer to see the system serial number etched on the bottom case.
2010-08-05
Bar Code Serial Numbers on Memory Bracket
Additional bar code serial numbers are available inside the bottom case on the bracket that
holds the memory DIMMs. The rst number (13 alphanumeric characters) is for the logic board;
the second number (11 alphanumeric characters) is the system serial number for the computer.
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) Basics — Serial Number Location 15
Transferring the System 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 system 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 2010) Basics — Serial Number Location 16
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.
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) General Troubleshooting — Apple Service Diagnostics 18
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 benets of using CSD include:
• Quick way (less than 1 minute) to determine if clamshell-related modules (AirPort,
Bluetooth, LCD and ALS) are electrically connected without taking apart the system.
• Results of CSD can help pinpoint if any clamshell cables may need to be reseated to logic
board.
• Diagnostic results can help isolate a video or wireless issue to either the clamshell or the
logic board, to avoid unnecessary replacements of these components.
CSD checks for the presence of the computer’s:
• AirPort
• Bluetooth
• LCD
• ALS
CSD does not check for the presence of the computer’s:
• iSight camera
• externally connected hardware components (such as USB or FireWire devices)
CSD does not check for issues with the OS X or other software-related problems such as
application or extension conicts.
Emerging Issues
2010-08-05
For the latest on troubleshooting issues, refer to Global Service Exchange (GSX) and reference
Service Source, Knowledge Base and the Service News tabs for product specic information.
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) General Troubleshooting — Hardware vs. Software 19
Functional Overview
Keyboard Backlight:
-no keyboard backlight illumination
Sata Optical Drive:
-no optical drive visible on Sata bus,
-no boot from optical drive
Ram:
-no boot,
-freezes,
-kernel panic,
-video artifacts when integrated GPU is
used (shared ram)
Camera + Camera LED +Ambient
Light Sensor:
-no camera function,
-no LED when camera is on,
-no keyboard illumination (when ALS is
covered by hand)
Right Speaker & subwoofer:
-no sound from right speaker or woofer,
-distorted right or center sound
Connectors located on
the opposite side of the
MLB:
Left speaker
-no left sound,
-distorted left sound
Microphone
-no internal microphone
sound input
Sata Hard Drive
+ Infrared receiver
+ Sleep LED indicator:
-no hdd visible on Sata bus,
-no boot from hd,
-no sleep LED status,
-no infrared reception,
-no power on (shorting SMC)
Battery indicator LEDs
+ battery level button
+ magnetic sleep
sensor:
-no battery error indication,
-no battery level while
charging,
-no battery level shown
when button pressed,
-no sleep when clamshell
closed,
-no video on internal
display (sleep sensor
stuck)
Battery :
-not running when
battery only,
-no power on (without
a correct model of AC
adapter present)
Keyboard
+ Power On button:
-no power on (without
shorting pads on logic
board),
-dead keys
Trackpad + trackpad
button thermal
sensor:
-no cursor movement,
-no click action,
-unit running slow (no
trackpad thermal
sensor input)
Fan:
-intermittent shutdown,
-freezes when too hot,
-noisy fan
AirPort/Bluetooth antennas:
-poor/no AirPort reception,
-unable to reliably pair Bluetooth devices
AirPort/Bluetooth card:
-any of these communications failing,
-no startup (if AirPort cable is shorted)
LCD
+ LCD Backlight:
-poor / no video on internal LCD,
-no LCD backlight
Magsafe connector
(underneath mlb):
-no power on,
-no battery charge
Refer to this diagram for symptoms related to MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) logic board
connectors.
2010-08-05
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) General Troubleshooting — Functional Overview 20
Block Diagram
Refer to this diagram to see how modules are interrelated.
2010-08-05
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) General Troubleshooting — Block Diagram 21
Liquid Contact Indicators
Liquid contact indicators (LCI) have been added to specic locations on current Mac portables
to help determine if systems have been damaged by liquid. The sensors are visible only when
the bottom case and some of the modules have been removed. Normally represented by small
white dots, the LCIs turn red when they have come in contact with liquid, such as from an
accidental spill.
For more information, refer to support article HT3400: “About liquid contact indicators (LCI) on
portable 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 2010) General Troubleshooting — Liquid Contact Indicators 22
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 2010) General Troubleshooting — Common Reset Procedures 23
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:
BrightUp to 3
DarkUp to 5
CombinationUp 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
Bright4 or more
Dark6 or more
Combination8 or more
5. If the number of subpixel anomalies is acceptable, explain to the customer that the
pixel anomalies are within specications, and no repair is necessary.
