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MacBook only start with external monitor and closed lid

Hello community,

i have a problem with a 15” MacBook Pro Mid 2014. I can only boot the macbook when a external monitor is connected and the lid is closed. If I try to start the macbook without a external monitor I hear the macbook chime, but only the backlight is working and nothing appears on the screen.

I also tried to open the lid after I booted the device with the external monitor. But as soon as I open the lid the MacBook freezes.

Maybe someone give me a tip to find a solution.

Thank you.

Update

Here are the photos from the display connector and cable. In my opinion they look good.

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Sounds like your internal display or its cable is damaged. Take the bottom cover off and inspect the display cables connection on the right side do you see any corrosion or physical damage?

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Heres the IFIXIT guide to pull the bottom cover off MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Mid 2014 Lower Case Replacement

Update (12/04/2018)

@blob810 - Did you check the display cable connection? I’ve seen a few with corrosion which shorted out the data lines which then causes the system to freeze up. After disconnecting the battery disconnect the cable and then re-power the logic board with an external display does opening the lid mess up the display?

If it does then @benjamen50 is correct your Hall Sensor logic is messed up. The location of the sensor is located on the backside of the logic board.

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You’ll need to check for corrosion damage on that side of the logic board once you take it out MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Mid 2014 Logic Board Replacement

MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Mid 2014 Lower Case Image

Guide

MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Mid 2014 Lower Case Replacement

Difficulty:

Moderate

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5 - 10 minutes
MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Mid 2014 Logic Board Image

Guide

MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Mid 2014 Logic Board Replacement

Difficulty:

Moderate

—

30 minutes - 2 hours

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6 Comments:

I already tried it. The cable and the connector looks fine. I wonder if its a problem with the display or with the logic board. Because the macbook only starts with the closed lid or disconnected display cable, otherwise the device freeze while booting.

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Most likely the logic board has been liquid damaged. It sounds like the hall effect sensor circuit needs diagnosing.

That circuit is responsible for sensing whether or not the MacBook is closed or open via magnetic sensors. It controls the display and backlight enable circuits as well.

To do that it requires microsoldering rework / circuit diagnosing on the logic board.

You may be able to find a reputable repair shop that repairs liquid damaged MacBook to fix this problem for you.

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Hello Ben,

thanks for your answer. I have a SMD soldering station here and a FLUKE multimeter. Where is the Hall effect sensor and his circuit located on this device. Maybe someone can instruct me which pins and components I should measure.

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When I fire up the macbook with disconnected internal monitor and connected external monitor, I can open and close the lid without messed up the external monitor. So I think the Hall effect sensor is good. I've tested this scenario yesterday. Question: Can I test a the display assembly on a 13" MacBook Pro from the same year, also mid 2014. Only to be sure that not the display or the internal cable is broken.

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@blob810 - inspection is the only real way to figure this out take a good detailed image of the logic board connector and the cable end so I can see how it looks Adding images to an existing question

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