Late 2009 Macbook Pro won't turn on

Last Friday, my half charged Macbook Pro randomly turned off and was unresponsive.  No sleep/power indicator light, no start up chime, nothing.  The only thing that works is the battery indicator light. I have tried a PRAM reset, SMC reset, everything suggested on this website and in the manual. I'm wondering what I'm looking at replacing here, and what the cost could be.

I think a visit to an Apple Store or a Service Provider may be the best choice, if only for the diagnosis. There's a high probability that repairs will be costly so you'll want to make sure to hit the problem dead on instead of splurging money all over.

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  • My mid year 2009 macbook pro won't turn on completely...

    My mid year 2009 macbook pro froze while safari was open, I could not force quit, and I lost my trackpad control, so I turned it off. Now, when turned on, the screen comes on but the computer doesn't open completely, then it times out and turns off. What now?

    Hi Melophage,
    Thanks! for replying to my plight!
    Nope, Safe mode didn't work...We tried everything in the manual, starting w/ Safe mode, on to resetting the PRAM and also used the utility disc that came w/ the laptop, to repair the disc...at which point we got into a continual error 19 loop, but the read out stated that the hard drive was OK..? Now we can't eject the disc...I guess we are headed to the Apple Store for an estimate for repair.  Ouch!
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  • My relatives 2009 Macbook Pro won't turn on and isn't taking a charge.

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    Hi Cygnus and Lyra,
    Thanks for visiting Apple Support Communities.
    If the MacBook Pro doesn't respond when the power button is pressed, or seem to recognize the charger, these troubleshooting steps can help:
    If the wall outlet is working and you continue to have no power try another power cord or adapter if available. If it works you may need a replacement cord or adapter.
    Note: See Apple Portables: Troubleshooting MagSafe adapters for further troubleshooting with MagSafe adapters.
    Disconnect all accessories that are plugged in to the computer, such as a printer, hub, or other mobile device.
    If your Mac supports user-installable memory, solid state drive, or hard drive, and you recently installed any of these, make sure they are installed correctly and are compatible with your computer. If possible, reinstall the original memory or drive into the computer to find out if the behavior persists afterwards.
    MacBook Pro: How to remove or install memory
    MacBook: How to remove or install memory
    Mac Pro: How to remove or install memory
    Mac mini: How to remove or install memory
    iMac (27-inch, Late 2012): Installing or replacing memory
    iMac: How to remove or install memory
    Reset the SMC.
    If you are still unable to start up your computer after trying each of these steps, visit an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) for further diagnosis. If you plan to visit an Apple Retail Store, make a reservation at the Genius Bar using http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/ (available in some countries only).
    Note: Diagnostic fees may apply for issues not covered under warranty or the AppleCare Protection Plan (APP).
    You can find these steps here:
    Troubleshooting: My computer won't turn on - Apple Support
    All the best,
    Jeremy

  • I own a late 2009 Macbook Pro, and it keeps freezing after OSX Lion installation.

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    So, before I just decide to go and revert to Snow Leopard on my merry way, I ask, do any of you have any other ideas?  Or guarenteed fixes?  I know a guarentee is a hard thing to ask for, but I am desperate, my teachers are getting angry with me for not sending work, and I know this would help a lot of people.  Thank you to those who read through my whole spiel, and thank you to those who will help me!
    [Ps, while I am somewhat of a noob, I know my way around a computer, so any help, or knowledge you could bestow upon me is awesome.  Especially DIY fixes.  (if your only advice is, don't buy a mac at Best Buy, don't bother commenting)]
    Macbook Pro
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    Processor:  2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
    Memory:  4 GB 1067 MHz DDR3
    Graphics:  NVIDIA GeForce 9400M 256 MB
    Software:  Mac OS X Lion 10.7.2 (11C74)

    Once it is downloaded you need to restart the computer if it does not restart automatically. When it next starts up you should note a progress bar appearing below the Apple logo. When done the computer will restart once more. The new firmware should now be installed.

