Released June 2009 / 2.66, 2.8, or 3.06 GHz Core 2 Duo Processor
I have done the flashlight test. I shined a flashlight through the Apple logo and can see the login screen. I have reset the PRAM and the SMC to no avail. Not really sure what else to do. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! :D
Since this model has a LED-backlit TFT active-matrix display the problem could be the controller or the display. Is there any history you've neglected to share (liquid spill or dropped).
Neither repair is easy, no would I start either one unless I knew it was the correct one.
I'd say take this to Apple, or an Apple Certified Repair shop to find out what is the true problem.
If this answer is acceptable please remember to return and mark it.
Comments:
No drop or spill damage. The screen was working and then it just stopped. That's really all I know unfortunately.
by pr7malone
I know of no DIY procedure for identifying where the problem is for a case like this... maybe one of the other visitors will be able to help.
I opened it up and the LVDS cable end that plugs into the Logic board looks messed up at the connection. Could this be the problem possibly?
by pr7malone
Plug it into an external monitor to help isolate the problem.
by mayer
It works with an external monitor. How do I isolate the problem from there?
by pr7malone
You already have... the "messed up connector" is most likely your issue. If the connector is on the cable replace the cable. If the problem is on the board side you'd need a professional to remove the damaged connector and replace it. Soldering logic board components requires special tools and lots and lots of practice it's easy to destroy a board with too much heat.
The reason for this is the LVDS cable over time gets a short from internal rubbing.
The main Backlight voltage will GND out and burn up things on the board.
Normally when this happens the LVDS connector and back light fuse get damaged. Sometime the control chip but not as common.
Also the trace under the LVDS where backlight power comes through will usually burn up the pads.
by chriswku03
I just purchased a new MacBook Pro paid over 2000.00$ and I already exchange 3 times. The first one I used for one day and then the screen wouldn't turn on. No display. Second one used for 3 days and then same thing happened. Now today April 20 just started using the new one again. It's a shame on this product. Has this happen to you guys?
by Carlos Nunez
No spill or anything no droop either
by Carlos Nunez
Rep: 1
i just went through this---took it to apple store genius--- they did all their tests and found that the hard drive was inoperable-- they would not put a new hard drive in because i had taken it to mac authority and they had replaced the the hard drive with a non-apple hard drive---they had me go to best buy and sent instructions for the geek squad to replace the hard drive with a 2.5" SATA drive--- i then took my macbook pro back to apple and they placed my operating system in at no charge--(apparently apple must send the hard drives they replace back to the apple company for evaluation---- since mac authority put something else in about 15 months ago that was not the same as the original apple would not replace it under terms of my apple protection plan)-- lesson learned : even though mac authority is an approved apple repair facility make sure it follows the apple protection plan and also records the repair work done where apple genius can access it --(i went to mac authority because the nearest apple store was 100 miles away)--i hope this helps!
FROM : drconservative@aol.com
Rep: 1
EASIEST WAY TO FIX!!!! The screen isnt black BLACK...its just too dark to see. SO grab a flashlight and light it on the back poart of the LCD scree- where the apple is. Itl light up the lcd screen enough to see that its on . click you user, password and VUALA. welcome back. And maybe next time dont freak out when your MAc is going slow and stop mashing enter...you shut your pc down by doing so. YOUR WELCOMES!
Rep: 1
other answers:
Inverter Cable & Inverter Board Location
My MacBook Pro turns on, but has a black screen..
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/402...
https://discussions.apple.com/message/30...
iBook screen switches off/goes black when opened more than 45 degrees
Rep: 1
Can you see whats on the screen if you shine a flashlight on it when powered on? If so, you need to start with the inverter and/or the inverter cable if one or both look damaged (the cable frayed or cut, the inverter making noise, or burnt part etc), if those don't fix it then you would need to replace the screen.
Comments:
Yes I can see the login screen when I do that. Im assuming the inverter cable is the same as the LVDS cable? I don't know much about Macbooks, but I didn't think my model had an inverter.
by pr7malone
@Joe Jones, this model does not have an inverter. It uses LED technology to backlight the LCD
by oldturkey03
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pr7malone, "the LVDS cable end that plugs into the Logic board looks messed up at the connection." How about posting a couple of pictures and let us see what you see. It is entirely possible that this is your issue.
by oldturkey03