Level 1

1 points

[GUIDE] Fix iMac flickering and dark screen problems out of warranty

If you have a Late 2009 27" iMac and are having problems with those annoying problems of flickering and parts of your screen are becoming darker (On the left side primary) you may want to consider this easy guide to fix it if you run out of warranty, have no Apple Care and Apple wanted to charge you about $600 to replace your screen. You need no tools and the cost os this procedure is 0.

First Step: Be sure that you are experiencing the same symptoms

This guide is only to resolve flickering and dimming problems on you iMac screen. Primary occurring on the left side (becoming darker or with less brightness than the other side) and on Late 2009 27" iMacs but there are cases of the same problem on later computers too.

Check/Read all of these posts to know if your case is the same:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3081411?start=30&tstart=0
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3118906?start=0&tstart=0
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2690913?start=0&tstart=0
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2742223?start=0&tstart=0
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2300580?start=60&tstart=0
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2344195?start=0&tstart=0
http://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/54068/Black+spots+on+LCD+and+dust+inside.+Is+ it+a+factory+defect
http://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/44672/Is+it+possible+to+replace+only+the+back light

Thanks to the findings of nicholasfromconfolens we know that the problem resides in some parts of the screen getting loose for any reason (factory problem, heat, whatever) and if you apply pressure at certain point the flickering/dimming/darking disappears. The problem is that you need to maintain that pressure all the time.

Second Step: Find the correct spot to apply pressure

Without removing the glass panel of the iMac, try to press it strong enough (but don't use excessive force or you could break it) near the bottom left part to see if the dark/flickering disappears at some point. If it does, you are lucky, your problem has easy solution and you can proceed to the next step. If not, don't despair, your glass panel may be very strong and you will need to remove it to apply pressure. Head to the next step.

Third Step: Removing the glass panel

It is recommended to use suction cups to make this task more easily but it's not mandatory, you can remove the glass with your hands. The glass panel uses magnets to get in place all around and has some flaps on the bottom part. To remove it you need to hold it from the upper right and left corners and make force towards you, once it get loose just elevate it to remove the bottom flaps from its holes. You can follow these links with guides that clarifies this a bit more:

http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing-iMac-Intel-27-Inch-EMC-2429-Glass-Panel/7 550/1#.T-CZryt1Bcg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDciJHx4II4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeAZqw-494Q

Fourth Step: Pinpoint the correct spot to press and place something to maintain the pressure

Once the glass panel has been removed, you must find where is the best point to apply pressure to get rid of the dimming/darking/flickering. The most common point is the left side between the rubber band of the screen and the grey band below. (See the photos for better understanding).

Once you find the best spot, you need to place there something to increase the thickness in that point and to maintain pressure when the glass panel is mounted again. I suggest you to use a pair of adhesive strips/pads mounted one over the other made of rubber or textile material that are used to put under furniture (chairs, tables) to prevent them to scratch the floor (I don't know the exact name in English, sorry).

Fifth Step: Mount the glass panel again

Mount the glass panel again and see if the pressure is enough to prevent the problem appearing again. If not, you should dismount the glass panel again and add more thickness to the "critical" spot adding more pads, but beware, add them gradually or the pressure may be excessive and break the glass when you remount it.

Final Step:

Enjoy your "new" screen and the saving of nearly $600 on repair costs.

Here below you can fin some photos and a video of my "set-up" to fix the problem.

iMac 27" (Late 2009) Flickering And Dark Screen Fix (VIDEO)

I hope this guide helps you. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.4), No tools required

Posted on Jun 19, 2012 8:37 AM

Top-ranking reply

Kaos2K Author

Level 1

1 points

Posted on Jun 22, 2012 11:44 AM

Ok. I think i have found the real root of the problem that causes all this flickering and darneking on the screen and why applying pressure works sometimes but it's not a permanent solution

There is a LED connector on the rear side of the screen (You need to remove the display from your mac to access it) located at the lower right corner (left corner if you look at the screen from the front) that may be causing all this trouble. It is hidden beneath the sticky silver paper and adhesive strips. The pins of this connector (both board or cable ends) may be loose, broken or not well soldered due to the stress, heat or whatever. This causes that power is not reaching the LED lights on that part of the screen and therefore, the dark corner and flickering when they are making contact and suddenly they are not.

I removed the connector completely, connected the screen again and power up the iMac and guess what? It booted up correctly with no errors but with the dark corner being permanent.

The solution is to fix the connector by soldering it correctly (maybe just a small push would solve it for you) or soldering the cables directly to the 6 points needed (The bigger two of the sides appears to be just physical anchorage for the connector). I'm currently doing that now. I'll update this entry with my results.

