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MacBook Pro Logic Board Failure

I was using my computer just fine (2007 MBP core 2 duo) all day. Put it to sleep came back after 30 minutes and tried to wake it and it's dead. I held down the power key to shut it down then tried to restart no luck. No start up chime, no screen, keyboard seems dead as well (caps lock light does not light up), HD does not start up. The only signs of life are the white light on the screen latch that is now on, the fans are spinning and the DVD drive seems to work.

Reset the power management module and zapped the PRAM, no luck.

MBP 2007 Core 2 duo 2.2, Mac OS X (10.6.5)

Posted on Dec 7, 2010 7:47 AM

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1,419 replies

Dec 7, 2010 12:14 PM in response to Keith Walsh

I will just add this this does not fit the description of the Nvidia graphics issue since the computer does not boot at all. It is not just a display problem. The same issue happened with a friends machine and it required a logic board replacement not covered by warranty. Has anyone else had a similar issue of this type. I know of myself and two other people with the same machine and we have all had logic board failures (one Nvidia related and one not). This is my second Apple board failure in the past couple of years the other being on my iMac G5 (whose board failed twice actually). Getting pretty frustrated with this.

Dec 8, 2010 1:18 PM in response to PrinceZordar

Yes I thought about that and I will try it next when I get a chance. I am not convinced it is the problem however as the power light is not flashing just on with a steady glow. Usually when the RAM is not installed correctly there is flashing and a beeping as well if I remember correctly. Having experienced so many Mac logic board failures recently both first and second hand however I am not optimistic. This has all the typical characteristics of another catastrophic hardware failure.

Dec 13, 2010 7:47 AM in response to Keith Walsh

I had a chance to check the memory. This does not appear to be the problem. I was going to try using target disk mode via my new iMac but then I discovered some genius decided that the new iMacs don't need firewire 400. Since I don' have an 800 cable and I don't know of a single person who does I'll have to track down another machine with a 400 port. Can you sense my growing frustration?

Dec 15, 2010 7:43 AM in response to Keith Walsh

Well I was able to track down another mac with a FW 400 port but no luck. To activate target disk mode I need to be able to hold down the T key while the machine boots. Alas my keyboard does not work. Tried plugging in a USB keyboard but my USB ports are dead as well. The only parts of the computer getting power are the fans and DVD drive.

Dec 15, 2010 8:06 AM in response to Keith Walsh

As I write this, my MBP laptop is on its way to California to be checked out by Apple techs. I have the same problem and fear that my Nvidia chip is not the issue. It is very disturbing that my computer is just 2 years old, and I may have to pay for a new logic board. I am kicking myself for not purchasing Apple Care. I suppose I had too much faith in Apple to ever think that it would fail. I have a G4 desktop that is 11 years old and runs like a champ...I bought Apple care then, but never needed it. I am hoping that it IS the Nvidia chip issue, and I get a free replacement. If not, then this will be the last Apple product I ever buy. For a $2000.00 machine, I expect it to last a bit longer. Mr. Jobs, I have been a believer since 1984, and spent a lot of money on your company...you should make this right with all of us going through this problem. If you install defective logic boards, then you should replace them all for free. Good luck Keith...and everyone else suffering the same issue.

Dec 15, 2010 8:26 AM in response to Keith Walsh

I certainly share your feelings. I've been a Mac user for over 13 years and it used to be that the machines were rock solid. I still have my old Power Mac 6500 from 1997 that still runs just fine. Of late however I've had nothing but trouble and all of my friends who have bought macs (often based on my recommendation) have had numerous severe problems within a few years of purchase. As I mentioned above my iMac G5 went through two logic board replacements followed by the replacement of its display (along with all the connectors and associated subassemblies). My MacBook Pro has gone through two defective batteries and now a total failure. Unfortunately, while I had AppleCare it expired in June.

Dec 15, 2010 10:40 AM in response to Keith Walsh

"I will just add this this does not fit the description of the Nvidia graphics"

Agree. However, if I were you, I would confirm this by taking the MBP to an Apple Store or an AASP. They will run a few diagnostic tests to determine exactly what is wrong. To CYA, make a copy of the Article http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2377 and bring it w/you to the repair shop.



"My MacBook Pro has gone through two defective batteries and now a total failure. Unfortunately, while *I had AppleCare it expired in June.*"

If you live in the USofA, plead your case w/ Customer Relations - 1-800-767-2275. See what they can do for you.
If you do not live in the US, call the support # in your country & ask *firmly & politely* to be transferred over to the Customer Relations department.





Good luck!





