Display Problem on MacBook Pro 13-In: red blotch when screen is dark/black

Question

Level 1

10 points

Display Problem on MacBook Pro 13-In: red blotch when screen is dark/black

I've been having a really weird problem: a red blotch near the center of my screen, visible if the screen is black, or dark background in video playback. It's about an inch off center (right) and it look like a "T" made by a paint brush stroke. When it first appeared (in the same spot to the left of center), Apple replaced the display (in the last year of Apple Care), and it disappeared. It reappeared 4 weeks later as clear lines (in the same spot). They replaced the display again, and it disappeared once again. It happened a third time 4 months after that, and they replaced the logic board as well as the display; again, "fixed." Here's the weirdest part: because, after all this, the computer would not charge, they threw up their hands and gave me a brand new MacBook Pro. That was a month ago, and last night, there was the red blotch again (except now, again, just to the right of center).

I can't find anything like this (online) happening to anyone else, and so far Apple hasn't determined what they think the problem is. I sort of feel now the problem must lie with me. But what could I be doing? I haven't dropped it; I'm just using it for email and reading online.

Anyone have any idea what this might be? Thank you very much in advance for any suggestions.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.4)

Posted on Jul 30, 2012 5:44 PM

Reply

Answer 1

BDAqua

Level 10

238,853 points

Jul 30, 2012 6:26 PM in response to Hystoryan

I don't think it's you.

Take a screen shot, open that shot & move the pic around, is there ever 2 spots showing up, one moving with the pic?

If so it's the Logic Board/Video Card, if just one then the screen or connector.

Reply

Answer 2

Hystoryan Author

Level 1

10 points

Jul 30, 2012 9:04 PM in response to BDAqua

Thanks. I'll try that.

Reply

Answer 3

Hystoryan Author

Level 1

10 points

Jul 30, 2012 10:12 PM in response to Hystoryan

There's just the one, which doesn't move. I.e., as I move the (black) screen shot, the red blotch is stationary (appears on different parts of the screenshot as I move it. So, it's the screen, then?

Reply

Answer 4

BDAqua

Level 10

238,853 points

Jul 30, 2012 10:58 PM in response to Hystoryan

Then it's not the Video card or VRAM, but outward from tere... the cable or Monitor.

Reply

Answer 5

Hystoryan Author

Level 1

10 points

Jul 30, 2012 11:03 PM in response to BDAqua

Any idea what might have caused it? It's the fourth time it's happened, and this last time on a brand new computer. Thanks again.

Reply

Answer 6

BDAqua

Level 10

238,853 points

Jul 30, 2012 11:11 PM in response to Hystoryan

I can only do wild guesses at this popint, only thing I can think of on your end is possible AC power problems, but I've not been impressed with Apple's quality since the 68K or Beige days. 😟

THe iMac7,1 I'm on now needed repair 3 times & still scares me with it's PSU temps. 😢

Reply

Answer 7

audt

Level 1

0 points

Feb 9, 2013 5:44 AM in response to Hystoryan

I am having the same problem....Any solution to this????

Reply

Answer 8

Hystoryan Author

Level 1

10 points

Feb 9, 2013 9:23 AM in response to audt

Their latest guess is that this is pressure on the display (where the apple is, hence the unusual design). They replaced the display (again) -- and gave me a shell to keep it safe. So far, they've now replaced the display four times, and the computer itself twice. I don't know. I'm not too optimistic. What exactly is your discoloration. (Btw, not sure if I understood this when I wrote about this before, but the blotch/mark, whatever it is, does NOT move with the screenshot (i.e., it was on the display itselft).

Reply

Answer 9

audt

Level 1

0 points

Feb 9, 2013 4:53 PM in response to Hystoryan

The red blotches are in where block pixels are at on the screen. The issue of the red blotch had just started; I am not sure if its hardware or software.

Reply

Answer 10

Hystoryan Author

Level 1

10 points

Feb 9, 2013 6:21 PM in response to audt

Same with Apple: they don't seem to know what it is.

Reply

Answer 11

audt

Level 1

0 points

Feb 9, 2013 7:06 PM in response to Hystoryan

I'm keep look for an answer...thanks for your help.

Reply

Answer 12

Hystoryan Author

Level 1

10 points

Feb 9, 2013 7:09 PM in response to audt

Let me know what you find out. Right now, I have no blotch (new display). But, like I said, I'm not optimistic. I found a guy in another forum who had the same exact shape as mine (summer 2011); don't know what happened to his. Obviously, something is going on, but Apple doesn't seem to know what it is.

Reply

Answer 13

GTH360

Level 1

4 points

Feb 12, 2013 5:52 PM in response to Hystoryan

Hystoryan,

This might sound a little crazy but I was investigating my own display issues and when I powered my MBP down I noticed the apple logo in reverse! The sunlight was illuminating through my computer! When I waved my hand across the back of the screen it was visible! For my sake, just ensure that it isn't this!

Reply

Answer 14

grattman

Level 1

8 points

May 2, 2013 3:33 PM in response to Hystoryan

Hi mate - did you ever have any updates on this?

I'm suffering from an identical problem to the one you describe.

Cheers.

Reply

Answer 15

Hystoryan Author

Level 1

10 points

May 2, 2013 3:43 PM in response to grattman

Wellllll, let's see. What they did in February seems to maybe have worked (for the moment?) -- i.e., the problem has not returned. Since then, I have seen others (like my son) who have the same problem (he just didn't know it because he wasn't watching videos on it). He believes it may be a design defect in the MacBook Pro (some kind of pressure on the screen when the lid closes). Which would explain why there are probably a lot of people (like you and I -- and my son) have experienced the same thing. (Is your blotch red and in a kind of "T" shape?) Again, my Head Genius at my local Apple Store believes that it was me putting pressure on the Apple from the outside, which, he said, explains to odd configuration. Maybe. All I can say is that since they gave the new screen AND a shell, it hasn't returned. Of course, I've gone this long (I think) without it reappearing, so I kind of live in fear every time I watch a video that it will be back!

Reply