Apple macbook pro 15 inch mid 2010 User Manual

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 41 2010-12-15
Kernel Panic/System Crashes
Unlikely cause: Battery, Power Adapter
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Memory Issues/Kernel panic and 
freezes
• Display notice of system kernel 
panic during start up and 
desktop use.
• System freeze during use.
• System freeze upon wake from 
sleep.
1. Reset SMC and clear PRAM
2.  Remove suspect external devices.
3. Verify user memory is Apple-approved memory, 
and memory configuration...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 42 2010-12-15
4. Remove I/O device where 
possible to pinpoint faulty 
device:  
 
- Disconnect camera cable 
from display assembly (for, 
camera, and Ambient Light 
Sensor). Camera cable can be 
disconnected without affecting 
startup and test. 
 
- Disconnect AirPort/Bluetooth 
card to isolate AirPort/
Bluetooth functionality. 
 
- Disconnect optical drive cable 
to isolate optical drive. 
 
- Disconnect hard drive cable 
to...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 43 2010-12-15
6. Disconnect display assembly 
and test with known-good 
display assembly or external 
monitor. Verify if 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 if ASD 
does not report any overtemp, 
failing sensor, or fan.
YesNo thermal fail detected - 
Replace...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 44 2010-12-15
Won’t Run on Power Adapter Alone
Unlikely cause: RAM, display assembly, hard drive, optical drive, top case, speakers, camera, 
microphone
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Won’t Run on Power Adapter 
Alone
Runs on battery but not on power 
adapter only.
1. Verify proper wattage adapter is being used.
2.  Check for dirty or stuck pins on the MagSafe 
connectors, both on the adapter and the 
computer. 
3. Connect the AC...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 45 2010-12-15
Power Adapter Issue
Unlikely cause: logic board, RAM, display assembly, hard drive, optical drive, top case, speakers, 
camera, microphone
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Power Adapter Issue
• No power
• No Power LED
• Non-operational
• Stuck /broken pin
1. Connect AC adapters MagSafe connector to the 
computer. The LED on the connector should be 
green or amber.
2.  Verify power cord, or plug, is firmly attached to...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 46 2010-12-15
4. Verify if the customer power 
adapter have stuck or bent 
pins on the MagSafe connector 
end.
Yes Replace power adapter.P15
NoGo to step 5
5. Verify if the cable or duckhead 
have visible damage.
Yes Replace cable or duckhead.P16
NoGo to step 6
6.  Verify that LED on MagSafe 
connector is displaying both 
green (if battery charged) and 
orange (when charging).
YesVerify adapter with known-
good unit and customer...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 47 2010-12-15
3. Disconnect any peripheral 
devices, cards, or cables 
attached to the unit. Verify the 
noise is gone.
YesCheck for possible ground 
loop.
NoGo to step 6
4.  Locate the source of the noise. 
Verify if the noise comes from 
the optical drive usage.
YesCheck with a different media 
disc. Possible issue with disc 
label or out of balance media. 
If not related to media, and 
noise is above normal level, 
replace...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 48 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.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Verify if the source of the odor 
has been...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 49 2010-12-15
Battery Leaking or Swollen
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Battery Leaking or Swollen
• Trackpad button does not work 
• Battery pack case has opened. 
• Bottom cover cannot be 
reinstalled
1. Check if the battery is covered under a repair 
extension program. Reference: MacBook, 
MacBook Pro (15-inch) or MacBook Pro (17-inch) 
with swollen battery article (Knowledge Base 
TS2358).
2.  Use the “Portable Computer Battery...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Communications 50 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....