Why do Thunderbolt Displays Flicker?

Question

Level 1

11 points

Why do Thunderbolt Displays Flicker?

I've been plagued with problems with my expensive Thunderbolt display since I bought it. I've also been stonewalled by Apple for support. My Thunderbolt display flickers at random intervals when connected to my MacBook Pro (mid 2015). My old LED Cinema display works fine on either Thunderbolt display port on my MacBook Pro. No combination of using different ports, plugging, or unplugging solves the issues.

I've gone through over a year of Mac support phone calls, many trips to the Apple Store where they could not replicate the problem, so they would not try to fix it, sending the device to a regional center for a minor repair that did not fix the flickering, and I'm left with nothing. Add to that Apple repair stores that don't return phone calls, being hung up on by Apple support, and I'm less than enthusiastic about this process. I do not have time to send it off again for more Apple tests as I rely on the machine for my work purposes.

I have a link to the flickering problem: youtu.be/t8IemfesyT0

You can most notably see it around the 1:48 to 2:10 mark. I have a defective product. It needs to be replaced.

At the end of my rope with a defective Apple product that Apple won't support. Last time reaching out to Apple before taking other options to redress this. Be in touch, Apple.

Best,

B

Thunderbolt Display (27-inch), iOS 10.2

Posted on Dec 22, 2016 5:22 PM

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Answer 1

jwlundy

Level 1

4 points

May 29, 2017 12:40 PM in response to bbarr1000

You don't need to open the case. You can connect a Thunderbolt cable from the Mac to one of the Thunderbolt display's Thunderbolt ports instead of using the built-in cable. That would give an indication whether it's the built-in cable causing the problem, which has been the problem for some.

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Answer 2

Sep 27, 2017 6:14 AM in response to bbarr1000

Sorry for bumping an old thread, but my Apple Thunderbolt Display has started this acting up.

It's as if for no reason, it loses sync, starts blacking out and often goes into a crazy out of phase squiggly line routine like you used to see with old TV sets needing to adjust horizontal/vertical sync.

Any solutions found?

Thanks...

Regards,

Doug

ps: This is happening on my MacBook Pro (mid 2012) using the TB2 connection (with power) from the display itself to the MacBook Pro.

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Answer 3

Sep 20, 2017 6:37 PM in response to jwlundy

That is a good idea, I definitely didn't think about doing that. Thanks

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Answer 4

tbirdvet

Level 6

17,108 points

Dec 24, 2016 5:08 AM in response to bbarr1000

Almost looks like an intermittent connection. Could be the cable. I would get a TB cable and connect directly to the display and see what happens. If all OK then the all in one cable is bad. If it does the same thing then there is something inside the display that is at fault.

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Answer 5

bbarr1000 Author

Level 1

11 points

Dec 24, 2016 6:36 AM in response to tbirdvet

Sadly I have the Thunderbolt Display with a closed back and non-replaceable cable. Sadder still, Apple is stonewalling me on this so litigation is most probable.

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Answer 6

tbirdvet

Level 6

17,108 points

Dec 26, 2016 5:52 PM in response to bbarr1000

You do not need to use the all in one cable. Buy a Thunderbolt cable and plug into the TB port on the back of the display and connect to your Mac TB port. This will verify the cable. If you need to replace the all in one the Display can be opened up from the front for inside access.

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Answer 7

bbarr1000 Author

Level 1

11 points

Dec 27, 2016 4:53 AM in response to tbirdvet

Opening the display voids the warranty. And Apple won't replace the cable. So here I am. I simply need Apple to honor its legal commitment to repair or replace defective items under the Uniform Commercial Code. Sadly, it has a history of stonewalling some of its tech problems rather than addressing them which seems to be happening here.

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Answer 8

bbarr1000 Author

Level 1

11 points

Dec 27, 2016 4:55 AM in response to bbarr1000

Thank you for your suggestions, though. This is more about requiring Apple to honor its legal obligations to consumers. I'm really upset that they've decided to act as if they have bo obligation for selling failed devices.

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