If I put some pressure in the left bottom corner, the screen start doing funny things and the Mac freezes

I have exactly the same problem described here with my MacBook Pro Mid 2012 (no retina display). I f I put some pressure in the left bottom corner, the screen start doing funny things and the Mac freezes. I changed the HD and the HD cable. Everything else looks fine. Any input will be appreciated. Thanks!




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Posted on Sep 1, 2019 4:43 PM

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Posted on Sep 1, 2019 7:37 PM

Where are you putting the pressure? On the display or on the palmrest, etc.?


Does the display show anything on the screen when it "freezes"?


Play some music and see if the music continues playing when the laptop appears to freeze. Some system "freezes" can be due to the display freezing and not updating the graphics. If the music continues to play, then your Display is likely at fault.


Most system freezes which involve pressure or movement will be due to a memory issue usually with the lower memory slot (the memory closest to the bottom case). This slot tends to become damaged over time because pressure is put on the center of the bottom case causing the solder joints to crack on the lower memory slot. See if removing the memory from the slot closest to the bottom case solves your problem.

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Sep 1, 2019 7:37 PM in response to gonz024

Where are you putting the pressure? On the display or on the palmrest, etc.?


Does the display show anything on the screen when it "freezes"?


Play some music and see if the music continues playing when the laptop appears to freeze. Some system "freezes" can be due to the display freezing and not updating the graphics. If the music continues to play, then your Display is likely at fault.


Most system freezes which involve pressure or movement will be due to a memory issue usually with the lower memory slot (the memory closest to the bottom case). This slot tends to become damaged over time because pressure is put on the center of the bottom case causing the solder joints to crack on the lower memory slot. See if removing the memory from the slot closest to the bottom case solves your problem.

Sep 2, 2019 1:44 PM in response to HWTech

Thanks for your answer. My problems was exactly as described in https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6988278. They did not post a final response in the previous forum and apparently is closed now.


Basically anytime I pressed anywhere in the lower left corner (next to the mouse track)with any decent amount of force the computer freezes and needs to be shut down and restarted. In my case I initially replaced the HD cable and the HD, and the problem persisted. Yesterday night I replaced the battery using an old battery of a Macbook 2011. It seems that is working now. The battery in my 2012 was in good condition, holding the charge for several hours, and not leaking. Now my Macbook seems to be working fine and I am able to put pressure in the left corner and move it around without any freezing. I am going to keep my fingers crossed. Thanks!

Sep 2, 2019 4:38 PM in response to gonz024

Make sure both memory modules are full locked in place on both sides of the modules. Sometimes the plastic latches can come unlatched. These are very small narrow triangular protrusions on each side of the plastic latches which actually lock the memory in place. They can be easily damaged or worn.


You can use a toothpick to very carefully press on the module closest to the keyboard to make sure the module is fully locked in place. Just be sure to press on an empty area near the edge of the memory and make sure the toothpick doesn't slip as it is very easy to damage the very small surface mount components on the memory module.


Then gently press on the other module which is closest to the bottom case.


Sometimes just re-seating and confirming the memory is fully latched in place is enough. Sometimes when installing the second module (closest to the bottom case) the first module can become unlatched since they share the plastic arms on each side.


Whenever working on a laptop, make sure to disconnect the power adapter from the laptop as well as disconnecting the battery from the Logic Board.


I suspect the lower memory slot (the one closest to the Bottom Case) is the source of the problem. I've seen some posts where people put a shim between the modules. I actually removed the "cushion" from the center of the Bottom Case and covered the area where the cushion was removed with electrical tape to keep the bottom case from shorting out the memory.


Good luck.


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If I put some pressure in the left bottom corner, the screen start doing funny things and the Mac freezes

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