Apple macbook pro 15 inch late 2008 User Manual

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Hardware vs. Software 21 2010-06-15
Hardware vs. Software
For information on how to isolate a hardware issue from a software issue, refer to:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1388?viewlocale=en_US
TS1394—Mac OS X: Troubleshooting installation and software updates 
HT2956—Troubleshooting Mac OS X installation from CD or DVD 
For information on how to troubleshoot a software issue, refer to:
HT1199—Mac OS X: How to troubleshoot a software issue 
Clamshell Service Diagnostic Read Me
Isolating video and wireless issues in portable computers can be time consuming and 
confusing. The Clamshell Service Diagnostic (CSD) is a new diagnostic tool that checks Apple’s 
latest portable computers for the presence of AirPort, Bluetooth, LCD and Ambient Light Sensor 
(ALS) to assist you in quickly making a failure determination.
Troubleshooting benefits of using CSD include:
• Quick way (less than 1 minute) to determine whether clamshell-related modules (AirPort, 
Bluetooth, LCD and ALS) are electrically connected without taking apart the system.
• Results of CSD can help pinpoint if any clamshell cables may need to be reseated to logic 
board.
• Diagnostic results can help isolate a video or wireless issue to either the clamshell or the 
logic board, to avoid unnecessary replacements of these components.
CSD checks for the presence of the computer’s:
• AirPort
• Bluetooth
• LCD
• ALS
CSD does not check for the presence of the computer’s:
• iSight camera
• externally connected hardware components (such as USB or FireWire devices)
CSD does not check for issues with the OS X or other software-related problems such as 
application or extension conflicts.  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Apple Hardware Test 22 2010-06-15
Apple Hardware Test
There are two versions of Apple Hardware Test (AHT ) for the MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008). 
To identify which version of AHT to use, check the third, fourth, and fifth digits in the system 
serial number. See examples below.
• Apple Hardware Test 3A147 to be used on systems with the third, fourth, and fifth serial 
number digits below 911.  Example: Serial number W 8 8 4 0 H Q R I G 0
• Apple Hardware Test 3A163 to be used on systems with the third, fourth, and fifth serial 
number digits equal to or higher than 911.  Example: Serial number W 8 9 1 1 7 0 R I G A  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Functional Overview 23 2010-06-15
Functional Overview
Refer to this diagram for symptoms related to MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) logic board 
connectors.
Fans:
-intermittent shutdown
-freezes
-noisy fan
Keyboard backlight:
-no keyboard backlight
Clamshell to Airport, 
Bluetooth, webcam and 
ambient light sensor:
-any of these 
communications failing
-no keyboard backlight
-no startup if shorted AP 
LCD + backlight:
-no video on internal lcd
-no backlight
Battery 
(underneath mlb):
-not running when 
battery only
-no power on
Battery 
indicator leds + battery 
level test button:
-no battery error indication,
-no battery level while 
charging
-no battery level shown if 
button pressed
Keyboard + 
power on 
button:
-no power
-dead keys
Trackpad + trackpad button 
thermal sensor:
-no cursor movement,
-no click action
-unit running slow (no sensor 
input)Sleep led+ Infrared sensor + 
magnetic sleep sensor:
-no sleep led status,
-no infrared reception,
-no sleep when clamshell 
closed,
-wakes from sleep
-no video on internal display (if Sata hard drive:
-no hdd visible 
- no boot from hdSata optical drive:
-no odd visible,
-no boot from odd
Magsafe connector 
(underneath mlb):
-no power on
-no battery charge
Ram:
-no boot,
-freezes and 
kernel panic
-video artifacts
Connectors located on 
the other side of the 
MLB:
Thermal module sensor  (no startup, system shutdown,
or freezes)
Left speaker  (no left sound, distorted 
left sound)
Right Speaker:
-no sound from right speaker 
or woofer
-distorted right or center sound
ExpressCard:
-Expresscard not 
recognizedMicrophone 
-no integrated sound inpu t    
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Block Diagram, MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) 24 2010-06-15
Block Diagram, MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)
Refer to this diagram to see how modules are interrelated.  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Liquid Submersion Indicators 25 2010-06-15
Liquid Submersion Indicators
Liquid submersion indicators (LSI) have been added to specific locations on current Mac 
portables to help determine if systems have been damaged by liquid. The sensors are only 
visible when the bottom case and some of the modules have been removed. Normally 
represented by small white dots, the LSIs turn red when they have come in contact with liquid, 
such as an accidental spill.
