After dis- and reassembly MacBook Pro display dead

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After dis- and reassembly MacBook Pro display dead

I just replaced the top case of my Late 2011 13" MacBook Pro. The top case had been purchased from eBay. I used the instructions from iFixIt.

Now that I have everything back together and press the On button, I hear the startup chime, but the display stays dead. I already reseated the connector for the display data cable, but the display still does not light up. Is there some other connector I should check, one which specifically carries power to the backlight?

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Sep 6, 2020 1:10 PM

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Answer 1

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HWTech

Level 9

68,636 points

Sep 6, 2020 1:43 PM in response to D. Hoffmann

Disconnect the built-in display and connect an external display. Make sure the display connector isn't touching the Logic Board. It would be best to place the laptop on its right side with the display open and gently move the display's connector away from the Logic Board so it doesn't damage the Logic Board. Power on the laptop to see if the laptop boots and has video to the external display. This will eliminate any possible issues with the Display Assembly and the Logic Board connector (both of which are easily damaged).

If you still have problems without the built-in display, then I would disconnect the cables for the Trackpad and Keyboard in case one of these parts is interfering since the Top Case Assembly is a complete unknown since it is a used part that you don't know the history of. There are power on pads located on the Logic Board:

https://beetstech.com/blog/where-are-macbook-pro-unibody-power-on-pads-located

If you still have issues, then disconnect all other cables from the Logic Board. You may even want to remove both memory modules to see if the system gives you the three beeps for missing memory. If you do not hear the three beeps, then you most likely have a Logic Board issue.

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Answer 2

drake211

Level 5

5,831 points

Sep 6, 2020 1:16 PM in response to D. Hoffmann

Hello, you should never attempt a self repair as these are the kind of things that happen when they go wrong. You have also voided your devices warranty so you will most likely not be able to get a repair from an Apple store.

Drake

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Answer 3

D. Hoffmann Author

Level 1

125 points

Sep 6, 2020 1:20 PM in response to drake211

My 2011 MacBook Pro has been out of AppleCare for the better part of the last six years… That repair would have cost hundreds of dollars, if this model were not in Vintage status, which it is. I had little to lose and much to gain.

My hope is that I did not introduce any irreversible damage.

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Answer 4

D. Hoffmann Author

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125 points

Sep 7, 2020 10:13 AM in response to HWTech

Thanks, HWTech, for your suggestion! I hope I didn’t damage the video connector on the logic board. The computer does turn on, I hear the chime. Because I have turned on FileVault, however, it requires me to navigate the curser to the user avatar and type in the password. Without a display I cannot do that. I am rummaging through my stuff to find my Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter, so I can hook up an external display.

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Answer 5

D. Hoffmann Author

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125 points

Sep 7, 2020 1:27 PM in response to HWTech

I was ready to do a display swap, when I inspected the connector, as you had suggested, HWTech. Nothing was obviously wrong. I reconnected the battery and turned it on, and, voila, the display lit up.

I think, I know what I had done wrong. The display data cable connector has an integrated foam shield on top of it as well as a lock bracket. When reassembling, I must have forced the lock bracket over the foam shield in such a way that it put strain on the connector, thereby making it not mate properly. The solution was to feed the foam shield through the bracket, so that it was above it, when I inserted the connector.

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Answer 6

drake211

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Sep 6, 2020 1:15 PM in response to drake211

Also nobody on here is really knowledgeable on repairs as it is not a part of these discussions.

Drake

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Answer 7

drake211

Level 5

5,831 points

Sep 6, 2020 1:23 PM in response to D. Hoffmann

My only suggestion would be to take it to an Apple store but I doubt that you would have much luck.

Drake

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Answer 8

D. Hoffmann Author

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125 points

Sep 7, 2020 10:58 AM in response to D. Hoffmann

I was able to boot the computer with an external display hooked up to it. So, it’s at least not the entire logic board.

Here is another clue: The internal display doesn’t show up.

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Answer 9

HWTech

Level 9

68,636 points

Sep 7, 2020 4:52 PM in response to D. Hoffmann

Yeah, that pad can get in the way when reconnecting the display cable. I'm glad it was really that simple. Good job!

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Answer 10

HWTech

Level 9

68,636 points

Sep 7, 2020 11:10 AM in response to D. Hoffmann

My guess is either the connector on the display cable is damaged or the connector on the Logic Board. The connector on the Display cable is the one which is most likely damaged as it is very fragile and more easily damaged. Examine this connector on the display cable for damage.

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After dis- and reassembly MacBook Pro display dead

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