Apple mac pro early 2009 User Manual

							Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — No/Poor Wireless Signal 61 2010-09-27
No/Poor Wireless Signal
Unlikely cause: power supply, fans, speaker, optical drives, hard drives, processor board, front 
panel board, memory
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
No/Poor Wireless Signal
• Unable to find 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 (http://support.apple.com/kb/
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. Try a different wireless network. Check if other 
computers can connect to wireless network.
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).
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Open System Profiler, check to 
see if AirPort card is recognized 
under Network -> AirPort card
YesUse Software Update to make 
sure all AirPort Software and 
Firmware Updates have been 
applied. Ensure MAC address 
filtering is not enabled on the 
Base Station or using hidden 
network.
NoIf card is not detected, go 
to AirPort/Bluetooth - 
Defective Wireless Devices.  
						

							Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — No/Poor Wireless Signal 62 2010-09-27
2. Verify the card is the correct 
part for the product and 
region by cross referencing 
the EEE code and GSX part 
number.
YesIncorrect AirPort card. Earlier 
revision AirPort cards  from 
other computers may fit but 
not operate correctly.
N04
NoGo to step 3
3. Reseat the AirPort card on the 
backplane board.
YesLoose backplane board 
connection. Verify operation 
of AirPort card by connecting 
to a wireless network and 
downloading a large file from 
a website or file server.
N04
NoGo to step 4.
4.  (AirPort) Verify the Antenna 
connections to the AirPort 
card are not reversed, loose, 
damaged or incorrectly 
attached to Bluetooth antenna.  
 
Reseat antenna connections.
YesLoose connections or crossed 
antenna
N04
NoIf the connectors are secure, 
antenna connections not 
reversed and shown no signs 
of damage or wear, go to 
step 5
5. (AirPort) Try a known 
good AirPort Extreme card 
compatible with product
YesReplace AirPort Extreme cardN12
NoReplace backplane board.M11  
						

							Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Wireless Input Device Loses Connection 63 2010-09-27
Wireless Input Device Loses Connection
Unlikely cause: power supply, fans, speaker, optical drives, hard drives, processor board, front 
panel board, backplane board
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Wireless Input Device Loses 
Connection
Drops connection
1. Check Bluetooth input device has fully charged 
batteries.
2.  Isolate OS by booting from original install media 
(10.5.x). Attempt to pair with wireless keyboard 
(Bluetooth)
3. Check for nearby interference sources in the 
2.4/5GHz range such as microwave ovens and 
cordless phones (kbase HT1365)
4.  Check device compatibility on manufacturers 
website or product documentation.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. System Profiler should list 
Bluetooth radio device under 
system hardware.  Is Bluetooth 
device available?
YesBluetooth Radio present, 
verify BT preference settings, 
go to 2
NoAttempt Bluetooth repair, go 
to step 5.
2.  System Preferences has a 
Bluetooth preference panel. 
Ensure Bluetooth is on and 
discoverable. Attempt to pair 
devices. Are there any devices 
listed in the Bluetooth Setup 
Assistant pairing window?
YesChoose known good device 
and establish a connection. 
Go to step 3.
NoAttempt Bluetooth repair, go 
to step 5.
3. Ensure a known good 
Bluetooth device is on, in close 
range and discoverable mode.  
Is computer’s Bluetooth pairing 
with known good wireless 
device?
YesPairing verified, connect with 
user’s device, go to step 4.
NoAttempt Bluetooth repair, go 
to step 5.  
						

							Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Wireless Input Device Loses Connection 64 2010-09-27
4. Is Bluetooth pairing with user’s 
Bluetooth device?
YesConnection established, 
continue testing for 
connection loss, go to step 8
NoCheck for software updates 
for both computer & device.   
K07
5. Reseat the Bluetooth module 
on the backplane board.  
Reseat and verify the Antenna 
connection to the Bluetooth 
card is not loose, damaged or 
incorrectly attached to AirPort 
antenna board. 
YesLoose backplane board 
connection. Verify operation 
of Bluetooth module. Go to 
step 7
N04
NoGo to step 6.
6.  (Bluetooth) Try a known good 
Bluetooth module compatible 
with product.
YesReplace Bluetooth moduleN12
NoUse known good Bluetooth 
module. Go to step 7.
7. (Bluetooth) Try a known good 
Bluetooth antenna board.
YesReplace Bluetooth antenna 
board.
N14
NoReplace backplane board.M11
8.  Continue to actively 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”. 
YesCheck for SW update,  2.4 GHz 
Radio interference, device 
low battery or user’s device 
features list  for explanation 
NoCustomer’s device not losing 
connection. Issue resolved or 
issue not repeatable.  
						

							Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — AirPort Card: Kernel Panic 65 2010-09-27
AirPort Card: Kernel Panic
Unlikely cause: power supply, fans, speaker, optical drives, hard drives, processor board, front 
panel board
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
AirPort Card: Kernel Panic
• Kernel panic on boot
• Kernel panic or freezing while 
attempting to connect to 
AirPort/Wi-Fi networks
• Kernel panic while transferring 
data on Wi-Fi networks.
1. Isolate OS by booting from original install media 
(10.5.x). Try to connect to base station (AirPort).
2.  Use Software Update to make sure all AirPort 
software and firmware updates have been 
applied. 
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Use Software Update to make 
sure all AirPort/Bluetooth 
Software and Firmware 
Updates have been applied.  Is 
the kernel panic resolved? 
YesSoftware Issue
NoIf the kernel panic symptom 
continues, go to step 2.
2.  Verify the card is the correct 
part for the product and 
region by cross referencing 
the EEE code and GSX part 
number.
YesIncorrect AirPort card. Earlier 
revision AirPort cards  from 
other computers may fit but 
not operate correctly.
N13
NoGo to step 3
3. Reseat AirPort card, checking 
card and antenna cables for 
damage or incorrect antenna 
cable order. 
 
Verify if Kernel Panic condition 
still occurs.
YesVerify operation of AirPort 
card by connecting to 
a wireless network and 
downloading a large file from 
a website or file server.
NoIf the kernel panic symptom 
continues, go to step 4  
						

							Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Wireless Performance Issue / Slow Connection 66 2010-09-27
4. Isolate AirPort card by 
removing the card from the 
backplane board. 
 
Verify if Kernel Panic condition 
still occurs.
YesIf the kernel panic no longer 
occurs, continue to step 5
NoIf the kernel panic still occurs 
with AirPort card isolated 
from computer, go to 
Memory Issues/Kernel Panic 
and Freezes.
5. Install a known good AirPort 
Extreme Card compatible with 
computer.   
 
Verify if kernel panic condition 
still occurs.  
YesIf the kernel panic returns, 
replace backplane board.
M11
NoIf the computer does not 
kernel panic, replace the 
AirPort card.
N13
Wireless Performance Issue / Slow Connection
Unlikely cause: p.s., fans, speaker, optical and hard drives, processor board, front panel board
Quick Check
SymptomQuick 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 (http://support.apple.com/kb/
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.
3. (Bluetooth) Move devices closer together.
4.  Check performance with a known good computer
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 firmware updates have 
been applied.  
						

							Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Wireless Performance Issue / Slow Connection 67 2010-09-27
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Inspect the AirPort and 
Bluetooth Antenna boards for 
damage or obstruction. 
YesRecord damage: Proceed 
to possibly repair damaged 
parts, go to 2 
G + 
Code
NoNo visible damage, go to 2
2.  Verify the AirPort and 
Bluetooth Antenna boards are 
the the correct parts for the 
product. 
YesIncorrect AirPort or 
Bluetooth antenna board. 
Antenna boards from earlier 
computers may fit but not 
operate correctly.
N04
NoGo to step 3 
 
3. Turn off Bluetooth.  Retest 
AirPort performance.  Refer to 
Knowledge Base TS1809.
YesPossible AirPort interference 
from the Bluetooth card. 
Change AirPort Base station 
channel. Refer to http://
support.apple.com/kb/
TS1809.
N04
NoContinue by checking 
connections, go to 4
 
 
4.  Reseat the AirPort card and 
Bluetooth module on the 
backplane board.
YesLoose backplane board 
connection. Verify operation 
of AirPort card by connecting 
to a wireless network and 
downloading a large file from 
a website or file server.
N04
NoAirPort issue, go to 5,  
Bluetooth issues go to 7.
5. (AirPort) Verify the Antenna 
connections to the AirPort 
card are not reversed, loose, 
damaged or incorrectly 
attached to Bluetooth antenna.  
 