For more information, refer to Knowledge Base article HT3400:  “About Liquid submersion 
indicators (LSI) on portable computers.” http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3400
Common Reset Procedures
When a reset procedure is required for troubleshooting, follow the applicable steps:
Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
To reset power management via the SMC chip:
1. If the computer is on, turn it off.
2.  Disconnect the power adapter and remove the main battery.
3. Hold the power button down for five seconds, then release.
4.  Install the main battery and connect the power adapter.
5. Press the power button to restart the computer.
Resetting the SMC means you will also need to reset the date and time (using the Date & Time 
pane of System Preferences).
For more information:
http://www.apple.com/support
HT1411—Apple Portables: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) 
Resetting the Parameter RAM (PRAM)
To reset PRAM, 
1. If the computer is on, turn it off.
2.  Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to 
hold these keys down simultaneously in Step 4.
Note: If the keyboard does not have an Option key, use the Alt key instead.
3. Turn on the computer.
4.  Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys.   
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Common Reset Procedures 26 2010-06-15
Important: You must press this key combination before the gray screen appears.
5. Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the 
second time.
6.  Release the keys.
For more information:
http://www.apple.com/support
HT1379—Apple Portables: Resetting the PRAM 
Starting Up in Safe Mode
A Safe Boot is a special way to start Mac OS X when troubleshooting. To start up into Safe Mode 
(Safe Boot), 
1. Make sure the computer is shut down.
2.  Press the power button.
3. Immediately after you hear the startup tone, press and hold the Shift key.
Note: The Shift key should be held as soon as possible after the startup tone but not 
before.
4.  Release the Shift key when you see the screen with the gray Apple and progress indicator 
(looks like a spinning gear). During startup, ”Safe Boot” appears on the Mac OS X startup 
screen. To leave Safe Mode, restart the computer normally, without holding down any keys 
during startup.
For more information:
http://www.apple.com/support
HT1564—What is Safe Boot, Safe Mode? 
TS1884—Safe Boot take longer than normal startup   
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies 27 2010-06-15
Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies
When displaying a single color over the screen area, the LCD panel might show one or more 
pixels that are not properly lit. To determine if the display has an acceptable number of pixel 
anomalies, follow the steps below:
1. Set the display image to one of the following colors: all-white, all-red, all-green, all-blue, or 
all-black display. Knowledge Base article 112125: “Service Diagnostics Matrix”, has the LCD 
Tester Diagnostic Utility that will generate these patterns on the screen.  
2. Using a jeweler’s loupe, pocket microscope, or other magnifying device, identify and 
count each pixel anomaly:
Bright subpixel anomaly = subpixel that is always on 
Dark subpixel anomaly = subpixel that is always off  
3. The number of acceptable pixel anomalies for this computer is:  
BrightUp to 3
DarkUp to 5
CombinationUp to 7
4. If the number of subpixel anomalies exceeds the acceptable number shown above, 
replace the LCD panel display assembly. Numbers outside the acceptable range would be
Bright4 or more
Dark6 or more
Combination8 or more
5. If the number of subpixel anomalies is acceptable, explain to the customer that the 
pixel anomalies are within specifications, and no repair is necessary.  
Important: Do not release the specifications to customers. Instead, inform them that a 
certain number of subpixel anomalies are considered acceptable, and these factors apply to 
all manufacturers using LCD technology—not just Apple products. 
