MacBook Pro - Fearing the worst...

KatieDee

I have a 13 inch MacBook Pro, 2009 model (aluminium casing). I've owned it since 2010, no real issues. Battery still functioning well, no random restarts.

A few nights ago I was using my MacBook when it shut down. I assumed the battery had run out and as I had housework to do, thought it was probably a sign to put it down and focus.

I went to pick it up again later after charging it and nothing happened. I then started to panic, as I soon realised there was something wrong. I read through forums about macs that won't start up, followed all the tips (SMC reset) and still nothing.

The more I fiddle with it, the less time it stays on. Now, I do an SMC reset (the only time it actually turns on), the laptop fires up, shows a grey screen with an Apple logo, I hear a click then it dies. Occasionally it will fire up again with extremely loud fans but dies in shortly after.

I have a feeling it's the hard drive. It just isn't booting up at all and won't stay on long enough to look into booting into safe mode. That click is also symptomatic of a HD problem.

Any insights or tips? I don't want to visit the Apple Store if possible just for them to charge me for a diagnostic test then quote me hundreds for a repair.

Quick summary to avoid the wall of text:

• MacBook Pro 2009 model randomly shuts down, loud click can be heard
• Now I cannot boot unless doing an SMC reset
• Laptop then shuts down immediately, no chance to boot in safe mode
• No new software or updates installed recently
• No battery issues

Big_Graeme

Check the charger is working and is charging the machine.

KatieDee

Funnily enough there is a frayed wire on the charger but it appears to be charging properly. When the laptop first shut down, the battery was 50% charged which could be seen by the green lights down the side. The charger itself shows as orange when plugged in as well.

Big_Graeme

Are you able to remove RAM and/or Hard drive?

KatieDee

Big_Graeme wrote: »

Are you able to remove RAM and/or Hard drive?

I could do, but it's all completely sealed so cannot do anything until I get the correct screwdriver, which won't be until tomorrow now!

Big_Graeme

Just so you know you've tried everything, pull the hard drive and try booting, replace and pull the RAM.

Something had failed by the sounds of it.

shortchanged_2

I'm assuming this is a joke post as apples never have problems.

Im_just_careful

I would take it to the Apple store actually.

I have a MacBook which had what seemed to be a failed battery and they tried a good battery and demonstrated that it was the problem.

I then bought a new one from them (cheap batteries seem to have poor longevity).

Assuming that it is the hard drive, it is possible to boot a Mac from an external drive and they may well have one which will demonstrate that this is the problem.

You could then find any Apple repairer to fix the problem (replace the hard drive).

Hopefully you have a "time machine" or other backup.

It may be a little late to mention this but I'm a great fan of a networked drive and regular backups.....