MBP Logic board failure

We took our MBP back to Best Buy for the extended warranty (which ended the day after we took it in) we purchased due to a couple small issues. They sent it out for repair and when we got it back they said the Optical drive, Hard Drive and Logic board were all replaced as well as the bottom case. We didn't expect that they would replace that stuff since our issues didn't involve any of that stuff. We tested the optical drive right there at the store and it still wouldn't take the drive. They sent it back out and came back fixed.

A month or so later it started to do the no video issue that so many people had issues with. I took it to an AASC and they did the video check and it passed. But now the computer was working fine. Four of five months later, as in a few days ago, the computer started doing the no video thing again and once in a while I will get the tone at startup but usually not.

I took the memory cover off and removed the memory modules and noticed the sticker showing on the logic board was yellowed and half torn off.

So I am figuring when the computer was in for the warranty work, they kept my good board and gave me a crappy used one that now is junk and have to spend at least $350 for a used logic board. I removed the hard drive last night and copied off anything I needed to my other computer so if something happens to it I have it. I am so ticked off.

I have a late 07 MacBook Pro. Apple replaced my graphics card and logic board free of charge in April, and now I'm having symptoms of it failing again. I can't imagine that I could wear out another logic board and/or graphics card in 9 months. I'm bracing myself, this thing is like a ticking time bomb.

I wonder if Apple will do anything.

Well like tens of thousands of people before me, I too now have the same issue with my 2008 MacBook Pro. I am shocked at the number of views and posts on this issue and the fact that there seemingly is no class action suit or something being done by Apple to explain their actions. I was just told that the issue is the logic board, without a doubt, 100% its the issue...however, if we can't run diagnostics on it, Apple won't pay to fix it. Nice, so everyone knows its the logic board and video issue described but Apple basically states that its our issue if they can't run a test. Was using Facetime when the screen went black, I perform a hard reboot and it worked for all of 20 min and then the screen went black again. Hard reboot and nothing...it turns on as I can hear the drive kick on and it go through a post as it checks the dvd drive etc, but no "Mac sound" means no repair. The guy actually looked at me and said if I had left it and not turned it on the second time, it would have been covered?!? I spent over 3000 dollars on this Mac and as it stands I'm looking at 45 months of use. Do the math, that's 67 dollars a month for the "priviledge" of using a Mac and the latest release of Lion which is an absolute bust IMO (just look at the size of the two updates they've put out).

you didn't read this thoroughly. yes, there was a class action suit with nvidia that has ended. but apple has issued a statement about how they will fix or reimburse for this problem up to 4 years from date of purchase. go back to my previous posts (or search for them) and you will find the link to the page on the Apple site. so no need to be shocked...btw, I love Lion.

The class action suit was against Nvidia. I am talking about the thousands of people who will not show a "code" that Apple can bill back to Nvidia, so they will not replace the logic board. Even the tech who has 20 years repairing Mac's said without a doubt its the chip that caused the logic board to fail, but no code, no replacement by Apple. Its amazing that when you ask them to prove that it wasn't the chip that caused the logic board issue, they agree to replace it. I know lots of people who like Lion, none of them typically with systems three years or older.

I went to Apple and they didn't do the test, just replaced it, as it was obvious what the problem was. I wasn't getting the Mac boot up chimes, either. It just depends who you talk to, I guess.

Previously, under AppleCare, I got both drives replaced just before my 3 years were up. Recently, I upgraded the memory to 6GB and my HD to 7200RPM 750GB drive and it runs fast! Just waiting till the solid state drive prices come down. But, in the meantime, I may get the package to put a solid state HD into the optical drive slot to run my system and my apps and keep my files on the existing hard drive...plus buy an external drive for burning cd/dvd's.

I have an early 2008 MBP, and I don't have any problems with Lion. But I keep my system clean and lean and do all the maintenance on a regular basis. I have had a couple glitches, but they weren't a big deal.

Its obvious to everyone but Apple it seems because I called and it got escalated and got a wonderfully rude tech who just kept saying "I won't argue with you" and kept saying over and over again...the issue is not with the video because there is no chime. If the issue was the video the tech would have gotten a code. No code, I can't help you.

I have used a Mac all my life, I think I've about had it. Given what you listed above, regardless if it was covered under warranty, how can anyone pay a premium for systems that continuously falter? I use a 700 dollar Lenovo Thinkpad and aside from it running Windows, the thing is a tank. Reliable...even left it on inside my laptop bag on a flight two years ago and not so much as a failed boot. This Macbook cost like 3300 dollars after tax. Three and a half years, given the price and a known issue with the boards, there should have been a recall regardless if the issue may or may not happen to a customer. Looking at this thread, its affected thousands of users and the "rules" for replacement depend mostly on who you are lucky enough to speak to.

yes, these mbp's run hot and apple needs to fix this in future models, i agree. i'm willing to pay the premium because i dislike the windows platform.

sorry, you didn't have good luck with yours.

Same problem, same symptoms. Get diagonally squared pixels, which can morph into into multi-colred wavy lines, and shut the system down.

Brought my MBP to the Apple Genius Bar, and after some head scratching and consultations with other techs, they assume it is a bad logic board. BTW, had the logic board replaced by Apple less than a year ago. Just sayin.

My particular bump, is that my MBP is a late model (2006 17"), and Apple no longer stocks replacement parts on "legacy models after 5 years on market. My Mac is 5 1/2 yrs.old, old in tech years but has benn working fine. So no Apple supplied board for me. (sigh)

Techs advised I go to an OEM Resller-service company to replace the board as that they might stock the board. I seem to remember that there was a "law" that stated that manufactureres of U.S.produced goods keep parts in stock for their models for 10 years. But I guess that's cmparing Apples to oranges.

