tomahawk

Q: MacBook Pro Backlight LEDs are Failing

I noticed recently that the backlight LEDs along the bottom of my MacBook Pro Display are failing. It seems that every other light is out, so I get a scallop effect and the overall display is much dimmer than before.

 

Is this something that can be repaired, simply, at the Apple Store, or would it have to be sent away?

 

I'm in the middle of several projects so I can't let it go right now, but it seems to be getting worse day by day.

 

Also, it's a 2008 model, so the 3 year AppleCare warranty has expired.

Does anyone know if this is covered under a recall or other known product defect?

 

LEDs should last 20 years!

 

tom

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MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Mar 21, 2012 10:54 AM

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Q: MacBook Pro Backlight LEDs are Failing

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  • by JoeyR,

    JoeyR JoeyR Mar 21, 2012 11:29 AM in response to tomahawk
    Level 6 (8,280 points)
    Mar 21, 2012 11:29 AM in response to tomahawk

    I doubt the LEDs themselves have failed... but rather the controller for them (or wiring, etc).  I am not aware of any recall related to this.  This is actually the first I've heard of this.  You'll need to bring your maching into Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provide (AASP) to check it out.  Would it be possible for you to take a photo and post it here?

  • by tomahawk,

    tomahawk tomahawk Mar 21, 2012 10:49 PM in response to JoeyR
    Level 1 (9 points)
    iPhone
    Mar 21, 2012 10:49 PM in response to JoeyR

    Sure, thanks for the reply. Here's the photo, taken with my iPhone.

     

    photo.jpg

  • by JoeyR,Helpful

    JoeyR JoeyR Mar 22, 2012 4:42 AM in response to tomahawk
    Level 6 (8,280 points)
    Mar 22, 2012 4:42 AM in response to tomahawk

    Well... that's one I haven't seen before.  It definitely looks like a controller issue that might require service.  It looks like you have a pre-unibody MacBook Pro so I'd imagine any warranty you may have had would have expired by now.  Plenty of people here have replaced their LCD panels.  Very often, when re-assembling, they come up with problems due to loose connections, broken cables, etc.  It's possible that someone here may have run into this issue and was able to determine what happened that caused it.  Hopefully someone that has seen this before can chime in.

     

    EDIT:  I did just come across this:

     

    http://www.mobilemag.com/2008/04/01/penryn-macbook-pro-has-led-backlight-problem s/

     

    This seems to be similar, but not as drastic:

     

    http://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/56919/LED+backlight+has+a+dark+pattern+on+bot tom+edge+of+the+screen

  • by tomahawk,

    tomahawk tomahawk Mar 22, 2012 12:45 PM in response to JoeyR
    Level 1 (9 points)
    iPhone
    Mar 22, 2012 12:45 PM in response to JoeyR

    Thanks! I will look at those.

     

    It was difficult to notice except for in the dock icons, until I changed my desktop background to white. I normally use black.

     

    I took it to the Apple Store yesterday and the Genius said since it's out of warranty, I can have them service it through the depot for a flat rate of $310. They will run diagnostics on all components and replace anything that shows signs of failing, including the display and probably the video card, since I have the nVidia GeForce 8600M GT that has known issues... Total turn-around time = 4 days.

     

    There is also a local AASP that might be able to get me the part so I could replace it myself without sending the unit away, but the display goes for over $400...

  • by tomahawk,

    tomahawk tomahawk Mar 22, 2012 12:57 PM in response to tomahawk
    Level 1 (9 points)
    iPhone
    Mar 22, 2012 12:57 PM in response to tomahawk

    So according to a link in the second article Apple has known about the problem since 2009. Unfortunately, Apple's solution doesn't work for me:

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1258

     

    Maybe I shold complain a little harder at the Apple Store to get a free replacement of the display.

  • by tomahawk,

    tomahawk tomahawk Mar 22, 2012 2:13 PM in response to JoeyR
    Level 1 (9 points)
    iPhone
    Mar 22, 2012 2:13 PM in response to JoeyR

    Joey, can you point me to the instructions for replacing a MacBook Pro display and what tools are needed?

  • by OGELTHORPE,Helpful

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Mar 22, 2012 4:01 PM in response to tomahawk
    Level 9 (52,671 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 22, 2012 4:01 PM in response to tomahawk

    iFixit.com is a good place for MBP parts and instructions and you will be able to determine what tools are needed.  Replacing the display is not one of the easiest jobs.

     

    Ciao.

  • by JoeyR,

    JoeyR JoeyR Mar 23, 2012 4:26 AM in response to tomahawk
    Level 6 (8,280 points)
    Mar 23, 2012 4:26 AM in response to tomahawk

    I'll second OGELTHORPE's suggestion of iFixit.com...  They've been around for years and provide excellent instructions (they also sell the parts).

  • by SaFo,

    SaFo SaFo Oct 14, 2012 10:55 AM in response to tomahawk
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 14, 2012 10:55 AM in response to tomahawk

    Hi,

     

    I have exactly the same problem with my MacBook Pro 2,8 GHz Intel Core i7 on Mac OS X 10.8.2

    I've been looking like crazy for a good example of what was happening, because I wanted to have a good explanation to give to the applecare-guys. Very relieved to finally find this post!


    Tried to rest the PRAM a couple of times already. Didn't help. Usually the problem just fades away after a while, but it's still very annoying especially because I get worried that my macbook will just freak at some point and die.

     

    Anyway, I'm going to call applecare tomorrow (it's Sunday today) and hopefully they will fix/replace my MacBook since it's still in warranty. I'll keep you guys posted!

     

    Greets!

  • by Nidhi Isaac,

    Nidhi Isaac Nidhi Isaac Apr 16, 2013 7:29 AM in response to tomahawk
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 16, 2013 7:29 AM in response to tomahawk

    What do you do if the problem persists? Did apple replace you screen?

  • by eaarico,

    eaarico eaarico Apr 22, 2013 12:02 PM in response to tomahawk
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 22, 2013 12:02 PM in response to tomahawk

    I have this same problem with my late 2008 MBP, but the fix Tomahawk linked to does work for me, atleast right now. If anyone else is experiencing this issue at least try this quick fix:

     

    -Press control+shift+eject to put the display to sleep

    -Then any key to wake the display

     

    On my system, the issue is resolved after the display reset.

  • by kingmuppet,

    kingmuppet kingmuppet Sep 1, 2013 7:07 AM in response to eaarico
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 1, 2013 7:07 AM in response to eaarico

    The display reset worked like a charm - thanks eaarico.

     

    Does anyone know if this is a sign of a bigger problem?  Should I start saving for a full service/new screen/new macbook???

     

    Thanks.

  • by eaarico,

    eaarico eaarico Sep 1, 2013 2:34 PM in response to kingmuppet
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 1, 2013 2:34 PM in response to kingmuppet

    I'm still on the same system, and the display is working fine. I don't think this issue is the "begining of the end" or anything like that...

  • by carl wolf,

    carl wolf carl wolf Sep 1, 2013 4:46 PM in response to tomahawk
    Level 6 (14,625 points)
    Sep 1, 2013 4:46 PM in response to tomahawk

    Apple offered to troubleshoot your computer in its entirety, and repair everything that is defective for $310.  You rejected that offer, and now contemplate replacing the LCD yourself, and pay $400 for the panel alone.  That doesn't make any sense to me.

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