Apple macbook pro 15 inch mid 2009 User Manual

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 61 2010-12-15
AirPort/Bluetooth: Defective Wireless Devices
Unlikely cause:  power adapter, battery, speakers, optical drive, hard drive, fan, camera, 
microphone, top case
Caution: When testing an AirPort card connection, wait at least 5 seconds after shutdown 
before touching the camera cable connection to the logic board. Waiting less than that could 
damage the AirPort card.
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
AirPort or Bluetooth:  Defective 
Wireless Devices
• Unable to join networks or pair 
devices
• Card not available or 
recognized
• Intermittent device or 
connection dropouts
1. Open System Preferences and make sure AirPort 
or Bluetooth is turned on and (for AirPort) that a 
network is selected.
2.  Check that base station is not using unsupported 
connection and encryption protocols.
3. Check for nearby interference sources such as 
microwave ovens or cordless phones (Knowledge 
Base HT1365)
4.  Check the number of users trying to use AirPort in 
the area for possible network congestion.
5. Isolate OS by booting from original install 
media (10.5.x).  Attempt to connect to base 
station (AirPort) or pair with wireless keyboard 
(Bluetooth).
6.  Reset PRAM.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Open System Profiler, check to 
see if AirPort or Bluetooth is 
recognized.  Ensure software 
and firmware updates for 
AirPort and Bluetooth have 
been applied.
Yes(AirPort) Ensure MAC address 
filtering is not enabled on the 
base station. 
 
(Bluetooth) Ensure 
target devices are set to 
discoverable.
NoIf card is not detected or 
software updates do not 
resolve issue, go to step 2.  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 62 2010-12-15
2. Run Clamshell Service 
Diagnostic utility and check 
that all devices are found. If 
not, reseat the camera cable 
connection to the logic board. 
YesLoose logic board connection.N04
NoAirPort issue, go to step 3,  
Bluetooth issue go to step 7.
3. (AirPort) Verify the antenna 
connections to the AirPort 
card are not reversed or loose. 
Reseat antenna and I/O cable 
connections.
YesLoose connections or crossed 
antenna. 
 
If Airport card connection 
was found reversed, the 
main logic board may have 
been damaged and needs 
replacement
N04 
 
 
M11
NoIf the connectors are secure, 
antenna connections not 
reversed and show no signs 
of damage or wear, go to step 
4.
4.  (AirPort) Try a known-good 
AirPort antenna.  
Verify that it fixes the issue.
YesReplace AirPort antenna. N14
NoContinue to use known-good 
antenna, go to step 5.
5. (AirPort) Try a known-good 
AirPort card.  
Verify that it fixes the issue.
YesReplace AirPort card. .N12
NoGo to step 6.
6.  (AirPort) Try a known-good 
display assembly if available. 
Verify that it fixes the issue.
YesReplace display assembly. L16
NoReplace logic board.M11
7. (Bluetooth) Enable Bluetooth 
and try a known-good 
Bluetooth card.  
Verify that System Profiler sees 
known-good Bluetooth card..
YesReplace user’s Bluetooth card.N15
NoGo to step 8.
8.  (Bluetooth) Enable Bluetooth 
and try a known-good display 
assembly, if available, and 
Bluetooth card.  
Run Clamshell Service 
Diagnostic utility and check 
that it sees the known-good 
Bluetooth card.
YesReplace display assembly. L16
NoReplace logic board.M11  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 63 2010-12-15
No/Poor Wireless Signal
Unlikely cause:  power adapter, battery, speakers, optical drive, hard drive, fan, camera, 
microphone, top case
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
No/Poor Wireless Signal
• Unable to find networks
• Intermittent connection 
dropouts
• Slow transfer speeds
1. Check for nearby interference sources in the 
2.4/5GHz range such as microwave ovens and 
cordless phones (Knowledge Base HT1365).
2.  Check that computer is within base station range 
– move closer to base station.
3. Base station checks: 
a.  Base station is not set to low-power 
transmission mode 
b.  Base station is not using unsupported 
connection and encryption protocols 
c.  Check for possible Wi-Fi channel overlap 
(nearby base stations using adjacent channel)
4. Isolate OS by booting from original install media 
(10.5.x). Attempt to connect to base station.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Open System Profiler, check to 
see if AirPort card is recognized 
under Network: AirPort Card.
YesUse Software Update to make 
sure all AirPort software and 
firmware updates have been 
applied. Ensure base station 
is not using MAC address 
filtering or creating a hidden 
network.
NoIf card is not detected, go to  
previous Symptom - AirPort/
Bluetooth - Defective wireless 
devices.
2.  Run Clamshell Service 
Diagnostic utility and check 
that all devices are found. If 
not reseat the camera cable 
connection to the logic board.
YesLoose logic board connectionN04
NoGo to step 3.  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 64 2010-12-15
3. Verify the antenna connections 
to the AirPort card are not 
reversed or loose. Reseat 
antenna and I/O cable 
connections.
YesLoose connections or crossed 
antenna
N04
NoIf the connectors are secure, 
antenna connections not 
reversed and show no signs 
of damage or wear, go to step 
4.
4.  Try a known-good AirPort 
antenna , retest and verify that 
issue is fixed..
YesReplace user’s AirPort 
antenna.
N14
NoContinue to use known good 
antenna, go to step 5.
5. Try a known-good AirPort card 
and retest. Verify that issue is 
fixed..
YesReplace user’s AirPort card.N12
NoContinue to use known-good 
antenna & card; go to step 6.
6.  Try a known-good display 
assembly if available. Verify 
that issue is fixed.. 
YesReplace display assembly.L16
NoReplace logic board.M11
Bluetooth Wireless Input Device Loses Connection
Unlikely cause:  display assembly, speaker assembly, optical drive, hard drive
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Bluetooth Wireless Input Device 
Loses Connection
Check Bluetooth input device has fully charged 
batteries.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. System Profiler should list 
Bluetooth radio device under 
system hardware.  Is Bluetooth 
device available?
YesBluetooth radio present, verify 
Bluetooth preference settings, 
go to step 2.
NoAttempt Bluetooth repair, go 
to step 5.  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 65 2010-12-15
2. System Preferences has a 
Bluetooth panel. Ensure 
Bluetooth is on and 
discoverable. Are there any 
devices listed in pairing 
window?
YesChoose known-good device 
and establish a connection. 
Go to step 3.
NoAttempt Bluetooth repair, go 
to step 5.
3. Ensure a known-good 
Bluetooth device is on, in close 
range and in discoverable 
mode.  Is computer pairing 
with known-good device?
YesPairing verified, connect with 
user’s device, go to step 4
NoAttempt Bluetooth repair, go 
to step 5.
4.  Is computer pairing with user’s 
Bluetooth device?
YesConnection established, 
continue testing for 
connection loss, go to step 8.
NoCheck for software updates 
for both computer & device.
K07
5. Run Clamshell Service 
Diagnostic utility and check 
that all devices are found. If 
not, reseat camera cable on 
logic board.  Is the Bluetooth 
radio present, on and pairing 
with a known-good device?
YesLoose cable connection.N04
NoGo to step 6.
6.  Install and test a known-
good Bluetooth card.   Is the 
Bluetooth radio present, on 
and pairing with a known-
good device?
YesReplace user’s Bluetooth card. N15
NoGo to step 7.
7. Continue to actively test 
a known-good Bluetooth 
device to determine if there 
is a disconnect.  Do not allow 
computer to sleep during this 
test.  Is link lost during test?
YesCheck for software update, 
2.4 GHz radio interference or 
device low battery.  
If still losing link, replace 
Bluetooth card.    
If installed Bluetooth card is 
known-good or was already 
replaced, replace top case (for 
Bluetooth antenna).
 