When speaking with customers, please use the following explanation: 
• Active-matrix LCD technology uses rows and columns of addressable locations (pixels) 
that render text and images on screen. Each pixel location has three separate subpixels 
(red, green, and blue) that allow the image to be rendered in full color. Each subpixel has 
a corresponding transistor responsible for turning the subpixel on or off. 
• There are typically millions of these subpixels on an LCD display. For example, the LCD 
panel used in the Apple Cinema HD display is made up of 2.3 million pixels and 6.9 
million red, green, and blue subpixels. Occasionally, a transistor does not work perfectly, 
which may result in the affected subpixel being turned on (bright) or turned off (dark). 
With the millions of subpixels on a display,  it is quite possible to have a low number 
of faulty transistors on an LCD. Therefore, a certain number of subpixel anomalies are 
considered acceptable. Rejecting all but perfect LCD panels would significantly increase 
the retail price for products using LCD displays. These factors apply to all manufacturers 
using LCD technology—not just Apple products.    
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Display Hinge Behavior 28 2010-06-15
Display Hinge Behavior
The MacBook Pro models have a unique counterbalanced clutch system. The design provides a 
smooth, fluid feel when opening, closing, or positioning the display. The counterbalanced clutch 
system was designed so that when the display is vertical with respect to the ground, it will 
remain in place regardless of the angle of the base.
Moving the display past vertical allows the hinges to release and the display to close.  This is 
normal behavior and no repair is necessary. Refer to http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3304 for 
more information and to watch a video of this hinge behavior.  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts 29 2010-06-15
Symptom Charts
Follow the steps in the order indicated below. If an action resolves the issue, retest the system 
to verify. Note: A compilation of Quick Check tables is available at http://service.info.apple.
com/QRS/en/quickreference.pdf.
Note: There is no silkscreen text on final production logic boards. The photos shown with test 
points are from pre-production units and are solely for reference.
Startup and Power Issues
No Power
Unlikely cause: display assembly, speakers, optical drive, hard drive
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
No Power / Dead Unit
• No power
• No image
• No startup chime
• No fan or hard drive spin
• No reset sound from optical 
drive
• No sleep LED activity
• No light if Caps Lock pressed
• Non-operational
1. Verify AC power presence with MagSafe LED 
indicating on or charge state.
2.  Verify battery status as being partly charged, 
charging with AC power.
3. Reset SMC.
4.  Refer to Deep Dive table for battery diagnostic 
testing.  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts 30 2010-06-15
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Isolate peripherals as cause. 
Disconnect all peripherals and 
external devices and verify unit 
starts.
YesSuspect peripherals as cause. 
Reconnect each one at a time, 
verifying unit operation as 
external device is reinstalled.
NoGo to step 2
2.  Reset SMC, and verify unit 
starts.  (Alternative hardware 
SMC reset can be forced by 
shorting R5001 pads on logic 
board or removing all system 
power for 1 minute.)  Can 
system start up after SMC 
reset?
YesCorrupt SMC state preventing 
power on.  Issue resolved with 
SMC reset.
NoGo to step 3
3. Will system power up with 
battery only?  Check battery 
level LED indicator for status 
of battery charge or battery 
use error.   Inspect battery 
connector for burn marks or 
damaged pins if substituting a 
known-good battery to verify 
starting on battery. 
YesSystem can start up from 
known-good battery -- 
customer battery possibly at 
fault or needs to be charged.  
Continue to verify customer 
battery then AC adapter use 
and battery charging. Go to 
step 4.
P11
NoSystem will not power using 
known-good battery only. Go 
to step 5
4.  Customer battery may be run 
down, or not recognized. 
Verify customer battery in 
a known-good system is 
recognized and accepting a 
charge.   Confirm customer 
battery is not consumed nor 
defective.
YesBattery is recognized, 
charging and health is good.  
Return to test unit with 
customer battery and AC 
adapter power. Go to step 6.
NoReplace customer battery 
for not charging (P10) or not 
recognized (P11).  Customer 
to purchase a replacement 
battery if consumed.
P10     
or      
P11