Apple macbook pro 15 inch late 2008 User Manual

MacBook (15-inch, Late 2008) Basics — Manual Updates 11 2010-06-15
• Updated Display/Blank/No Video/added “Unlikely Cause”  
• Updated Display/Backlight Issue/No Backlight/added “Unlikely Cause”
• Updated Display/Noise/ Unstable Flickering/added “Unlikely Cause”
• Updated Display/Added new symptoms for Backlight Issue / No Backlight
• Updated InPut/Output Devices/ Specific Keys Don’t Work /added “Ulikely Cause” 
• Take Apart
• Battery: added note to seat the battery connector 
• Bottom case: added 2...

© 2008 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
 Apple Technician Guide
Basic
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)   

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Basics — Overview 13 2010-06-15
Overview
The MacBook (15-inch, Late 2008) computer features both the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M 
integrated graphics processor and a high-performance NVIDIA 9600 GT graphics processor.
Multi-Touch trackpad, and aluminum body. Refer to more features below.
Identifying Features
The main features and service differences include:
• Aluminum unibody enclosure, machined from a single piece of aluminum
• Ultrathin 15-inch LED-backlit glossy display,...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Basics — Overview 14 2010-06-15
Product Configurations 
The following table shows the MacBook (15-inch, Late 2008) model configurations at 
introduction: 
FeatureBetter (MB470)Best (MB471)
Intel Core 2 Duo processor2.4 GHz  3MB sharedL2
1066MHz frontside bus
2.53 GHz 6MB shared L2
2.8 GHz 6 MB L2 CTO
1066MHz frontside bus
GraphicsNVIDIA GeForce 9400M 
(MCP79) + NVIDIA GeForce 
9600M GT 256MB VRAM
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M 
(MCP79) + NVIDIA 
GeForce 9600M GT 
512MB VRAM
Memory,...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Basics — Serial Number Location 15 2010-06-15
Serial Number Location
Serial Number On Top Case
Remove the access door and battery to see the serial number on the inside front wall of the top 
case.
Transferring the Serial Number
Before installing the replacement top case, transfer the serial number to the replacement 
top case. Peel up the original serial number label with a jeweler’s flat blade screw driver and 
transfer it to the inside edge of the replacement top case...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Basics — General Information 16 2010-06-15
General Information
Required Tools 
Caution: To prevent scratches or other cosmetic damage to the computer housing, use a soft 
cloth as a protective layer when removing and installing the external screws.
The following tools are required to service the computer: 
• Clean, soft, lint-free cloth
• ESD wrist strap and mat
• Magnetic Phillips #0 screwdriver
• Magnetic Phillips #00 screwdriver (preferably with a long handle)
• Torx...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Basics — General Information 17 2010-06-15
The Glass Panel
Warning: The glass panel for this model is not a serviceable part. If the glass is broken or 
scratched, replace the display assembly. Attempting to remove the glass can permanently 
shatter the display face and damage other parts.
To clean the glass panel, use the Apple polishing cloth (922-8245) and iKlear Apple Polish or 
Brillianize anti-static spray cleaning solution. Alternatively, IPA (isopropyl alcohol)...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Basics — General Information 18 2010-06-15
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 Pro computers. The packages 
allow you to replace individual keycaps rather than the entire top case. 
There are four different keycap packages, based on the color of the key and the type of 
keyboard (version D and S). 
Part numberKey colorKeyboard...

© 2008 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
 Apple Technician Guide 
Troubleshooting
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)   

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Apple Service Diagnostics 20 2010-06-15
General Troubleshooting
Update System Software
Important: Whenever possible before beginning troubleshooting, ensure the latest software 
and firmware updates have been applied.
Apple Service Diagnostics
Run Apple Service Diagnostic 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...