Apple macbook pro 15 inch late 2008 User Manual

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 91 2010-06-15
4. Disc spin should cease 30 
seconds after mounting data 
CD on OS desktop.  Is the noise 
related to disc spin?
YesGo to step 5.
NoGo 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.
YesGo to step 6.
NoIssue resolved.  Optical drive 
was not properly mounted in 
enclosure....

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 92 2010-06-15
Optical Drive Not Performing to Specs
Unlikely cause: LCD, speakers, fan, camera, microphone
Quick Check
SymptomQuick 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...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 93 2010-06-15
4. Install and test with 
replacement optical drive SATA 
flex cable. Verify that media 
is now recognized and reads 
reliably.
YesCable change resolved issue.X03
NoReplace 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.
YesIssue resolved. 
NoReplace optical drive.  
(Mechanical damage to...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) 94 2010-06-15
Input/Output Devices
USB Port Does Not Recognize Known Devices
Unlikely cause:  LCD, hard drive, optical drive
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
USB Port Does Not Recognize 
Known Devices
USB-wired keyboard/mouse or 
USB flash drive not recognized
1. Check the for latest software update.
2.  Use Apple System Profiler to verify the computer 
recognizes the USB bus.
3. Test port with known good Apple keyboard or 
mouse.
4.  Verify any USB hubs have sufficient...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) 95 2010-06-15
Built-in Keyboard Does Not Work Properly
Unlikely cause:  LCD, hard drive, optical drive
Quick Check
SymptomQuick 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.  Confirm correct keyboard layout is selected.
3. Update...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 96 2010-06-15
4. Reseat cable and check that 
flex 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.
YesIssue resolved.K01
NoReplace top case. Go to step 5.
5. Verify that all keys are 
functional using ASD.
YesIssue resolved.K01
NoReplace logic board.M15
Specific...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 97 2010-06-15
Built-in Trackpad Does Not Work
Quick Check
SymptomQuick 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 off ) using a...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 98 2010-06-15
5. In System Preferences: 
Universal Access, turn off 
special Keyboard and Mouse 
& Trackpad settings.  Set for 
normal use, enable and test 
multiple touch features. Does 
trackpad work now?
YesSettings issue resolved.
NoGo to step 6
6.  Does the select button click?   
Verify trackpad alignment is 
proper and click-depth set 
screw is at factory setting.
YesAll trackpad issues resolved.
NoGo to step 7 
7. Does a...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 99 2010-06-15
Built-in Keyboard Has Dim or No Keyboard Backlight
Unlikely cause:  LCD, hard drive, optical drive
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
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 configuration 
label in the battery bay.
2.  Make sure that keyboard backlight is turned on 
and...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 100 2010-06-15
Built-in Keyboard Is Not Recognized
Unlikely cause:  LCD, hard drive, optical drive
Quick Check
SymptomQuick 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.
3. In System Preferences: International: Input Menu, 
enable Keyboard Viewer.  Select Show Keyboard 
Viewer...