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Model A1181: 1.83, 2, 2.1, 2.13, 2.16, 2.2, or 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo processor

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MacBook's screen doesn't turn on when I boot up the machine.

Hi I have a 13" macbook white. I bought it in Feb 2009. After a little over an year the macbook's screen doesn't show anything when I boot up the machine. I can see the display perfectly when I connect an external monitor.

I didn't find any solution in this forum yet about this situation when the external screen works fine but the macbook's own screen doesn't show up anything.

Any clues what could be wrong?

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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8 Answers

Chosen Solution

Your problem is isolated to the upper screen. Shine a flashlight at an angle on the screen to see if you can see the desktop. If so it is the inverter. The next thing to look at is the Display data cable then the LCD. Let us know the results of the flashlight test and we can direct you to the correct procedures.

UPDATE

Here's the part you need: MacBook Display Data Cable

There does not seem to be a straight installation guide so you'll have to combine a couple. Be sure to review them both before starting: MacBook Core 2 Duo LCD & Inverter A1181 (fast method) Replacement

MacBook Core 2 Duo Display Replacement

MacBook Display Data Cable Image

Product

MacBook Display Data Cable

$19.99

MacBook Core 2 Duo Display Image

Guide

MacBook Core 2 Duo Display Replacement

Difficulty:

Difficult

1 - 2 hours

MacBook Core 2 Duo Installing LCD & Inverter (fast method) A1181 Image

Guide

MacBook Core 2 Duo LCD & Inverter A1181 (fast method) Replacement

Difficulty:

Moderate

1 hour

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HI, "Mayer" is absolutely correct. It is an isolated problem, a new replacement screen maybe in your future but first do as suggested by "Mayer" and post the results for further guidance.

Update

Hi there, in some cases that screen data cable can be repaired (depending on what you find). I would not advise doing to much with it because it is so hard to see the wires clearly with the natural eye. If you have a DVI monitor that you can utilize then use it. If the screen comes up then you are in business and you can feel assured that the issue will be between that data cable or the screen (I doubt that it would both).

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I shined a flashlight at an angle on the screen and I don't see my desktop. Should I look at the display data cable? How to do that?

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3 Comments:

First un-accept my answer till you have one. Be sure you have the machine booted up when you do the flashlight test. If you cannot see the desktop then the next thing is to replace the display data cable. Please give the last three letters of your serial number so I can get you to the correct part and procedure. At this point it's either the display or the cable and no way to tell which without replacing them.

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I have the machine booted up when I do the flashlight test. I don't see anything on the screen event when I flash the flashlight at about 170 degrees angle. Also the macbook's "detect display" doesn't detect the macbook's display even though it can easily detect the external display. Does that tell something?

The serial number is W8906SLG4R1.

Here are more details if that might help.

*Model Name: MacBook

** Model Identifier: MacBook5,2

** Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo

** Processor Speed: 2 GHz

** Number Of Processors: 1

** Total Number Of Cores: 2

** L2 Cache: 3 MB

** Memory: 2 GB

** Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz

** Boot ROM Version: MB52.0088.B05

** SMC Version (system): 1.38f5

** Serial Number (system): W8906SLG4R1

** Hardware UUID: 5F3719C4-C957-582E-9EA7-D76772BCE9CF

** Sudden Motion Sensor:

*** State: Enabled

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Hi Mayer, May I have the part number and procedure so that I can try and repair the data cable and see if that fixes the issue?

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Hi Mayer,

I also had the same issue as the person above. I am able to see the screen if I shine a light.

I bought and replaced the inverter and the screen is in the same state.

Would you suggest I replace the Display Data Cable?

Eric

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Hello there, for this kind of problem the cheapest and easiest way to go is to GET A NEW SCREEN DATA CABLE. Now if your problem still continues then the chances are is that the screen itself is bad (it is always a possibility that the video chip could be at fault but since the external monitor works with any issues, then I would rule out the video chip).

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Parts ordered.

Dreading a 45 step tear down, but can't throw money away ;).

Thanks Charles.

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I've found resetting the pram to solve this on a number of occasions, got to say it's unlikely to be the data cable and if you've tried the inverter i'd be very inclined to say it was the screen.

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i have partially the same problem with my macbook 13" . I turn on the unit and the screen turn on inmediately but seconds later the screen go off. I already change the inverter with no positive results. Note: When i use the computer with an external device as my ipad the macbook screen works fine, so probably its not the screen. Should i change the data cable?

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varun will be eternally grateful.
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