Is My AirPort Card Bad?

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Level 1

15 points

Is My AirPort Card Bad?

Hi all,

All of a sudden my MBP cannot connect to my wireless network.

This happened right before I was getting ready to upgrade the HD, so I was thinking that reinstalling Leopard would fix it, but it didn't.

Whenever I try to connect to my AP I get a timeout error. But my iPhone, 3 Macs and PC have no problem, so it's something with the MBP.

I can see the AP, but like I said when I try to connect, it times out.

I even reset the AP to the default settings but nothing, same thing.

Only thing I can think is that the card is bad. Anyone know how or what I can do to test it and make a definite summation?

Thanks.

iMac G3--iMac G5--iMac Intel--MB--MBP, Mac OS X (10.5.4)

Posted on Jul 20, 2008 3:35 PM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Jul 20, 2008 5:23 PM in response to Joshua Buche

Since you don't know if the problem is actually with the card, then replacing it may not fix the problem. You can take the computer to an Apple service center where they can diagnose it for you. That will cost you more than replacing the DVDs from AppleCare which you really need anyway. For all you know reinstalling OS X may fix everything. Right now you are selecting options when you haven't even determined what the problem truly is.

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Answer 2

Joshua Buche Author

Level 1

15 points

Jul 20, 2008 5:41 PM in response to Kappy

You're absolutely right, I really do need those restore DVD's, but I have done a clean install (when I upgraded the HD) and tried the AirPort before and after a software update, so (to me) it's really looking like it's a hardware issue.

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Answer 3

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Jul 20, 2008 5:51 PM in response to Joshua Buche

But you have not of knowing if it is a hardware issue whether it's the wireless card or your motherboard or a loose antenna connection. Furthermore, a software update is not the same as a full system reinstallation. If the computer's system was dysfunctional to start with then the update may have simply made it worse.

Have you even checked the console.log file for any entries that may be relevant? Don't get me wrong, I don't want to dissuade you from spending your money. But if it isn't necessary wouldn't that be better?

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Answer 4

limo79

Level 1

5 points

Jul 21, 2008 3:17 AM in response to Kappy

Month ago my Airport wireless card was not detected at all under Mac OSX and Windows XP. I was really suprised that Hardware Extended Test passed without wireless card. Same situation was when I had problems with right speaker permanently turned off. Apple Tech Service replaced a mobo, so the this was a root cause I think. This is a proof that Apple Hardware Tests check only basic functionalities - probably problems with keyboard, touchpad, EFI, HDD, memory transfer and that's all. Nice feature, but most time useless.

Message was edited by: limo79

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Answer 5

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Jul 20, 2008 3:54 PM in response to Joshua Buche

Insert the OS X Installer Disc One that came with the computer and restart the computer. After the chime press and hold down the "D" key until the diagnostic screen appears. Run extended diagnostics.

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Answer 6

Joshua Buche Author

Level 1

15 points

Jul 20, 2008 4:00 PM in response to Kappy

Actually, I don't have the original DVD's, this was purchased used and didn't come with them.

I do have the originals DVD's for my MB and iMac, but I don't think that will help.

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Answer 7

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Jul 20, 2008 4:58 PM in response to Joshua Buche

No, they won't. You must have the original discs that came packaged with the model. You can obtain replacements from AppleCare for around $40, I think.

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Answer 8

Joshua Buche Author

Level 1

15 points

Jul 20, 2008 5:08 PM in response to Kappy

Are there any other options?

A new Card will run me $60-$80, I'd rather spend that and know for sure it will fix it.

Thanks for the replies.

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