Important: Do not release the specications to customers. Instead, inform them that a
certain number of subpixel anomalies are considered acceptable, and these factors apply to
all manufacturers using LCD technology—not just Apple products.
When speaking with customers, please use the following explanation:
• Active-matrix LCD technology uses rows and columns of addressable locations (pixels)
that render text and images on screen. Each pixel location has three separate subpixels
(red, green, and blue) that allow the image to be rendered in full color. Each subpixel has
a corresponding transistor responsible for turning the subpixel on or o.
• There are typically millions of these subpixels on an LCD display. For example, the LCD
panel used in the Apple Cinema HD display is made up of 2.3 million pixels and 6.9
million red, green, and blue subpixels. Occasionally, a transistor does not work perfectly,
which may result in the aected subpixel being turned on (bright) or turned o (dark).
With the millions of subpixels on a display, it is quite possible to have a low number
of faulty transistors on an LCD. Therefore, a certain number of subpixel anomalies are
considered acceptable. Rejecting all but perfect LCD panels would signicantly increase
the retail price for products using LCD displays. These factors apply to all manufacturers
using LCD technology—not just Apple products.
2010-08-05
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) General Troubleshooting — Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies 24
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
SymptomQuick 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
CheckResultActionCode
1. Isolate peripherals as cause.
Disconnect all peripherals and
external devices and verify unit
starts.
YesSuspect peripherals as cause.
Reconnect each one at a time,
verifying unit operation as
external device is reinstalled.
2010-08-05
NoGo to step 2
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 25
2. Reset SMC (remove all system
power for 1 minute), and verify
unit starts. Can system start up
after SMC reset.
YesCorrupt SMC state preventing
power on. Issue resolved with
SMC reset.
NoGo to step 3
3. Will system power up with
battery only? Check battery
level LED indicator for status
of battery charge or battery
use error. Inspect battery
connector for burn marks or
damaged pins if substituting a
known-good battery to verify
starting on battery.
4. Customer battery may be run
down, or not recognized.
Verify customer battery in
a known-good system is
recognized and accepting
a charge. Conrm customer
battery is not consumed nor
defective.
YesSystem can start up from
known-good battery. Original
battery possibly at fault or
needs to be charged. Verify
original battery functionality
and charge; then verify AC
adapter functionality. Go to
step 4.
NoSystem will not power using
known-good battery only. Go
to step 5
YesBattery is recognized,
charging and health is good.
Return to test unit with
customer battery and AC
adapter power. Go to step 6.
NoReplace customer battery
for not charging (P10) or not
recognized (P11). Customer
to purchase a replacement
battery if consumed.
P11
P10 or
P11
2010-08-05
5. Inspect battery cable
connection at logic board and
reseat if necessary. Replace
battery if battery cable is
damaged or burned. Verify if
the system powers on from a
charged battery.
6. Inspect MagSafe power
adapter. Verify AC adapter is
correct wattage, compatible
with product and works on
known-good computer.
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 26
YesBattery power restored, retest
unit with customer battery
and AC adapter power. Go to
step 6.
NoLogic board is expected to
power on with battery only.
Inspect and test power on
key. Go to step 10.
YesPower adapter is good, go to
step 7
NoRelease stuck pin(s). Replace
adapter if it is not working,
or if it has wire damage or
burned pins.
P14
7. Inspect MagSafe port on
computer for physical damage,
debris or metal fragments
attracted to magnetic
connector. Verify if MagSafe
connector is clean and free
from defects.
YesGo to step 8
NoClean port assembly. Replace
MagSafe board if necessary.
X03
8. Verify adapter status LED
turns on green then orange
indicating power and battery
charge in progress.
A green LED can indicate a full
battery, removal of battery or
battery not recognized.
9. Verify power from adapter is
present on logic board.
Remove system battery, use
AC power only. 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 and plug a known
good powered AC adapter.
-Try to power system using top
case power key. If no power on,
reseat keyboard ex cable to
logic board and retest.
If no power on , short the two
pads (as illustrated) and verify
if system powers on.
- If no power on, the power
key may be stuck. Disconnect
keyboard cable and try
shorting the two pads again.
Verify if system powers on.
YesSystem 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.
NoAC power is down or battery
is not charging. Go to step 9
YesLogic 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
NoAC adapter power not going
to logic board power supplies.
