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Model A1286. Released February 2011 / 2.0, 2.2, or 2.3 GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7 Processor

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What caused my screen to go black?

Originally, our problem was a gray screen with lines but showed the Apple symbol and progress bar, which would go about 2/3 and then go to complete gray screen, then black screen, then restart. We replaced the logic board and then just had a black screen. You could hear the CD powering, but nothing else (no start up chime).

We ended up taking it to an Apple Certified Technician store who told us they “chase the symptoms” and determined it was the display to which they could replace for $300.

I asked them if the logic board was okay since that is the only thing that was replaced and we at least had a screen with the old one. They said they didn’t have a way to test it, but could put the computer through a stress test.

Long story short, they said that the wrong thermal paste was used on the heat sink. When I picked it up ($165 later) it was working. I brought it home and started a Time Capsule backup, which was going to take hours, so I left the cover open all night. It went into sleep mode. I started playing around with it the next morning (checking emails, etc.). The backup was still in process when I clicked on “Enter Time Capsule.” As soon as I clicked on that, the screen went to all green tiling.

I immediately pressed the Cmd-Opt-R-P and it repeatedly cycled through the startup chime with the green tiling. I powered down and back up and got the same thing as after the logic board replacement - black screen with only the CD powering. I say that, but since I could not see anything, I really do not know.

That is the only thing I could hear. :) What could be the issue now? Could it be the LVDS cable (part GS17616)? I assume LVDS has something to do with the video. I do not believe it is the display as we had a picture before it went black. Any advise will be appreciated.

Answer this question I have this problem too

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Still the same. I pressed the power button, the front light came on, then I pressed the S button. Then did a hard shut down. I wasn’t supposed to hold down the S button at any time was I?

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Does anyone have any other ideas? Thank you!

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Since I was told by an “Apple Specialist” that it was the display, could it be the video cable since the display was working fine after they changed the thermal paste?

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3 Answers

ufh.. long text but okay, you can hear the chime sound coming on startup but there is no image on the screen?

Update (03/02/2018)

Try this:

If your MacBook’s battery isn’t removable:

  • Shut down Mac and plug in the power cord.
  • Press Shift-Control-Option, then press Power button.
  • Hold the keys for about 10 seconds.
  • Release the keys.
  • Press Power as you would normally start your Mac.

If you have a Mac with removable battery:

  • Take out the battery
  • Press and hold Power button for about 5 seconds
  • Re-insert the battery and press Power button again

Update (03/02/2018)

OK, let's try this:

  • Press the Power / OFF button once – this will bring up the dialog box which you can’t see
  • Press the “S” button – this is the shortcut to sleep the Mac
  • Hold down the Power button until a hard shut down is forced
  • Wait about 15 seconds, then hit the Power button again to turn it back on

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Sorry for the long explanation. No, no start up chime. No keyboard lights, no cap light. The only thing on is the white light in the very front of the base.

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Hi, I have tried this and the NVRAM several times, but nothing changes.

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sorry for the late answer, you macbook may need a reflow.

watch this and do it at you own risk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ATUblNG...

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Thanks for the video. This may be further than my expertise. Lol

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then is time to take the mac to local service

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Someone mentioned it could be the HD cable (which we could do ourselves). What are your thoughts about that?

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Grace will be eternally grateful.
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