Using Apple Hardware Test on MacBook Air

Written by: Finn Orfano • Edited by: Michael Dougherty
Published Sep 25, 2009 • Related Guides: Mac Os X | Macbook Air | Apple

If you think your MacBook Air has a hardware problem, you can run the Apple Hardware Test to determine if there is an issue with any of the computer’s components. Here's how.

Running Apple Hardware Test On MacBook Air

1. Disconnect all devices connected to your computer externally.

2. Press and hold down the D key and restart your computer.

3. When the Apple Hardware Test chooser screen comes up, select your preferred language.

4. Click on the right arrow button or hit the Enter key.

5. When the main screen of the Apple Hardware Test appears, follow the instructions shown.

6. When the test runs and it detects a problem, it displays the error code. Note down the code before contacting Apple support. If the test does not detect an issue related to hardware, it may be a software related issue.

If the above method does not work, use another computer (Mac or PC) and Remote Install OS X (a remote installer for MacBook Air laptops) to run the test. Make sure that the other computer has Remote Install OS X installed.

Running Apple Hardware Test From A Remote Computer:

Insert the OS X CD/DVD into the optical drive of the other computer. The Apple Hardware Test is on the Mac OS X Setup Disc 1 (Mac OS X 10.5.4) or Install Disc 2 (Mac OS X 10.5.5)

1. If the other computer is a Mac then run Remote Install Mac OS X from the Utilities folder. If it is Windows, select “Remote Install Mac OS X” when the Install Assistant appears.

2. Read the onscreen introduction, press and hold down the Option button on your keyboard while you click on the Continue button.

3. When the Apple Hardware Test chooser screen shows, select your preferred language.

4. Hit the Return button on your keyboard or click the right arrow button.

5. When the main screen of the Apple Hardware Test appears, follow the instructions shown.

6. When the test runs and it detects a problem, it displays an error code. Note down the code before contacting Apple support. If the test does not detect an issue related to hardware, it may be a software related issue.

7. On the other computer, exit Remote Install Mac OS X by clicking on Quit.

Instructions for running the Apple Hardware Test on a Mac and PowerPC-based Mac can be found here. Instructions for running the test in Loop mode are also contained in the same page.