Mac Pro DVD troubleshooting

June 1, 2008 9:20 AM

Can / should I troubleshoot the optical drive on my Mac Pro?

Within the last month or so, the optical drive on my Mac Pro (a Pioneer DVR-112D) has become unresponsive. It still opens when I hit the eject key, but it doesn't close that way. If I push the tray closed, it doesn't mount the disc. The machine's working fine in every other way, and passes its self-tests when I reboot it.

Googling hasn't been helpful, I see plenty of hits on how to force an eject (which is the one thing that works for me). I've checked the Apple site and some documents I found there, but nothing that's really addressed my problem. I don't believe I got the AppleCare plan, and while I could do that I'm wondering if it is possible to resolve this myself, either by some sort of DIY troubleshooting guide or by simply getting a new DVD drive. I'd really rather not lug the thing in to the local Apple Store. Any advice?

posted by Zonker to computers & internet (5 comments total)

Well, you have applecare for the first year of your purchase. Call over to any applestore. According to that page, that includes onsite repairs, with some conditions. It's worth a call to apple.

But most parts for computers are 'replace'. You'd buy an equivalent drive, remove the one you have (fairly easy) and replace it.
posted by filmgeek at 9:46 AM on June 1, 2008

Definitely try Apple first. Phone apple care and speak to someone. Even if your Mac is outside of the 1 year hardware warranty and didn't buy extended AppleCare you might be able to get some traction.

The DVD drive is almost definitely considered (you should check) a DIY replacement item. Apple will send you a replacement drive, you swap 'em out, and send back the broken drive.

If you don't get anywhere through Applecare then, buying a replacement drive is your best option (do some research on what drives are 100% compatible). But definitely, definitely try Applecare first, even outside of warranty.

FWIW they replaced my defective ATI video card on my Mac Pro about 6 months after the 1 year warranty expired. It was a bit of a hassle, but in the end it saved me a few hundred bucks.
posted by schwa at 10:52 AM on June 1, 2008

If you do need to open it up, I find the guides at http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/ to be awesome.
posted by bizwank at 11:08 AM on June 1, 2008

It's worth noting that the replacement drives (Pioneer 115s) are about $34 right now, and are super-easy to install.

Here's a good place to buy them. (Satisfied customer, no other connection)

The Mac Pro will hold two optical drives, and it requires only a Phillips-head screwdriver to install. The extra screws for mounting a second drive are screwed into the side of the aluminum cage. The cage slides out when the side is off and the lock is disengaged.
posted by tomierna at 11:35 AM on June 1, 2008

(Extremely belated) thanks for the responses. I'll see if I can get anywhere on the phone, and if not will install a replacement myself.
posted by Zonker at 9:04 AM on June 14, 2008