My lcd ribbon cable overheats really bad. I cleaned the heatsink, but now the computer won't start. If there's anyone who can help...

Question

My lcd ribbon cable overheats really bad. I cleaned the heatsink, but now the computer won't start. If there's anyone who can help...

My Macbook Pro overheats on the left side (where the lcd ribbon cable connects to the inside connector.) so I cleaned the heatsink. When I put the computer back together there is a blank gray screen.

1) If there's anyone who can help me start my computer again, that would be very helpful.

2) If there is anyone who can help me stop my lcd ribbon cable connector from overheating really bad - that would be even more helpful.

Thanks.

Josh

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.5), 15 Inch

Posted on Aug 25, 2013 9:44 AM

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Answer 1

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Aug 25, 2013 11:06 AM in response to Foreverholy111

I do not know what 'ribbon' cable you are referring to and what 'heatsink' you have cleaned.

Start with these instructions:

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570

Ciao.

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Answer 2

Aug 26, 2013 2:49 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

I did all those things, apart from starting it from a disk. I still have a gray screen.

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Answer 3

Aug 26, 2013 2:51 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

This is the LCD Ribbon Cable Connector. Right at the elbow bend, and one inch into the black bar - is where massive heat occurs within seconds of startup.

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Answer 4

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Aug 26, 2013 3:22 AM in response to Foreverholy111

As a guess on my part, a SMC reset may have a positive impact:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964

Once you start dealing with the internal components of your MBP, I suggest a trip to an Apple store genius bar. They should be able to determine what hardware issues you may be encountering and the possible solutions.

Ciao.

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Answer 5

Aug 26, 2013 5:46 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

I will get back to you regarding the SMC reset.

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Answer 6

cbs20

Level 4

2,796 points

Aug 26, 2013 10:10 AM in response to Foreverholy111

This may be a dumb question, but after cleaning the heatsink you reapplied thermal paste, correct?

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Answer 7

Aug 26, 2013 2:03 PM in response to cbs20

Yes.

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Answer 8

Aug 27, 2013 3:16 PM in response to Foreverholy111

Okay I fixed the issue with the screen. All I had to do was hold down the right OPTION button for a long time when it started and it gave me the option to choose what I started the computer with.

Now I can see what's going on.

My problem now is that I cannot detect my cd drive. When I try to put a disc in - it doesn't suck it in, it just sits there. My computer still heats up horribly in the one spot. HELP!!!

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