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jwoland Author

Level 1

22 points

MacBook Air won't start - chimes but screen black

Hi All,

I have a MacBook air purchased in Sep 2013 that I've never had the slightest problem with. After shutting down normally last night, I tried to start it today, and this is what happens:

1. I press start

2. After a few seconds I hear the chime

3. Nothing else happens -- screen remains black and the keyboard is dark

I followed all the steps outlined here: My MacBook pro it does not start, including trying to reset the SMC and the PRAM, but this did not help.

Yes, I checked the brightness of the screen. Yes, it has a good connection to power, the power cord light shows amber.

I am running Yosemite 10.10.1

I really don't want to go to the Genius Bar!

Thanks,

Jwol

MacBook Air (13-inch Mid 2013), OS X Yosemite (10.10.1)

Posted on Jan 9, 2015 12:57 PM

Top-ranking reply

AWHYTE23

Level 1

19 points

Posted on May 22, 2017 8:32 PM

I had this problem once before and actually just had it again. This is going to seem weird but what was happening was my display wasn't triggering when the computer was turning on. So what I did was take my cell phone and turn on its flash light. Shine the light through the apple symbol on the back. Through the display you will be able to see your login screen. Login while you are shining the light through the apple. Once you login to your secure screen the display will load and it should turn on the display for you. I hope this helps.

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26 replies

Aug 7, 2016 6:17 AM in response to jwoland

I Keep having to "reboot" like this every week. is there a bigger problem? Mine is from Sept 2013 macbook air. Concerned. My friends rest Apple, before always PCs, never had a problem with those workhorses! Do I need service if this is a weekly recurring problem and I have to reboot like this? Thank you.

Sthur365

Level 1

4 points

Feb 1, 2018 7:04 AM in response to AWHYTE23

AWHYTE23....... really great tip! Never heard this anywhere else that’s pretty genius shining a light through the Apple logo! So I did that and after trying the option, command, P and R there is a file picture with a? In the middle to where the login bar normally is. The file win the ? is flashing. Any ideas?

jwoland Author

Level 1

22 points

Jan 12, 2015 12:55 PM in response to rolando115

Unbelievable, Rolando, it actually worked! My laptop seems to be working just fine now. Can you let me know what the "permanent" resolution is?

Many thanks.

Jan 14, 2015 9:18 AM in response to alitaheri

Hey, alitaheri

aas of right now all I can say is try it again. I have a appointment on Friday at 5 pm est. If I get any new info then I will relay it to all you guys!

good luck