MBP Logic board failure

Just to add my 2p to this topic... I know I've just responded to another, but it's worth it. I've had the GPU go twice on my MBP 2008 2.4 core 2 duo and had it repaired by a non Apple dealer because the genius bar denied that it was the GPU issue, despite the third party company giving me a copy of the diagnostic print out for the GPU fault. Randomly, I've just seen the Apple notice about extending to 4 years and potentially reimbursing customers who have paid for repairs. Well, considering the crap I got from the genius bar (who told me to just buy a new laptop) - I'll be reporting back on how this one goes. I have a Mac plus, Mac IIci, Power PC + ugrade, Ti book which, together, have given me many years of pretty much flawless (and all still function even after 20 years) service and made me a committed Mac user during the dark years, but with this MBP, the battery is shot, the power supply went (replaced), GPU gone twice and the upgrade to SL was a nightmare and took eons of work and google help. I've been beginning to loose faith. Lets see what Apple do - I can be saved!

Not looking good so far. The Apple staff I have talked to are completely non-technical and have no idea what I'm talking about. As suggested, I have moved up to customer relations - my main complaint is that Apple is, with full cognizance, is under-diagnosiung these issues and their staff are using their massively inflated repair prices to sell new laptops to customers who are quite obviously being doubly ripped off in the process. For a more in depth conversation see this link - you can't interrogate the Nvidia chip if the board's dead BECAUSE of the Nvidia solder problems. Simple logic.

http://www.mobilemag.com/2011/04/12/confirmed-apple-policy-fails-to-determine-el igibility-of-macbook-pro-nvidia-gpu-problems/

I've written a detailed email, but I have the feeling I won't get far. The staff just don't seem to 'get' the issue. For my 2p, it's **** close to being a scam. I'll copy the email here when I can give you an outcome.

yes, it all depends on who you get to help you...some people just can't follow the logic you present in your argument above. my store had people that understood the test couldn't be done because of the failure the nvidia chip caused and gave me no problems. i hope you have better luck in the future.

i really don't think they are out to get you or are perpetrating a scam. it's their ignorance (note, i didn't say "stupidity") that is holding them back from being helpful.

Thanks for the feedback Y2kiddo - it means there is a chance and perhaps your experience might help me make my point. the thing about a scam - is that if the sales staff use this as a chance to sell more machines, then it's a scam by default even if the Boss's and techies don't intend it.

I don't think they work on a commission, but the store may get rated on its gross sales. The appple store where I went is in an affluent area and is always crazy busy, so they don't have to worry about that, probably.

I suggsted that maybe I should get a new machine and the genius said no, that a computer should last more than 3 years and that he has an MBP that was 5 years old that he had just upgraded. It all depends on who you talk to. Someone who would say to buy a new computer might just rather not be bothered with complaints...who knows.

And so it should - I have a 20+ year old Mac still working here amongst my other Macs.

But isn't it strange statistically that people are now complaining about 'logic board' failures out of the blue after this fault is finally acknowledged?

I've never worked on another platform in 20 years as an early adopter and staunch supporter, but if the OS is no longer better and the hardware less reliable, whilst still being more expensive than alternatives (though far less so then when I used to purchase), I'll drop it at a heartbeat. It was good while it lasted. After the FCP debacle and waiting to see what they do to Logic (having been royally stuffed with SL for a while - Logic still won't quit for me).

No one I know would have ever thought I'd say this. I've backed entire Scientific labs to go to Mac in the past.

I'm a VERY unhappy camper.

THIS IS COMING FROM A SUCCESFUL LOGIC BOARD REPAIRED MAC BOOK PRO COUSTUMER!

I like all of you here had my logic board fail on me and I was almost ready to buy a new Mac but I decided to do a bit of research and found this post. I printed out apples web page explanning if you have this issue you may be elligable for a free repair out of warrinty.

The service provider took in the laptop and tested it and confirmed it was a faulty logic board and I would have it replaced free of charge.