Meanwhile you can you can watch this video/photos i have just uploaded for you to see:

[VIDEO] iMac 27" (Late 2009) Flickering And Dark Screen. Faulty connector in LCD-LED.

User uploaded file

View in context

186 replies

Jul 19, 2013 4:55 AM in response to Kaos2K

A follow-up: my iMac is now out of action. The screen turning off so often that I don't even have time to move the cursor where I want it...

I'm feeling really disappointed. I bought this computer as my "work horse" and wanted it to have everything so I wouldn't have to replace it for a long time... I didn't mind paying extra for Apple, figuring I was buying quality and that it would be worthwhile in the long run.

Reading this thread and other similar ones, I can't help but shake the feeling I've been ripped off. This is so clearly a manufacturing defect that it boggles my mind there hasn't been an acknowledgment on Apple's part.

I am going to try to get a used external monitor and just attach it to the iMac. I don't want to pay for a new screen replacement and have the issue come up again like so many people have reported on here.

I've really lost my faith in Apple products and support 😢

shiler

Level 1

4 points

Jul 25, 2013 7:18 AM in response to Kaos2K

OK, gave this a shot, but didn't work out well for me. No blame, I know I did this at my own risk, but I'm just hoping someone can tell me the next steps.

I got the glass off, the LCD propped up on the back and I could find the spots where if I applied pressure or gave a little wiggle/tap, the LCD picture improved tremendously. But, I couldn't make it stay, no matter what I tried. I removed the tape and I could see where it looked like the little white feet holding the plug in were not pushed in far enought. Attempting to correct them, they both bent to the point of being too flexible. When attempting to pull the plug out, it sparked up and now the LCD won't show any picture at all...solid black.

I'm hoping this is just a matter of replacing the wires. If so, anyone have any idea as to what wires need to be replaced. Thanks,

Scott

Jan 4, 2014 1:37 PM in response to Kaos2K

@Kaos, I posted in the other thread with similar information so thought I would post here too. Thank you for finding the origional problem, I have repaired my iMac and made a video which I posted to my blog. Might be useful for others.

http://gerrysweeney.com/apple-imac-27-dark-side-screen-failure-the-manufacturing -fault-apple-will-not-admit/

Gerry

Mar 10, 2014 4:09 PM in response to pici

@pici while I agree with your centiment in relation to complaining to Apple, I have been around the block a few times in the commercial world and I think left to their own devices, in reality Apple will ultimately *choose* what to reveal in a court of law - they can afford very expensive lawyers to craft an appropriate defense I am sure. So long as the information is collated on forums like this one, has tracable witnesses and is a matter of public record then thats every bit as compelling as evidence in a court of law as any complaints lodged with Apple directly and disclosed under court order - in fact you could argure its better because its not up for any kind of professional manipulation. No matter how wrong or right Apple are, the very best thing that can happen is enough people with the problem voice their views in the public domain. Of course lodging an official complaint with Apple would not hurt either.

In terms of fixing it yourslef, whats the alternative? Live with it? Buy a new one? Switch to windows? You see I would argue that if Apple were to loose a class action lawsuit on this specific issue, I would have every right to make a claim for my efforts in fixing the problem myself on my own computer that Apple refused to fix - so if you have the capability then why not get back up and running. Of course of you do try to fix it yourself and you fail - and you have caused any damage (which you will if you get the point of trying and failing) then you are basiclaly smoked because as soon as you take it apart and break it, Apple do not have to do a bean for you.

Like the wildcard on the Think Differnt* logo - nice touch 🙂 they certainly are Thinking Differently on this issue

Sep 23, 2014 4:26 PM in response to cvatish

I sent this info from this thread to my local Apple store and asked them to fix the connector while they have my iMac open to replace the video card. Here is what they said:

We have also seen these discussions, and it looks like it works for these guys. Unfortunately, it's not a service we're able to offer here, but it looks like it would be a great option if you'd like to try it on your own. We tried leaving you a voicemail yesterday, the graphics card is covered under an extended quality program from Apple so there will be no charge to get the gray screen issue taken care of. As you've seen from those discussions, the graphics card won't fix the screen dimming on the one side. In order to keep our service agreement with Apple if we were to address the screen dimming we'd have to replace the whole screen, which would cost $643. We've already got the graphics card on its way from Apple. Let us know if you'd like us to replace the screen.

