27' iMac (2011) Screen turns off

Yes, isaichev, the problem is almost controllable as long as the processor is not heavily used. When I just do word processing or listen to music or surf the web, I can limp along with the fan control software, reduced screen brightness and the external fans. But when I crank up Aperture, Photoshop, and especially Final Cut Pro X, and the internal temps start to rise quickly, the issue becomes crippling.

A replacement LCD Backlighting panel seems to solve the problem. Unfortunately this is 1/2 the price of a brand new iMac!

Regards,

Mark Byard

Ponca City, OK

USA

YAY - I've experienced the exact same error with the screen shutting off the backlight. Today Apple agreed to replace my screen. Free of charge, out of warranty.

Horray!

Sorry to hear you were having the problem, but great news that apple is recognizing it

Wonderful news mannekung!

PLEASE give us all the details of your talks/visit with Apple, e.g.,

Where? (an Apple Store?, city, state, country?)

When?

What you/they said? (i.e., what it took to convince them to make the repair out of warranty)

What you did? (did you take printouts of this discussion thread? What support did you present to document your issue?)

There are many of us who will want to approach the Genius Bar with our own faulty machines and then document YOUR replacment as a precident of what Apple should be doing with all of these faulty LCD backlight panels in the 27" iMacs.

Please help by detailing out your experience.

Mark Byard

Ponca City, OK USA

The thing is that I asked for my case no. (just to share it with you guys) - but they refused to give it to me!

The things I can give you was that I live in Sweden.

I did not go through Apple but a retailer - they got the confirmation from Apple.

I took printouts from this thread, and had to show them when the issue appeared.

Tell me if I can help in any way.

Thank you mannekung. This at least gives some hope!

Regards,

Mark

Ponca City, OK USA

Hi all, from Australia. I have just joined this unfortunate club. I have a mid 2011 intel 27-inch iMac (latest version of everything in terms of OS etc), screen constantly switching off. Have tried the various fixes mentioned in this string, but no luck.

I just thought I'd agree with a mention in a previous post that if you run a second monitor then it does allow you to continue working (a crap workaround, but a workaround all the same), as the second screen automatically becomes the main screen when the iMac decides to switch its own screen off. All of your open windows automatically move over to that second screen, as does the dock and desktop icons etc. My second screen is an ugly old Dell monitor, but hey - it has so far lasted five years longer than my very beautiful, expensive Mac monitor...

I will begin the process of visits to Apple Stores and update this group when I have any news.

I hope we can solve this one.

Hello guys,

Unfortunately, I also have to join this club but to be honest I'm sick off trying "workarounds" and temporary solutions and losing precious time by wandering through several forums hoping for a definitive solution. I need this machine on daily base for professional use and don't have anymore time to waste on this. Therefore, my direct question => I simply want to buy a complete replacement LCD-panel for my iMac 27" and since I'm quite handy I'll install it myself, so no additional costs. But, will this solve this issue then? Can anyone report of a successfull LCD-panel replacement without having these issues anymore?I have the same "flaws" as the topic starter => iMac works fine, but when increasing the brightness indicator, screen turns black, working on external monitor still ok. After using the machine and thus increasing internal temps, the screen eventually already turns black on the lowest brightness-setting...

Thanks for your feedback and I will ofcourse post feedback if I go through with the LCD-exchange.

Regards from Belgium!

You can find all information on replacing the LCD panel on iFixit.com (http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing+iMac+Intel+27-Inch+EMC+2429+Display/7551/ 1). I have installed a ssd in my iMac and had to remove and reinstall the LCD panel. With the right tool it is easy and the instruction with pictures is very good

Regards and succes.

Hi!

Since my switch a couple of days ago I've not had any problems whatsoever (and I had problems 10 times a day before).

I wanted to do the switch myself but according to my local service point Apple does not sell screens to end users (but you'll probably find one anyway through Google).

One important thing though: there seems to be (at least) two different display panels for the 27-incher - and they do not fit perfectly on all models. If you choose the wrong display the glass won't seal tight (there will be a 1-2 mm gap).

Good luck!

I was also looking for a replacement LCD panel, but since I installed a ssd and have removed the panel and installed it again the blackout of the screen rarely happens. Mayby I incedently push the backlight boad connector I have no clear explamation. You might try to see if you can push the connector and see of it inproves. You can probably do it without completely remoev the LCD panel.

I see that you are from Belgium so you might by interested in the site www.applemacparts.co.uk. I have seen that the LCD pannel differs, but you can select the exact model and find the right screen. I think you need part 661-5970 for a mid 2011 iMac 27, but before spending £575 exl VAT I would call them to check.

Regards

Hi guys,

Thanks for the quick response! This gives me more confidence :-)

@Mannekung: thanks for the tip on the 2 different models. I'll have a look at this...

@SuperJA: iFixit is already a long time favourite in my bookmarks but thanks for the help! I'll check out the UK-site but I still hope to find it somewhere cheaper. I'm not a graphics designer or what so ever so B-grade would also be fine, just don't want to look at a black screen anymore 😝

Regards and I'll post back as soon as I know more to keep everybody informed...

I just wanted to share this. I've tried keeping the LCD brightness to the max to see if it does anything. To my surprise, my LCD NEVER went black eversince. It's been over a week and half now. Not even ONCE! Maybe some of you can try this trick, and see if you have the same result.

Blessings,

I have an iMac that is just over a year old, and it started giving me the same problem (screen shutting off). I was horrified when Apple told me that I will have to foot the bill after they do the repairs. From what I gather in these forums, this is definitely an engineering problem and needs to be escalated. I invested a fortune and expect Apple to take full responsibility. I am in the UK, and am definitely going to stand my ground.