Apple macbook pro 17 inch mid 2009 User Manual

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 41 2010-06-11
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Characterize video issue 
Define whether the issue is a 
bad image with backlight OR 
no video issue. 
Verify whether some image 
even distorted is visible.
YesBad image quality, go to step 
5
NoNo image seen or no 
backlight, go to Step 2
2.  Isolate Peripherals as cause 
Disconnect all peripherals, 
external devices, Express 
Card and display adapters if 
present and verify that...

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 42 2010-06-11
6. Connect External video 
Connect known-good VGA/
DVI adapter to known-good 
display, press power button 
and close display to force main 
screen startup on external 
video. Verify that video is 
correct when displayed from 
external display.
YesVideo correct on external 
display. Research available 
firmware and software 
updates, retest.  
 
If returning with software 
already updated, go to Step 7 
NoReplace...

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 43 2010-06-11
9. Check for No Backlight 
Condition. 
Power on unit. 
Using a lamp or bright light 
source, inspect for faint image, 
and verify that any faint image 
appears.
YesLogo image visible - check 
and reseat LVDS cable 
connector on logic board. 
Inspect cables for damage 
near clutches: 
. if damaged, replace display 
assembly  and go to step 11 
. if cable is not damaged, run 
Clamshell Service Diagnostic 
utility and...

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 44 2010-06-11
Battery Isn’t Recognized or Won’t Charge
Unlikely cause:  display assembly, speakers, optical drive, hard drive, trackpad
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Battery isn’t recognized or won’t 
charge
• AC adapter 
• No MagSafe LED indicator
• No orange charge indication
• Battery status LEDs: 
- single chase 
- all flash 
- no LED
1. Check battery level and test AC power.
2.  Refer to Deep Dive table for battery...

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 45 2010-06-11
4. Does battery status indicate 
the battery is not recognized 
with a single LED on that 
chases back and forth 5 times?
YesGo to step 8 and tag battery 
as a possible P11 candidate.
(P11)
NoGo to step 5
5. Does battery status indicate 
the battery is recognized but 
not charging  with all LEDs 
blinking?
YesGo to step 8 and tag battery 
as a possible P10 candidate
(P10)
NoGo to step 6
6.  Does battery status...

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 46 2010-06-11
11. Battery status LEDs not 
working - inspect button stuck 
or cable disconnect at logic 
board and reset SMC.
YesLED status now working. Go 
to step 3.
NoGo to step 12.
12.  Remove system battery and 
connect and test a known-
good battery status indicator 
assembly.   Do LEDs indicate a 
battery not recognized chase 
pattern? 
YesReplace customer battery 
LED indicator assembly. Go to 
step 3
X03
NoReplace...

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 47 2010-06-11
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 (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 48 2010-06-11
4.  Remove I/O device where 
possible to pinpoint faulty 
device:   
 
- Disconnect camera cable 
from display assembly (for 
AirPort, Bluetooth, camera, and 
ambient light sensor). Camera 
cable can be disconnected 
without affecting startup and 
test. 
 
- Bluetooth card to isolate 
Bluetooth. 
 
- optical drive cable to isolate 
optical drive. 
 
- hard drive cable to isolate 
hard drive. 
 
Memory cards can be...

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 49 2010-06-11
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 (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 50 2010-06-11
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...