Reseat antenna connections.
YesLoose connection or  crossed 
antenna
N04
NoIf the connectors are secure, 
antenna connections not 
reversed and shown no signs 
of damage or wear, go to 
step 6  
						

							Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Wireless Input Device Doesn’t Pair 68 2010-09-27
6. (AirPort) Try a known good 
AirPort card compatible with 
product
YesReplace AirPort cardN12
NoReplace backplane board.M11
7. (Bluetooth) Re-enable BT. 
Reseat the Antenna connection 
to the Bluetooth module. Verify 
the antenna connection is not 
loose, damaged or incorrectly 
attached to AirPort Antenna.
YesLoose connection or  crossed 
antenna
N04
NoIf the connectors are secure, 
antenna connections not 
reversed and shown no signs 
of damage or wear, go to step 
8.
8.  (Bluetooth) Try a known good 
Bluetooth module compatible 
with product
YesReplace Bluetooth moduleN12
NoUse known good Bluetooth 
module. Go to step 9.
9. (Bluetooth) Try a known good 
Bluetooth antenna board.
YesReplace Bluetooth antenna 
board.
N14
NoReplace backplane board.M11
Wireless Input Device Doesn’t Pair
Unlikely cause: power supply, fans, speaker, optical drives, hard drives, processor board, front 
panel board, memory, backplane board
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Wireless Input Device Doesn’t 
Pair
Can’t get the computer 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. 
Refer to http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1365.
5. Check device compatibility on manufacturers 
website or product documentation.  
						

							Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Wireless Input Device Doesn’t Pair 69 2010-09-27
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. System Profiler should list 
Bluetooth radio device under 
system hardware.  Is Bluetooth 
device available?
YesBluetooth Radio present, 
verify BT preference settings, 
go to 2
NoAttempt Bluetooth repair, go 
to step 5.
2.  System Preferences has a 
Bluetooth preference panel. 
Ensure Bluetooth is on and 
discoverable. Attempt to pair 
devices. Are there any devices 
listed in the Bluetooth Setup 
Assistant pairing window?
YesChoose known good device 
and establish a connection. 
Go to step 3.
NoAttempt Bluetooth repair, go 
to step 5.
3. Ensure a known good 
Bluetooth device is on, in close 
range and discoverable mode.  
Is computer’s Bluetooth pairing 
with known good wireless 
device?
YesPairing verified, connect with 
user’s device, go to step 4.
NoAttempt Bluetooth repair, go 
to step 5.
4.  Is Bluetooth pairing with user’s 
Bluetooth device?
YesConnection established. 
Verify operation of Bluetooth 
module by pairing with 
compatible known good 
device and transferring data. 
NoCheck for software updates 
for both computer & device.   
K07
5. Reseat the Bluetooth module 
on the backplane board.  
Reseat and verify the Antenna 
connection to the Bluetooth 
card is not loose, damaged or 
incorrectly attached to AirPort 
antenna board
YesLoose backplane board or 
antenna connection. Verify 
operation of Bluetooth 
module, by pairing with 
compatible known good 
device and transferring data. 
N04
NoGo to step 6.
6.  (Bluetooth) Try a known good 
Bluetooth module compatible 
with product
YesReplace Bluetooth moduleN12
NoUse known good Bluetooth 
module. Go to step 7..  
						

							Mac Pro (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Uncategorized Symptom 70 2010-09-27
7. (Bluetooth) Try a known good 
Bluetooth antenna board.
YesReplace Bluetooth antenna 
board.
N14
NoReplace backplane board.M11
Uncategorized Symptom
Quick Check
SymptomQuick 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.