  • My MacBook Pro won't turn on, only a white screen with spinning circle, I've only had it a few weeks! Any ideas what is going on?

    My MacBook Pro won't turn on, only a white screen with spinning circle, I've only had it a few weeks! Any ideas what is going on?

    Mac OS X: Gray screen appears during startup 

  • My MacBook pro won't turn on all the way gets to the apple with the spinning wheel underneath and that's all I need help asap

    My MacBook pro won't turn on it just gets 2 the spinning wheel and keeps spinning

    Reinstall OS X without erasing the drive
    Do the following:
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    Boot from your Snow Leopard Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu. After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list.  In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive.  If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the installer.
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    2. Reinstall Snow Leopard
    If the drive is OK then quit DU and return to the installer.  Proceed with reinstalling OS X.  Note that the Snow Leopard installer will not erase your drive or disturb your files.  After installing a fresh copy of OS X the installer will move your Home folder, third-party applications, support items, and network preferences into the newly installed system.
    Download and install the Combo Updater for the version you prefer from support.apple.com/downloads/.
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  • My MacBook Pro won't turn on although the battery life is showing full

    My MacBook Pro won't turn on although my battery life is showing full ,

    Go step by step and test.
    http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1365
    Note: Steps 5 and 6
    Step 5
    Reset SMC.     http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
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  • My MacBook Pro won't turn on. What keys do I use toed last week.

    My MacBook Pro won't turn on. What are the keys to reboot?  This happened last week.

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964 if you haven't replaced the PRAM battery in the last 4 years.
    If you have:
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379
    Note, the PRAM battery is not the normal replaceable battery for power.  It is the equivalent of the PC CMOS battery.

  • My MacBook Pro won't turn on, what's wrong?

    My MacBook Pro won't turn on. What's wrong?

    gobetty wrote:
    My MacBook Pro won't turn on. What's wrong?
    Depends upon what you mean by it not turning on, there are various causes.
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    Is there a white screen and nearly nothing? A hosed EFI firmware.
    Is there a grey screen and a loading bar that gets stuck? Either a failed firmware update or corrupted drive/OS X.
    Is there a grey screen with a spinning wheel? Bad third party or Apple at boot kext file.
    Are you loading but not able to log in? Possible corrupt third party software designed to startup upon login.
    ..Step by Step to fix your Mac

  • My macbook pro won't turn on and it is plugged into the charger, the light doesn't even turn a color?

    my macbook pro won't turn on and it is plugged into the charger, the light doesn't even turn a color?

    Might be a problem with the adapter.
    Help here >  Apple Portables: Troubleshooting MagSafe adapters

  • My macbook pro won't turn on without any reason?

    my macbook pro won't turn on without any reason, is there any solution in this case?

    You need to hit the "reply" button on post to whom your responding too, it's hard to tell if your responding to me or someone else.
    small button on the side of the computer and didn't lightting up( no reponse at all). is their any problems do think with the battery?
    Usually if your battery is dead because it wasn't charged you can do the SMC Reset and then check the Magsafe if it's connected and showing the orange light, then let the battery charge up.
    Once the battery charges up, the computer will boot normally and then you have to reset the PRAM, time, date etc.
    https://support.apple.com/kb/TS1365
    Magsafe issues: https://support.apple.com/kb/TS1713   https://support.apple.com/kb/TS4127
    *PRAM Reset  http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.6/en/26871.html
    What's store in PRAM   https://support.apple.com/kb/HT1242
    Hardware Test
    https://support.apple.com/kb/ht1509

  • I have 12,000 photos on iphoto and my macbook pro won't turn on...gray screen goes to blue screen and that is it...HELP

    I have 12,000 photos on iphoto and my macbook pro won't turn on...gray screen turns blue and that is it.  HELP!!

    Run through this list of fixes
    Step by Step to fix your Mac
    You can do this to copy and remove files from the non booting internal
    Create a data recovery/undelete external boot drive

  • My macbook pro won't turn on. it just stays stuck on a white screen with a little circle spinning around and around when you power it on.

    my macbook pro won't turn on. it just stays stuck on a white screen with a little circle spinning around and around when you power it on. i don't know how to get it to progress past this loading page.

