Q: Worth buying used 2009 13" MacBook Pro?

It’s 10.10.5 yosemite

is that why I’m having problems?

only 2 GB ram?

there’s only 2 slots and I have 2 x 1GB, apparently...

thanks

Your model can handle up to 8 GB - 2 x 4 GB - if that is yours:

https://support.apple.com/kb/sp541?locale=en_US

Get it from a reliable source such as OWC (macsales.com) or Crucial.

Thanks for that suggestion. I would like to buy more ram.

If there had not been a coffee spill, I would do that. And I may still do that.

First, is there any way to check the hardware in the MacBook Pro 2009 to see if it is in good shape?

I tried to do a check using restart and holding down the “D” key. but no luck.

Also,  I noticed recently that something called Automator seems to always be running. Is it possible to delete

Automator and Mission control? Not sure what they are but I suspect that they were part of a software update from Apple.

Thank you!

Those two apps are part of the OS - best not to remove system installed apps.

Hardware Diagnostics (D key) does not work with your older model - you can use the hardware test included on disk 2 of your original install disks. You could also ask at your nearest Genius Bar - don't know if they will do it on a machine this old, but I recently had them check out my MBP while still under Applecare to make sure all the hardware was in good shape. Their testing equipment is far better than the built in stuff.

Thank you.

I found my original discs and will use disc 2 as a preliminary test.

And follow up by checking with the Genius Bar to see if they are willing to check out the hardware.

Is it a mistake - given that I was able to access the logic board and clean the top - is it a mistake to go one step further and remove it to clean the bottom?

I appreciate your help on all these questions.

Hope your day goes well.

Evelyn

I'm the wrong person to ask - I would not have touched anything in the first place, but taken it to Apple or an authorized repair place. On the other hand, if you feel comfortable doing that, you could at least check out what it looks like (any corrosion visible, etc). And, if this did happen two years ago and it is still working, you were lucky......

Thanks, babowa,

BTW, I did the hardware test - the Logic board error was 4SNS/1/40000000TB3T-128.00

which seems to be battery related.

This was not a surprise b/c I now keep it plugged in all the time - very short usage on battery.

I removed al photo files and all unnecessary applications.

I think you may be correct about needing more RAM.

But I’ll take it into the Genius Bar to see what they say and perhaps when I’m feeling courageous - I’ll try to see if the reverse side of the logic board has any stains.

Thanks very much for all your help!!!

Evelyn

Actually, according to my compiled error code list, it is a System Sensor.

http://www.thefakegeek.com/2015/01/how-to-fix-the-4sns140000000-tb3t-128-000-app le-error/

Thank you, babowa.

I reset the NVRAM

and did the retest - the “error" - 4SNS/1/4 etc still shows.

I cannot do the SMC reset because the keys on the left side of the keyboard, including the shift key were damaged in the coffee spill so I can only use the shift key on the right side.

Is there a way to do the SMS reset without these keys, please?

although I noticed that your link “says" this “error" sometimes shows up in the hardware test  if the battery has been replaced and I bought a new battery at the Apple store about a year ago....

thank you!

sorry - I’ll borrow my husband’s keyboard from hi iMac to do the sms reset

thanks

babowa,

One more question, please, below.

After following all your instructions - resetting the SMS and the NVRAM- (and having cleaned out a bunch of photos, files, applications, bookmarks, everything I could without disturbing the operating system.

and did the repair permissions on the disk utility and restarting in safe mode.)

The macbook pro seems to be working much better, no whirling balls. Thank you!

I now have a question about the memory.

You suggested replacing the 2 x 1 GB ram

with 2 x 2 GB ram from OWC.

Will  I have a problem if instead I buy

1 x 4GB for one bay, leaving the second bay empty or using one of the old 1 x 1GB in the second bay?

My thinking is that if in the future 4 GB is not sufficient then I can buy another 4 GB for the second bay.

Thanks,

Evelyn

Your machine has two slots and it will work much better (better performance) if you use a paired kit (2 x 4 GB or 2 x 2 GB); however, it will work with your configuration. RAM is rather inexpensive right now:

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/Apple_MacBook_MacBook_Pro/Upgrade/DDR3

Only buy RAM from a recommended Mac RAM vendor such as macsales.com or Crucial.

Thank you!

much appreciated:)

You're welcome!

Hi babowa,

I have ordered 2 x 2GB OWC ram.

Do you suggest that I reinstall the OS X first. If so should it be the install that first wipes the hard drive clean? i have cleared out a lot of files by hand but I think i would like to clear out files like adobe (which i tried to delete because I understand I can read pdf files from safari and preview)

But my concern is that this 2009 macbook pro came with leopard (I think) and I have upgraded the operating system from leopard all the way up to 10.10.5 yosemite and I’m not sure if I’ll be allowed to reinstall all the upgrades.

Thank you.

Evelyn