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Screen only works when applying pressure on a specific spot. With pic

Hi, so i got an macbook air 13" My problem is related to the lcd screen. When starting the mac the screen is either completely gray, white or has lines scattered around.I at first thought that the lcd might be broken.

But if i apply pressure on a specific spot (pictures added at bottom) The screen comes back as normal. I did open the mac to see if the lcd flex cable was loose/took it out and checked that it was firmly seated. But this did little to nothing i think, as the problem was still there.

So my question is: Is this caused by the flex cable ? Or can it be something else ?

Im guessing its some problem with the flex cable going around the bezel of the lcd, and it needs to be changed. Though if i understand right, its really hard to do ?

I have no warrenty left on the unit, so it would be nice if i could repair it myself and continue using it.

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It's a bit more complex than the LVDS cable. The issue is within the display its self.

Your display is made up of a grid work of lines going across the display X & Y. The intersection of these lines is a given pixel.

Without getting too deep here the edge of the LCD glass meets up with a flex circuit which then goes to the back side of the display were the driver logic is located that converts the LVDS signal into the X & Y signals to drive the display. It's this flex circuit that has separated from the LCD glass which is causing your screen image to breakdown. Generically this is call a TAB error.

Sadly, this is not repairable as more often the pad on the glass has broken free with the ribbon cable and just the pressure is allowing it to connect enough to work. Time for a new screen. Here's the IFIXIT guide you'll need to follow: MacBook Air 13" Mid 2011 Display Assembly Replacement and here's the needed part: MacBook Air 13" (Late 2010-Mid 2011) Display Assembly

What most likely happened is something heavy sat on the lid or the edge of the lid got a good bang.

MacBook Air 13" (Late 2010-Mid 2011) Display Assembly Image

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MacBook Air 13" (Late 2010-Mid 2011) Display Assembly

$399.99

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Aha! You learn something new every day. Thanks for the easy explanation, makes sense. Its unfortunate that it can't be repaired. Yeah, i have no idea what has happened, i got it from a friend who wanted to trash it.

Il be looking into changing the screen as the mac in it self is fine.

Thanks for the good answer and the full guide on DIY, will come in handy.

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Aleks will be eternally grateful.
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