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Model A1237 or A1304 / 1.6, 1.8, 1.86, or 2.13 GHz Core 2 Duo processor

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Airbook LCD display issues: Cable or Display or Logic Board

I am having similar issues Steadfast with a Macbook A1237 after replacing broken hinges.

I have replaced cables but still have the same white screen with red, black and purple vertical lines.

Has a fix been found yet?

Update

Hi, thanks for the responses. I have hooked the airbook to an external monitor and it successfully booted to full display with absolutely no issues - files and programs were all accessible. Unfortunately original boot disks did not come withe machine.

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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That confirms that your problem is not with the logic board or GPU. I'd start by reseating then replacing the LVDS cable as stated below. Your original disks are not needed for this fix.

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I have disconnected the battery, separated the monitor from the keyboard - removed and reseated the cable. Connected the battery and still the same problem - tried to do a point to point test with dvm but the connectors are too small for dvm probes. Is there a schematic or the wiring diagram for the lvds cable? I would like to test the cable before buying a new one.

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Hi,

I just wanted to see if there was an update on this thread. I have a similar issue, i have a A1237 and just repaired the right hinge, and after putting it all back together, I get a white screen at start up, and on the right side of the LCD i get vertical multi-colored stripes that run up and down the entire side of the screen.

I wonder if it is as simple as the LCD cable? I hate to tear it back down.

I am also wondering if I applied too much pressure on the LCD screen and caused this issue???

My display worked perfectly prior to the tear down, so I doubt it is the cable?

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Hi.

Sorry to ask back again, but can I assume that the GPU and the logic board are OK if the external monitor works (LCD beeing white)if I have the same problem described by ROY? Or could there still be a problem with the logic board / GPU? I have already replaced the LVDS cable and that did not help unfortunately.

Regards

M

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how can I attach an external monitor to a macbook air when I cannot see anything on the display from startup/power on of the MBA? thanks for your help

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5 Answers

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If the screen was working ok before you worked on the hinges it's most likely a problem in the display area. Hook it up to an external monitor to try to isolate the problem. Right now we don't know if the problem is with the GPU (graphics processor) or in the display area.

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The most likely damaged part is the LVDS cable. This carries data from the logic board through the hinge to the display. It is hard to find or get a part number for as Apple sells the Display as a single unit. This may be your part but talk to them before ordering to make sure. http://mac.macrecycling.com/displayscree...

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I do not know of a pinout on this cable but if you give me the last three numbers of your serial number I can pinpoint the correct cable better. I know these are high. Apple does not sell them individually but only as a display unit so you have to find a salvaged one and the price is determined by the old supply and demand. Examine your cable closely for damage. That it to a local repair place and give them $10-20 to test it for you.

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Hi Mayer,

I replaced the graphics cable and lcd - and it WORKS!!!

Thank you to all who shared much valued experience and information.

Wish I could post the pics of my diy repair to encourage others to have a go - never felt so good about saving +/-$1,000.00 for a repair - spent a bit time and research and about $250.00. The best part is; it feels great knowing another good machine is not going to the junk tip - I am doing my bit for the environment.

Thanks again guys.

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has anyone find a solution for this problem?

thanks!

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I have to disagree with tklesse's comment....' that "red, black and purple vertical lines" indicates that there is a motherboard issue.'

I have replaced the LCD panel and LVDS cable and this fixed my display showing vertical lines.

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Hi all

This is Michael, with the logic board and GPU question asked previously. It was in fact the logic board, even though all indications were going to LVDS or Monitor.

Regards

M

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From personal experience, I can tell you that "red, black and purple vertical lines" indicates that there is a motherboard issue. when the motherboard fails in the graphics regain, alien objects appear on the screen, I've seen red and blue lines following windows even yellow checker boards, desplayed. I would say that the logic board is the problem. but find the original boot disks and read them to find out which one has the hardware test on it. and preform a hardware test, you will need to use a superdrive or a maybe the remote install app in the utility folder (if it has that option?)

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- Several of us own Mac fixing businesses but we don't blatantly try to use this forum as a place to advertise our services. Doing this will result in your answers being voted off as spam. Your input is very welcome and new people are always welcome just don't try to use it for personal gain please.

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I'm with Mayer on this... Give advice, say it's your job, but please don't advertise on here! You can put your link on your profile....

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- agree with my volunteer colleagues.

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While Answers should not be used for personal advertisements, in the future, if the response is, at its core, a salvageable useful or helpful answer, please simply edit the answer to remove the personal advertisements, rather than voting to remove it entirely. This helps to keep the Answers section free of personal advertisements, without removing helpful information for other users. Regarding answers that are complete copy + pasted spam advertisements though, please continue to flag them for removal.

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Why would it be the logic board when the OP has good video on an external monitor?

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Roy will be eternally grateful.
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