 Apple Technician Guide - tim.id.au

2010-08-05
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Intermittent shutdown
• Powers off during startup
• Powers off with desktop use
Deep Dive
1. Verify battery charge status
2. Check AC adapter MagSafe connector and
connection with system
3. Reset SMC and PRAM
4. Start up with shift key down for safe mode
5. Startup from known-good bootable device
6. Check system.log info for shutdown cause
7. Run AHT /ASD for sensors + thermal test
Check Result Action Code
1. Identify shutdown code
recorded in system log file.
Open the system.log file with
console application. Search
for occurrences of “previous
shutdown cause” return codes.
Verify system log looking for
codes that indicate abnormal
shutdown events.
2. Reset SMC and clear PRAM;
then monitor system
performance to verify if
system shutdowns cease. Are
shutdown symptoms and
events gone?
Yes -Intermittent power means
checking battery health , AC
source and MagSafe cable
seating ; go to step 4
-Sleep means running sleep
sensor test; go to step 7
-Overtemp means checking
for clogged heatsink, shorted
sensors cables or defective
fan; go to step 8
No system.log lists only normal
shutdown codes, no codes
related to heat sensors or
power concerns. Go to step 2
Yes Shutdown cause related to
SMC or PRAM resolved by
changing to default settings.
No Shutdown event still occurs.
Go to step 3.
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53 GHz, Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power Issues 39