Mac Diagnostics, Or How To Independently Detect Hardware Problems On Apple Computers

2023 Author: Gordon Kinson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-26 08:36

The easiest way to avoid the help of service centers when looking for hardware problems (not all of them can boast a good reputation) is to use the built-in Mac diagnostics. In this tutorial, we'll show you how to run and use the Apple Hardware Functional Test and Apple Diagnostics.

With the help of standard diagnostic tools, you can effectively detect hardware malfunctions (problems with the hard drive, solid state drive, RAM, GPU, motherboard and other corners of the hardware). How can this be done?

Which Macs which utility

Regardless of the Mac model (MacBook, iMac, Mac mini or Mac Pro) and year of manufacture, the operating system includes a utility for self-diagnosis of the hardware. In computers that were produced before June 2013, it is called the Apple Hardware Test (AHT), and after it is called Apple Diagnostics.

Before starting any of the utilities, be sure to disconnect all peripheral devices (including optical drives, if such antiquity is still available) except for the keyboard, mouse, display and Ethernet adapter. Some versions of OS X Lion and later may need Ethernet or Wi-Fi to run the internet version of AHT. It is no different from its offline counterpart.

To use AHT, be sure to connect your MacBook to a power source.

List of keyboard shortcuts

If you don't have a mouse, the following shortcuts will come in handy:

• Option (⌥) + D: run diagnostics with internet;
• Command (⌘) + G: start operation;
• Command (⌘) + L: Display a list of languages;
• Command (⌘) + R: restart the test;
• S: shutdown;
• R: reboot.

How to Run Diagnostics on Mac (Apple Hardware Function Test or Apple Diagnostics)

Note: Apple Hardware Function Test and Apple Diagnostics operate in the same way. The only caveat is that an active Internet connection is required to run Apple Diagnostics, and the interface will be much nicer.

1. Turn on or restart your Mac if it's on.

2. During power on, press and hold the "D" key until the language selection screen appears.

3. Select the language (if a mouse is not connected to the computer, then select the language using the arrows, and enter the input with the "Enter" key).

4. Mac diagnostics will start.

After the check is complete, the results are displayed.

To exit the ANT utility, click the "Restart" or "Shutdown" button at the bottom of the window.

What do the results indicate?

If, during the test, problems with the hardware are found, then get ready to contemplate the error and some explanatory details.

You can decipher the AHT errors on the Apple technical forum, and in general I recommend that you first of all, when looking for solutions to problems with apple gadgets, go there. True, you need knowledge of English at least with a dictionary.

Apple Diagnostics error codes and their decryption can be found below:

ADP000 - No problems found on the computer;

CNW001, CNW003, CNW004, CNW005, CNW006 - There are problems with the Wi-Fi module on the computer;

CNW007, CNW008 - No Wi-Fi networks detected. There are no available Wi-Fi networks, or the Wi-Fi module is faulty;

NDC001, NDC003, NDC004, NDC005, NDC006 - The camera is faulty;

NDD001 - There is a problem with the USB module. Disconnect all external devices except keyboard, mouse, and Ethernet adapter. Run the scan again. If this code appears again, contact the service center;

NDK001, NDK003, NDK004 - There is a problem with the keyboard;

NDL001 - There is a problem with the Bluetooth module;

NDR001, NDR003, NDR004 - There is a problem with the trackpad;

NDT001, NDT002, NDT003, NDT004, NDT005, NDT006 - There may be a problem with the Thunderbolt module. Disconnect external Thunderbolt devices and run the test again. If this code appears a second time, contact the service center;

NNN001 - Serial number could not be found. The computer needs service, please contact the service;

PFM001, PFM002, PFM003, PFM004, PFM005, PFM006, PFM007 - There is a problem with the System Management Controller (SMC);

PFR001 - There may be a problem with the computer's firmware;

PPF001, PPF003, PPF004 - There may be a problem with the fan;

PPM001 - There is probably a problem with the memory module;

PPM002, PPM003, PPM004, PPM005, PPM006, PPM007, PPM008, PPM009, PPM010, PPM011, PPM012, PPM013, PPM014, PPM015 - There may be a problem with the built-in memory;

PPP001, PPP002, PPP003 - There is probably a problem with the MagSafe power adapter. Try unplugging the power adapter from your Mac and from the outlet, then plugging it back in. Run the scan again. If this code appears a second time, contact the service center;

PPP007 - There may be a problem with the power adapter, or it is not connected. To test the power adapter, reconnect it to your computer and the outlet. Run the scan again. If this code appears a second time, contact the service center;

PPR001 - There is probably a problem with the processor;

PPT001 - Could not detect battery;

PPT002, PPT003 - The battery will need to be replaced soon. It is serviceable, but its capacity has decreased.

PPT004, PPT006 - Battery needs service. The battery is defective, although this may not affect performance or capacity;

PPT005 - Battery is installed incorrectly. Shut down and turn off your computer;

PPT007 - Mac battery needs to be replaced. The battery is functional, but its capacity has decreased significantly. Until you replace the battery, you can continue to use it without damaging your computer.

VDC001, VDC003, VDC004, VDC005, VDC006, VDC007 - There is probably a problem with the SD card reader.

VDH002, VDH004 - There is probably a problem with the storage device;

VDH005 - Unable to start macOS recovery;

VFD001, VFD002, VFD003, VFD004, VFD005, VFD007 - There is probably a problem with the display;

VFD006 - There is probably a problem with the GPU;

VFF001 - There is probably a problem with the audio hardware component.

In any case, if it was not possible to avoid repair at the service center, we strongly recommend that you contact only certified specialists who specialize exclusively in Apple technology. It will not be cheap, but buying a new gadget is much more expensive. It's better to forget about the basement workshops "at Uncle Vasya's". Apple device repair requires a very meticulous approach and advanced skills.

See also:

• How to make the Caps Lock key really useful on macOS.
• Features of the ⌥Option (Alt) key on Mac (macOS) that you might not know about.
• Hot corners on macOS: what they are, how to set up and use.