    Resetting your Mac's PRAM and NVRAM
    Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
    Restart the computer in Safe Mode, then restart again, normally. If this doesn't help, then:
    Reinstalling Mavericks, Lion/Mountain Lion Without Erasing the Drive
    Boot to the Recovery HD: Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the COMMAND and R keys until the menu screen appears. Alternatively, restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the OPTION key until the boot manager screen appears. Select the Recovery HD and click on the downward pointing arrow button.
    Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions: Upon startup select Disk Utility from the main menu. Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions as follows.
    When the recovery menu appears select Disk Utility. After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list.  In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive.  If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the main menu.
    Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion, Mavericks: Select Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion, Mavericks and click on the Continue button.
    Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible because it is three times faster than wireless.
    If you are not using Lion, Mountain Lion, or Mavericks then use the following procedure:
    Resetting your Mac's PRAM and NVRAM
    Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
    Restart the computer in Safe Mode, then restart again, normally. If this doesn't help, then:
    Reinstall OS X without erasing the drive
    1. Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions
    Boot from your Snow Leopard Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu. After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list.  In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive.  If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the installer.
    If DU reports errors it cannot fix, then you will need Disk Warrior and/or Tech Tool Pro to repair the drive. If you don't have either of them or if neither of them can fix the drive, then you will need to reformat the drive and reinstall OS X.
    2. Reinstall Snow Leopard
    If the drive is OK then quit DU and return to the installer.  Proceed with reinstalling OS X.  Note that the Snow Leopard installer will not erase your drive or disturb your files.  After installing a fresh copy of OS X the installer will move your Home folder, third-party applications, support items, and network preferences into the newly installed system.
    Download and install Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1.

  • Mid-2009 Macbook Pro will not turn on

    Hi Folks,
    so my mid-2009 15in Macbook Pro will not turn on. I updated the OS to Mavericks in December 2013. I'm from California, but I recently moved to the Guam/Marianas area where it is more humid and generally around 87 degrees F all day. For the past month my computer has worked fine, albeit I did notice the fan was running a little more than usual. I usually would just put it into sleep mode when I would finish using it (apparently a bad idea based off of reading other posts concerning humidity and, more importantly, heat). One day I finished using it, closed it and the next day went to open it; I could hear the fans start to work, but then it stopped. It hasn't turned on since. You press the power button and nothing happens. I tried all the troubleshooting stuff.
    So, my question is this: what do you think is the problem? Moreover, how much do you think it could cost to repair it? My experience with computers suggests to me that it's probably a dead motherboard. I'm wondering if it's worth trying to salvage this thing or if it would be prohibitively expensive. There are no Apple stores in the area to take it in to get advice unfortunately.
    Now, I just want to vent a little frustration. I have many apple products, and I've even switched my mother over to an apple computer, but now that I need some very basic support, apple doesn't provide a contact e-mail or a free chat? I think charging someone $19 for 'one time assistance' is ludicrous. I bet if I brought this into an apple store I could at least get some advice, and thus get some idea how I want to proceed with repairs or not. I suppose I'm also rather frustrated that my macbook, which I have been most happy with all these years, breaks because I go somewhere a little more humid and generally warmer? It would appear that the hardware failure is connected to the climate. This makes me skeptical about purchasing another mac if it can't handle a little humidity. (I have not spilled liquids on it, nor have used this computer while transitioning from an air-conditioned/humid location which could potentially cause condensation). I do not think I'm being unreasonable (yes I do think a $2500 computer should not fail after less than 5 years), but if you think I am unreasonable, please enlighten me.
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    Ken

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    If you find Apple’s out-of-warranty policies unacceptable, then your only alternative to venting would be to purchase your next computer from a different company which has out-of-warranty policies more to your taste.

  • Late 2011 Macbook Pro won't sleep!

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