Apple MD094LL/A Optical Drive Not Performing to Specifications, Same type to rule out media issue

Optical Drive Not Performing to Specifications

Unlikely cause: LCD panel, power supply, fans, speakers, camera, microphone

Quick Check

Symptoms	Quick Check
Optical Drive Not Performing to	1.	Test optical media in another computer of the
Specifications		same type to rule out media issue.
• Read or write speeds slower	2.	For write issues, check with known-good media
than expected
		that performs well in another computer and drive
		of the same type.

Deep Dive

Check		Result	Action	Code
1.	Test both CD and DVD media.	Yes	Go to step 5.
	Verify if optical drive can read
		No	If both types of media fail,
	both CD and DVD media.
			check that Finder Preferences
				J03
			are set to “show CD’s and
			DVD’s”, then go to step 2.
			If only one type of media fails,
			drive has a laser pickup issue.
			Replace optical drive.
2.	Connect known-good optical	Yes	SATA cable and port on logic
	drive to SATA cable. Verify if		board good. Go to step 4.
	both CD and DVD media are
		No	Go to step 3.
	read reliably.
3.	Reseat SATA cable connections	Yes	Go to step 5.
	at optical drive and logic board
		No	Replace SATA cable and test.	X03
	(cable connects to back of logic
	board). Verify if both CD and		If issue persists, replace logic	M19
	DVD media are read reliably.
			board.
			Go to step 5.
4.	Connect original optical drive	Yes	SATA cable issue. Replace	X03
	to known-good SATA cable.		SATA cable. Go to step 5.
	Verify if both CD and DVD
		No	Replace optical drive.	J03
	media are read reliably.
5.	Test write data to compatible	Yes	Issue resolved.
	CD and DVD media. Verify if
	burned media is recognized	No	Go to step 6.
	and read reliably.

2010-09-09 iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage  80