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 cable short
LCD, backlight:
• no video on internal 
LCD
• no backlight
Battery (under logic  
board):
• no power when 
battery only
• no power on
Battery indicator LEDs, 
battery button:
• no battery error 
• no battery level while 
charging
• no battery level shown 
when button pressed
Keyboard 
backlight:
• no keyboard 
backlight
Keyboard, power  
on button:
• no power
• nonresponsive 
keys
T rackpad, trackpad button thermal 
sensor:
• no cursor movement
• no click action
• runs slow (no sensor input)Sleep LED, Infrared sensor , 
magnetic sleep sensor:
• no sleep LED status
• no infrared reception
• no sleep when display closed
• wakes from sleep
• no video on internal display (sensor  
stuck)Hard drive:
• no hard drive visible 
• no startup from hard driveOptical drive:
• no optical drive visible
• no startup from optical drive
MagSafe connector 
(under logic board):
• no power on
• no battery charge
Memory:
• no startup
• pointer unresponsive 
and kernel panic
•video artifacts
• 1 startup tone 
(no memory)
• 3 startup tones 
(bad memory)
Connectors on the other 
side of logic board:
Heatsink thermal sensor 
• no startup
• system shutdown
Left speaker 
• no sound from left
• distorted sound on left
Microphone 
• no integrated sound inpu
t  
						

							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 
with liquid, such as an accidental spill.
For more information, refer to the Knowledge Base article HT3425: “About liquid submersion 
indicators (LSI) on portable and desktop computers.”  
						

							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 side of the keyboard. On the built-in keyboard, press 
Shift-Control-Option along with the power button once. 
Note: When the LED on the MagSafe connector is orange, resetting the SMC will change it 
to green for a few seconds, indicating that SMC was correctly reset. 
4.  Wait 5 seconds and press the power button to restart the computer.  Note: If bottom case 
is removed, you may alternately reset the SMC by disconnecting the power adapter and the 
main battery, and holding the power button down for five seconds.
For more information:
http://www.apple.com/support
HT1411—Apple Portables: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) 
Resetting the Parameter RAM (PRAM)
To reset PRAM, 
1. If the computer is on, turn it off.
2.  Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to 
hold these keys down simultaneously in Step 4.
Note: If the keyboard does not have an Option key, use the Alt key instead.
3. Turn on the computer.
4.  Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys. 
Important: You must press this key combination before the gray screen appears.
5. Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the 
second time.
6.  Release the keys.
For more information:
http://www.apple.com/support
HT1379—Apple Portables: Resetting the PRAM   
						

							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 when you see the screen with the gray Apple and progress indicator 
(looks like a spinning gear). During startup, ”Safe Boot” appears on the Mac OS X startup 
screen. To leave Safe Mode, restart the computer normally, without holding down any keys 
during startup.
For more information:
http://www.apple.com/support
HT1564—What is Safe Boot, Safe Mode? 
TS1884—Safe Boot take longer than normal startup 
Apple Service Diagnostics
Run Apple Service Diagnostics to determine if any of the thermal sensors are malfunctioning. 
Replace any failing sensors. See chart below for correlation between error code and part.
NameLocation
TC0DLogic board
TC0PLogic board
Th1HLogic board
TN0DLogic board
Th0HHeatsink
Ts0PTrackpad flex cable
TB0TBattery
TB1TBattery
TB2TBattery
TB3TBattery  
						

							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 benefits of using CSD include:
• Quick way (less than 1 minute) to determine whether clamshell-related modules (AirPort, 
Bluetooth, LCD and ALS) are electrically connected without taking apart the system.
• Results of CSD can help pinpoint if any clamshell cables may need to be reseated to logic 
board.
• Diagnostic results can help isolate a video or wireless issue to either the clamshell or the 
logic board, to avoid unnecessary replacements of these components.
CSD checks for the presence of the computer’s:
• AirPort
• Bluetooth
• LCD
• ALS
CSD does not check for the presence of the computer’s:
• iSight camera
• externally connected hardware components (such as USB or FireWire devices)
CSD does not check for issues with the OS X or other software-related problems such as 
application or extension conflicts.
Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies
When displaying a single color over the screen area, the LCD panel might show one or more 
pixels that are not properly lit. To determine if the display has an acceptable number of pixel 
anomalies, follow the steps below:
1. Set the display image to one of the following colors: all-white, all-red, all-green, all-blue, or 
all-black display. Knowledge Base article 112125: Service Diagnostics Matrix has the LCD 
Tester Diagnostic Utility that will generate these patterns on the screen.  
2. Using a jeweler’s loupe, pocket microscope, or other magnifying device, identify and 
count each pixel anomaly:
Bright subpixel anomaly = subpixel that is always on 
Dark subpixel anomaly = subpixel that is always off  
3. The number of acceptable pixel anomalies for this computer is:  
BrightUp to 3
DarkUp to 5
CombinationUp to 7  
						