Replace logic board.
YesPower 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.
NoNo logic board power on
when shorting power button
pads on logic board.
Replace logic board.
P11
X03
M21
K05
M01
2010-08-05
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 27
• 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
CheckResultActionCode
1. Reset SMC and Clear PRAM to
set default startup device to
internal hard disk drive (HDD).
YesUser hard drive bootable,
issue resolved default
settings.
2010-08-05
2. Verify if system is indicating a
memory error with a repeated
1 or 3 ashes sequence of
sleep LED or beep tones (if
sound is enabled).
3. Reseat customer memory
and/or swap in knowngood memory to isolate bad
memory and replace defective
parts.
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 28
NoCustomer system not starting
up. Go to step 2
YesTroubleshoot memory issues.
Go to step 3
NoContinue with startup
sequence verication. Go to
step 4
YesCustomer memory defective
and replaced. Continue to
verify startup process. Go to
step 4
NoShould 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. Verify if
system can start up from this
drive.
YesSystem starting up from
customer hard drive. Startup
issue resolved.
NoCustomer hard drive not
present or does not start up
from this drive. Continue to
nd bootable device. Go to
step 5.
5. Insert product OS install disc
in optical drive. Install disc
is bootable and should be
present in Startup Manager.
Verify if system can start up
from OS install disc.
6. Boot from a known-good
bootable copy of product OS
on a USB drive or network
server to start up and verify
internal mass storage devices
are available using System
Proler and Disk Utility.
-Replace with known-good
optical drive cable and retest,
-Test with known-good optical
drive.
YesStarts up from optical drive -
customer hard drive not yet
bootable. Go to step 8.
NoComputer has no internal
bootable devices. Test
external startup devices. Go
to step 6.
YesSystem started up from
external device and reports
data regarding internal SATA
devices. Go to step 7.
NoNo startup devices available.
Replace logic board
YesCable reseat solved issue.
Continue to verify hard drive
issues. Go to step 8.
Defective optical drive cable
found and replaced. Continue
to verify hard drive issues. Go
to step 8.
Defective optical drive found
and replaced. Continue to
verify hard drive issues. Go to
step 8.
M02
X03
J03
2010-08-05
8. Use Disk Utility loaded from
OS install disc to verify if hard
drive is available on device list.
Verify if customer hard drive is
listed in Disk Utility.
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 29
NoReplace logic boardM19
YesCustomer hard drive available
for inspections and repair. Go
to step 10.
NoHard drive not present,
troubleshoot hard drive and
cable. Go to step 9.
9. Troubleshoot hard drive cable
connection, cable failure or
drive failure step by step:
-Reseat hard drive cable and
retest,
-Replace with known-good
hard drive cable and retest,
-Test with known-good hard
drive.
YesAfter SATA cable is reseated,
customer hard drive visible in
Disk Utility. Go to step 10.
Defective hard drive SATA
cable found and replaced.
Customer hard drive is now
visible in Disk Utility. Go to
step 10.
Suspect customer hard drive
defective. Attempt OS restore.
Go to step 10.
X03
10. Boot system with Shift Key
down. Verify if system boots in
Safe Mode.
11. Use Disk Utility to repair
customer hard drive and repair
permissions if system OS found
on hard drive. Verify if hard
drive is bootable after software
repairs.
12. Use Disk Utility to partition
customer hard drive with one
GUID partition then restore
Mac OS from product OS install
disc. Verify if hard drive is
bootable after OS instal.
NoKnown-good hard drive and
known-good hard drive cable
used, but still no hard drive
seen. Replace logic board
YesGo to software
troubleshooting article
NoGo to step 11
YesOS on customer hard drive
repaired, issue resolved.
NoHard drive not bootable,
perhaps missing OS. Go to
step 12
YesCustomer hard drive now
starts up from new OS image.
Issue resolved
NoReplace hard drive.H02
M19
2010-08-05
Intermittent Shutdown
Unlikely cause: hard drive, optical drive
Troubleshooting Shutdown Issues
Before troubleshooting shutdown issues, always do the following:
• Run the available Apple diagnostics to check for cause of previous shutdown(s). Running
ASD also helps isolate any abnormal value reading from a thermal, voltage, or current
sensor or from a fan speed meter.
• Collect all available information from the user on shutdown details: periodicity, power state
when issue happens, running applications, running time before shutdown.
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 30
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