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Apple Cinema Display 23" - Blank Screen, "short-long-short" LED code

Hello everyone.
This sounds like something of an epidemic... My Apple Cinema 23" HD Display (bought Dec. 2007) hasn't been turning on after a power outage hit our area last week.

The Computer and Display were OFF when the outage occurred. Everything was plugged into a surge suppressor. Everything ELSE plugged in to the suppressor is fine (including my Mac CPU)... but not the monitor.
It’s not dead-dead…. It’s a blank screen but there IS a morse-code flash on the LED (short-long-short). According to Apple Support’s LED Translation, it SHOULD be something to do with the power adaptor. The adaptor IS correct… a 90 watt… but just in case I bought ANOTHER 90w adaptor brick. I plugged the monitor to the new brick. THE RESULT WAS THE SAME.

I’ve tried power cycling, I’ve tried plugging it into different outlets, I’ve tried connecting to other computers. The same LED result remains.

And, yes, of course, I’ve got no Apple Support, and from what I read in similar posts, outside-the-warranty repairs could hit around $400. I REFUSE!

For now I have a Samsung monitor from Costco. It’s not bad, but it’s not the Apple monitor with its awesome color-fidelity.

I've read some other posts with the same problem (LED blink code and all) elsewhere but haven't got a solid answer.
I wonder… has anyone else incurring this same problem (with the same LED flashing deal) tried to use a 150-WATT adaptor brick? I would try this myself, but I’m currently financially unable (and personally unwilling) to throw more cash at this problem unless I know it’ll fix it.

Mac OS X (10.5.7)

Posted on Jul 18, 2009 7:03 PM

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353 replies

Jan 9, 2010 6:54 PM in response to Anirog

After reading all of the posts about this same problem it seems like Apple might look at this as a problem warrantying a recall. I am having the exact same issue with one of my two 23" Cinema Displays. They are both connected to a UPS in a controlled professional video post-production facility. After coming back from the holidays, I hit the power button on the Mac Pro and only one monitor came on. . . short. . . long . . . short flashes on the other. I too tried the power adapter from the other monitor, no luck. Tried connecting to my MacBook Pro, no luck. These monitors are 16 months old, and no, I did not opt for Applecare.

I will always own Apple machines, but it looks like I am looking much closer at Dell U2410 monitors! Three year warranty with "No-Dead Pixel" guarantee. I must also point out that they are 40% less expensive and use a newer version of the IPS panel. Not nearly as sexy looking. . . but they have a great personality!

Jan 12, 2010 12:54 AM in response to lebungleski

hey all,

this same problem just happened to me this weekend too. made a stop to the genius bar, and they tried out the 150w adapter, which worked. but they suspect this is just a short term fix. does anyone who has been using the 150w have any longer term experience? is the $100 investment a good one?

also, what are proper channels with some real efficacy to bring this up to powers that be at apple? what a crock for pretty pricey display, if there's no support for this known problem... much appreciated everyone!

johng

Jan 12, 2010 6:19 AM in response to orbitalharvest

I took my faulty 23" Cinema Display to the local Genius Bar last night, and after reading everyone's posts, I asked the tech to connect a 150W power adapter. . . and it worked. He said that he had never seen this issue, but after I told him how many people were having the same issue, he looked to see if there was any sort of recall. Unfortunately not. For what is to be considered a "Premium Panel" monitor, there is not a "Premium Guarantee" of workmanship for the "Premium Price" we are paying. Now the question is, do I sink $150 into a temporary fix, or do I go ahead and buy a pair of Dell 24" U2410 monitors with a 3 year warranty and dead pixel guarantee.

Jan 18, 2010 12:18 PM in response to lebungleski

For those of you who don't want to spend +$100 on a 150W adapter may want to give this a try:

It turns out the middle pin in the power connector is a ground. When it read an incorrect voltage it makes the displays inverter turn off to protect the unit. One way to circumvent this is to cover the middle pin in the cord going from the monitor to the power brick. I used a piece of paper in the shape of a "W" covering just the middle pin. I double folded a piece of paper and folded it over the plug and down into the connector and then gently pushed the plug into the power brick. Once i did this the monitor popped on and all was good in the world...

Apple Cinema Display 23" - Blank Screen, "short-long-short" LED code

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