Apple macbook pro 15 inch late 2008 User Manual

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 91 2010-06-15
4. Disc spin should cease 30 
seconds after mounting data 
CD on OS desktop.  Is the noise 
related to disc spin?
YesGo to step 5.
NoGo to step 6.
5. Remove the optical drive and 
check for the correct seating 
of the brackets on the optical 
drive and in the top case. 
Reinstall drive in unit and 
retest. Verify if drive is still 
noisy.
YesGo to step 6.
NoIssue resolved.  Optical drive 
was not properly mounted in 
enclosure.  (Possible physical 
damage to optical drive.)  
            
(J05)
6.  Eject known good data CD. 
Disc handling noise should 
be one pop of disc from 
motor hub and a motor gear 
sound driving disc out of 
optical drive.  Is noise above 
normal and related to disc 
eject activity or multiple eject 
attempts?
YesReplace optical drive.J02
NoGo to step 7.
7. Disc spin should cease 30 
seconds after mounting data 
CD on desktop.  Media may 
be mounting on a defective 
internal spindle hub.  Is the 
noise related to disc spin?
YesReplace optical drive.J04
NoNoise does not appear to be 
related to optical drive.  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 92 2010-06-15
Optical Drive Not Performing to Specs
Unlikely cause: LCD, speakers, fan, camera, microphone
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Optical Drive Not Performing to 
Specs
Read or write speeds slower than 
expected.
1. Test optical media in another drive of the same 
type in same type of computer to rule out media 
issue.
2.  Check with known-good discs—Install discs that 
came with the computer.
3. For disc write issues, check with known-good 
media that performs well in another computer 
and drive of the same type.
4.  Check both CD and DVD media. If only one type 
of media is producing errors, there might be a 
laser related issue. (J99)
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Can optical drive read both CD 
and DVD known-good media?
YesGo to step 5
NoReading CD only or DVD only 
indicates laser issue, replace 
optical drive.
J03
Optical drive cannot read any 
media reliably. Go to step 2.
2.  Reseat cable connections 
at logic board and optical 
drive.  Verify that media is now 
recognized and reads reliably.
YesReseat resolved issue.X03
NoGo to step 3.
3. Disconnect optical drive by 
lifting SATA cable at logic 
board and connecting a 
known-good drive.  Verify that 
media is now recognized and 
reads reliably.
YesSATA port functional, 
reconnect user’s optical drive 
& SATA cable. Go to step 4.
NoReplace logic board.M19  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 93 2010-06-15
4. Install and test with 
replacement optical drive SATA 
flex cable. Verify that media 
is now recognized and reads 
reliably.
YesCable change resolved issue.X03
NoReplace optical drive.  
(Mechanical damage to 
optical drive, if found)
J03 
(J05)
5. Test write data to compatible 
CD and DVD media.  Verify 
burned media is recognized 
and reads reliably.
YesIssue resolved. 
NoReplace optical drive.  
(Mechanical damage to 
optical drive, if found)
J03 
(J06)
Uncategorized Symptom
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Uncategorized Symptom
Unable to locate appropriate 
symptom code
Verify whether existing symptom code applies to  the 
issue reported by the user. If not, document reported 
symptom and send feedback to smfeedback@apple.
com stating that a suitable symptom code could not 
be found.  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) 94 2010-06-15
Input/Output Devices
USB Port Does Not Recognize Known Devices
Unlikely cause:  LCD, hard drive, optical drive
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
USB Port Does Not Recognize 
Known Devices
USB-wired keyboard/mouse or 
USB flash drive not recognized
1. Check the for latest software update.
2.  Use Apple System Profiler to verify the computer 
recognizes the USB bus.
3. Test port with known good Apple keyboard or 
mouse.
4.  Verify any USB hubs have sufficient power.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Reset SMC and clear PRAM. 
