Apple macbook pro 15 inch mid 2009 User Manual

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 71 2010-12-15
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...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 72 2010-12-15
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...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 73 2010-12-15
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...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 74 2010-12-15
Deep Dive: Vertical/Horizontal Lines
CheckResultActionCode
1. Horizontal lines may be related 
to a failing RAM module. Verify 
if video issue only happens 
AFTER the Apple logo and the 
spinning wheel has appeared.  
YesIssue only happens AFTER 
Apple logo and spinning 
wheel appears. Go to step 2.
NoIssues happens since startup. 
Go to step 5.
2.  Start with shift key down 
(safe mode) to disable system 
extensions. Verify if issue...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 75 2010-12-15
7. Substitute a known-good 
display assembly module to 
test logic board LVDS video 
output. Is normal video 
restored?
YesReplace display assembly 
module.
L05
NoReplace logic board.M04
Deep Dive: Non-uniform Brightness
CheckResultActionCode
1.  Determine if brightness 
uniformity issue is visible after 
display has warmed up for 15 
minutes.
YesGo to step 2.
NoDisplay backlight can take 
several minutes to stabilize. 
2.  Check LVDS...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 76 2010-12-15
Defective Camera / Built-in iSight Not Operating Correctly
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Defective Camera
• Camera not detected
• No green LED for camera
• Excessive blooming
• Poor white balance
• Poor focus
• Green image
• Image distortion
1. Check for Software Updates.
2.  Verify camera lens and glass panel are clear of 
contaminants.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Launch System Profiler and 
confirm that “Built-in iSight” is...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 77 2010-12-15
Blank / No Video
Unlikely cause: Power adapter, speakers, ODD/HDD, fan, microphone, top case
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Blank / No Video
• No video
• No backlight
1. Check brightness setting
2.  Attach known-good supported external display. 
3. Boot from Mac OS X install DVD that came with 
computer.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Verify boot chime present 
when system restarted. 
Reset SMC and clear PRAM if 
necessary for...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 78 2010-12-15
6. Verify LCD video works with a 
known-good display assembly. 
YesReplace display assembly.L03
NoGo to No Video symptom 
code flow.
Backlight Issue / No Backlight
Unlikely cause: Power adapter, battery, speaker, ODD/HDD, fan microphone, top case
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Backlight Issue / No Backlight
• Display not illuminated
• Flashing, unstable or non 
uniform background lighting
• Poor backlight at some or all 
settings...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 79 2010-12-15
5. Inspect LVDS connectors and 
cable under magnification for 
pinched cables and damaged 
or bent pins. Do any of the 
connections appear to be 
defective?
YesDefective LVDS cable. Replace 
display assembly.
Defective LVDS connector 
on logic board. Replace logic 
board.M25
NoIf connections are OK and 
secure and the display is still 
blank, go to step 6.
6.  Remove logic board and locate 
F9800 fuse on board. For fuse 
locations,...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 80 2010-12-15
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Verify if user’s issue is due to 
video flickering coming from 
display.
YesSuspected flickering issue, go 
to step 2.
NoAudible noise issue, go to 
step 5.
2.  Verify display listed in the 
System Profiler’s Graphics/
Displays device tree is not 
disappearing intermittently  
(refresh System Profiler to 
observe).  
YesPower and LCD panel ID are 
OK.  Go to step 3.
NoGo to No Video symptom 
code...