Early 2011 MacBook Pro 17" Logic Board

Hi All,

First time poster here...I have the early 2011 MacBook Pro 17" (Model A1297). On January 9, 2017, the Apple Logo would appear, then a pixelated bar. After that it would just keep doing the same thing. After talking to an Apple Tech on the 10th & 11th for 2hrs each time, we were able to update to Sierra, but after the restart we couldn't get past the Apple Logo and the constant reboots.

On January 15th, I had to make an appointment at my local Apple Store which is about 1.5 hours away. After being there for 20 minutes they said it was the logic board. Basically they said it is 6 years old and they do not make parts for it anymore. I would have to try a 3rd party or buy a new Mac.

I did some research online that evening and saw there was an MacBook Pro Repair Extension Program for Video Issues. So, I called on Apple and talked to a Senior Advisor. He said this is a unique case because this falls under repair extension program, but the program ended December 31st. He said that he would make an exception. He could not covered to ship but said that I could take it to my closest authorized repair center (2.5 hrs away) and it would be cover.

I called the Apple Authorized Repair Company the next day (Jan. 16) before making the drive. He said he contacted Apple and they will not ship him the part. So, I called back the Senior Advisor I talked to at Apple. Left two voicemails but never received a call back.

On Sunday, January 18th I called and talked to a different Senior Advisor. I told her the other Senior Advisor I talked to and his extension number. Also, told her that I cannot get him to return my voicemail after telling me he would authorized the ok on the repair. She said she would go over my notes and call me back in a few days.

January 20th, she called me back and said due to policy issues they cannot authorize a repair, there is nothing they can do and the previous Senior Advisor should not have told me it would be covered. She stated it will be 6 years in May 2017 and it is a vintage computer. They do not manufacture parts for it.

After many hours on the phone, time, broken promises and lots of frustration, I'm without a laptop. Hard to believe that Apple will not fix under MacBook Pro Repair Extension Program 9 days past the expiration. I would understand a month or more, but 9 days!

Does anyone have any recommendations or advice? Any help would be most appreciated!

Thank you!!!