Macbook 12-inch retina early 2015 display problem

Question

Level 1

11 points

Macbook 12-inch retina early 2015 display problem

I have an

Apple MacBook MK4M2LL/A 12-Inch Laptop with Retina Display (Gold, 256 GB)

1.1 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core M Processor (Turbo Boost up to 2.4 GHz) with 4 MB shared L3 cache
8 GB of 1600 MHz LPDDR3 RAM; 256 GB PCIe-based onboard flash storage
Intel HD Graphics 5300
OS X Yosemite

The display started showing intermittent multiple vertical bars (about 1.5 inches wide) of snow/static. They would come and go. When they weren't there the laptop acted perfectly fine.

I ran both an on-board diagnostic and an internet diagnostic and they both find no problems - clean.

I then connected an external monitor via USB-C and the external monitor is completely fine and does not have the intermittent vertical bars even when the main display is showing them.

The machine is out of warranty and when I take it into an authorized apple service provider, they say it needs to be sent in for service for $600.

Is there any way I can repair this myself for a more reasonable sum? I have always repaired my own computers but this is the first time I have a macbook.

Thanks in advance.

Fred

MacBook, OS X Yosemite (10.10.5)

Posted on Dec 5, 2017 8:29 AM

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Answer 1

Fredster4 Author

Level 1

11 points

Dec 5, 2017 9:59 AM in response to Lanny

Lanny, Thanks for the link. I have already been to this site. It is an explanation on how to tear down the laptop. But I am at the stage of trying to determine what needs to be replaced. What needs to be fixed? What is wrong with it? Remember the laptop passed the hardware diagnostic with nothing listed as malfunctioning. This is what I am seeking help with.

Thanks,

Fred

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Answer 2

Lanny

Level 6

13,225 points

Dec 5, 2017 10:06 AM in response to Fredster4

Not quite correct, look again and it will tell you what is involved in replacing the display, if you want to do it yourself.

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Retina+MacBook+2015+Display+Assembly+Replacement/44 274

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Answer 3

Lanny

Level 6

13,225 points

Dec 5, 2017 11:48 AM in response to Fredster4

Well, you could play the shade tree mechanic. If you guess right, you could save some money. If you guess wrong, you could wind up spending more.

The thing to remember is that Apple has the means/equipment to diagnose and repair the problem. They also provide an estimate for repair, but the charge could be less depending on the actual problem.

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