							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 release the specifications to customers. Instead, inform them that a 
certain number of subpixel anomalies are considered acceptable, and these factors apply to 
all manufacturers using LCD technology—not just Apple products. 
When speaking with customers, please use the following explanation: 
Active-matrix LCD technology uses rows and columns of addressable locations (pixels) 
that render text and images on screen. Each pixel location has three separate subpixels 
(red, green, and blue) that allow the image to be rendered in full color. Each subpixel has a 
corresponding transistor responsible for turning the subpixel on or off. 
There are typically millions of these subpixels on an LCD display. For example, the LCD 
panel used in the Apple Cinema HD display is made up of 2.3 million pixels and 6.9 million 
red, green, and blue subpixels. Occasionally, a transistor does not work perfectly, which 
may result in the affected subpixel being turned on (bright) or turned off (dark). With 
the millions of subpixels on a display,  it is quite possible to have a low number of faulty 
transistors on an LCD. Therefore, a certain number of subpixel anomalies are considered 
acceptable. Rejecting all but perfect LCD panels would significantly increase the retail 
price for products using LCD displays. These factors apply to all manufacturers using LCD 
technology—not just Apple products.    
						

							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 image
• No startup chime
• No fan or hard drive spin
• No reset sound from optical 
drive
• No sleep LED activity
• No light if Caps Lock pressed
• Non-operational
1. Verify AC power presence with MagSafe LED 
indicating on or charge state.
2.  Verify battery status as being partly charged, 
charging with AC power.
3. If battery is not recognized, remove battery and 
try to run from AC only.
4.  Reset SMC.
5. Verify with known-good battery.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Isolate peripherals as cause. 
Disconnect all peripherals and 
external devices and verify unit 
starts.
YesSuspect peripherals as cause. 
Reconnect each one at a time, 
verifying unit operation as 
external device is reinstalled.
NoGo to step 2  
						

							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 or battery 
use error.   Inspect battery 
connector for burn marks or 
damaged pins if substituting a 
known-good battery to verify 
starting on battery. 
YesSystem can start up from 
known-good battery -- 
customer battery possibly at 
fault or needs to be charged.  
Continue to verify customer 
battery then AC adapter use 
and battery charging. Go to 
step 4. 
P11
NoSystem will not power using 
known-good battery only. Go 
to step 5
4.  Customer battery may be run 
down, or not recognized. 
Verify customer battery in 
a known-good system is 
recognized and accepting a 
charge.   Confirm customer 
battery is not consumed nor 
defective.
YesBattery is recognized, 
charging and health is good.  
Return to test unit with 
customer battery and AC 
adapter power. Go to step 6.  
NoReplace customer battery 
for not charging (P10) or not 
recognized (P11).  Customer 
to purchase a replacement 
battery if consumed.
P10     
or      
P11
5. Inspect battery cable 
connection at logic board and 
reseat if necessary.  Replace 
cable if found damage or 
burned.  Can the system power 
on from a charged battery with 
battery cable inspections or 
replacement?
YesBattery power restored, return 
to test unit with customer 
battery and AC adapter 
power.    Go to step 6. 
NoLogic board is expected to 
power on with battery only.  
Inspect and test power on 
key.  Go to step 10.
6.  Inspect MagSafe power 
adapter.  Verify AC adapter is 
correct wattage, compatible 
with product and works on 
known-good computer.  
YesPower adapter is good, go to 
step 7
NoRelease stuck pin or replace 
adapter due to wire damage, 
not working or burned pins
P14  
						

							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 
battery, removal of battery or 
battery not recognized. 
YesSystem starts and has power.  
MagSafe LED indicates power 
is flowing to logic board.   
Verify customer battery will 
also charge.  Review battery 
health to ensure customer 
satisfaction. 
 
 
 
P11
NoAC power is down or battery 
is not charging.  Go to step 9
9. Verify power from adapter is  
present on logic board.  
Remove system battery, use AC 
power only.  With DVM, verify 
voltage presence of Q7001, pin 
5 is 16.7Vdc with AC adapter 
connected. Reseat or test 
known-good MagSafe cable to 
achieve power for logic board. 
  
YesLogic board has power 
adapter energy to start 
system, 16.7V found on Q7001.  
MagSafe cable reseat or 
replacement resolved issue.  
If still no system power on 
indications, go to step 10
X03
NoNo voltage measured on 
Q7001, AC adapter power not 
going to logic board power 
supplies.  Replace logic board.  
 
M21
10.  Test and inspect Top Case 
Power Button. 
Stuck or open power on 
key or keyboard disconnect 
can disable the power on 
of system. If button does 
not work, locate R5015 pads 
on logic board just above 
trackpad connector, and 
short pads to power up logic 
board.  If power on key is 
stuck, keyboard cable must 
be disconnected for R5015 to 
work.  Does system power on?  
(Reconnect keyboard cable to 
confirm bad or intermittent 
connections.)
YesPower on key works fine, issue 
resolved. 
Power on key works when 
keyboard cable is reseated. 
Power on key appears to 
be stuck, had to remove 
keyboard cable for R5015 
power on.  Replace top case 
for stuck power on key
K05
NoNo logic board power on 
when shorting R5015 pads.  
Replace logic board.
M01