MacBook Pro screen blinks

I forgot that AppleCare was 3 years not 2, so my MBP is still covered...

Just dropped my MacBook Pro off at the Apple store. The problem had become so bad that it was doing it non-stop (about 10-15 times per minute), so it was clearly evident at the Genius Bar. Funny enough, the guy helping me said he used to have the late 2008 MBP and had to have his logic board replaced for this exact same reason. Eventually, he got a brand new replacement because the issue wasn't resolved.

They're replacing both the logic board and display on my MBP (over $900 in repairs, according to the invoice). He said it should fix it, but I'm not holding my breath...

So, yeah. Apple knows about it (at least at the store level).

I've now had my machine into the apple store 3 times for this screen flicker, and with one of those times, having it sent off to the ominous "apple depot" for low level diagnostics. Over these repairs, I've had 2 screen replacements, and a logic board replaced, I'm getting the machine back tomorrow, but I fear it's not going to be resolved.

Every time it's been repaired it works for just long enough for me to build up false hope and then it happens again!

Based on the pages and pages in the forum some people have gotten replacements, and I fear I'm to that point. By now looking at the various bills Apple has already spent well over 1500 dollars replacing parts on the machine, not to mention the pain it's been for me to be without a computer for all the diagnostics.

Does anyone have some suggestions to get my problems truly fixed? I'm a SUPER loyal customer, but I fear I'll have to have a meltdown in my local store to have my problem solved.

Thoughts?

It was around the third time of having mine in for repair that they decided to give me a brand new model since the issue wasn't repairable. If you have AppleCare and make a big enough deal about it they'll swap it out for you. You may want to work with the people over the phone, though. They seem to have a lot more options at their disposal than the stores. Don't be afraid to show them your frustration.

I am experiencing the exact same problem (flickering when running the 9400M) ever since I've purchased my MBP late 2008 2,8 GHz.

Hi, just thought I'd add another user to the growing list. I have the exact same issue as everyone else.

My Macbook pro is out of warranty, so I'm guessing I have no chance of them fixing this for me 'free of charge'. Its such a shame, as surely with the amount of people being affected this should be now 'RECALL' time. I'd love to know the percentage of macbook owners having this issue. I bet is pretty high!!.

Apple are just keeping quiet knowing that they have a serious issue which will cost a lot of cash to fix, yet will eventually go away in a few years when people upgrade.

Sorry just to clarify - are we saying that this is purely a software issue or a hardware fault?

Hi, I have been chasing this screen flicker issues for awhile. Here's what was done. Replaced motherboard. Problem persists. Replaced screen assembly. Problem persists. Do bench testing and replace battery. Problem persists. All these repairs were done at a local authorized repair center.

I worked with a Senior Advisor with Apple Care and it was now sent to Apple, in Memphis TN. They re-replaced item # 620-4720 display panel/assembly because the symptom was distorted/blurred/non-focus video. They re-replaced item number 605-1929 2.4 Ghz(A) again because of video distortion, and 3, they replaced item number 678-1451E ODD Super Drive because the optical drive was noise.

PROBLEM FIXED. No screen flicker.

MY ADVICE? If you are still under apple care, send it to Apple directly. It was prepaid overnight delivery both ways, sent out on Monday at 4:30pm, arrived in Memphis at 6:50am and was fixed that Tuesday. Received it back on Wednesday overnight morning delivery and it looks great, is quiet and is working. Thanks Apple for being pro on this one.

I hope this helps those who have been chasing this problem. dave sommers

Apple finally replaced my late 08 Macbook pro 15 with a brand new one after many attempts to fix the flicker.

Just an update, with apple care, I went to the store and politely explained my problem, and how they had tried 3 times before unsuccessfully to solve the issue.

Up until this point I had really worried that apple would string me along for quite a few more repairs, but I was pleasantly surprised!

They were very nice and agreed to *REPLACE THE UNIT*. I was dumbstruck when the genius came back and offered me the top of the line i7 2.3Ghz, with a high res screen. They had to order it for me, 1-3 weeks is what he quoted, but apple.com has my configuration listed as "1-3 days" so I expect a call soon.

I really can't say enough about applecare, for under 300~ bucks I'm getting a new machine (which I plan to re-up for another 3 years of support).

Way to go Apple!

I'll add my troubled MBP to the mix. It's had the screen flicker (top 1/4 of the screen) for as long as I can remember. It's a toy so I'm not sitting in front of it for long streches, but it was getting worse in February so I brought it into my local Apple Store. They decided to change out the logic board, turned it around in two days.

Got it back and there was no flickering for a few days, then in slowly returned. Back the Apple Store in March, again they replaced the logic board, having the computer ready for me the next day.

A few days of unflickered bliss, then it returned only this time the screen went completely black for 2 or 3 seconds a couple of times.

Called Applecare, they said send it in and give them one more try and repairing it, if that fails they'll start the replacement process.

Currently it's sitting in Memphis waiting for a part. Funny that the local store has the parts but the repair depot does not.

While it's a hassle, Apple has been very good to deal with, just thankful I bought Applecare to keep the warranty going until 2012.

Good luck everyone.

Just picked up my MBP a few hours ago. They only replaced the logic board (not the logic board and screen like they said they would, which has me a bit annoyed, but oh well).

Unfortunately, it took them 6 days to do the repair, and this is at an Apple store at one of the biggest malls in the country. I was originally quoted Sunday/Monday, then on Monday I was quoted Tuesday/Wednesday, then on Wednesday I was told today. Not exactly thrilled with the long turn around time... nearly a week is pretty crappy.

But, as of right now... no flickers on the 9400M *knocks on wood*. We'll see how long this will last, though. At least my Applecare is good thru next February.

Anyone had any joy with apple if you haven't got apple care and your warranty is out of date?

I'm on the 9600 graphics card and my screen just flickered. Ok, I can't take this computer in for repairs right now, and this isn't supposed to flicker with the 9600 card. I am growing so tired of this!

So. Geek Squad has been unable to find an issue the last five times I've sent it out.

They've replaced the LCD screen on the second repair and then the other four times sent it back no fault found.

The last time, though, Apple sent them a disc to install the new drivers without installing the old ones because they said that was the problem. The Apple dude said to Geek Squad that it would fix it.

... ***. Sorry, but it's blinked like five times since I picked it up a week ago. Not too bad, but it's still blinking. And it's getting more and more frequent. Geek Squad told me they were done with sending it out since they can't find anything wrong with it and I'm not paying to send it to Apple so I'm trying to argue with Geek Squad.

So far, there's been three or four people I've talked to about them getting a Mac and pointed them to this thread and this issue and told them the crappy support they'd get. I'm pretty sure all of them now have brand new Windows machines.

Count me in 😟
Sadly, I have no Apple Care plan, so there will be no free logic board replacement for me. A new one seems to be at least 400€.
The symptoms are again:

Random screen flickers on internal graphics chip, seems to be closely related to temperature (only occurs when the fan runs)
gfxCardStatus does not change a thing
on 9600M GT no flickers have occurred

The local apple retailer told me there is a warranty-extension program for the old MB pros (Nvidia issue), but not for unibodies.

Cheers,
Manuel

Message was edited by: manmal

Welcome to Club 9600, where a power outlet is never far away.

You have accurately summarized the situation for so many MBP owners, and you have our sympathy.