Apple macbook pro 15 inch late 2008 User Manual

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Hardware vs. Software 21 2010-06-15
Hardware vs. Software
For information on how to isolate a hardware issue from a software issue, refer to:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1388?viewlocale=en_US
TS1394—Mac OS X: Troubleshooting installation and software updates 
HT2956—Troubleshooting Mac OS X installation from CD or DVD 
For information on how to troubleshoot a software issue, refer to:
HT1199—Mac OS X: How to troubleshoot a software issue...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Apple Hardware Test 22 2010-06-15
Apple Hardware Test
There are two 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. See examples below.
• Apple Hardware Test 3A147 to be used on systems with the third, fourth, and fifth serial 
number digits below 911.  Example: Serial number W 8 8 4 0 H Q R I G 0
•...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Functional Overview 23 2010-06-15
Functional Overview
Refer to this diagram for symptoms related to MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) logic board 
connectors.
Fans:
-intermittent shutdown
-freezes
-noisy fan
Keyboard backlight:
-no keyboard backlight
Clamshell to Airport, 
Bluetooth, webcam and 
ambient light sensor:
-any of these 
communications failing
-no keyboard backlight
-no startup if shorted AP 
LCD + backlight:
-no video on internal lcd...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Block Diagram, MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) 24 2010-06-15
Block Diagram, MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)
Refer to this diagram to see how modules are interrelated.  

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Liquid Submersion Indicators 25 2010-06-15
Liquid Submersion Indicators
Liquid submersion indicators (LSI) have been added to specific locations on current Mac 
portables to help determine if systems have been damaged by liquid. The sensors are only 
visible when the bottom case and some of the modules have been removed. Normally 
represented by small white dots, the LSIs turn red when they have come in contact with liquid, 
such as an accidental...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Common Reset Procedures 26 2010-06-15
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 
Starting Up in Safe Mode
A Safe Boot is a special way to start Mac OS X when troubleshooting. To start up into...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Display Issue: Pixel Anomalies 27 2010-06-15
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:...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) General Troubleshooting — Display Hinge Behavior 28 2010-06-15
Display Hinge Behavior
The MacBook Pro models have a unique counterbalanced clutch system. The design provides a 
smooth, fluid feel when opening, closing, or positioning the display. The counterbalanced clutch 
system was designed so that when the display is vertical with respect to the ground, it will 
remain in place regardless of the angle of the base.
Moving the display past vertical allows the hinges to...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts 29 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.
Note: There is no silkscreen text on final production logic boards. The photos shown with test 
points are from pre-production units and are solely for reference.
Startup and Power Issues
No Power
Unlikely...

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts 30 2010-06-15
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
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...