Apple macbook pro 17 inch early 2009 User Manual

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 71 2010-06-11
7. Substitute a known-good 
display assembly to test logic 
board video output.  Is normal 
video restored?
YesReplace display assembly. L02
NoReplace logic board.M04
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...

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 72 2010-06-11
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...

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 73 2010-06-11
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 cable connection 
to logic board.
YesReseat LVDS cable
NoGot to step 3
3. Determine if variation in 
uniformity appears excessive 
when compared to another 
similar unit.
YesReplace...

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 74 2010-06-11
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”...

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 75 2010-06-11
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 (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 76 2010-06-11
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 (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 77 2010-06-11
4. Swap memory with known-
good memory to determine if 
video issue is ram related..
YesReseat or replace defective 
memory
X01
NoGo to step 5
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.
L09
M25
NoIf...

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 78 2010-06-11
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 flow.
3. Inspect and reseat the LVDS 
cable and camera cable 
connection between display 
and logic board.  Also test 
if brightness setting is a 
contributing factor.  Has 
flickering stopped?...

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 79 2010-06-11
Cosmetic Defects
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Cosmetic Defects
• Cracked LCD
• Scorched or melted LCD
• LCD impact damage
1. Determine damage caused by user/technician 
environment, accidental damage, or abuse.
2.  Inform user/technician the failures are not 
covered by Apple warranties. Refer to  
http://www.apple.com/legal/warranty
Uncategorized Symptom
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Uncategorized Symptom
Unable to locate...

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) 80 2010-06-11
Mass Storage
Hard Drive Read/Write Issue
Unlikely cause: LCD, speakers, fan, camera, microphone
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Hard Drive Read/Write Issue 
Bad Sector/Defective 
Drive Formatting Issue
• Cannot save documents
• Read/Write error message
• Hang when accessing or 
saving data
1. Boot from Install DVD. Verify S.M.A.R.T. status of 
drive using Disk Utility.
2.  Repair disk using Disk Utility.
3. Erase disk and reinstall Mac OS using Installer....