Apple macbook pro 17 inch mid 2010 User Manual

							MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 31 2010-06-11
Suggested steps for troubleshooting:
• Reset SMC.
• Check that AC cable, AC adapter and battery connections are secure to logic board.
• Verify battery and power adapter sources using the Battery and Adapter test utility.
Hardware-related system shutdown
These shutdowns are due to temperature, voltage, current, fan speed or other hardware-related 
sensor values going out of range.
• One of the temperature sensors reached a specified temperature limit.
• One of the voltage sensors reached a specified voltage limit.
• One of the current sensors reached a specified current limit.
Suggested steps for troubleshooting:
• Check all sensors connections and values using Apple Service Diagnostics and other 
available Apple Service utilities.
• Confirm correct Apple-branded battery and power adapter are installed.
• Check for abnormal battery temperature.
• Check fan(s) operation.
• Confirm cleanliness of heatsink fins and air flows.
• Confirm heatsink is correctly seated on logic board and thermal material is present.
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Intermittent shutdown
• Powers off during startup
• Powers off with desktop use
1. Collect details from customer on shutdown 
occurrence  and system configuration when it 
happens (on battery, when running for a while, 
frequency of shutdowns, running applications, 
shutdown repeatability). If shutdown can be easily 
reproduced, check next steps:
2.  Verify battery charge status
3. Check AC adapter MagSafe connector and 
connection with system 
4.  Reset SMC and PRAM
5. Start up with shift key down for safe mode
6.  Startup from known-good bootable device
7. Run ASD for sensors + thermal tests   
						

							MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 32 2010-06-11
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Activity related shutdowns: 
Reset SMC and PRAM and 
verify that shutdown issue still 
happens.
YesCheck with known-good 
bootable drive: go to step 2
NoShutdown cause was related 
to SMC or Pram programmed 
shutdown settings or 
corruption, and was resolved 
by reverting them to default 
settings.
2.  Booting from known-good 
bootable drive , verify that 
shutdown issue still happens.
YesGo to Power related 
shutdowns on step 3
NoShutdown events do not 
happen on known-good OS.  
Reinstall Mac OS on original 
hard drive,  update OS with 
latest version and check if any 
firmware update is available.
3. Power related shutdowns : 
verify that shutdown issue 
can ONLY be reproduced with 
user’s battery and AC adapter. 
YesIntermittent power issue 
means checking user’s 
AC cable for intermittent 
connection, checking user’s 
battery and AC adapter 
health,
No Issue also happens with 
known-good battery and AC 
adapter. Go to step 4 
4.  Reset SMC and PRAM, then 
verify if shutdown symptoms  
does not happen anymore.
YesShutdown cause was related 
to SMC or Pram settings or 
corruption, and was resolved 
by reverting them to default 
settings.
NoShutdown event still occurs. 
Go to step 5.
5. Check system running on  
battery only.  Use known-good 
charged battery.  
Verify if shutdown/reset/sleep 
issues disappear when known-
good battery is used without 
AC adapter.
YesRecharge original battery 
and retest. Check for battery 
health in Apple System 
Profiler or run Battery & 
Adapter Test utility, and 
replace battery if its health is 
reported bad or consumed.
 
 
 
 
 
 
P09
NoSymptoms unchanged - Go 
to step 6   
						

							MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 33 2010-06-11
6. Check with known-good AC 
adapter source only 
Remove battery and use 
known-good AC adapter. 
Verify if the shutdown/reset/
sleep issues disappear with 
known-good adapter.
YesFaulty user’s AC adapter. 
Replace user’s AC adapter if 
AC cable and duckhead were 
confirmed good.
P14
NoSymptoms unchanged - Go to 
Hardware-related shutdowns 
on step 7
7. Hardware-related shutdowns: 
Run ASD and verify if a sensor 
failure is reported.
Yes-If a temperature or a fan 
sensor failure is reported, go 
to step 8  
 
-If a voltage or a current 
sensor failure is reported 
in ASD w/known good AC 
adapter and batteries, replace 
logic board. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
M23
NoSetup ASD to loop test suite 
for burn in tests and go to  
step 7. If no failure is found 
after burn in tests, return unit 
to customer for no failure 
found.
8.  Verify if a thermal sensor or fan 
failure is reported in ASD.
Yes-If fan not running failure, 
check for fan cable seating 
and retest. If same failure 
after retest replace fan with 
known-good fan and retest. 
If issue does not happen with 
known-good fan, replace 
user’s fan. 
 
