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Released June 2009 / 2.66, 2.8, or 3.06 GHz Core 2 Duo Processor

Unstable LCD Image Problems

For a while now I have been having problems with my LCD screen. If kept still and stable it works fine the majority of the time, but vibrations and movement cause the image to freeze and slowly dissolve. Some moving of the screen back and forth, or pressure around the screen can help restore the image but it seems pretty random. Once it is stable it can be perfectly usable for hours.

The external video port works fine.

It’;s a laptop I’ve had since 2009/10 so is a little long in the tooth, but does what I need. If I repair is likely to be simple I’ll happily have a go or find an engineer, but I don’t want to spend huge money on an old device.

I’ve attached a video (yes, I know it’s installing a Windows update, but don’t hold that against me!). In the video I caused the effect by touching the screen, and then show how quickly the image can be restored - but not always for much time before it goes again.

Thanks in advance.

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Chosen Solution

Sadly the LCD logic within your lid has problem. You’ll need to replace the MacBook Pro 15" Unibody (Late 2008 - Late 2011) LCD Panel following this guide MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Mid 2009 LCD Replacement or you can replace the complete MacBook Pro 15" Unibody (Mid 2009) Display Assembly following this guide MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Mid 2009 Display Replacement while more expensive is a lot easier to do.

Replace a display screen compatible with the Mid 2009 model A1286 MacBook Pro 15" Unibody laptop. Includes the LCD screen, display cover, bezel, iSight Camera, clutch hinges, Wi-Fi antenna, camera, and display data cables. Part #661-5215. Image

Product

MacBook Pro 15" Unibody (Mid 2009) Display Assembly

$199.99

Replace an LCD panel compatible with all 15" Unibody MacBook Pros. 15.4” screens. 1440 x 900 or 1680 x 1050 resolution options. Glossy, anti-glare, and high-resolution options. Image

Product

MacBook Pro 15" Unibody (Late 2008 - Late 2011) LCD Panel

$84.99

MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Mid 2009 Display Image

Guide

MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Mid 2009 Display Replacement

Difficulty:

Moderate

30 minutes - 1 hour

MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Mid 2009 LCD Image

Guide

MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Mid 2009 LCD Replacement

Difficulty:

Very difficult

2 - 3 hours

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That might be due to the Lvds cable, you may try opening the bottom cover and reseat cable in the connector although I doubt it will solve your problem in the long run. Changing the cable would be the cheapest attempt to a solution but requires removing glass and lcd panel from the frame, not very straightforward and potentially destructive. The other option would be to replace the screen assembly, easier but more expensive. Last alternative I can see is finding a reputable lab doing Mac repairs and let them solve the problem, it’s probably the most expensive but troublefree option.

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