Skip to main content

Model A1311 / Mid 2010 / 3.06 & 3.2 GHz Core i3 or 3.6 GHz Core i5 Processor

342 Questions View all

My Display stopped working

All of a sudden the monitor stopped working. I have taken the computer to the Apple store and they said it is "beyond the age of replacement/repair".

The computer powers up and runs but nothing can be seen visually. I have pulled the data from the hard drive via a cable connection but want to repair the display issue for further usage.

How can I diagnose if it is just the LCD display or if it is the graphics card?

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Score 2
3 Comments

James, I have a similar problem. Curious, how did you pull data off of the HD?

by

One of the easiest ways is if the system is still able to boot up is to put it into Target Disk Mode. Here you connect your broken system to another Mac to recover the files. You could even migrate all of the user settings using Migration Assistant to a new system as well!

Otherwise you can pull the drive out and using a powered SATA to USB adapter connect your old drive to a new Mac and do the same.

by

Mike. I used a lightning to lightning cable. I purchased a new mac so it was easy. In all fairness I also had apple suppprt stepping me through it. I still need to pull it out of the old computer. Gonna make a 2nd external for backup to the backup.

by

Add a comment

1 Answer

Chosen Solution

Take the frame off and look at the diagnostic lights to the right of the RAM slots.

Also hook up an external monitor. This is a probable GPU failure and you may need to do a reflow on the GPU.

LED 1 - Indicates that the trickle voltage from the power supply is detected by the main logic board. This LED will remain ON while the iMac is connected to the AC power. The LED will remain on even when the computer has been shut down or put to sleep. The LED will turn off only if the AC power is disconnected or the power supply is faulty.

LED 2 - Indicates that the main logic board has detected proper power from the power supply when the computer is turned on. This LED will be ON when the computer is turned on and the power supply is working correctly.

LED 3 - Indicates that the computer and the video card are communicating. This LED will be ON when the computer is communicating properly with the video card. If LEDs 1 and 2 are ON and you heard the startup sound, but LED 3 is OFF, then the video card might be installed incorrectly or need replacement.

LED 4 - Indicates that the computer and the LCD display panel are communicating. This LED will be ON when the computer is turned on and video signal is being generated. If the LED is ON and there is no image on the LCD display panel, the LCD display panel or inverter might be installed incorrectly or need replacement.

Was this answer helpful?

Score 3

2 Comments:

At the Apple Store they tried the external display. Nothing appeared.

My hunch is it's the graphics cards or display module on motherboard.

I was thinking of replacing motherboard if it is reasonable. I just don't know what the specs are to search for a used/refurbished one.

by

This is a probable GPU failure and you may need to do a reflow on the GPU.

by

Add a comment

Add your answer

James will be eternally grateful.
View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 0

Past 7 Days: 0

Past 30 Days: 1

All Time: 497