Take it to an Apple aurthorised service provided (i.e an idependent IT firm that have staff who are trained to repair apple computers) if it has the faulty logic board issue that everyone in here has had an issue with. They will order the part from apple and you may possibly charged for shipping and the diagnostics test but that will be very cheap (mine was actually all free)

Now please take my advice 🙂 My 2007 "15 MacBook Pro is back alive after doing everything I said above. Try it! Get your self get down to an apple service provider!

I would love to here some success stories!! 😀 message me back if you want anymore information I will be happy to help you all...GOOD LUCK!

Dr Jezz is spot on. Read the article he has posted I've had exactly that issue.

I took my 2008 mac book pro 15" to an approved apple 'plug in a usb sick and replace the part' centre, but of course, because the mac wouldn't power up they couldn't establish what the fault was as they couldn't run their diagnosis software so the easiest thing for them to do is replace the logicboard for £550 😠

I spent half a day speaking to Apple UK, advisors and team leaders and to the 'replace' centre staff explaining to the what the fault was and asking them if they would look into it. I got a resounding NO from Apple who did all they could to put the responsibility of the known fault onto Nvidia.

Anyway I'm managing to type this as I've just got my mac book pro from an idependant repair centre in Leeds and they confirmed and fixed the Nvidia fault for £120! The guy there also said he had seen 10 already this month with exactly the same fault! I'm happy with the service they have provided, they've saved me a **** of a lot of money but Apple should be embarrased at the lack of customer service they are providing for this issue.

I've got a very bitter taste in my mouth after dealing with Apple on this occasion.

Hi Mattauis,

I'm happy that I found your post and it's good to know that I'm not only person in this trouble.

I've been through exactly same happen with you. I also took my 2008 macbook pro 15" at one of Apple Authorized Service Centre in Leeds then I got same response with you and I called to one of Apple Genius bar in London then they said Apple has sttoped free repair service with this faulty Nvidia issue, it will cost £600 to replace the logicboard, ****..

Is there any way you can let me know what independant repair shop in Leeds? It'd be really appreciate and I'd be willing to pay £120 if they can fix this problem.

Thx.

Hi, yes it was a company called Apple Corner on Hyde Park Corner. My total repair was £220 + £50 diagnosis fee but I had to have a hard drive cable fixed at the same time. I think the total cost for just this repair must be around £160. Still more expensive than I said but a lot cheaper than what Apple wanted to charge me.

Mattauis. Wow, thanks for your quick answer!

That shop I've many seen when I pass by Hyde park corner, it's just a few mins from my place, great.

Around £160, I could afford it, and yes, it's still a lot cheaper than Apple Genius. I shouldn't have gone to one of AASC in city centre, I just spent £50 inspection fee without getting nothing and they just kept saying that my laptop is not relate in this Nvidia faulty not to give me a free repair service. Is that Apple staff's normal treatment to customers? It's a shame.

Kwon, It depends on where you go and who you get as to how you are treated. It depends if they are having a fight with their spouse or if they are happy with their work, etc. just like anyplace else you go for any type of service. Every employee in every bank (for instance) is not equally accommodating or knowledgeable.

I think the fast growth of Apple stores around the world has left them not all trained as well as they need to be to actually be called "geniuses". Hopefully, that will change in the future.

Hello Y2kiddo, I've been getting something similar with my MacBook Pro Early 2008, the display doesn't work i get no startup chime and clearing the SMC fixed it once but now it will not work all i get is the black screen? Was this the issue you where having and do you think I'll be able to get mind fixed?

Thanks for the help,

Dave

yes, dave, that is what mine was doing. the light on the front was on and you could hear it running. but no video.

if it is less than four years after your purchase date, it should be covered under Apple's plan to fix the nvidia chips based on the class action suit. if you look at all my comments, there is a link back a few pages that goes to the Apple site where they discuss their policy on this. have that info on hand in case you get to Apple and they don't know about the issue and Apple's resulting policy. you can go to an official apple IT place and you may have better luck. but my Apple store was familiar with the issue and fixed it for free. good luck!

hello y2kiddo i called apple care who said the same as you very helpful then took this into my local service center today but they said we cannot get the machine to POST so we cannot do the repair? Did you have the same problem? The guy said in the service centre said the GPU can mess up the logic board but he has no way of proving without running the test... so they can't help me. I just wondered if you had the same issue?

Many thanks.