MacBook and MacBook Pro SuperDrive failure (#3): Evidence of battery, logic board-related issue; PMU resets working for some

We continue to report on an issue where the SuperDrives in both MacBooks and MacBook Pros fail -- generally with an inability to mount or read data from otherwise viable media.

As previously reported, in most cases, the problem affects CDs, but issues with DVDs have also been reported. The problematic discs mount properly and can be read from other Macs, but fail the same processes when inserted into some MacBooks and MacBook Pros.

For some users, even Apple-distributed media fail to properly transfer data on the afflicted SuperDrives.

Evidence of battery, logic board-related issue Further evidence is appearing that would seem to indicate that at least some SuperDrive issues are related to problematic batteries or logic boards. Readers continue to report improved function after receiving replacement batteries and/or logic boards.

MacFixIt reader Matt Smith writes:

"I'm having the same issue with my MacBook Pro (March of 2006), although it seems much more occasional then some people. Problem occurs with CD and DVD media, both burned and purchased media. I do have one of the new batteries (made in Japan, btw) and I haven't noticed the issue since I installed it."

MacFixIt reader Bruce Wilson adds:

"I too had problems reading some CDs and DVDs on my new MacBook. 90% would mount OK, but the rest would not, including several copies of FileMaker 8, iLife 06 and iWork 06.

"The AppleCentre replaced the drive, but the same disks still failed. I ended up having the computer replaced, so have no idea if it may have been a battery issue."

PMU resets working for some Users continue to report success with our initial suggestion of resetting units' PMUs.

MacFixIt reader Clark Price writes:

"I tried the PMU reset solution and so far today it seems to work.  My drive, which was dead, is now ripping CDs at 16X again.  Hope it lasts!  Great solution in any case!"

A PMU reset can be accomplished via the following process:

1. Turn the system off, disconnect the AC Adapter and remove the system's battery.
2. Press and hold down the power button for 5 seconds and then release the button.
3. Reconnect the battery and AC Adapter.
4. Turn the system back on

Issues with optical drives (and other powered internal or external drives, for that matter) have been undeniably linked to power issues in some cases. As noted in above, problematic PMUs -- which control power delivery to the system -- can be a source of these issues. 

Miscellaneous reports MacFixIt reader Tyler writes:

"All it seems to affect are my audio CD's.  I insert the disc, start importing it using iTunes and after a minute, sometimes sooner, it stops reading.  Just spins.  Never lets go until I kill iTunes and do the usual voodoo magic to get it out - ie reboot."

Chris adds:

"I returned a Macbook Pro 17" to MacConnection last week because of a Superdrive failure. The drive appeared to be dead, wouldn't take a disc at all. I used the machine for about 12 days producing a widescreen Keynote show and mostly it worked well. Weird things noted: the curser would hang for 10-15 seconds after deleting objects in Photoshop, Keynote, PowerPoint and Entourage. This happened right out of the box but seemed to get worse as time went on. Could not turn the screensaver off. I had the energy controls set to never sleep or turn off the monitor and had screensaver set to off and after about 10 minutes the screensaver would come on, very weird. I discovered my dead SuperDrive after I got home from the show and decided that reinstalling the system might be a way to get the screen saver situation taken care of.

"Mac Connection was nice enough to send me a new machine and not send me off the 'Genius' bar. I'm sure the only reason they gave me a new machine was because the SuperDrive had died.

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Previous coverage:

• MacBook and MacBook Pro SuperDrive failure (#2): Battery-related?; Try PMU reset; more
• MacBook and MacBook Pro SuperDrive failure

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