However, I did come up with a workaround that restores my functionality, if only on a termporary basis, (2 days to 4hours) so if you continue to suffer from the same problem, this seems to get me back to working mode for mission critical assignments.

If you experience the freeze-out and funky screen, try the following ... it seems to work for me albeit temporarily.

When yo get no response from your system, perform a hard shut down. Next, restart the computer in Safe Mode by holding down the Shift key during boot-up. Takes a bit longer, but hang in there. When your screen indicates that you are in Safe Mode. log-in as usual. Then open the Finder and got to Disk Utility. In Disk Utility, select the VERIFY DISK button (NOT the Verify Permissions button). Soon you should see the Green message that your system is OK (hopefully). If so, close the Finder and perform a Restart back in normal mode. You should be able to regain your working splash OS page and gain back your functionality ... again this is a temporary fix if you have to ger back to work.

Try it and good luck.

I had been contempating getting a "newer" MBP, but I am running OX10.57, and many of my current apps are not Snow Leopard comliant, no less Lion compliant, and it would cost another boatload of dough just to upgrade all third party apps which I frequently use. If it aint one thing it's another IMHO. (Sigh)

MacBook Pro 2.16 GHz OS X 10.57

Message was edited by: KAUFFILMS

I had the exact same experience. I took my computer to the Genius Bar and after a lot of discussion amongst the "geniuses" I was told I need a new logic board...buy a new laptop. It was a bit harsh I thought. I am now researching this online and I'm quite surprised by how many people are having the exact same problem.

At least it works in safe mode for the most part. I had to dig up a cat 5 cable to get online but it'll get me by for now.

I'm hoping that Apple comes around and does the right thing before they lose a longtime customer.

I have just joined the 8600 GT Graghics processor victims club. My MBP was purchased in May 2006 and replaced free of charge by Apple in 2006 due to the battery blowing up in my lap. The tech kept reminding me that it's a notebook not a laptop. Anyway, in case it helps anyone, I happen to have had it connected to a USB Video adapter when the Graphics card went so I still have video. ie use of my files, as would anyone else. Result is, I now own a MacDesk Pro. So try getting a USB video Adapter for $39.00 for the short term solution. I hope this helps someone down the road.

Hello, all. I too just had my MBP videa die. I went to the Genius bar and the test proved the logic board has the graphics issue decfined in http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2377. I was then told the four years has expired and I either need ot pay for a new logic board or buy a new MBP. I am rather frustrated but I understand the graphics card vendor had the four year limit. Has anyone been sucessful in escalating this issue within Apple? If so please share the processes used. I am unfortunately our pricing win-tel machines sicne the prices are so low... in comparison. I loke my MBP but I can nto afford a new one at the current time.

Regards,

DCLF wrote:

I am unfortunately our pricing win-tel machines sicne the prices are so low... in comparison. I loke my MBP but I can nto afford a new one at the current time.

Regards,

Apple is shooting themselves in the foot with this one. The parts they choose for that model MBP were faulty but they refuse to take responsability for it. Laying it off on the chip maker. To top it off it is not like you could replace just the graphic board as Apple Solders them to the logic/mother board.

Hey there...I went toe to toe with their "escalated support" and not only were they rude, they simply refused to acknowledge that it was the faulty video chip that was causing my logic board to not function (I was under warranty still). What makes this particularily disgusting to me is that they use the "code" as their reasoning for replacement; no code, no replacement. Well lets see, the Apple tech with 20+ years says its the video chip, a hundred thousand people on here say it's the video chip and because there is no "pong" you cant run diagnostics so you tell me to go spend another FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS on one of your laptops or spend a grand replacing the logic board? But oh yes, you are so smart Apple and your support knows everything because there is no code it has to be something I've done and not the faulty chip you installed. Save yourself the time and money, I removed the logic board and sent it to a guy in Montral and for 125 dollars he resolders the video chip and does something else to the board and guess what, got it back last week and computer boots and everything is running great. Computer also runs cooler as well now. So Apple, its not the video chip? Your company is nothing more than a bunch of crooks stealing people's money and unless you can get someone else to pay for your mistakes, you pass it on to your customers. Congratulations, you're one of the worst run tech companies in the world now and your support the past couple of years went from the best, to one of the worst I have ever dealt with. So prove to me how this was my fault again...oh yes, you can't. But you almost got me to spend a minimum of a thousand dollars on a new logic board (and god knows what else) or four thousand on a new laptop. Shame on you. If anyone wants to know the guy in Montreal, ping me and I will send you his contact details. He has a 95% success rate and every single one is the video chip. What do you have to lose given you're either going to spend 2+ grand on an entry level Macbook Pro again or a grand on a new logic board. Even if I get a year or two out of this repair, its money well spent because its not in this company's pocket.

Just terrible. I bought my 17 inch Macbook Pro in 2008. It just failed on me, video issues with the 8600gt. I live in the boondogs and it's been 3 days since Apple has been trying to get a store where I can mail it in for repairs. So far no luck.

They talked about a turnaround of close to 3 weeks, which is unacceptable (I don't live in the Yukon, I live in the Maritimes, in Canada).

This is a business tool for me. I run Daylite and FMP with connectors and even though I have a backup of the HD, I can't run these on another computer, because of folder path issues.

At this point, given that they are unable to find a shop to perform the repais with a mail in, wouldn't it be good service to offer me a replacement? Even at a discount, where I would have to pay the difference?

Very dissapointing from such a big company that can't take ownership of its mistakes. I here Acer makes a wicked laptop. I'll still purchase desktop Macs (I have 3 in my business and 4 at home) but never again will I ever consider a laptop from Apple, not after this fiasco.