Level 1

2 points

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

353 replies

May 20, 2010 7:21 AM in response to jakobeon

Jakobeon, thanks!
I work in a firm where EVERYBODY has a 20" Cinema Display. We've had this problem twice already. We're on our way to move to a newer building and I believe half of the displays will show this problem when plugged on at the new location. So, thanks! You saved our money now and I believe we'll save money in the future.

May 20, 2010 10:00 PM in response to lebungleski

I had the same issue with my 20" Cinema display and I futzed around with shaving little pieces of plastic like the linked youtube video, but I couldn't quite get it. But a small sliver of paper folded into a "c"shape worked perfectly! Sweet fix!

Still a bit worried about usong this solution for the long run. Has anyone had an issues with it? How long have people gone with the paper covering the grounding pin?

Jun 6, 2010 6:33 AM in response to lebungleski

The paper trick worked. Pure genius.
I also suffered this problem when I switched the power off at the source for a moment. This clearly is a fault with the display. But I was dreading explaining this to apple.
These discussions are a god send. Thanks.

Jun 7, 2010 12:39 PM in response to lebungleski

After a recent power outage my Cinema Display (23-inch DVI Late 2005) was giving the short-long-short LED signal. After reading a lot of the posts here and given Apple's assurance that the 150W power brick was suitable for my display I purchased one from SunsetMac in LA. It arrived this afternoon and my display is again operational!

garf1108

Level 1

0 points

Jun 11, 2010 2:44 PM in response to lebungleski

I have the same problem with my 20" Apple Cinema display. Everyone recommends that one buys a 150W power adapter from e-bay. I would like to inquire what description do you use in the search function. Secondly, is the problem mostly the power adapter rather than the connection to the panel.
Thanks for your assistance.
Garf

Jun 11, 2010 3:16 PM in response to garf1108

According to Apple, the 20" Apple Cinema Display (Apple Cinema Display (20-inch DVI)) can use the 150W power adapter. I did not try to find one on e-Bay. If you want to search e-Bay try this description under the section Computers and Networking:

A1098 Apple cinema display power adapter 150W

I personally felt my problem was due to a failure of the 90W power adapter and not to the connection to the panel. I used the old connections on the new 150 W power adapter and they worked fine.

Hope this helps.

Jun 14, 2010 11:21 AM in response to Gusson

Exactly the same problem - 23" cinema display failed after power cut, protected by UPS, but power cut outlasted UPS. Fixed by blocking middle pin with strip of paper.
I like the theory proposed earlier about the check taking place at power up only so failure not noticed on machines left powered up all the time until an enforced power down by power cut or having to move the machine.
Personally I have previously found Apple technical support to be ill-informed and unhelpful - so I won't bother phoning it'll just put my blood pressure up.

Jreifert

Level 1

0 points

Jun 16, 2010 8:31 PM in response to lebungleski

Yet another success story for the quick fix. Almost bought a new power supply too.... Good thing I kept searching for info about what was "really" wrong with the display.

Certainly appears to me that this issue is growing with the increasing age of the displays. Priced at 3 to 4 times other similar sized displays, I would imagine Apple would use higher quality parts. To not recognize the issue and recall the product is concerning to say the least. I will not buy the iphone when my current verizon plan runs out, out of distrust for newer Apple products that are not built to last.

asiastar

Level 1

0 points

Jun 18, 2010 9:35 PM in response to lebungleski

I just came back from the apple store with my 23" display all ****** off as they yold me the repar was going to be about $550 with tax. I told them let me check other options and I came back and did some research. found this post and did the paper fix.

Its working! Thanks Guys

JH 1982

Level 1

0 points

Jun 22, 2010 10:57 AM in response to lebungleski

Hi Peeps,

I just came home from a trip and found that my 23" Cinema display would not switch on. I have just tried the paper trick, and IT WORKS! I am astounded - you people are amazing. Thanks very much for your help in these posts.

I will be contacting Apple as well to make the point that this is happening all too often, and I will post if I have any success.

One question - does introducing the paper put the display at higher risk of electrical fires or anything else?

Thanks again,

Jack

Drew2d2

Level 1

0 points

Jun 23, 2010 5:22 AM in response to JH 1982

Jakeobeon, much thanks buddy, what a fix!!!!!

Just rolled a piece of blotting paper like a doobie filter and covered the earth pin. Easy as that, works fine.(Problem was a dim lower half of screen)

As for the questions regarding electrical issues with not having a contacted earth, of course i assume no liability but can only assume that if the monitor is connected to anything else that may be earthed(such as the computer or a powered hard drive from the usb slots) it should be fine? If anyone can clear that one up it would be appreciated 😉

frailer5

Level 1

0 points

Jun 25, 2010 6:40 PM in response to ElasticPictures

ElasticPictures, you have it! DELL U2410. Ace...
I just yesterday left our 23" ACD at a repairer, just to verify it's power supply or not. Now I read this, thanks to a poster in Aussie Whirlpool Forums. I bet Apple know ALL about this. Am about to post link to repair guy.
We got this ACD in a panic, as we had a prepress op. threatening work induced eye strain on an occasionally flickering CRT. I never would have bought it otherwise. She wanted one.
Seems we will reclaim it, and I bet it works again. Just have to wrap my mind around the pin-blocking thing.

Jun 29, 2010 11:46 PM in response to cef9

How has that piece of paper been working. I'm scared to do that fix because I don't know how safe it is. Has anyone done this and found it to be safe for long periods of time? If a tiny piece of paper can fix my monitor, I'd love to try it but I really am not into any giant problems it could possibly cause.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Jun 30, 2010 12:07 AM in response to ellebrand

ellebrand, my attitude is..."I don't care!" It was a piece of useless junk. Now it's working. I just retrieved the ACD from the repair guy, who had done nothing at this stage. (I read jakobeon's post that night).
OK, when I got it back here, I tried the original 90W brick, which I'd assumed to be OK. I used a tiny strip of peeled-off rubylith backing, which I had in a drawer, cut into a strip about 1.5mm wide. Lone enough so it went into the recess in a 'U' shape, but long enough so it sticks out about 3mm each end. Then carefully eased the (male) plug into the recess (female part), trying to be careful not to let it slip out of alignment.
On the 1st attempt, with the original; no go. But with the second attempt, with the used brick I had got, it worked. Either the 1st brick's cooked, or the cellulose strip had slipped, allowing Earth contact. At this stage, it's 'touch nothing!"
Thanks again jakobeon.

zscally

Level 1

0 points

Jul 1, 2010 2:51 PM in response to lebungleski

I just tried the paper trick and it worked! I too tried ordering a power supply off Ebay with no luck "90watt"

to me the only thing that could happen with the ground not being there is that your at very high risk of EMS (electromagnetic shock) or power surge. all I think this could do is totally wipe out the monitor, not start a fire etc etc.

its a quick and dirty fix for the people like me that cannot afford to
1) get it repaired by apple
2) get a $100 120 watt power supply after buying a 90 watt

one thing I will try is to look for a inverter and try to fix on my own "i've done this in the past with other non apple displays"

I will keep you posted if I try this.

--Z

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