MacBook Pro Late 2008 (Unibody) doesn't boot

Hello,
my good old MacBook Pro Late 2008 running Mountain Lion won't boot anymore. The sleep light does not light on, the green battery status indicator light is showing that the battery is full. I had this problem two or three times, and usually my Macbook comes magically back to life after one or two days.
At the Apple store they said I'd have to make a SMC reset, and when they did it in the store, it worked. But it doesn't work for me (and I am sure I am doing the same thing, so maybe the Apple guy was just lucky – or is there another special trick?). What could be the solution to my problem?
Unfortunately, I can't really tell the exact specifications, but it is the standard model, and I didn't change anything since. I just had the problem that it was getting really hot like half a year ago, but then I cleaned the fans and since then it was running rather fine (just sometimes froze).
Any help greatly appreciated!
Julian

I've got the same, or almost the same problem on a MBP 2008 (late).
MBP 15.4/2.53/2X2GB/320/SD/512VRAM upgraded to 8 GB 1067 DDR3 (OWC memory)
In my case the computer works fine when I'm able to get it on. If it is turned off and the MagSafe charger disconnected then left that way for a few hours, and the MagSafe is re-connected, let it charge for a bit, it can often be turned on via the power button. HOWEVER, .....
If it is left OFF overnight (Apple > Shut Down .... ), and the backlit keyboard goes dark, then a little pause before closing the lid, and left overnight, it will usually not be able to be turned on. The battery is in reasonably good condition (~+3500 mAh) and the newer battery (~ guess +5000 or more mAh) it doesn't do any better, and it won't turn on. Cycle count 183.
Take the battery out, (disconnect the MagSafe first! Never have the MagSafe charging without a batter in the computer) wait half a minute, reinstall battery (I like the 5,1 because the back section can be easily removed to access the battery and the hard drive), attach the MagSafe charger then wait a bit (few minutes), and the computer can often be turned on the first time. If not the first time then repeat the process. Tried hitting the Power button with the battery off but that doesn't seem to change anything.
Erased the HD (Hard Drive) and reinstalled Yosemite, have Fire Vault turned off, did a Utilities (Cmd + r ) check of the hardware (no problems), also did a few other tests - no problems. PRAM reset. Investigated BONJOUR - haven't gone into the Terminal yet. Would be nice to disable Bonjour without disabling DNS. https://www.apple.com/support/bonjour/ and http://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/151485/how-do-i-disable-bonjour-visibil ity-after-yosemite-install and http://forums.obdev.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6106
The Genius Bar tested it and couldn't find a problem. Suggested the Logic Board be replaced and that i$ expen$ive! I've investigated having the Logic Board repaired and that would cost around $150 + shipping. Won't do the oven trick. Other problem sources I've come across is the graphics chip (mainly on the 2008 (early) MBPs.
Since erasing and reinstalling OS X Yosemite the computer really screams but I've started to reinstall some of the applications (FCPX & Motion), Documents, and Movie files. Still screams though! Nothing like a real cleaning of the hard drive. Didn't do a Time Capsule-type backup because I wanted to minimize "junk". The CanoScan LiDE 90 scanner won't work because Canon won't come up with a driver to work with Yosemite. Won't buy a Canon scanner again and didn't want to buy it to begin with due to a previous Canon problem. Bought a new Canon camcorder, $1,600 + tax, back when they had mini-tapes, it at the Maxwell tape but just outside the warranty period and wanted something around $500 to fix it. Turned out that was a typical problem.
Really running out of options and ideas at this point. Hate to send it off to repair the Logic Board. Still looking for a software or setting fix.

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  • User Contributed Tips, Ports & interfaces on MacBook Pro (Late 2008 & 2009)

    *The following User Contributed Tips are located in the Ports and interfaces on the MacBook Pro (Late 2008 and 2009) Forum:*
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    *The following related tips are located in other areas of Apple Discussions:*
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      Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
      Boot ROM Version: MBP51.007E.B06
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      Serial Number (system): W8******1G0
      Hardware UUID: *****
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    <Edited By Host>

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    Heres the device.
    http://www.morecomputers.com/spec.aspx?pn=ST1000LM014
    After creating a mountable boot on a External hard drive with Mavericks install I removed the current hard drive and replaced with the new seagate drive. However it didn't seem to recognize the external hard drive (it is quite old but works perfectly) and went to a flashing grey question mark screen and wouldnt do anything else. Ive tried holding down command-r and option-r but I get nothing. Its just the same flashing question mark. I have done this several times and the same result.
    I put the old drive back in and it works fine.
    I am trying to work out is the problem with the mountable external hard drive OR is it the hard drive is not compatible with my computer?
    Appreciate your help
    Gary

    Sorry I think you may be confused.
    I am trying to install the new Seagate hard drive to my mac (not as an external hard drive).
    I replace the macbook pro hard drive with the seagate drive:
    http://www.morecomputers.com/spec.aspx?pn=ST1000LM014
    I then started up the machine with a usb external hard drive with a boot copy of mavericks on it. However, it just displayed a flashing question mark and wouldnt start booting the osx.
    I am trying to work out is the problem with the mountable external hard drive OR is it the hard drive is not compatible with my computer? Im guessing it must be hard drive. Would it be better to use a USB pen drive as the external hard drive is quite old?
    Does anyone know what the problem could be as the hard drive is brand new.
    Appreciate your help
    Thanks, Gary

  • I did hold the ALT cmand r key but i cant see the globe i dont know how i can fix my macbook pro late 2008 can any 1 plzzzz help me im very upsate but i live PAKISTAN in here i cant find os x lion disk i dont know what to do if i get the os x lion usb

    i did hold the ALT cmand r key but i cant see the globe i dont know how i can fix my macbook pro late 2008 can any 1 plzzzz help me im very upsate but i live PAKISTAN in here i cant find os x lion disk i dont know what to do if i get the os x lion usb

    That does not work on model year older then 2010 and really doesn't work on any older then late 2011 models.
    You will need a set of original system dvd disc thjat are always sypplied with every mac sold before Lion came out. Systems older then late release early 2011 models.
    If you don't have them you kcan order a replacement set from apple by calling them. Have the serial number of you mac handy.

  • MacBook Pro Late-2008 Battery Can't Keep a Charge.

    I understand I bought my MacBook Pro Late-2008 just before they upgraded the MacBook batteries; it's never held a good charge, so I've had to keep it plugged in. Lately I've been finding myself needing it when outlets might not be readily available.
    After I remove the power cord, it doesn't stay charged for more than 3 minutes, 30 seconds (I've timed it more than once). Even with its age, this seems like a significant problem with the battery.
    I'm really not sure it's worth it to spend $130 on a replacement battery, and I'm not in a position to simply get a new MacBook.
    Are those third-party batteries actually legit? Is there a chance that an Apple Store might be able to take care of it? I'm well past the life of my Apple Care, obviously, but three minutes for the battery?
    What is my best option? Or just suck it up and deal with having to find an outlet wherever I go?
    Thanks.

    There are many third party batteries that are at best suspect.  I have seen on Amazon what appear to be legitimate OEM Apple batteries which I suspect are graymarket products.  You may try that at your own risk.  If you purchase from Apple. you will know what you will be getting and with a warranty.
    Ciao.
    OWC has what appears to be a battery that will fit your MBP.  They are a reputable vendor for Mac compatible products,
    http://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/BAP15MBU54RS/
    Message was edited by: OGELTHORPE

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