Was USB device recognized?
YesIssue resolved.
NoGo to step 2.
2.  Is USB device receiving power 
from USB port?  Note:  first 
device to need >500ma will 
get 1000ma, all others are 
limited to 
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) 95 2010-06-15
Built-in Keyboard Does Not Work Properly
Unlikely cause:  LCD, hard drive, optical drive
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Built-in Keyboard Does Not Work 
Properly
• Keystrokes not recognized
• Locks up
• Displayed characters don’t 
match
1. In System Preferences: International: Input Menu, 
enable Keyboard Viewer.  Select Show Keyboard 
Viewer from the Input Menu in the menu bar.  
Test the keyboard.
2.  Confirm correct keyboard layout is selected.
3. Update to the latest system software.
4.  Press Caps Lock, if the Caps Lock light goes on 
to show at least a partial connection to the main 
logic board.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. If specific keys are not working, 
confirm if they are physically 
broken.
YesRefer to “MacBook/
MacBook Pro: Black Keycap 
Replacement” (HT4002) or 
“MacBook: White Keycap 
Replacement” (HT4003). If a 
keycap kit is available for this 
model, order kit and replace 
affected key(s). 
Go to step 4.
NoIf a keycap kit is not available 
for this model, replace 
complete top case. 
Go to step 4.
K01
2.  Reseat keyboard flex cable to 
logic board and verify that all 
keys are functional.
YesIssue resolved.X99
NoGo to step 3.
3. Disconnect and verify that 
keyboard flex cable is in good 
condition (no delamination or 
torn cable end, no missing or 
cracked tracks).
YesGo to step 4.
NoReplace top case. Go to step 5.K01  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 96 2010-06-15
4. Reseat cable and check that 
flex cable end is fully inserted 
and aligned with connector 
on logic board, and that 
connector lock is closed.  Verify 
that keyboard now functions 
properly.  Reseat cable and 
verify with ASD that all keys 
are functional.
YesIssue resolved.K01
NoReplace top case. Go to step 5.
5. Verify that all keys are 
functional using ASD.
YesIssue resolved.K01
NoReplace logic board.M15
Specific Keys Don’t Work
Unlikely cause: power adapter, battery, speakers, LCD, ODD/HDD, fan, microphone
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Specific Keys Don’t Work
• Keycap broken
• Key switch broken
• Sticky key
• Key pressed not recognized
1. Determine if damage caused by user/technician 
environment, accidental damage, or abuse.
2.  Inform user/technician the failures are not 
covered by Apple warranties.  Refer to  
http://www.apple.com/legal/warranty
3. Inspect keycap to remove debris trapped under it.
4.  If the keycap is loose, check if clasp is still intact 
and reattach it.
5. Refer to “MacBook/MacBook Pro: Black Keycap 
Replacement” (HT4002) or “MacBook: White 
Keycap Replacement” (HT4003). If a keycap kit 
is available for this model, order kit and replace 
affected key(s). If a kit is not available, replace 
complete top case (code K01).  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 97 2010-06-15
Built-in Trackpad Does Not Work
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Built-in Trackpad Does Not Work
• Cursor does not move.
• Select button of trackpad 
inoperable
• Multiple touch features 
inoperable
1. Check for environmental factors such as humidity, 
hand lotion or jewelry.  Check if user is touching 
the trackpad simultaneously with both hands.
2.  Clean the trackpad surface (with the computer 
powered off ) using a clean, dry, lint-free cloth.
3. Make sure all software and firmware updates have 
been applied.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Can you see the trackpad 
continuously listed on USB in 
Apple System Profiler?
YesGo to step 5.
NoGo to step 2.
2.  Does trackpad look damaged? 
Verify trackpad alignment is 
proper and click-depth set 
screw is at factory setting.
YesReplace trackpad according 
to symptom found. 
- No mouse/trackpad 
response  
- Trackpad cursor not tracking 
properly 
- Trackpad button issues 
Go to step 6.
 
