Apple macbook 13 inch aluminum late 2008 User Manual

							MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Communications 61 2010-06-15
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. System Profiler should list 
Bluetooth radio device under 
system hardware.  Is Bluetooth 
device available?
YesBluetooth radio present, verify 
Bluetooth preference settings, 
go to step 2.
NoAttempt 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?
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 in discoverable 
mode.  Is computer pairing 
with known-good device?
YesPairing verified, connect with 
user’s device, go to step 4
NoAttempt Bluetooth repair, go 
to step 5.
4.  Is computer pairing with user’s 
Bluetooth device?
YesConnection established, 
continue testing for 
connection loss, go to step 7.
NoCheck for software updates 
for both computer & device.
K07
5. Run Clamshell Service 
Diagnostic utility and check 
for all devices presence. If not 
found, reseat camera cable on 
logic board.  Is the Bluetooth 
radio present, on and pairing 
with a known-good device?
YesLoose cable connection.N04
NoGo to step 6.
6.  Install and test a known-good 
display assembly.   Is the 
Bluetooth radio present, on 
and pairing with a known-
good device?
YesReplace display assembly. L16
NoReplace logic board. M11  
						

							MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Communications 62 2010-06-15
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?
YesCheck for software update, 
2.4 GHz radio interference or 
device low battery.
NoKnown-good device passed, 
test with user’s Bluetooth 
device.
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”.
YesCheck for software update, 2.4 
GHz radio interference, device 
low battery or user’s device 
features list for explanation.
NoUser’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
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
SymptomQuick 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 firmware updates have been 
applied. 
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode  
						

							MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Communications 63 2010-06-15
1. Use Software Update to make 
sure all AirPort/Bluetooth 
software and firmware updates 
have been applied. Ensure 
MAC address filtering is not 
enabled on the base station.  Is 
kernel panic resolved?
YesSoftware issue.
NoGo to step 2.
2.  Reseat the camera cable 
connection to the logic board.  
Is kernel panic resolved?
YesGo to step 4.
NoGo to step 3.
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?
YesGo to step 4.
NoGo to M06 Kernel Panic / 
System Crashes.
4.  Connect and test with a 
known-good AirPort card.  Is 
kernel panic resolved?
YesReplace AirPort card.N13
NoReplace display assembly.L16
Wireless Performance Issue / Slow Connection
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.  
						

							MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Communications 64 2010-06-15
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 (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.
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 firmware updates have 
been applied.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1.  Inspect the display clutch 
barrel for damage.  AirPort 
radio is in display clutch barrel 
area. 
YesRecord damage:  Proceed 
to possibly repair damaged 
parts, go to step 2 
NoNo visible damage, go to step 
2  
						

							MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Communications 65 2010-06-15
2. Turn off Bluetooth.  Retest 
AirPort performance.  
Bluetooth circuitry in the 
clamshell is not accessible.   
Refer to Knowledge Base 
TS1809.
YesPossible AirPort interference 
from the Bluetooth card. 
Change AirPort base station 
channel. (Knowledge Base 
TS1809.)
N06
NoContinue by checking 
connections, go to step 3
 
 
3. Run Clamshell Service 
Diagnostic utility and check 
for all devices presence. If not 
found, reseat the camera cable 
connection to the logic board.
YesLoose logic board connectionN04
NoAirPort issue, go to step 4,  
Bluetooth issue, go to step 8.
4.  (AirPort) Verify the antenna 
connections to the AirPort 
card are not reversed or loose. 
Reseat antenna and I/O cable 
connections.
YesLoose connection or crossed 
antenna
N04
NoIf the connectors are secure, 
antenna connections not 
reversed and show no signs 
of damage or wear, go to 
step 5
5. (AirPort) Try a known-good 
AirPort antenna and verify that 
issue is fixed..
YesReplace AirPort antenna.N14
NoContinue to use known good 
antenna, go to step 6.
6.  (AirPort) Try a known-good 
AirPort card and verify that 
issue is fixed..
YesReplace AirPort card.N12
NoContinue to use known-good 
antenna & card, go to step 7.
7. (AirPort) Try a known-good 
display assembly if available 
and verify that issue is fixed..
YesReplace display assembly.L16
NoReplace logic board.M11
8.  (Bluetooth) Enable Bluetooth 
and try a known-good display 
assembly if available and verify 
that issue is fixed.. 
YesReplace display assembly.L16
NoReplace logic board.M11  
						

							MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Communications 66 2010-06-15
Wireless Input Device Doesn’t Pair
Unlikely cause:  display assembly, logic board, optical drive, hard drive
Quick Check
SymptomQuick 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
CheckResultActionCode
1. System Profiler should list 
Bluetooth radio device under 
system hardware.  Is Bluetooth 
device available?
YesBluetooth radio present, verify 
Bluetooth preference settings, 
go to step 2.
NoAttempt 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?
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 system pairing with known-
good 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?
YesIssue resolved.
NoCheck for SW update for both 
System and user device.     
						

							MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Communications 67 2010-06-15
5. Run Clamshell Service 
Diagnostic utility and check 
for all devices presence. If 
not found, reseat camera 
cable with logic board.  Is the 
Bluetooth radio present, on 
and pairing with a known-
good device?
YesBad logic board connection. 
Issue resolved.
NoGo to step 6.
6.  Install and test a known good 
clamshell.  Is the Bluetooth 
radio present, on and pairing 
with a known-good device?
YesReplace display clamshell.L16
NoReplace logic board. Optional 
step 7.
M11
7. With the logic board 
replacement, is the Bluetooth 
now pairing?
YesBad logic board.  Issue 
resolved.
M11
NoAll parts replaced. Try 
minimum configuration 
troubleshooting.
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.  
						

							MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Display 68 2010-06-15
Display
Display Anomalies
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Display Anomalies
• Incorrect/missing colors
• Distorted/blurred image
• Pixel anomalies
• Vertical/horizontal lines 
• Non-uniform brightness
• Image flicker
• 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 profile.
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
CheckResultActionCode
1. Verify if user’s issue is incorrect/
missing colors.
YesGo to Incorrect/Missing 
Colors Deep Dive.
NoGo to step 2.
2.  Verify if user’s issue is distorted/
blurred image.
YesGo to Distorted/Blurred 
Image Deep Dive.
NoGo to step 3.
3. Verify if user’s issue is bright or 
dark pixel anomalies.
YesGo to Pixel Anomalies Deep 
Dive.
NoGo to step 4.
4.  Verify if user’s issue is vertical or 
horizontal lines.
YesGo to Vertical/Horizontal 
Lines Deep Dive.
NoGo to step 5.
5. Verify if user’s issue is non-
uniform brightness.
YesGo to Non-uniform 
Brightness Deep Dive.
NoLCD functioning OK.  
						

							MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Display 69 2010-06-15
Deep Dive: Incorrect/Missing Colors
CheckResultActionCode
1. Verify display is listed in the 
System Profiler’s Graphics/
Displays device tree.
YesThis ensures color profile can 
be matched with LCD. Go to 
step 2.
NoGo to N09.
2.  Verify System Preferences 
Display Profile is valid for 
display being tested.  Color 
profile should be set to Color 
LCD,  user may have created an 
off-color calibration setting.
YesIf display profile is valid and 
the colors are still incorrect or 
missing go to step 3.
NoSet System Preferences: 
Displays: Color to Color LCD 
and retest.
3. Verify that the glass panel is 
free of contaminants.
YesGo to step 4.
NoClean glass panel using 
approved method. Retest.
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?
YesLoose 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 affects entire display.
YesTest a known-good display, go 
to step 7.
NoGo to step 6.
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. 
YesTest a known-good display, go 
to step 7
L02
NoSmall variations in color 
uniformity are normal and do 
not warrant replacement or 
repair of the display.
7. Substitute a known-good 
display assembly to test logic 
board video output.  Is normal 
video restored?
YesReplace display assembly. L02
NoReplace logic board.M04  
						

							MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Display 70 2010-06-15
Deep Dive: Distorted/Blurred Image
CheckResultActionCode
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?
YesIssue due to loose connection. 
Display issue resolved.
NoGo to step 2.
If logic board connector 
damage, replace logic board.
M24
2.  Substitute a known good 
display clamshell to test logic 
board video output.  Is normal 
video restored?
YesReplace display assembly.L04
NoReplace logic board.M04
Deep Dive: Pixel Anomalies
CheckResultActionCode
1. Determine if “defects” are dust/
debris on surface of glass panel.
YesClean glass panel.
NoGo to step 2.
2.  Determine if bright pixel 
defects exceed the acceptable 
number. See 
Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies.
YesReplace display assembly.L08
NoLCD meets bright pixel defect 
specifications. Go to step 3.
3. Determine if dark pixel defects 
exceed the acceptable number. 
See 
Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies.
YesReplace display assembly.L08
NoLCD meets dark pixel defect 
specifications. Go to step 4.
4.  Determine if the combination 
of bright/dark pixel defects 
exceed the acceptable number. 
See 
Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies.
YesReplace display assembly.L08
NoExplain to user that LCD is 
within specifications. Do not 
replace display assembly.