Hi all,
So today my trusty MacBook Pro Mid 2012 screen just has static on it like a TV that's not tuned and then it's shutting itself off, any ideas what the fault could be? I've taken the back off and made sure all connections are solid and also removed RAM blown out the socket and replaced. Thanks.
There are three "Mid 2012" Macbook Pros. Is it a 15-inch or 13-inch model. Retina or non-Retina display? 13s and 15s have very different video hardware and the 15s can have video issues seldom seen in the 13s.
As the computer is not displaying, you may have to use the model number on the bottom plate near the hinge to tell which model. Get a magnifier--the font is very tiny:
For security reasons please DO NOT post your serial number. The model number options are:
13-inch non-Retina: A1278
15-inch non-Retina: A1286
15-inch Retina: A1398
Does the static pattern flcker or change as you rotate the screen through its ramge of opening? That can indicate a worn video cable which is not a huge issue if yours is a non-Retina. If a Retina, it's too expensive to repair, est US&500-650.
Do you have access to an external monitor for testing? That can often show whether the problem is confined to the display, the inverter or the video cable instead of the more disastrous failure of the video hardware that requires a new logic board to fix.
There are three "Mid 2012" Macbook Pros. Is it a 15-inch or 13-inch model. Retina or non-Retina display? 13s and 15s have very different video hardware and the 15s can have video issues seldom seen in the 13s.
As the computer is not displaying, you may have to use the model number on the bottom plate near the hinge to tell which model. Get a magnifier--the font is very tiny:
For security reasons please DO NOT post your serial number. The model number options are:
13-inch non-Retina: A1278
15-inch non-Retina: A1286
15-inch Retina: A1398
Does the static pattern flcker or change as you rotate the screen through its ramge of opening? That can indicate a worn video cable which is not a huge issue if yours is a non-Retina. If a Retina, it's too expensive to repair, est US&500-650.
Do you have access to an external monitor for testing? That can often show whether the problem is confined to the display, the inverter or the video cable instead of the more disastrous failure of the video hardware that requires a new logic board to fix.
I appreciate the follow-up.
Yes, that bodes ill, and it's rare for a model that tends to be darned near bullet-proof. In that model the video hardware is integral with the main processor ("integrated graphics"). The only good thing it that Apple sold a massive number of A1278s; they were in the line unchanged for over four years. Working used/pulled logic boards may be available.
The only known weak spot in the A1278 is not something I'd expect to cause a video issue. The hard drive cable is really a thin, flexible printed circuit board. It routes over some sharp metal edges in the machined metal chassis and, with 3-6 years of vibration from normal use and transport, can chafe against those edges, exposing the copper contacts and causing intermittent shorting. Symptoms of a failed HD cable usually mimic those of a filing hard drive.
However. I've seen a couple of cases right here where symptoms not normally associated with a failing HD cable went away when the cable was replaced. That is doable; the cable is:
You could invest that to see if things improve without having to skip lunch for a week, and there is asmall chance that will work.
I get my A1278 drive cables here and used these video instructions when I upgraded my 1278 to an SSD, replacing the cable at the same time out of an abundance of caution.
Dunno. At that price it could be worth a shot. I love my 1278 and it has been an amazing workhorse. It still does everything i need from a notebook computer. With the SSD and a modest RAM upgrade, performance is no issue.
Hey again!
Removed HD cable, obviously can't see if it's damaged,
Cable damage is seldom if ever visible. Sometimes flexing breaks the copper contacts without breaking the thin layer of insulation. That is why I ordered a new cable when I ordered the SSD. My 1278 was 5 years old and already in the "butter-zone" for possible cable issues. I assumed the old cable was due for a pension.
put everything back and screen has been fine since....probably coincidence....
Maybe not coincidence. Possibly, in your removing and handling the cable, a short was able to find touch its lost counterpart again. That makes me think the cable really could the the issue.
However, run it a while and see how it does. If it goobers again, take the cable out and see if handling it restores function like before. If it does, I'd be ordering me some cable! I'm encouraged by what you've reported.
Gotta go. I have to limit screen time due to eye surgery last month. That also explains about 50% of my typos. I'll check back in the morning (Wednesday).
Allan
The picture you posted does not appear to be a defective or disconnected display.
The picture is the appropriate size, is registered in the display opening, fills the display, does not have tears or substantial black spaces, and is appropriately backlit. The data displayed is junk, but it is being displayed properly.
Rather, the digital logic driving the display (on the mainboard) was likely the culprit.
Ok so it's fixed, the logic board needed cleaning! It was very dirty and shorting out somewhere. One ultrasonic clean later and its sorted :)
New cable installed...all good so far.....
Removed HD cable, obviously can't see if it's damaged, put everything back and screen has been fine since....probably coincidence....
Got it done at my local repair shop
Thanks for the reply.
It is the A1278 13"
It doesn't change or start the flicker when moving the screen.
I plug my 2011 iMac in using thunderbolt and enable target display mode, everything is fine for a minuet or two and then the screen on the MacBook goes bad and screen on iMac goes blank....not a good sign!!
Brilliant thanks!
And yes I love the thing, so would like to get it back up and running if poss! I may give the new HD cable a try, do you think the cable would have visible signs of this wear upon inspection?
Ok so no luck I’m afraid! Same problem, but at least I know the HD cable is good.
What would I need to look at next? The screen cable? It doesn’t seem like a display cable type fault to me, it’s not intermittent, it just comes on all of a sudden and then it shuts down.
Karl.
Thanks again for your help! I’ve had it turned on all evening and it’s been totally fine! Fingers crossed!
Fingers crossed here!
The is great news!
Do you own such a cleaner? if not, where is you get it cleaned?
Faulty Screen on mid 2012 MacBook Pro