 
K02 
 
K12 
 
K13
NoGo to step 3.
3. Reseat the trackpad flex cable 
to the logic board.  Does 
trackpad work now?
YesLoose cable.  Issue resolved. 
NoGo to step 4.
4.  Is the trackpad connector on 
the logic board damaged?
YesReplace logic board.M24
No Go to step 5.  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 98 2010-06-15
5. In System Preferences: 
Universal Access, turn off 
special Keyboard and Mouse 
& Trackpad settings.  Set for 
normal use, enable and test 
multiple touch features. Does 
trackpad work now?
YesSettings issue resolved.
NoGo to step 6
6.  Does the select button click?   
Verify trackpad alignment is 
proper and click-depth set 
screw is at factory setting.
YesAll trackpad issues resolved.
NoGo to step 7 
7. Does a known-good trackpad  
work?
YesReplace trackpad according 
to symptom found. 
- No mouse/trackpad 
response  
- Trackpad cursor not tracking 
properly 
- Trackpad button issues
 
 
K02 
 
K12 
K13
NoReplace logic board.M16  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 99 2010-06-15
Built-in Keyboard Has Dim or No Keyboard Backlight
Unlikely cause:  LCD, hard drive, optical drive
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Built-in Keyboard Has Dim or No 
Backlight
• In darkened room, keyboard 
backlight does not come on or 
is dim.
1. Make sure this computer model has a keyboard 
backlight option by checking the configuration 
label in the battery bay.
2.  Make sure that keyboard backlight is turned on 
and brightness turned up.
3. Block the ambient light sensor to simulate 
darkened room.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. Make sure the “illuminate 
keyboard in low light 
condition” option is checked in 
Keyboard System Preferences; 
then cover the ambient light 
sensor located on left of 
camera. Did the display dim?
YesAmbient light sensor is 
working.  Go to step 4.
NoGo to step 2.
2.  Cover the ambient light sensor 
again.  Did the keyboard 
backlight work?
YesIssue resolved.
NoGo to step 3.
3. In the Apple System Profiler, 
can you see the AirPort and 
Bluetooth cards?
YesThe light sensor connection 
to logic board is likely good. 
Replace display assembly.
L14
NoGo to step 4.
4.  Reseat the keyboard backlight 
connection to the logic board.  
Does the keyboard backlight 
work now?
YesIssue resolved.
NoGo to step 5
5. Measure the voltage between 
pin 4 and pin 2 of the 
keyboard backlight connector 
J5815.  Is there voltage present 
with the running system in a 
dark room?
YesReplace top case.K10
NoReplace logic board.M99  
						

							MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 100 2010-06-15
Built-in Keyboard Is Not Recognized
Unlikely cause:  LCD, hard drive, optical drive
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
Built-in Keyboard Is Not 
Recognized
• Keystrokes not recognized
1. Reset SMC.
2.  Press Caps Lock.  If the Caps Lock light comes on 
that indicates at least a partial connection to the 
logic board.
3. In System Preferences: International: Input Menu, 
enable Keyboard Viewer.  Select Show Keyboard 
Viewer from the Input Menu in the menu bar.  
Test the keyboard.
Deep Dive
CheckResultActionCode
1. In Apple System Profiler do you 
see “Apple Internal Keyboard/
Trackpad” listed under USB 
hardware devices?
YesGo to step 3.
NoGo to step 2.
2.  Reset SMC and verify if 
keyboard/trackpad is now seen 
in Apple System Profiler.
YesGo to step 3.
NoReplace logic board.M15
3. Disconnect and verify that 
keyboard flex cable is in good 
condition (no delamination or 
torn cable end, no missing or 
cracked tracks).
YesGo to step 4.
NoReplace top case. Go to step 5.K11
4.  Reseat cable and check that 
flex cable end is fully inserted 
and aligned with connector 
on logic board, and that 
connector lock is closed.  Verify 
that keyboard now functions 
properly.
YesIssue resolved.
NoReplace top case. Go to step 5.K11
5. Verify that all keys are 
functional using ASD.
YesIssue resolved.
NoReplace logic board.M15