 
 
N14 
 
N14
NoKnown-good device passed, 
test with user’s Bluetooth 
device.  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 66 2010-12-15
8. Continue to test user’s 
Bluetooth device to determine 
if there is a disconnect.  Do not 
allow computer to sleep during 
this test.  Is link lost during 
test?  If link is lost during start 
up, turn on System Preferences: 
Bluetooth: Advanced:  “Open 
Bluetooth Setup Assistant at 
start up when no input device 
is present”.
YesCheck for software update, 2.4 
GHz radio interference, device 
low battery or user’s device 
features list for explanation.
NoUser’s device not losing 
connection.  Issue not 
repeatable or resolved.
AirPort Card: Kernel Panic
Unlikely cause:  power adapter, battery, speakers, optical drive, hard drive, fan, camera, 
microphone, top case
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
AirPort Card: Kernel Panic
• Kernel panic on boot
• Kernel panic or freezing while 
attempting to connect to Wi-Fi 
networks
• Kernel panic while transferring 
data on Wi-Fi networks.
1. Isolate OS by booting from original install media 
(10.5.x). Attempt to connect to Wi-Fi network.
2.  Use Software Update to make sure all AirPort 
software and firmware updates have been 
applied. 
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Use Software Update to make 
sure all AirPort/Bluetooth 
software and firmware updates 
have been applied. Ensure 
MAC address filtering is not 
enabled on the base station.  Is 
kernel panic resolved?
YesSoftware issue.
NoGo to step 2.
2.  Reseat the camera cable 
connection to the logic board.  
Is kernel panic resolved?
YesGo to step 4.
NoGo to step 3.  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 67 2010-12-15
3. Isolate AirPort card by 
removing the I/O connection 
from the AirPort card.  
Reconnect camera cable 
connection to logic board.  Is 
kernel panic resolved?
YesGo to step 4.
NoGo to M06 Kernel Panic / 
System Crashes.
4.  Connect and test with a 
known-good AirPort card.  Is 
kernel panic resolved?
YesReplace AirPort card.N13
NoReplace display assembly.L16
Wireless Performance Issue / Slow Connection
Unlikely cause:  power adapter, battery, speakers, optical drive, hard drive, fan, camera, 
microphone, top case
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Wireless Performance Issue / 
Slow Connection
• Slow or stalled data transfers
• Intermittent connection 
dropouts
1. Check for nearby interference sources in the 
2.4/5GHz range such as microwave ovens or 
cordless phones (Knowledge Base HT1365)
2.  (AirPort) Check the number of users trying to 
use AirPort in the area for possible network 
congestion. Move closer to base station to 
improve signal reception.
3. (Bluetooth) Move devices closer together.
4.  Check performance with a known-good system
5. (AirPort) Wireless base station checks: 
a.  Base station is not set to low-power 
transmission mode. 
b.  Base station is not set to a slower protocol 
mode (802.11b). 
c.  Check for possible Wi-Fi channel overlap 
(nearby base stations using adjacent channel).
6. Isolate OS by booting from original install 
media (10.5.x). Attempt to connect to base 
station (AirPort) or pair with wireless keyboard 
(Bluetooth)
7. Use Software Update to make sure all AirPort and 
Bluetooth software and firmware updates have 
been applied.  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 68 2010-12-15
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Inspect the display clutch 
barrel for damage.  AirPort 
radio is in display clutch barrel 
area. 
YesRecord damage:  Proceed 
to possibly repair damaged 
parts, go to step 2 
NoNo visible damage, go to step 
2
2.  Turn off Bluetooth.  Retest 
AirPort performance.     
Refer to Knowledge Base 
TS1809.
YesPossible AirPort interference 
from the Bluetooth card. 
Change AirPort base station 
channel. (Knowledge Base 
TS1809.)
N06
NoContinue by checking 
connections, go to step 3
 
