Greyish Smudge marks behind the glass screen.

Mattand,

Yes I am aware that it is going to be the "when" factor. I am not sure how wI am going to handle this. I have contimplated selling the unit after getting it fixed and eventually purchasing a Mac Pro and using my own display. Pricey but may be my best best.

The other thought that has crossed my mind is swapping my HDD with a SSD. Possibly removing heat from the unit itself I am hoping can help prolong this. I am also guilty of leaving it on for long periods of time. That is something that I take into consideration and will try to be better about. I am also going to try covering the iMac with some sort of fitted sheet to help block out access to particles when I am not using it. Yes these things should not need to be done to keep the unit working like it should, but since I have made the initial investment of the iMac itself, I am going to try and keep better care of it so I don't lose out too much!

During my research I have read many success stories of them even giving out new iMacs for this issue. I guess it's all about timing. If the part is on back order or they have a long wait period it may result it them offering a new unit. I am going to hope while it is in for repairs, that something like this takes place so I can come out on top. Wishful thinking, I know, but I am just happy that I am getting it fixed. I'll be happy either way, but I will obviously feel way better if I get that call to come and get a new one!

Thanks!

Apple Exec flatly refused to repair a known issue on my LCD panel. Yours was a goodwill but the next one will be refused since they did the one repair aready. IMHO worth getting rid off the iMac now while it works.

rockjano3,

Yes, I believe so. Dirt between glass and lcd maybe ?

I found same issues for late 2012 iMac models (MD096) include this one.

http://cafe.naver.com/inmacbook/978197

I've just reached out apple customer service.

An Engineer told me due to structure of late 2012 iMac, replacing screen would be only way to fix it.

I feel discouraged cuz they insist my warranty ends Feb 16 2014. 😟😢

"Yes, I believe so. Dirt between glass and lcd maybe ?"

Well if you are lucky... but that is unprobable.

If it is only between the glass and the LCD that takes 5 minutes to clean up yourself (anyway computers should be cleaned in every half year iMac includid dust blowing up etc...).

It is more probable that the dirt is inside the LCD, that could also be cleaned but it is a LOT mor difficult (apple will NOT do it, they change the panel if they willing to do that)

Typical iMac problem... constructional problem...

rockjano

I'm having this issue with my late-2011 27" iMac and it has gotten so bad that the smudge marks has now takes up nearly a quarter of the display. Since I've just started to have video card issues (as noted here: http://9to5mac.com/2013/08/16/apple-opens-graphics-card-replacement-program-for- some-mid-2011-imacs/), I dropped this off at an AASP on Monday morning as none of the Apple stores in my area had appointments until later this week.

I haven't heard anything yet, so I gave the AASP a call just now. They're still running additional diagnostics in regards to the graphics card, but they said the smudge marks are due to "smoke." They didn't elaboate, but they said they would be in touch with me tomorrow once the diagnostics are done.

I don't smoke. I don't live in a humid enviroment (I live in Vegas which is the exact opposite). I don't have any of the enviromental issues that Apple is claiming that causes this "defect" with the display. I just want these issues fixed.

I have AppleCare on the machine for another year. If the AASP is to deny the repair or service, what are my next steps? Do I have to call AppleCare to enforce the in-warranty service?

I assume it will invalidate the warranty, but the screen is held on by magnets, easily removed using suction cups and easily cleaned. I believe the smudges are due to humidity, dust, and a lack of a filter system.

Hi Turtle, I've got Late 2009 iMac Intel Core i5 2,66 with the same problem, for now more or less not so irritating. For 100% - design flaw, but what's the **** I still love it and with mixed emotion waiting (in vain) for Apple to wake up. Let us know if you fix the problem after all.

I have same problem with my Imac 21.5-inch, Mid 2010

Procesor 3,06 GHz Intel Core i3

Grafika ATI Radeon HD 4670 256 MB

Memory

14 GB 1333 MHz DDR3

Any idea what i can do? This Imac was cost me a fortune 4 years ago, and im shure waranty it's gone. I read article about Apple that they spetially do things like this to force people buy new items, hope its a mit, i can't afford new iMac and i need him for my photography work. Can any one advice me what i can do? I am based in UK. Pleas help it is so anoing

It is over 3 years so Apple probably will not change the LCD. (you might try but it is not probable)

You should take a picture how the problem looks like and post it here. We can take a look.

1. You should remove the front panel with sucking glass-lifting tool. You can find video's on YT how to take out the LCD, you have to disconnect 4 kabels. You can clean the LCD unit and clean the whole machine inside (with some air can or compressor or just blowing it by yourself, compressor is the best).

After 4 years the mac surely very dusty inside it is anyway good to clean it.

2. If it does not help you can try to take apart the LCD unit and clean it inside it is a very delicate procedure but it can be done look video on YT also. I did it myself two times.

3. If it still no help that it might be that something is overheating inside the iMac, this was my case with my dying HD, I replaced it and whoala the marks I had disappeared. But your case might be different. I did not found too much dust inside my LCD others had more, dustier environnement or smoking whatever...

Well..removing the front plastic and the LCD unit is quite easy. It must not be a problem... It might be just enough.

Taking apart the LCD unit is not easy, you are very afraid that you destroy the LCD (mine is 27") it took me 4 hors at the first time. it was a lot easier next time (of course)

You can also take it to an independent service station, that will cost some money (and most of them is not willing to take apart the LCD unit...)

Look for other YT video...

Hope I could help

rockjano

acording to take apart LCD panel there on video looks like they remove some kind of seal tape? do i saw corect? and do i need to replace this seal tape? what sort of cleaning fluid i can use if any ? sorry for my english

You have to cut the sealing tape but that can be replaced with other sealing tape (I used gaffer tape http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:13-01-02-inventur-wmde-blitz-06.jpg).

I know it looks frightening but it is OK.

I used simple glass cleaning fluid (spay)

Sorry for my English too :-) (not my nativ language)

Preatty rude, worse than mine was...

You have to take apart the LCD unit itself, cut the silver tape etc... very-very gently. There are some good video's on YT.

Apple will not change it forget it.

But it also look very similar to mine and mine had heat problems, as I wrote as I changed the HD the marks just disappeared. (HD overheating problem)

Is it always on OR if you turn on the Mac (after a colder night) you don't see for 4-5 minutes and it comes after that? If YES than it is heat related if not and it is on when the mac is still cold inside.

You are luckier if it is like that because that COULD be cleaned.

If it is heat related that even taking apart and cleaning the LCD will not help.

Yes it is a design problem. I will never buy iMac again...

Ok, yes I see the videos now and I will try that! I wish I would have seen the videos prior to me taking my monitor off the other day. Now I need to get some of that foil tape to reseal it. I'll let you know how it goes!

I used simple ducktape, I think it works (seems to work.)

The biggest challange is to separate the LCD from the outer frame..that was not easy...

I was really afraid that I broke it... but I did not...

Report back if the cleaning was succesful, I am curious, not everybody dare to make it.

You are a brave man :-)