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Dec 16, 2010 6:03 AM in response to Keith Walsh

This is similar to what I had to do with my G5 iMac though I went through AppleCare not CR. I'll probably wait until after the holidays however before I decide what to do. This process can be pretty arduous and I'm not sure I have any more time/energy to waste dealing with Apple right now.

To get my iMac fixed I had to

1) Take my mac to the nearest AASP about 1 h away ( 2 h round trip)

2) Call Applecare, speak to two different people, argue for 1.5 hours which was not a fun experience especially when the higher ranking AppleCare rep tried to convince me that I should have no expectation that a 2 year old $1500 computer should be reliable (that's when I got pretty ticked off I must admit, I mean how naive did he think I was?). Anyway I won a partial victory there.

3 ) Call back the AASP with the authorization to order the part.

4) Wait for the part to arrive....

5) Wait for the repair (all this took about 1.5-2 weeks)

6) Drive another 2 h to pick up the machine

7 ) About 2-3 weeks later the machine failed again

8 ) Call back the AASP

9 ) Drive another 2 h to return the iMac

10) Wait another 1-2 weeks for the new parts to arrive and the repair to be done

A while later the display began to fail showing lines across the screen

11 ) Call AppleCare again. Spend about 30 minutes on the phone

12 ) Call the AASP again to arrange another repair

13 ) Drive another 2 h

14 ) Wait 1-2 weeks to get my machine fixed

15 ) Drive another 2 h to bring it home again.

The thought of going through all that again for yet another machine...well I don't look forward to it and frankly I don't think I should have to do it. Anyway I'm still considering what to do but I'd actually like to enjoy the holidays first.

Dec 16, 2010 6:30 AM in response to Baby-Boomer-USofA

I just recently had the exact same problem. My AppleCare Protection Plan expired about 10 days before the fault. Computer went to sleep and refused to wake up. Light on at the front - fans on etc but nothing - zip. Called the Apple Care helpline and they were very helpful and referred me to the Apple Store. If it was the Nvidia card at fault then this is covered for 4 years from DoP.

At the store they ran a check - but honestly I'm not sure whether they could really assess whether it was the graphics card or the logic board. Whatever it was they replaced the entire logic board foc (VERY expensive!) and all is OK now. So, my experience was good but I do share a growing concern about the "bustability" of the newer machines!

One final question - with a new logic board I have found some things are "broken". For example - syncing no longer works 'cos it thinks I have a new computer. Some old iTunes Protected files no longer play because it thinks I have a "new" computer. I've fixed these issues. Anyone know of any more that might crop up? I'm guessing that it is because the "old" logic board was the thing that get's registered and these apps thinks that the "new" logic board is a "new" computer.

Malcolm

Dec 16, 2010 6:43 AM in response to Keith Walsh

I'm curious. Did your hard drive actually fire up when you tried to restart the dead computer? I know that when my friends machine had the Nvidia issue the machine just appeared to be dead but in reality just the display was not working. He was able to remotely access the machine as it still booted just without any display.

Message was edited by: Keith Walsh

Dec 17, 2010 3:08 AM in response to Keith Walsh

Hi Keith,

I wish I could be more specific but I honestly don't know.

I hit the enter key as usual after putting the computer to sleep and I heard a whirring noise (as usual) but the screen stayed blank.

Thinking back on it, it was probably the optical drive spinning up.

I force switched the computer off (by holding down the power button) and tried switching it on again. There was no startup chime but the optical drive certainly powered up as did the "on" light on the front. Sadly I can't honestly say whether the hard drive spun up or not.

At the Apple Store the "technician" (I use the term advisedly) used a LaCie hard drive which had some words on it including "Nvidia" and hooked it up to the USB socket on the computer but I'm not convinced it registered anything. He then used another similar drive that I thought included the words "Logic Board" but I don't think that did anything either. Frankly I'm not sure he knew what he was doing which in the end probably turned out to my advantage!

Sorry I can't answer your question directly. My gut feel was that it didn't spin up but I have to stress I really don't know.

Malcolm

Dec 18, 2010 9:45 AM in response to MeisterDirektor

Well....just to update my situation. Apple determined it wasn't the Nvidia chip issue. They said it was a video-related issue(that was all they said) and replaced the logic board and charged me for a new one. I suppose I need to talk to customer relations now because I feel that with everyone having similar problems, Apple should try to help out its loyal users. I don't believe I will get anywhere with this, however, but its worth a try. Shame on me for not getting Apple care....shame on Apple for providing me with a defective product. I've warned my other friends of the time bomb waiting in their MBP... at least they will be spared an additional cost. Good luck to you all and Happy Holidays!

MacBook Pro Logic Board Failure

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