jwoland
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: 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

by rolando115,Solvedanswer
rolando115 rolando115
Level 1 (10 points)
A:

Hey Jwoland!

 

I had the same problem about a month ago and it happened to me again today. the first time it happened i called apple and got it fixed.

1. turn off the computer

2. hit the power button and immediately after hit the Option, Command, P, R all at the same time.

3. the computer will shut down again

4. once you hear the chime again let all buttons go and the computer should start up.

 

I am currently on hold to speak to a apple representative to resolve this issue for good!

 

Good luck!

Posted on Jan 11, 2015 2:36 PM

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jwoland

Q: MacBook Air won't start -  chimes but screen black

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  • Helpful answers

  • by dominic23,

    dominic23 dominic23 Jan 9, 2015 1:13 PM in response to jwoland
    Level 8 (42,122 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 9, 2015 1:13 PM in response to jwoland

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

     

    Choose the method for:

    "Resetting SMC on portables with a battery you should not remove on your own".

     

     

    Best.

  • by jwoland,

    jwoland jwoland Jan 10, 2015 8:03 AM in response to dominic23
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 10, 2015 8:03 AM in response to dominic23

    Thanks, Dominic, but I already tried that. I don't think that the keypad is operational, apart from the on/off button, because it doesn't respond to the SMC or PRAM reset steps. As I mentioned, the keypad remains dark after the chime, whereas on my wife's MacBook it's backlit once it turns on. Also, since writing that, I have fully charged the battery, as the power cord now shows a green light, so it doesn't appear to be a power issue.

     

    Any other thoughts, anyone?

  • by MiddleGreeve,

    MiddleGreeve MiddleGreeve Jan 10, 2015 1:42 PM in response to jwoland
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 10, 2015 1:42 PM in response to jwoland

    Hi I had the exact same problem.I contacted Apple support by phone who went through several recovery/ start procedures all without any solution.They suggested I take my macbook air to the Genus bar in order to investigate further.I complained my laptop was purchased on the 13 December 2014 and am very concerned of its early failure!

    I am pleased to say Apple exchanged my air for a new one.I might mention I will not be updating this laptop to Yosemite.

    My advise go to the Genus Bar.

  • by rolando115,Solvedanswer

    rolando115 rolando115 Jan 11, 2015 2:36 PM in response to jwoland
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Jan 11, 2015 2:36 PM in response to jwoland

    Hey Jwoland!

     

    I had the same problem about a month ago and it happened to me again today. the first time it happened i called apple and got it fixed.

    1. turn off the computer

    2. hit the power button and immediately after hit the Option, Command, P, R all at the same time.

    3. the computer will shut down again

    4. once you hear the chime again let all buttons go and the computer should start up.

     

    I am currently on hold to speak to a apple representative to resolve this issue for good!

     

    Good luck!

  • by jwoland,

    jwoland jwoland Jan 12, 2015 12:55 PM in response to rolando115
    Level 1 (0 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.

  • by alitaheri,

    alitaheri alitaheri Jan 14, 2015 9:08 AM in response to rolando115
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 14, 2015 9:08 AM in response to rolando115
    hi there it happens to me but, nothings work...even after doing. @rolando115 solution help mee please ;(

  • by rolando115,

    rolando115 rolando115 Jan 14, 2015 9:18 AM in response to alitaheri
    Level 1 (10 points)
    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

  • by alitaheri,

    alitaheri alitaheri Jan 14, 2015 9:30 AM in response to rolando115
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 14, 2015 9:30 AM in response to rolando115
    thank u rolando, if i could make any progress. I'll let u know good luck

  • by theresefrommilbank,

    theresefrommilbank theresefrommilbank Oct 25, 2015 9:53 AM in response to rolando115
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 25, 2015 9:53 AM in response to rolando115

    OMG - I tried everything else online - and this solution worked. Thanks!!!!

  • by joyce 57,

    joyce 57 joyce 57 Jan 10, 2016 5:59 AM in response to jwoland
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 10, 2016 5:59 AM in response to jwoland

    Good information, but didn't help me.  If I hold the power button 10 seconds, I get the chime, but then nothing.  I've tried all the other recommendations in the forum, no luck.  And of course my Mac Air is 14 months old!

     

    Any other suggestions out there??

  • by Kinswoman,

    Kinswoman Kinswoman Aug 7, 2016 6:17 AM in response to jwoland
    Level 1 (4 points)
    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.