Fix Your Stuff Community Store

1.83, 2, or 2.16 GHz Core Duo processor

281 Questions View all

Options

MacBook Pro (2GHz CrD) won't boot while internal optical drive attachd

15" Macbook Pro 2GHz Core Duo (2006-7)

Hi all -

I'm having trouble with this macbook pro... it runs perfectly fine, as long as I do NOT attach any DVD-drive/Superdrive to the logic board (internal drives).

If I attach the correct drive (confirmed working parts) to the logic board... when I go to power it on, it attempts to start but almost instantly dies/turns off. You can hear the HDD start to spin up, but nothing else. If I hold the power button (like using the PRAM reset technique), it repeats that rapidly with a strange sound like the power is disrupted. Winding up sound... quickly, and repeatedly. Never powers on though and no screen response.

I'm assuming something is wrong with the connection site on the logic board, so I'm wondering what else I can do to have an internal optical drive. I notice a plug-in port (smaller) to the left near the SODIMM RAM and BATTERY OPENING. Is that a usable port with the right flex cable?? Or somewhere else on the board perhaps besides the connection site for the HDD? Thanks in advance.

J

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Yes No
Score 1
2 Comments

Tough one. +

by

Hi all -

So after some close investigation, it appears the previous owner of this macbook pro burned out the flex cable (found the previous cable in the box), and used another macbook pro model's flex cable for the optical bay. Unfortunately, they're not compatible between model to model (ie, this person used a core 2 duo 15" optical bay cable in place of a core duo 15" ...). So every time it was connected, it was shorting the computer out. Thankfully, I discovered the error and ordered the proper cable - works great now. Thanks for the input, all.

Jason

by

Add a comment

2 Answers

Filter by:
Most Helpful Newest Oldest
Chosen Solution

Options

I believe you answered one of your own questions on your own. The connection to the Logic Board is bad, shorted out somehow. If there is a way to bypass The Optical Drive during the boot process you might resolve this problem. But, I'm not sure this is feasible.

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 1

3 Comments:

Hey Majesty -

Any idea what the empty 30-pin port (labeled J5100 or J6000 on other models) is for? I'm hoping to perhaps use it if I can figure out what it was created for/find the right flex cable. Thanks in advance.

by

Will do some research on that.

by

Any info yet by chance on the board's extra (what appears to be - 30-pin) connection that's unused?

by

Add a comment

Options

You could try cleaning

the connector ends with soft brush and electrical contact cleaner / 99% alcohol (be sure to let thoroughly dry before applying any power). Examine with magnifier for bent or shorted pins.

If this answer was helpful please remember to mark it accepted.

Good Luck,

N

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 0

1 Comment:

Unfortunately, as I suspected, a cleaning isn't enough. Thanx for the input, though.

by

Add a comment

Add your answer

jcarter will be eternally grateful.
View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 0

Past 7 Days: 1

Past 30 Days: 2

All Time: 2,351