Apple mac pro early 2009 User Manual

Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Optical Digital Audio Out Has No Output 101 2010-09-27
Optical Digital Audio Out Has No Output
Unlikely cause: Power supply, fans, hard drives, optical drives, processors, heatsinks, processor 
board, memory
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Optical Digital Audio Out Has No 
Output
Can’t transmit any signal output 
from the computer’s optical digital 
audio out jack.
1. Reset PRAM
2.  Disconnect all external audio peripherals.
3. Connect optical-out on computer to...

Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Uncategorized Symptom 102 2010-09-27
2. From Quickchecks: To test the 
actual audio quality, create 
a new GarageBand project 
on another Mac computer, 
and add a new track -> Real 
Instrument, Vocals, No Effects, 
monitor on. Verify that you 
hear the audio being played 
back through the other 
computer’s speaker and see 
VU meter activity for that 
instrument.
YesIssue resolved. No issue with 
the optical output or input at 
a hardware level. 
NoRule out software...

Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Computer Runs Slow with Fast/Failed Fans 103 2010-09-27
Mechanical Issues: Thermals 
and Enclosure
Follow the steps in the order indicated below. If an action resolves the issue, retest the 
computer to verify. If the issue persists after retesting, return to step 1.
Computer Runs Slow with Fast/Failed Fans
Unlikely cause: Hard drive(s), optical drive(s)
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Computer Runs Slow with Fast/
Failed Fans
• Computer feels very warm
• Computer is...

Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Computer Runs Slow with Fast/Failed Fans 104 2010-09-27
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Very if the issue is user 
perception of intermittent 
noisy fans. Is the computer 
running as expected 
(compared to a similar 
computer)?
YesNo problem found. Inform 
the customer the computer is 
operating normally.
NoGo to step 2.
2.  Determine if there are runaway 
applications or processes 
consuming the processors. 
Verify using ‘Activity Monitor’
YesThe application or...

Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Power Button Stuck 105 2010-09-27
6. Boot the computer from a 
known good compatible Mac 
OS X. Verify the computer 
fans are rotating at close to 
minimum speed within a few 
minutes after the computer is 
idle.
YesIssue resolved
NoGo to step 5
Power Button Stuck
Unlikely cause: Hard drive(s), optical drive(s)
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Reset/Power Button Stuck
• Computer will not power on
• Computer has full speed fans 
at start up
1. Reset SMC.
2.  Inspect...

Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Power Button Stuck 106 2010-09-27
3. Momentarily jumper SYS_PWR 
pads on the backplane board. 
(Refer to photo in “Minimum 
Configuration Testing.”) Verify 
the computer turns ON.
YesGo to step 4
NoIssue lies elsewhere. Go to 
Startup and Power Issues.
4.  Disconnect the front 
power button from the 
front panel board.  Using a 
resistance/Ohms function
 on a MultiMeter, measure 
resistance/Ohms between pins 
while actuating the button. 
Verify the switch resistance...

Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Internal Cables and Connectors Defective 107 2010-09-27
Internal Cables and Connectors Defective
Unlikely cause:  Enclosure
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Internal Cables and Connectors 
Defective
Various symptoms
1. Inspect for any Open / short circuits, torn, cut, 
pinched, melted, crushed, water or other fluid, 
corrosion, snapped cables and connectors.
2.  Gently tug on each conductor ensuring they have 
not pulled from its respective connector.
3. Inspect the...

Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Mechanical/Physical Damage 108 2010-09-27
Mechanical/Physical Damage
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Mechanical/Physical Damage
• Damaged ODD door(s)
• Damaged side access door
• Damaged latch mechanism
• Stripped screw/head
• Stripped screw boss
• Dent or scratch to enclosure
• Bent feet or handles
• Fluid damage or rust
• Damaged processor tray 
latches
• Damaged processor cage
• Damaged PCI port bracket and 
covers
• Damaged PCI slider
1. Determine damage caused by...

© 2009 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
 Apple Technician Guide 
Take Apart
Mac Pro (Early 2009)   

Mac Pro (Early 2009) General Information — Orientation 110 2010-09-27
General Information
Orientation
For most take-apart procedures, Apple recommends laying the computer on its side before 
removing or installing the part. For proper operation, however, Apple recommends running 
the unit in the upright position. Never operate the computer on its side with the access panel 
facing down.
Tools
The following tools are required to service all configurations of the computer:
• Magnetized Phillips #1...