Apple macbook pro 15 inch mid 2009 User Manual

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 51 2010-12-15
6. Disconnect display assembly 
and test with known-good 
display assembly. Verify that 
system now starts up without 
kernel panic/freeze.
YesReplace display assembly.  L14
No Go to step 7
7. Check for thermal values and 
fan running speed 
Run ASD to check for fan 
and sensors test, and verify 
that ASD does not report any 
overtemp, failing sensor, or fan.
YesNo thermal fail detected - 
Replace logic board with...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 52 2010-12-15
Battery Run Time Too Short
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Battery Run Time Too Short
Battery runs out of power very 
quickly (less than two hours)
1. Check if the battery is covered under a repair 
extension program. Use the “Portable Computer 
Battery Screening Process for Apple Service 
Providers” (Knowledge Base CP165). 
2.  Verify no applications have runaway processes 
with the CPU. See “Runaway applications can...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 53 2010-12-15
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. With battery removed, will a 
known-good AC adapter start 
up and run the system and 
show MagSafe LED status?
YesConfirm user’s AC adapter as 
bad and replace.  
P14
NoVerify MagSafe board cable 
seating to logic board. Go to 
step 2
2.  Does a known-good power 
adapter’s LED light up either 
green or amber?
YesSMC on logic board senses AC 
power adapter. Go to step 3 
NoReplace the...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 54 2010-12-15
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Verify that the MagSafe LED 
is green or amber while 
connecting a known-good AC 
adapter on customer system.
YesSMC on logic board senses AC 
power adapter and enabled 
power. Go to step 4.
NoVerify MagSafe interconnect 
board is connected to logic 
board. Go to step 2
2.  Does the unit run on known-
good AC power adapter only?
YesIssued resolved.P99
NoReplace the MagSafe...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 55 2010-12-15
Noise / Hum / Vibration
Unlikely cause: RAM, display assembly, top case, camera, microphone, battery
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Noise / Hum / Vibration
Computer or AC adapter emits a 
noise or vibration.
1. Verify and reproduce the source of the noise from 
the computer / adapter with the customer.
2.  If the AC adapter is the source of the noise 
disconnect and try a known-good adapter.  ( a 
small amount of hum...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 56 2010-12-15
5. Is the noise from the hard 
drive?
YesIt is normal for drives to 
produce noise when they 
spin up or the heads move.  
Replace drive if noise is above 
normal levels.
H06
NoGo to step 6 
6.  Is the noise coming from the 
fan?
YesThe fan(s) are generally 
running in a slow mode, 
but may accelerated when 
intensive processing is 
required (calculation, 3D 
gaming, or screen saver 
animation). If still beyond...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 57 2010-12-15
Burnt Smell / Odor
Unlikely cause: Enclosure
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Burnt Smell / Odor
Computer or power adapter emits 
an odor or smell of smoke.
1. Disconnect the battery and AC adapter from the 
computer.
2.  Attempt to identify the source of the odor. Visual 
clues are component damaged like capacitor chip 
popped or burn marks. 
3. Check AirPort Card cable orientation.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1....

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 58 2010-12-15
4. Is the computer operating 
normally?
YesThis could be related to 
normal operation. Also check 
for accidental damage cause 
using  Knowledge Base article 
http://support.apple.com/
kb/CP161”.
NoPlease refer to best related 
troubleshooting section. If 
after inspecting the unit you 
feel there is a possible safety 
issue with the computer or 
AC adapter, please notify 
Apple.  
Battery Leaking or Swollen
Quick...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 59 2010-12-15
Communications
Ethernet Port/Device Issue
Unlikely cause:  power adapter, battery, speakers, optical drive, hard drive, fan, camera, 
microphone, top case, display assembly, AirPort card
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Ethernet Port/Device Issue
• No Ethernet device present
• Unable to access network 
resources
• Ethernet device shows no 
connection
• Ethernet device unable to get 
an IP address
• Slow network performance
1....

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 60 2010-12-15
3. Verify if IP address is listed 
for the Ethernet interface in 
System Preferences: Network.   
Connect computer to network 
with known-good DHCP IP 
allocation, ensuring static 
DHCP maps or filtering is not 
preventing address allocation. 
Note: DHCP allocation may not 
be instantaneous depending 
on network.  Retest.
YesGo to step 4.
NoIf connection is OK on known-
good system, replace logic 
board. 
M10
4.  Verify...