User Guide

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Mechanical Issues: Thermals and Enclosure 110
2010-06-11
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Is the system running as
expected (compared to similar
system)?
Yes Use “Apple Portables:
Operating Temperature”
(Knowledge Base HT1778)
to inform user it is operating
normally.
No Go to step 2.
2. Are there runaway
applications? See “Runaway
applications can shorten
battery run time” (Knowledge
Base TS1473).
Yes Check with the vendor for
compatibility and software
update.
No Go to step 3.
3. Fans are typically on at
minimum speed. Perform
SMC reset or remove all power
for 15 minutes. Is the fan(s)
running properly?
Yes Go to step 5.
No Fan(s) not running or always
running at full speed. Go to
step 4.
4. Reseat fan connection to logic
board or test a known-good
fan. Replace a fan that is not
spinning or replace logic board
that is not spinning a known-
good fan. Is fan(s) working
properly?
Yes Reseating or replacing bad
fan resolved issue. Replace
logic board if it does not work
with known-good fan.
X99
or
M18
No Go to step 5.
5. Is the heatsink installed
properly with no damage to
heat ns?
Yes Go to step 7.
No Replace missing screws or
damaged heatsink. Go to step
6.
6. Is the system running as
expected?
Yes Heatsink installed incorrectly.
Issue resolved.
X10
No Go to step 7.
7. Heatsink thermal grease
possibly missing or improperly
installed during previous
repair?
Yes Replace heatsink or install
thermal grease.
X10
No Go to step 8.