So I asked what happens to the old screens that get taken out. Here is what they said:

The old screens are sent back to Apple's service depot after we verify that the new screen is working. They have two prices, an "exchange price," which is the one I quoted you before, and a "stock price" where the screen doesn't have to be sent back. That price is usually a few hundred dollars more expensive

I suspect at least part of the reason replacement screens still have the same problem is because 'new' screens are often just refurbished ones with no fix.

I am not happy with Apple.

Oct 29, 2014 2:00 AM in response to fabian1323

Hello there.

I had the same problem with an Apple Cinema Display 27 inch Led.

Thanks to all for this thread because it was very helpful.

My only oportunity to bring the Cinema Display back to life is to change the entire backlight assembly.

My backlight is named LGT2795-L/R is the same as in Imac 27 inch.

I need a cracked LCD from a 27 Imac or from an Apple Cinema Display.

Dear "fabian1323" or "Rain Man" please tell me that you still have the broken LCD. Thanks a lot.

Jul 3, 2012 12:44 AM in response to Kaos2K

Kaos2K .. this is utterly incredible.

How can I thank you enough?

Just as you say the "pressure" solution is not reallya full solution. (I could never get it to work reliably in my case.)

I am going to go try what you say !!!!!!

Really, thank you so much for your time. I am going to add links to your "full welding solution" here on the many places that address the issue. Thanks again. Thanks.

MichelPM

Level 10

82,209 points

Sep 5, 2012 4:36 AM in response to Kaos2K

Really awesome job and many thank yous for the excellent written and photo procesural documentation.

You did a very thorough job!

I bought a used 2009 27 inch screen model a few months, ago. I don't have this issue, but if and when I do, I have this posting bookmarked for the future!

Kaos2K Author

Level 1

1 points

Dec 4, 2012 12:58 AM in response to cYrEaD

cYrEaD

You can try John-Paul May's solution to see if that works for you and you can avoid the soldering. If not, the best technique to solder in that tiny hole (apart from the magnifiying glass that is a must) is to try to remove as much of the white plastic as you can, to make room for your soldering iron. I did it by cutting the plastic with a lighter-heated knife until i felt "confortable" to work in that space.

Another useful tip is to apply a tiny drop of solder/tin in both the 6 board connectors and in each cable/wrapping wire you are going to use to solder to them. Then, with a lot patience, start heating the cables/connectors with the tip of your soldering iron as much closer of the tin drops as you can. I know this is not an easy work but it worths the time and the money saving...

If you have more questions don't hesitate to contact me again 😉

Dec 4, 2012 5:56 AM in response to Kaos2K

"Excellent! The more info we show about this problem and how to resolve it the more ashamed Apple must feel for not addressing it or offering a free solution!"

Right.

I just wish there ws a workshop that offers to fix it -- it is a GREAT OPPORTUNITY for a repair shop.

"We fix the well-known 27" dimming problem for only $100 instead of buying a new display for $1000"

(I assume you're in the USA, KAOS, if you were in europe I'd fedex my iMac to you with 100 bucks!!! You could probably get 50 customers within two weeks. :O )

Cheers

2010iMac

Level 1

10 points

Jan 3, 2013 12:18 PM in response to Kaos2K

I rechecked all the connections a couple times, and was very careful to reconnect each cable. I have to admit this was my first thought as well; I'm not sure why the area where I was working would make the entire screen go black. I'll let you know what I find out.

zaNabiT

Level 1

0 points

Jan 4, 2013 7:46 AM in response to Kaos2K

Ty Kaos2Kfor the great post! Help me to know wich is the problem with my half black screen...after only 1 year and a half!!! Unfortunately, few people know how to do what you've done! So Apple recall and repair it for free!! Is it ridicoulous!!!

2010iMac

Level 1

10 points

Jan 5, 2013 6:10 PM in response to Kaos2K

The screen had no backlight at all. I decided to undo my soldering and see what would happen. The screen went back to it's normal state, with the left half darker than the right. I believe I must have had a couple of solder joints touching, which was causing a short.

Here's what the screen looks like now:

I'll try to fix this again at some point.

Kaos2K Author

Level 1

1 points

Jan 6, 2013 7:01 AM in response to zaNabiT

Yeah, the same as above, the same i had an the same everyone got while Apple is still mute... And this problem started in 2009 with the very first units of the 27" inch iMac and continues to 2011-2012.... more than 3 years and no official solution for their part... that makes me very very angry...

Jan 7, 2013 12:51 PM in response to Kaos2K

Going to be fixing mine over the next few days , i emailed apple about the issue and they said they would not pay for the repair , and that the issue isnt known to them , i pointed them directly to this thread ! , discusting that apple havent sorted this out sooner !

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

[GUIDE] Fix iMac flickering and dark screen problems out of warranty