Chosen Solution
Have a MBP 15" A1286 that will not detect Airport Card. I have replaced the airport card with the same model. Have ran Apple Hardware Test (AHT) using snow Leopard disc and no problems detected. Replaced all cables associated with it airport card. Zapped the PRAM/reset SMC. Put another hard drive in, imaged that with snow Leopard and it does not detect airport card. Am I missing anything to try? Please Help. Thanks in advance. DR
Did you follow this guide? Replacing Airport iFixIt guide. You could have damaged the Camera/Airport cable or its connector is the only thing I can think of.
Could this be your issue? forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1326509
