MacBook Pro early 2008 with Nvidia issue.

I had the same problem, also, I'm no longer where the computer was bought.

The local Apple Certified Service Center said they can't do anything! :-( so discussing with Apple US what options are, but the time difference is a killer!

Same for me - not in the US anymore.

I'll let you know what they say. I suggest contacting Apple at the earliest.

It appears that many computers having this problem

Hiya

I am having the same problem as is hundreds of people with the Nvidia issue and my early 2008 Mac book Pro not booting at all. You all need to familiarise yourselves with The Sale of Goods Act 1979. I went to the genius bar and was told that because they couldnt run the test they cant repair it but under the sale of goods act if you purchased a defective product you have a right to a repair or replacement. As this is an issue Nvidia and Apple are well aware of it wont take much to prove your case and you have 6 yrs to take it to a small claims court. I am going down this route with Apple and will keep you updated as to how I get on. When you purchase anything you are entering into a contract and your argument is with the retailer NOT the manufacturer. You wont be told of your rights under this law so google it and exercise your right. If youve paid for a repair yourself you can claim the money back and maybe compensation. Good Luck.

LavenderRose12

Hi everybody!

I used to be a proud owner of a MBP 15", one day, my screen didn´t turned on, but the computer seemed to be working, so I began to google and discovered the info about the Nvidia failure issue...

Within four years of the original date of purchase, Apple will repair it for free. OK, good to know, but my computer is currently 4 years and 4 months old... I can´t believe I´m so unlucky!!!

An official Apple support service, certified the problem with my computer was exactly this one, but Apple doesn´t want to pay for the repair JUST FOR 4 MONTHS!!!

I´m really disappointed with their attention, I´m wasting money and time, because they ensured me they will reconsider their position if I was able to demonstrate the origin of the problem was the Nvidia...

I can´t believe that I have to pay for a problem of a deficient component that themselves are recognizing. I feel they´re not taking care of their customer, the amount of the reparation is just small change for them, but a problem for me (more than 500€).

They should look after the old customers with a really effective post-sell service instead of selling millions of new items.

I wont treat so careful my next Apple product so it brokes during the guarantee period.

The best thing from Apple used to be their quality, but I feel their losing that value...

I have the same problem on 17" MBP. Called Apple Customer Care in Paris and was told "sorry, past four years from date of purchase." So I reviewed Apple's article on the subject entitled "MacBook Pro: Distorted video or no video issues", article TS2377, dated September 07, 2011. The article states "If the NVIDIA graphics processor in your MacBook Pro has failed, or fails within four years of the original date of purchase; a repair will be done free of charge, even if your MacBook Pro is out of warranty." Now read the above statement carefully and apply Boolean Logic. It says "If your MBP fails... OR ... blah, blah, blah. In an "OR" statement if one of the parts of the sentence is true then the sentence is true. For example, if your dog is red (a true statement) OR your MBP fails within four years of the original purchase date then this is a TRUE statement because one of the parts is TRUE. They should have use an AND statement, such as, "If your MBP failed (NVIDIA problem) AND less than four years of the original date of purchase...we will repair it.

Anyway, I am going to court.

Apple puts sub-standard parts in MBPs and causes a heat problem; now I have to pay to have it repaired.

LavenderRose12. Did you get anwywhere with your claim?

Yes, Apple fixed MBP free of charge. I wrote Apple a letter and sent to Cupertino. A month later I receive an email to contact them and rest was history. Had to take MBP to Apple store where they verified problem and changed motherboard. About a month later, I began having same heat problems and took it back for another motherboard. And, yes, it was beyond four year period. Apple is good. Thank you Apple.

There is a way of repairing the graphics card at home with no risk. You just have to power it on, plug the charger, close the lid and put it upside down under some quilts so it overheats. After 20-30', remove the quilts, power it off and wait for the MBP to cool down. After this, it will run smoothly as ever.

Hi! I'm curious about what exactly you did to get your MBP repaired. Mine is beyond the 4 year period and I've had this same issue happen in my 2008 MBP. I've taken it to the Apple Store and was told that I was out of luck, since I was past the deadline for replacement. Hoever, I'm still in hopes of geting it repaired, hopefully free of charge since this was a known issue. Can you give me some tips on contacting Apple, as far as where you sent the letter and what you stated in it, etc? Thanks so much!

Look-up name and address of VP Marketing and VP Sales at Apple. Write letter explaining your situation (NVIDA, heat, year purchased, and that you have read Apple's directive on the issue.) Explain that the directive is flawed (Boolean logic, etc.). The problem is faulty equipment and components and you did not know of the 4 year deadline. Re-read my two posts above and read the directive several times (I mentioned it by name in one of the above posts). Tell them where you live and cloosest Apple store. Do not believe what the people say on this site about Apples refusal to fix the problem, all they want are points or whatever gratification they receive for being the smartest nerd on the block or some smart-a** rebuttal to your post. Look---Apple fixed my MBP and the nerds on this site got it wrong. Get the picture? They generally are wrong.

Is that still a fix. I am so narked I keep getting a prefix VIT. For vintage, when they punch up my serial number.

No parts except battery, at the repair store, and apple store. Conclusion can't fix buy new. Yehr right!

I can send it off for reflow, yet I will give this a go. Just wondering if yours still works since you posted in January this year!

Thanks for a reply!

May 2014

My MBPro works like a champ. Would suggest buying something new rather than other alternatives. I would search Apple stores and other dealers for a motherboard; the Apple dealer in Bayonne, France found two boards without a problem.

I am considering this discussion closed for my part and wish you good luck.

I am rhetorically saying thanks for the pointer. I do not have bad experiences with Apple and recently have repaired a Mac Pro desktop and a 1999 desktop mac G3 I have a dedicated use for, both by Apple recommended repair. However, it, the book, is flagged as Vintage. VINT. So the parts no longer come from Apple so the repair shop, unless they are feeling able, can not source the parts reliably or give it credibility once in place, if it is sourced elsewhere or some other way.

I will certainly try and get hold of a new part, and the hunt is on. Incidentally it just seems, going by my Mac Pro, that Nvidia cards only last five to six years depending on use type. However, unlike the pro which has a card which comes out and is sent off in part exchange, not unlike the old starter motors of a car, the one on the book is on the board. That is the real nub of the problem. Be nice to just clip a new one on, eh!

Take very little notice of points here on the Apple list. I just come here to get and give a hand where I can. Still hold with the old Apple mentality!