MacBook Pro - Black Screen of Death
Posted on onsdag, mars 04, 2009 @ 02:07:27 by david
I bought this MacBook Pro in July of 2007. Around a year later I had some funky screen problems, which were fixed under the warranty. This time I am not so lucky.
My switch from Mac to PC has been wonderful... until now.
I am not saying that anyone looking to move to a Mac shouldn't, just that I have had a few issues with mine :(
My black screen of death:
My problem turns out to be a faulty Graphic Card, which means replacing the entire motherboard.I found out the price, and decided NOT to fix it, since I did not purchase the extra Apple Care. So the system sits on my desk, using it from screen sharing through the network now... sucks but its still running.
UNTIL TODAY (updated March 3, 2009)
Apple is doing a good thing here and fixing these issues for free. YES! FOR FREE!
"If the NVIDIA graphics processor in your MacBook Pro has failed, or fails within two years of the original date of purchase, a repair will be done free of charge, even if your MacBook Pro is out of warranty."
Read more about
MacBook Pro: Distorted video or no video issues
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2377
Others that got the black screen of death:
I thought I had these sleep/wake problems at first, but it turns out my problems are more severe than just a Firmware update.... I hope this latest development of a fix with or without warranty will get my machine back in action.
###
Here is a piece from an earlier post about my problem last year.
First experience with Apple Support - January 2008
I was in Trondheim yesterday (January 23,2008) to deliver my new MacBook Pro for service. Since it is within the 1 year since purchase, everything is covered under warranty.
MacBook Pro LED Screen issue: The LED screen began to "act up" in September 2007, by not displaying the lower 2/3 of the screen when booting up. I tapped on the screen with my index finger and it "woke up"... since it has been getting worse. Until it started doing a Northern Lights dance across the screen. Cool effect, but this is my ALL IN ONE work machine so not so cool.
Soon to be second experience with Apple Support - February 2009
February 4th, 2009 - I opened up the case on my MacBook Pro today and it made its usual startup + hard disc sound.
But I looked again and there was nothing on the screen.
Hmm....
I normally run an external Acer AL1916W monitor on the side, so I figured that the switch needed to be toggled. - Nothing.
I unplugged the monitor and rebooted by using the Power button.
Same black screen.
OK. So now what?
How I got into my MacBook Pro without a screen
Do-It-Yourself Laptop Repair
Its late at night and i took a break to do something stupid. Since I didnt get a hold of Apple Support in Trondheim today, I decided to open up the notebook and take a look :)
I took out all the required screws and tried to lift off the keyboard. It took A LOT of effort, but I eventually wrestled it off without breaking off any of the metal tabs... although I did bend the case just a tiny bit over the SuperDrive :(
See the gap above the SuperDrive?
I used this article to find out how to remove the display... and found out that it was a bit over my head.
I looked and didnt find anything, so I put it all back together.
Tried to boot with crossed fingers... but nope. Same Black Screen Of Death...
Looks like the Apple Support guys will need to take a look.