 
3. Run Clamshell Service 
Diagnostic utility and check 
that all devices are found. If 
not, reseat the camera cable 
connection to the logic board.
YesLoose logic board connectionN04
NoAirPort issue, go to step 4,  
Bluetooth issue, go to step 8.
4.  (AirPort) Verify the antenna 
connections to the AirPort 
card are not reversed or loose. 
Reseat antenna and I/O cable 
connections.
YesLoose connection or crossed 
antenna
N04
NoIf the connectors are secure, 
antenna connections not 
reversed and show no signs 
of damage or wear, go to 
step 5
5. (AirPort) Try a known-good 
AirPort antenna.
YesReplace AirPort antenna.N14
NoContinue to use known good 
antenna, go to step 6.
6.  (AirPort) Try a known-good 
AirPort card.
YesReplace AirPort card.N12
NoContinue to use known-good 
antenna & card, go to step 7.
7. (AirPort) Try a known-good 
display assembly if available. 
YesReplace display assembly.L16
NoReplace logic board.M11  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 69 2010-12-15
8. (Bluetooth) Enable Bluetooth 
and try a known-good 
Bluetooth card if available. 
Verify that Bluetooth is pairing 
with known-good device. 
YesReplace Bluetooth card.N15
NoGo to Defective Wireless 
Devices.
Wireless Input Device Doesn’t Pair
Unlikely cause:  display assembly, logic board, optical drive, hard drive
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Wireless Input Device Doesn’t 
Pair
• Can’t get the system to 
recognize the Bluetooth 
keyboard or mouse
1. Check Bluetooth System Preference is set to 
Discoverable.
2.  Check Bluetooth device has fully charged 
batteries.
3. Check for Bluetooth software updates for both 
the device and Mac OS X.
4.  If the Bluetooth pairs with no problems, probe 
about potential interference issue at user’s site.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. System Profiler should list 
Bluetooth radio device under 
system hardware.  Is Bluetooth 
device available?
YesBluetooth radio present, verify 
Bluetooth preference settings, 
go to step 2.
NoAttempt Bluetooth repair, go 
to step 5.
2.  System Preferences has a 
Bluetooth panel. Ensure 
Bluetooth is on and 
discoverable.  Are there any 
devices listed in pairing 
window?
YesChoose known-good device 
and establish a connection. 
Go to step 3.
NoAttempt Bluetooth repair, go 
to step 5.  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 70 2010-12-15
3. Ensure a known-good 
Bluetooth device is on, in close 
range and discoverable mode,     
Is system pairing with known-
good device?
YesPairing verified, connect with 
user’s device, go to step 4.
NoAttempt Bluetooth repair, go 
to step 5.
4.  Is Bluetooth pairing with user’s 
Bluetooth device?
YesIssue resolved.
NoCheck for SW update for both 
System and user device.   
5. Run Clamshell Service 
Diagnostic utility and check 
that all devices are found. If 
not, reseat camera cable with 
logic board.  Is the Bluetooth 
radio present, on and pairing 
with a known-good device?
YesBad logic board connection. 
Issue resolved.
NoGo to step 6.
6.  (Bluetooth) Enable Bluetooth 
and try a known-good 
Bluetooth card if available.  Is 
pairing issue fixed?
YesReplace Bluetooth card.N15
NoGo to Defective Wireless 
Devices.
Uncategorized Symptom
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Uncategorized Symptom
Unable to locate appropriate 
symptom code
Verify whether existing symptom code applies to  the 
issue reported by the user. If not, document reported 
symptom and send feedback to smfeedback@apple.
com stating that a suitable symptom code could not 
be found.