New SSD, fan, and RAM and now monitor is black

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Level 1

4 points

New SSD, fan, and RAM and now monitor is black

MBP late 2011. I just installed a new Crucial 960GB SSD, a new fan, and 2 new 8 GB cards of RAM. When I rebooted after replacing everything my computer did not make the boot up chime and the monitor never came on. I checked all the connections internally and everything looks good (as far as I can tell).

Worried that when I was trying to reconnect the fan connector that I may have put to much pressure on the board. It was hard to get that piece to reconnect.

I used an antistatic matt and bracelet.

I tried a few things I saw on other message boards. (A) shift+option+cmd+power; power, then S, then restart.

Can I connect the computer via thunderbolt to my TV and see if I get a screen? If so, that can I somehow reset the laptop to the internal monitor?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

MacBook Pro 13", macOS 10.12

Posted on Jun 9, 2019 4:46 PM

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Answer 1

HWTech

Level 9

68,408 points

Jun 10, 2019 6:00 PM in response to kahluadog

An SMC reset is Control + Option + Shift + Power.

A PRAM reset is Command + Option + P + R. (Hold it for at least three chimes)

FYI, if the volume is muted, then you won't hear the startup chime until it is un-muted or after a PRAM is reset.

If these things do not work, then try reseating the RAM. Even remove the RAM to see if you get the three beeps for "no memory". If you don't get the three beeps with no RAM installed, then you have a problem. Double-check all the cable connections to make sure one wasn't knocked loose. IIRC the fan should spin as soon as soon as the laptop powers on for this model.

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Answer 2

Jun 9, 2019 6:24 PM in response to kahluadog

The chime is generated in software when the Power On Self Test passes. No chime indicates it did not pass, so of course you get no picture. Are you getting any other tones or is the power/sleep light blinking a pattern? if so, how many beeps or blinks?

Was everything working before you started? if not, what was not working properly?

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Answer 3

kahluadog Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 10, 2019 6:10 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

no chimes or tones. I can look when I get home tonight at the light pattern. I have not screwed back in the base plate, would that cause this to happen? I removed the new battery and put the old on back in. Before I cracked open the case I mirrored my drive and then tested by booting to the new SSD I had still plugged in to the USB port and everything worked like a champ. I then opened up the case, changed out the HD, the fan, and the RAM. I switched out the battery, then put the old battery back in on the off chance it was a lemon and that is what was causing the problem.

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Answer 4

Jun 10, 2019 8:58 AM in response to kahluadog

tested by booting to the new SSD I had still plugged in to the USB port and everything worked like a champ.

Dead in the water makes it sound like the SATA cable has failed. Battery and fan should not be an issue.

The 2012's SATA is always a suspect— your 2011 I don't have the same empirical sense, however thy can be easily damaged.

Talk to OWC about compatibility: https://eshop.macsales.com/item/Apple/8211480/%20%2013%22%20MacBook%20Pro%20SATA

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Answer 5

kahluadog Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 13, 2019 4:44 PM in response to HWTech

I replaced the SATA cable but that did not change anything.

Next I took out my RAM and I DO get 3 beeps.

I put my OLD RAM back in and it works!

I guess I need to contact Crucial and find out what to do next.

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Answer 6

HWTech

Level 9

68,408 points

Jun 13, 2019 5:38 PM in response to kahluadog

Try installing just one new stick of RAM in the slot closest to the keyboard. Sometimes the slot closest to the Bottom Case doesn't work correctly. Also make sure the latches on either side of the RAM are holding the memory in place. Sometimes when installing memory in the lower slot (closest to the Bottom Case) it will cause the first stick of memory to unlock.

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Answer 7

Allan Jones

Level 9

77,720 points

Jun 10, 2019 9:08 AM in response to leroydouglas

OWC still shows cables for the 2011 13-inch models:

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/Apple/9229771/

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Answer 8

kahluadog Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 10, 2019 4:13 PM in response to leroydouglas

So, I found that I can plug in the old HD int the USB and the drive spins and boots but I still can't see the screen. Does that confirm the SATA diagnosis?

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Answer 9

kahluadog Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 10, 2019 4:16 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

When I turn it on I get a bright light that fades to nothing over about 2 seconds, then 5 seconds of dark, the bright and fade, then regular sustained brightness

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Answer 10

Jun 10, 2019 9:16 PM in response to HWTech

Be certain to use the keys on the LEFT side of the keyboard when doing SMC Reset. The ones on the right are not "wired in" and will not work for this.

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Answer 11

kahluadog Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 13, 2019 5:15 PM in response to HWTech

Thank you all very much for the help and guidance!

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New SSD, fan, and RAM and now monitor is black

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