Apple macbook pro 15 inch late 2008 User Manual

 Apple Technician Guide
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)
Updated: 2010-06-15  

 Apple Inc.
© 2008 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
Under the copyright laws, this document may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the 
written consent of Apple.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this document is accurate. Apple 
is not responsible for printing or clerical errors.
Apple 
1 Infinite Loop 
Cupertino, CA 95014-2084 
USA 
+ 1 408 996 1010 
www.apple.com
Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, MacBook, and Macintosh are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in 
the U.S....

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)
Contents
Manual Updates 8
Updated 15 June 2010 8
Updated 14 May 2010 8
Updated 08 February 2010 8
Updated 3 December 2009 8
Updated 16 November 2009 8
Updated 01 July 2009 9
Updated 17 June 2009  9
Updated 15 June 2009 9
Updated 1 June 2009 9
Updated 14 April 2009 9
Updated 18 March 2009 9
Updated 3 March 2009 10
Updated 17 December 2008 10
Updated 14 November 2008  11
Updated 21 October 2008 11
Manual introduced 14 October 2008  11
Basic
Overview 13
Identifying Features...

Troubleshooting Theory 20
Hardware vs. Software 21
Clamshell Service Diagnostic Read Me  21
Apple Hardware Test 22
Functional Overview 23
Block Diagram, MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)  24
Liquid Submersion Indicators 25
Common Reset Procedures 25
Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies  27
Display Hinge Behavior 28
Symptom Charts 29
Startup and Power Issues  29
No Power 29
Won’t Start Up  32
Intermittent Shutdown  35
No Video/Bad Video 40
Battery Isn’t Recognized or Won’t Charge  43
Kernel Panic/System Crashes...

Hard Drive Noisy 84
Optical Drive Won’t Accept/Reject Media  85
Optical Drive Read/Write Data Error 87
Optical Drive Not Recognized/Mount  89
Optical Drive Noisy 90
Optical Drive Not Performing to Specs  92
Uncategorized Symptom 93
Input/Output Devices 94
USB Port Does Not Recognize Known Devices  94
Built-in Keyboard Does Not Work Properly 95
Specific Keys Don’t Work 96
Built-in Trackpad Does Not Work  97
Built-in Keyboard Has Dim or No Keyboard Backlight  99
Built-in Keyboard Is Not Recognized 100...

Installing Applications 130
Bottom Case 131
Bottom Case Information   133
Memory 134
Removal 135
Replacement  136
Midwall 137
Removal  138
Replacement  139
Battery Connector Cover  140
Battery Indicator Light Board  142
Removal 143
Replacement  143
Battery Indicator Cable  144
Removal 145
Replacement  145
Camera/AirPort/BT Cable Guide  146
LVDS Cable Guide 148
Display Assembly 150
Replacement 154
Display Hinge Behavior  154
Display Clutch Cover 155
Removal 156
Replacement  157
AirPort Card 159
Removal...

Logic Board 179
Heatsink 186
Removal 187
Replacement  188
Trackpad 190
Removal 191
Replacement  194
Battery Power Cable  199
Left Speaker 201
Microphone   204
MagSafe Board  206
Center Bracket 208
Cable Clip for AirPort Card  210
HD Front Bracket/Flex Cable with IR and Sleep LED  211
Express Card Cage 215
Kensington Lock 217
Top Case 219
Removal 220
Replacement  220
Top Case Information  221
Views
Exploded Views 223
Main Assembly 1  223
Main Assembly 2 224
Display Assembly  225
External Views 226
Front...

MacBook (15-inch, Late 2008) Basics — Manual Updates 8 2010-06-15
Manual Updates
Updated 15 June 2010
Troubleshooting:
• General Troubleshooting: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC): Updated text 
to clarify MagSafe LED behavior; deleted text requiring resetting date and time.
Updated 14 May 2010
Basics: 
• General Information: Keycap Replacement: Service packages of 78 replacement keycaps are 
now available in the U.S. and Canada (U.S. version keyboard only) for designated MacBook 
and...

MacBook (15-inch, Late 2008) Basics — Manual Updates 9 2010-06-15
• Display Assembly: Added replacement note about installing foam gasket; revised “Tools” to 
specify a Torx T6 screwdriver with a large-diameter handle for a better grip on tight screws
• Logic Board: Added replacement note about installing foam gasket.
Updated 01 July 2009
Take Apart:
• Display Assembly, Optical Drive, and the Logic Board chapters were updated with 
information about the shim located behind the camera cable connector. If...

MacBook (15-inch, Late 2008) Basics — Manual Updates 10 2010-06-15
versions of Apple Hardware Test (AHT ) for the MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008). To 
identify which version of AHT to use, check the third, fourth, and fifth digits in the 
system serial number
• Intermittent Shutdown: Added table “Troubleshooting Shutdown Causes” 
Take Apart:
• MagSafe Board: Updated removal procedure and added graphic to port test using 
unplugged power adapter cable
• Logic Board: Updated cable disconnect procedure...