Apple macbook pro 15 inch late 2008 User Manual

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 101 2010-06-15
Built-in Trackpad Does Not Track Properly
Unlikely cause: LCD, hard drive, optical drive
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Built-in Trackpad Does Not Track 
Properly
• Cursor movement is random, 
uneven, or jumpy.
• Cursor hangs or stalls along 
path.
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...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 102 2010-06-15
6. Does a known-good trackpad 
work?
YesReplace trackpad according 
to symptom found. 
- No mouse/trackpad 
response  
- Trackpad cursor not tracking 
properly 
- Trackpad button issues.
 
 
K02 
 
K12 
K13
NoReplace logic board.M16
Apple Remote Inoperable
Unlikely cause:  LCD, hard drive, optical drive
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Apple Remote Inoperable
• Remote is not recognized.
1. The computer is on and awake.
2....

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 103 2010-06-15
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Open Photo Booth or iChat’s 
Video Preview window.  Point 
Apple Remote at built-in iSight 
camera, press any button on 
remote, and verify that (as seen 
through the camera) a faint 
blinking light is on the remote.
YesApple Remote works. Go to 
step 2.
NoReplace the remote’s battery.  
Go to step 2.
2.  Verify that you can pair the 
Apple Remote with a known-
good system?
YesGo to...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 104 2010-06-15
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Check System Preferences: 
Sound: Output and verify that 
no external speakers, “Digital 
Out,” or headphones are being 
reported connected when 
there is none present.
YesAudio-out port is not 
damaged.  Go to step 3.
NoGo to step 2
2.  With known-good headphone 
or speakers, plug in the audio 
output jack for several cycles. 
Verify that you get audio 
through external headphones/...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 105 2010-06-15
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Comparing internal speakers 
with headphones, is the 
distortion on both headphones 
and speakers?
YesAudio source or gain issue. 
Reset PRAM, adjust sound 
level in System Preferences: 
Sound: Output, and retest 
with known-good audio 
source and external speakers. 
Go to step 5. 
NoInternal speaker issue. Go to 
step 2.
2.  Use the Sound Output system 
preference to test the left...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 106 2010-06-15
Express Card Will Not Insert Into Slot
Unlikely cause: LCD, MLB, hard drive
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
ExpressCard will not insert into 
ExpressCard Slot
ExpressCard does not fully seat 
into the slot
Slot door does not open 
completely
1. The card must be a 34mm wide card with the top 
side oriented up and not be warped or damaged.
2.  Clear any obstruction in the slot.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Is the...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 107 2010-06-15
Express Card Not Recognized By System
Unlikely cause: LCD, MLB, HDD/ODD
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
ExpressCard is not recognized by 
the system.
Card does not show up on the 
desktop or in System Profiler 
1. Check correct drivers are installed for the 
ExpressCard.
2.  Verify with known good USB and PCI Express  
based ExpressCards that the slot is good. 
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCSC
1. Does the ExpressCard cable...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 108 2010-06-15
FireWire Port Not Recognizing Known Devices
Unlikely cause: LCD,HDD/ODD
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
FireWire Port is not recognizing 
known devices
Attached FireWire device like 
digital camera or mass storage  
drive not recognized by the system
1. Check for latest software update.
2.  Use Apple System Profiler to verify the computer 
recognizes the FireWire bus.
3. Test port by connecting to another computer 
using...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) 109 2010-06-15
Mechanical Issues: Thermals and Enclosure
Reset/Power Button Stuck
Unlikely cause:  LCD, hard drive, optical drive
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Reset/Power Button Stuck
• System will not power on
• System sounds bootROM 
unlock tone during startup
• System automatically starts up 
repeatedly
1. Diagnose stuck button with SMC keyboard reset 
sequence
2.  Inspect keyboard connection to logic board.
3. Try logic board power-on pads to determine open 
or...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) 110 2010-06-15
3. Inspect keyboard flex cable for 
loose or damaged connections.   
Align and reseat to flex cable 
to ensure proper connections.  
Does power-on key now work 
correctly?
YesCable reseat restored power-
on key operation.
NoPower-on key still stuck or 
open.  Go to step 4.
4.  Use conductive tool to assert 
power on by touching power-
on switch pads on logic board.
YesSystem powers on suggests 
top case power on key circuit 
is open.  Replace top case.
X14...