Apple macbook 13 inch aluminum late 2008 User Manual

MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Functional Overview 21 2010-06-15
Functional Overview
Refer to this diagram for symptoms related to logic board connectors.
Fan:
• intermittent shutdown
• freezes
• noisy fan
Right speaker/subwoofer:
• no sound from right speaker or 
subwoofer
• distorted sound from right or 
center
Camera (includes  AirPort, 
Bluetooth, camera, and ambient 
light sensor) :
• failure of any parts listed above
• no keyboard backlight
• no startup if  AirPort...

MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Block Diagram 22 2010-06-15
Block Diagram
Refer to this diagram to see how modules are interrelated.  

MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Liquid Submersion Indicators 23 2010-06-15
Liquid Submersion Indicators
To help discover accidental damage to the computer, the top case includes spill sensors called 
liquid submersion indicators (LSI). The sensors are only visible when the bottom case and most 
of the modules have been removed. Normally represented by small white dots, the LSIs turn 
red (indicated by the four small, round dots shown below) when they have come in contact...

MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Common Reset Procedures 24 2010-06-15
Common Reset Procedures
When a reset procedure is required for troubleshooting, follow the applicable steps:
Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
To reset power management via the SMC chip:
1. If the computer is on, turn it off by choosing Shutdown from the Apple () menu. 
2.  Connect the power adapter to the computer and to a working power source. 
3. Important: Use the keys on the left...

MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Apple Service Diagnostics 25 2010-06-15
Starting Up in Safe Mode
A Safe Boot is a special way to start Mac OS X when troubleshooting. To start up into Safe Mode 
(Safe Boot), 
1. Make sure the computer is shut down.
2.  Press the power button.
3. Immediately after you hear the startup tone, press and hold the Shift key.
Note: The Shift key should be held as soon as possible after the startup tone but not 
before.
4.  Release the Shift key...

MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Clamshell Service Diagnostic Read Me 26 2010-06-15
Clamshell Service Diagnostic Read Me
Isolating video and wireless issues in portable computers can be time consuming and 
confusing. The Clamshell Service Diagnostic (CSD) is a new diagnostic tool that checks Apple’s 
latest portable computers for the presence of AirPort, Bluetooth, LCD and Ambient Light Sensor 
(ALS) to assist you in quickly making a failure determination.
Troubleshooting...

MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies 27 2010-06-15
4. If the number of subpixel anomalies exceeds the acceptable number shown above, replace 
the LCD panel display assembly. Numbers outside the acceptable range would be
Bright4 or more
Dark6 or more
Combination8 or more
5. If the number of subpixel anomalies is acceptable, explain to the customer that the 
pixel anomalies are within specifications, and no repair is necessary.  
Important: Do not...

MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 28 2010-06-15
Symptom Charts
Follow the steps in the order indicated below. If an action resolves the issue, retest the system 
to verify. 
Note: A compilation of Quick Check tables is available at http://service.info.apple.com/QRS/
en/quickreference.pdf
Startup and Power Issues
No Power
Unlikely cause: display assembly, speakers, optical drive, hard drive
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
No Power / Dead Unit
• No power
• No...

MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 29 2010-06-15
2. Reset SMC., and verify unit 
starts.  (Alternative hardware 
SMC reset can be forced by 
shorting R5001 pads on logic 
board or removing all system 
power for 1 minute.)  Can 
system start up after SMC 
reset?
YesCorrupt SMC state preventing 
power on.  Issue resolved with 
SMC reset.
NoGo to step 3
3. Will system power up with 
battery only?  Check battery 
level LED indicator for status 
of battery charge...

MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 30 2010-06-15
7. Inspect MagSafe port on 
computer for physical damage, 
debris or metal fragments 
attracted to magnetic 
connector. Is MagSafe 
connector clean and free from 
defects? 
YesGo to step 8
NoClean port assembly. Replace 
MagSafe board if necessary.
X03
8.  Verify adapter status LED 
turns on green then orange 
indicating power and battery 
charge in progress.              
A green LED can indicate a full...