What is the risk of replacing a Macbook Pro Retina Screen myself?

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Level 1

4 points

What is the risk of replacing a Macbook Pro Retina Screen myself?

Hi guys, this is my first post, I recently dropped my Macbook Pro 13 inch A1502 Mid 2014 Laptop, it's still functional but the screen is broken, lines have spread all over the screen, I recently bought a full LCD Assembly for my model, I was just wondering how risky it would be for me to fix it myself using information online, i've read a couple articles from Ifixit and ratings are very positive with people who have tried it and succeeded. has anyone done this before and would you recommend me doing it?

Here is a screenshot of my LCD Assembly and my Macbook Pro, thanks for the help.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Mavericks (10.9.5)

Posted on Apr 4, 2016 3:20 PM

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Answer 1

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,349 points

Apr 4, 2016 4:01 PM in response to Ludem

Go to the iFixit,com and Powerbookmedic.com websites. They not only offer parts but include assembly and repair instructions. Look at the specific model you have and you will be able to gauge what is involved and what tools one needs to do the job. Then you should be able to make an informed decision if it is within your capabilities.

Ciao.

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Answer 2

Ludem Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 4, 2016 3:52 PM in response to theratter

Macbook repairs are usually really expensive though and i've heard it's much cheaper to do it yourself which is why I purchased one, if I already have the full screen assembly, how much roughly do you think they are going to ask for the repair?

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Answer 3

Duane

Level 10

124,293 points

Apr 4, 2016 4:49 PM in response to Ludem

Are you 100% certain that it is the screen? or is there a chance that it is the display circuitry driving the display?

The risk of replacing it yourself is of course that you end up with non-working laptop and non-working parts.

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Answer 4

Ludem Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 4, 2016 4:11 PM in response to OGELTHORPE

Thanks for the tip, I will consider doing it myself but just worried I might damage it, I don't really want to spend that much more money on this, I think if I already have the screen assembly, the repair wouldn't cost that much. I have all the tools and am currently reading an article on Ifixit.com but just wondering how successful people have been doing it themselves.

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+13-Inch+Retina+Display+Mid+2014+Display +Assembly+Replacement/27834

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Answer 5

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,349 points

Apr 4, 2016 4:49 PM in response to Ludem

Ludem wrote:

Not sure how I would find out, I might get it looked at by a professional but I do know that when I connected my Macbook to my TV via HDMI, everything worked fine.

That indicates a display or display connection problem (as Duane suggests). Make an appointment at an Apple store genius bar for a definitive evaluation. It will be FREE. You may be offered a repair quote which you do not have to accept.

Ciao.

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Answer 6

steve359

Level 6

17,197 points

Apr 4, 2016 4:38 PM in response to Ludem

Ludem wrote:

I just scheduled a call with Apple professionals tomorrow and i'll explain my problem to them in more detail.

Car mechanics want to see the vehicle to make a valid evaluation, so do furnace repair people. It may be better if you let the Apple repair people see the unit in person.

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Answer 7

Ludem Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 4, 2016 4:41 PM in response to Ludem

Also, just wondering, if it's a display connection problem like you guys suggest, would that mean that the Screen needs to be replaced or will they just open up the Laptop and fiddle with the connections inside? thanks for the help.

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Answer 8

steve359

Level 6

17,197 points

Apr 4, 2016 4:44 PM in response to Ludem

Broken connection ... possibly replace logic board. Loose connection ... possibly push it back into place. Broken display elements ... possibly replace entire screen-half.

"Possibly" means just that ... an trained technician needs to see it to know for sure.

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Answer 9

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,349 points

Apr 4, 2016 4:51 PM in response to Ludem

A faulty connection can be determined very quickly and done in the back room of the Apple store. That would be an inexpensive repair. If it is the display that is the problem, there the money mounts up.

Ciao.

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Answer 10

theratter

Level 4

3,961 points

Apr 4, 2016 3:39 PM in response to Ludem

If you have to ask the question, then you know that the risk is that you will damage the computer, the new screen assembly, or both. Consider letting the local Apple vendor fix if for you.

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Answer 11

Ludem Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 4, 2016 4:13 PM in response to Duane

Not sure how I would find out, I might get it looked at by a professional but I do know that when I connected my Macbook to my TV via HDMI, everything worked fine.

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Answer 12

Ludem Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 4, 2016 4:35 PM in response to OGELTHORPE

Thanks, if all goes well, i'll return the screen that I purchased, I just scheduled a call with Apple professionals tomorrow and i'll explain my problem to them in more detail.

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Answer 13

Ludem Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 4, 2016 4:48 PM in response to steve359

Thanks, I'll just have to see what the professional says tomorrow, thanks for all the help guys, means a lot.

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