MacBook screen goes black.

We just had it happen to a 2008 White Macbook that's still running Snow Leopard. The OS definitely doesn't matter, since the problem can be seen even during booting. It also randomly occurs when my Black Macbook wakes form sleeping, but on that machine, putting it to sleep and waking it back up usually fixes it. Not so for the white one.

Dim the screen all the way, then brighten it by one. It'll probably go black again after a second, but you should be able to see your screen for a moment. From what I can tell, (at a minimum) dozens of people have had this problem, and so far there are no official responses from Apple.

One person claimed that their genius bar fixed the problem for free outside of warranty because it was an unofficial Apple recall. Most people went to their local genius bars, paid hundreds for new parts and labor, and didn't get the problem fixed. Many of them replaced their display inverter, but it's unclear how long that fixed the problem for them. A number of them said that the new inverter didn't solve the problem. Some believed it was a video card problem, but I've found no real answer.

We're still waiting for a real response from Apple, some sort of suggestion for fixing this.

It looks like there are three different main problems that cause this issue.

* The cheapest one is the display inverter. It's a little board that's inside the hinger on your macbook.

* The next option is the inverter cable. That's the problem with my black macbook. That's why mine only has a problem on occasion when I open the lid, and why the problem goes away when I close and re-open. It's because the cable can get pinched in the hinge. Eventually it can be damaged enough to need replacing.

* The monitor. The LCD display can fail, as in the white macbook we have. The backlights are going. If we want to fix it, we'll have to replace the entire display. This evening only half of the back lights came on, then

There are other things that can cause the problem, including a video card error or a logic board failure, but the above three appear to be the most common. That's why there's no easy answer to the problem, because there are so many different things that could cause it.

OK, I have been looking for an answer to this problem too. I opened up my Silver Macbook one morning and nothing. I then plug it into an external monitor and I can view my screen. So I search and search for a fix. All I can find is similar to the thread in this post. It's a display or video card problem. A real bummer....

So I try everything I can think of including a system restart using the Apple Disks that came with it. Although my computer is running like new, it is still running only on the external monitor.

I then set up an appointment with a Mac Genius and the bad news is confirmed. Its a display problem. The Genius was really thorough with his explaination of what my options were; 1. replace the display in-store with a cost $400, 2. use it as a desktop with the external monitor

I really bummed now... should I shell out $400 or just bite the bullet and get a new Mac.

I ask the Genius if the little fall that caused the ding in the case could be the reason the display failed. His response, "could be". I then asked if the fall could have caused the cable to come loose. He answers that it could, and then says as a last resort, he will remove the cover and check the connections.

He then proceeds to take the back off the computer in front of me and explains the two cables; one for the camera and the other for the display. He then uses a small tool to remove the cable for the monitor and to our surprise, there is a piece of fabric from the cable loose right by the connection. The Genius then takes a can of air and blows the area free of dust, reconnects the cable and PRESTO, the display is working!!!!!

HOLY COW!!!!! I say. WOW, he says. I just escaped a $400 repair bill.

One thing about Apple, you would never get a tech to do that for you at ANY store you bought a PC. A free fix!!!! Thank you APPLE. Great job Jon R. the Apple Genius who fixed my baby for $0.00

Moral of the Story; it may not be your display, check your connections!!!!

Phil33ramsey,

I was moved by your story. And sure enough it helped me a lot too.

When I saw the magic word 'dust' I decided to give it a try myself. Except I live far away from any apple store, so I decided to give my keyboard a good ol' punch and try to beat the dust off of the elements.

And guess what, it worked! Fixing Macbooks caveman style!

* DISCLAIMER: I do NOT in any way recommend anyone doing this... but what the heck.. it could work for you too!

I've been having the same problem, the screen is black, but I coud hear the computer turn on. I was just about to pack it up and drive it to the store... when I saw this post. I checked my connections and cleaned off some dust, and VOILA! It's working just like new again. I couldn't believe it!! Thanks for your post! You saved me a trip to the store!! :)

I am having this problem too. But I don't understand what you mean by "take the back off the computer". Do you mean te area for the battery?

Phil33Ramsey and CEMaia

Your advice and stories keeps on helping!!

I am in a situation where I can not get my mac to a service expert for at least a month yet will need it all this time, I was quite honestly freaking out, searching this forum on my phone gave me the beautiful answer required, pick the thing up and tap, shake, bang..... problem solved!!!!! will invest in a really small screwdriver and give it a propper clean and check but for now.... away we go!!!!

THANK YOU!!!!

My daughter's mid 2007 Macbook would not restart. After researching the internet, I replaced the logic board, heat shield, and fan. It now runs fine along as the battery is out and it is plug into the mag adaptor only. I have tried several key commands in attempt to get the macbook to accept the battery. Every time the battery is inserted the screen goes real dark to the point the graphics can barely be seen. But take the battery out and reboot the computer using only the mag AC adaptor all is well. Does this sound like something may be faulty with the logic board I purchased or has the battery gone bad? I don't have another battery to try and I don't want to waste money on a new battery if it is not the battery that is causing the problem. Please Help!!

Hi Shy,

Try an SMC reset:

Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) - Apple Support

> something may be faulty with the logic board I purchased<

Also a possibility.

I tried resetting the System Management Controller several times. No change. I also checked the connections to the logic board to see if any were loose. I was told by the supplier of the replacement logic board to disconnect everything and reconnect the logic board again. This seems like a lot of work. Do you think is worth a shot?