2015 macbook pro 15 detects external monitor but LCD screen is black

I had the same problem and Apple won't take responsibility. I tried resets (SMC/NVRAM), recoveries (internet/recovery disk), and changing display settings (mirrored/unmirrored/main display) all to no avail. I ran the Apple Hardware test and got the VFD002 reference code which points to a display error. It fits the description of https://www.apple.com/support/macbookpro-videoissues/ but when speaking to a supervisor, she said it wasn't covered. I have a Mid-2014 13" MacBook Pro Retina so my warranty is now out, and is uncovered under the previous repair/replacement program. Has anyone else had any luck? I was told by an Apple Authorized repair shop that I needed a new logic board and/or graphics card, but I refuse to pay $600 to do so, when I can buy a brand new MacBook for double that.

I have the exact same problem, swapped today with a new one at the Apple Store and it still has the issue.

Shutting down and starting up with an external monitor attached leaves the LCD off, disconnecting the HDMI or closing-reopening the lid reactivates the laptop screen.
Have you figured out a solution? I have a call scheduled tomorrow with an Apple engineer and I can post an update when I know more.

Just finished the call with the Apple support engineer, apparently they are unaware of the issue and they will get back to me.

Will post another update when I know more.

Any news from this? I have the exact same issue with my new 2015 Macbook Pro. Same error code too.

Nope. still waiting to hear back from Apple on this, I have filed a bug report.

Have you heard back from Apple? My son's MacBook Pro 13-in Retina Display is experiencing the same issue as of two days ago. Tried every solution suggested without success. Apple Diagnostics reported issue with display same reference code VFD002. I can see the desktop on an external Dell display connected via HDMI.

Hi,

I purchased Apple Macbook Pro 15" Retina in July 2015, within 2 days its display backlight stopped working, tried all types of resets.

Finally took it to service centre, God knows what they did, it worked (wriiten "updated to 10.10.4" in service job sheet). Now, 3 months later, i upgraded to El Capitan, it happens again,

Using a torch behind the logo, i tried a lot of things, even erased and reverted to Yosemite using internet recovery.

Both times the error code was VFD002"There may be a issue with the display".

Still the problem persists, I invested a **** lot of money on this machine and this happened. Also, there is no guarantee as it wont happen again after my warranty period expires.

I encounter the same problem with my mid-2014 mac book pro: turning the mac on and got a black screen. When using an external screen plugged in with an HDMI I can see the apple logo when powering on but the loading bar is stuck at nearly 25% . I tried all kind of reset tricks but none of them did worked. I tried those command suggested here http://osxdaily.com/2014/11/22/fix-macbook-pro-booting-black-screen/

- SHIFT + Ctrl + Option(alt) + power - release then power on . No effect.

- PRAM reset. No effect.

The only thing that make it worked was to press CMD + R while the mac is booting which lead to the recovery mode, from then restart and surprisingly the display works again. But when powering off, the issue comes back again !! Hope that someone has the REAL SOLUTION for that because it is really frustrating !! Thanks.

any update on this one?

I have exactly the same problem . The screen is no longer included with the light. Although through external Hdmi everything works on your TV. The computer simply ceased to include an internal screen . Help! Otherwise, I will file a lawsuit against the apple!

На русском (Russian)

У меня точно такая же проблема. Экран перестал включаться вместе с подсветкой. Хотя через Hdmi внешний все работает на телевизоре. Компьютер просто перестал включать внутренний экран. Помогите! Иначе подам в суд на Apple!

I Have exactly the same issue, how did you solve it??

I have exact same issue, my Macbook pro is bought in mid 2014, and I can use an external monitor via HDMI in Safe Mode only, while the main retina display was still black. I tried your method, turn on macbook and immediately shut the lid, then I can boot up into normal mode while external monitor connected, but once I open the lid, then both external monitor and retina display went black again, and never woke up. Do you find a way to solve the problem? I brought my macbook to apple store, and they said the repair fee is $1100, which is rediculous.

I had a similar problem once with my MBP mid-2012.

It turned out the video cable from the motherboard to the LED display was not making a good connection and there for would not power on the LED display.

Solution was to open up the back of the MBP and disconnect the video cable and reattach it. close up the MBP and power it back on.

Wahla !....It worked !...The MBP display was working again.

You may not have a bad LED display but just a bad connection.