-If an over temp failure 
reported, check for cause of 
over temp, like obstructed 
vent, dust in heatsink fin, 
clogged fan and retest. If still 
failing replace part where 
sensor is located (logic 
board, battery, or trackpad) 
according to the sensor 
location table . Go to step 9
 
 
 
X22
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
M23 
P17 
K99
NoReplace Thermal module 
Go to step 9
X10  
						

							MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 34 2010-06-11
9. Isolate if issue solved 
Verify if shutdown/issue does 
not happen anymore after part 
exchange.
YesIssue fixed
NoReplace logic board with 
corresponding symptom: 
-if for thermal error cause 
-if for other cause
 
 
M18
M08
No Video/Bad Video
Unlikely cause: hard drive, optical drive, top case, battery, power adapter
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Power, but No Video
• Power
• No video
• fan, hard drive spin, or optical 
drive reset sound
• sleep LED is on or went on
• light if Caps Lock pressed
1. Reset SMC. 
2.  Reset PRAM.
3. If no startup chime, verify with known-good 
memory.
4.  Verify with external monitor.
5. Press Alt key on startup..
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Characterize video issue 
Define whether the issue is a 
bad image with backlight OR a 
no video issue. 
Verify if 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, and display 
adapters if present, and verify if 
video is displayed.
YesSuspect peripherals as cause. 
Reconnect one at a time, 
verifying unit operation at 
each stage
NoGo to Step 3  
						

							MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 35 2010-06-11
3. Adjust Brightness 
Power-on unit , attempt to 
adjust brightness to maximum 
using brightness (F1/F2) keys 
and verify if video is displayed.
YesVideo displayed - Brightness 
set to minimum, panel 
backlight was inadvertently 
turned off. If backlight returns 
to low check for stuck F1 key 
on keyboard. 
NoGo to Step 4
4.  Reset SMC and verify if system 
video is displayed.
YesCorrupt SMC State preventing 
video.
NoGo to Step 5
5. Reset PRAM. 
If no action, use external 
keyboard with same sequence. 
Verify if system video is 
displayed.
YesInvalid or Corrupt PRAM 
contents affecting video 
output 
NoGo to step 6
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 if 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 logic board with 
according symptom code: 
-no video 
-bad/distorted video
 
 
M03
M04
7. Isolate LCD display detection 
Disconnect external monitor 
and reopen display and 
restart unit. Verify if sleep LED 
indicator goes off after internal 
LCD has been detected. 
YesSleep LED goes off when LCD 
detected.  
-If still no video then Go to 
step 8,  
-If video present, but with 
defect, go to step 9
NoInternal LCD not detected. 
Run Clamshell Service 
Diagnostic utility and check 
for LCD panel presence. If 
not found, reseat LVDS cable 
connection on logic board 
and retest. If sleep led still 
does not go off after cable is 
reseated, go to step 10  
						

							MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 36 2010-06-11
8. Check sleep sensor condition. If 
display assembly sleep sensor 
is stuck in a closed state, video 
will appear on internal display 
temporarily until the system 
sleeps. Disconnect BIL/ sleep 
cable and restart unit without 
external display. Verify if system 
starts up with video on internal 
display stays on and does not 
go into sleep mode.
YesSleep sensor was stuck or had 
shorted cable. Replace BIL/
sleep sensor cable.
 
X13
NoSymptoms unchanged - Go 
to Step 9
9. Check for No Backlight 
Condition. 
Power on unit. 
Using a lamp or low-heat light 
source, inspect for faint image, 
and verify if a faint image can 
be seen.
YesLogo image visible - check 
LVDS cable and inspect 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 check for LCD 
panel presence, If not found, 
reseat LVDS cable and retest, 
then go to step 11
 
 
 
 
 
L09
NoIf symptom continues, go to 
step 10.
10.  Verify with Known good 
display assembly 
Connect known-good display 
assembly to system.
YesSystem is functioning with 
known-good display assembly 
Replace display assembly if 
following symptom reporting: 
- had no power issue 
- had incorrect/missing colors 
- had blank video 
- had distorted / blurred video 
- had vertical/horizontal lines 
- had noise/unstable flickering 
- had dim backlight 
- had bad spot(s)/pixels 
- had no backlight 
- could not change resolution 
 
 
 
 
L01 
L02 
L03 
L04 
L05 
L06 
L07 
L08 
L09 
L10
NoSymptoms unchanged - 
replace logic board
M03
11. Verify with reseated backlight 
cable or replaced display 
assembly 
Verify if unit now  has video 
and backlight.
YesIssue was only due to 
damaged display assembly or 
unseated cable.
NoPrevious display cable 
damaged the logic board. 
Replace logic board.
M25  
						

							MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 37 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.  Reset SMC by pressing the (left) Shift-Control-
Option keys along with the power button once.
3. Test system, using Battery Diagnostic Utility.
Deep Dive 
CheckResultActionCode
1. Verify if the MagSafe LED goes 
from green to amber when 
connected to the system.  
YesBattery is recognized and 
charging. Go to step 6
NoLED is green, Battery may be 
full or not recognized.  Go to 
step 2
LED was on momentarily then 
went out.  Go to No Power for 
system (M01)
2.  When the Battery status 
button is pressed, verify if  any 
of the lights comes on.
YesGo to step 3
No Go to step 11
3. When battery level button 
is pressed, verify if battery 
status indicates a fully charged 
battery with all LEDs on.
YesOriginal battery charged, 
check health.   Go to step 13.
NoGo to step 4
4.  Verify if battery status indicates 
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  
						

							MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 38 2010-06-11
5. Verify if battery status indicates 
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.  Verify if battery status indicates 
battery charge and flash the 
next level 5 times.
YesOriginal battery charging, 
check battery condition.   Go 
to step 13
NoFlashing first LED only, go to 
step 7
No battery status LEDs on, go 
to step 11
7. Verify if battery status indicates 
a low battery with a LED 
flashing rapidly indicating 
initial charging of battery.
YesAllow original battery to 
charge to 1 LED on before 
checking battery condition.  
Go to step 13.
NoGo to step 8
8.  Test with a known-good 
battery.   Verify if battery is 
recognized and charging.
YesReplace original battery  
(P10 not charging or P11 not 
recognized)
P10 or     
P11
NoGo to step 9
9. Inspect original battery 
contacts and battery cable 
connector, and verify any trace 
of corrosion or obstructions.  
YesClear obstructions or 
replace the battery if cable if 
corroded and recheck..
X03
NoGo to step 10
10.  Reseat battery harness at  logic 
board connector, and retest.  
Verify if battery is recognized 
and charging.
YesIssue resolved by cable reseat.  
Check battery condition, go 
to step 13
NoReplace logic board M20
11. Battery status LEDs not 
working - inspect for any 
button stuck or cable 
disconnected at logic board 
and reset SMC.
YesLED status now working. Go 
to step 3.
NoGo to step 12.
12.  Remove system battery status 
indicator ,and test with known-
good battery status indicator 
assembly. Verify if LEDs now 
indicate a correct battery level.
YesReplace original battery LED 
indicator assembly. Go to 
step 3
X03
NoReplace original logic board.M20  
						

							MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 39 2010-06-11
13. Open Apple System Profiler 
and click on the Power Tab on 
the left. Verify if the battery 
cycles amount is over 1000 
cycle counts.
YesBattery has been consumed, 
and customer will need to 
purchase a replacement.
NoGo to step 14.
14.  Verify that battery is less than 
a year old.
YesGo to step 16
NoBattery warranty expired, go 
to step 15
15. Considering the age of the 
battery greater than one year 
old,  verify if the health of the 
battery is “Good” according to 
system profiler.  
YesBattery is in good health 
and out of 1 year warranty 
coverage.  Battery should 
continue to function until 
consumed.  
NoBattery is consumed after 
warranty coverage. Customer 
to purchase a new battery.
16.  For batteries still covered by 
warranty, verify if the health of 
the battery is “Good”.
YesBattery functioning normal. 
Go to step 17.
NoBattery has premature 
capacity loss.  Replace original 
battery.
P08
17. With battery charge greater 
than 20% verify if battery 
supports system operation 
without AC connected.
YesOriginal battery is good 
NoGo to step 18
18.  Test with a known-good 
battery.   Verify if a known-
good battery supports battery-
only operation.
YesReplace original battery for  
will not run system on battery 
alone
P12
NoReplace logic board M20  
						

							MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 40 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 matches memory 
installed.
4.  Start up with shift key down for safe mode.
5. Startup from known-good bootable device
6.  Check panic.log info for crash cause
7. Run AHT for sensors test
Deep Dive 
CheckResultActionCode
1.  Isolate Peripherals as cause. 
Disconnect all peripherals, 
external devices, and display 
adapters if present and verify 
if issue does not happen 
anymore.
YesSuspect peripherals as cause. 
Reconnect one at a time, 
verifying unit operation at 
each stage
NoGo to Step 2
2.  Reset SMC and clear PRAM 
then verify if unit starts without 
panic issues.
YesIssue resolved with default 
startup settings.
NoGo to step 3
3. Boot in Safe Mode with Shift 
key down, and check for recent 
kernel panic data in panic log.    
 
Open Panic.log file on hard 
drive and check for affected 
interface that crashed. If unit 
still crashes during startup, 
you will need to take out disk 
to a good system to access 
the file. Verify if kernel panic 
dependency is not linked to an 
I/O interface. 
YesKernel Panic is not a system 
I/O related device. Go to step 
5
 
 
NoI/O device related crash, go to 
step 4