Chosen Solution
When I turn on my MacBook the Apple startup sound plays, but the screen remains off. However, I found if I close the lid to enter sleep mode, then reopen the laptop, I am able to access the desktop. Additionally, I cannot connect to external monitors and, occasionally, a white screen appears prompting a reboot while watching VLC or youtube. Does anyone have an idea which part is causing the issue? I am thinking the dedicated GPU or maybe the entire logic board? I am hoping to fix this at home.
Generally if an external monitor does not show a signal your GPU/logic board is the issue. There is no DIY fix for a bad GPU other than to replace the entire logic board. If the machine is still under warranty I would contact Apple. If this answer is acceptable please remember to return and mark it.
What fixed it for me was to reset the PRAM, as described here: http://support.apple.com/kb/ph14222 (boot-up, while holding down Option-Command–P–R)
I had this problem too. The MacBook would chime and the screen would glow whilst staying dark. This is what Apple Support Live Chat told me to do and it worked straight away:
- After your Mac is shut down and plugged in, unplug any external devices — like external hard drives, flash drives, or printers.
- Press (left side): Shift-Control-Option keys and the power button at the same time, briefly, then let go.
- The computer should remain off for this reset, though you may notice the LED on the charger change colors. Then go right into a PRAM reset:
- While the computer is still OFF, locate the “Command + Option + P + R” keys.
- Turn on the computer and immediately hold down these keys until you hear the startup chime twice, then let go.
- Let the computer start up as it normally would (You should see your screen by now if this fixed the issue).
Apple has launched a repair program to fix MacBook Pro machines sold between February 2011 and February 2013 that have problems with distorted video, no video, or unexpected system restarts. http://www.apple.com/support/macbookpro-…
Have an ASP run the test for the free Apple Repair Extension Program before it expires https://www.apple.com/support/macbookpro…
So, hopefully the above info will help most people. It didn’t help me. The only thing that worked was this last-ditch effort before getting a heat guy, or baking the logic board in the oven. It takes like 10 seconds, and I think it’s worth a try, if you’re in the same situation as I was. But try all the above steps first, as they’re non-invasive! My suggestion is a little violent & risky. I felt like I had nothing to lose, so I pressed stupidly hard on the GPU, as detailed in this link. It sounds barbaric, but it actually worked. And it was a lot easier than a putting the motherboard in the oven. http://perfectfitcomputers.ca/macbook-pr… This won’t be for everyone. But if it helps even one person… awesome.
Its not the logic board its the graphics card, all you need to do is take it to a place and get them to re solder the graphics chip to the board. Or you could attempt it yourself.
Same issue started happening when i updated to OS X Yosemite on my MacBook pro late 2011 15". The way I use it is with an external monitor, so I’m thinking its a software issue, the reason being is because if I have my Mac in clamshell mode while connected to my mac then unplug from monitor then open lid of Mac and then shut it off. Now when powering it back on my Mac still thinks it’s connected to the external monitor and I get a black screen. So to fix Restart MacBook pro if you have your volume up you will hear the usual chime, now your at your black screen from here you must type in your login password blindly hit return when done, type in your password one more time just in case you didn’t type it on correctly. If you typed password correctly your Mac will login and your screen comes back to life. And now when you shutdown your Mac then restarting Mac again you will not get that black screen again.
After your Mac is shut down and plugged in, unplug any external devices — like external hard drives, flash drives, or printers.Press (left side): Shift-Control-Option keys and the power button at the same time, briefly, then let go.The computer should remain off for this reset, though you may notice the LED on the charger change colors. Then go right into a PRAM reset: While the computer is still OFF, locate the “Command + Option + P + R” keys.Turn on the computer and immediately hold down these keys until you hear the startup chime twice, then let go.Let the computer start up as it normally would (You should see your screen by now if this fixed the issue)." Sometimes this works for me, sometimes it doesn’t. I’ve given up on the black screen and shut it, unplugged it, and driven home with it in the car only to find a normal screen when I arrive home. Techtool only shows the onboard Intel graphics. Sounds like the NVIDIA GPU is coming unseated. Unfortunately there is no Apple Store/Genius bar nearby. If this is a software issue I hope somebody comes up with a permanent fix…
LOL at some of the answers on this. If you have a 15" Retina from Late 2012 to Early 2013, you have an issue 99% of the time with U8900 on your logic board. Send it to a repair center who does board repair (like the one on my profile) and it will be fixed CORRECTLY. Do not heatgun, push on, reflow, reball, or MESS with the GPU. It’s NOT the GPU
Watch this video: Macbook Pro A1398 2012 Retina GPU Vcore Failure Repair on board 820-3332 Fixed my black screen/startup problems. Did the repair myself, follow iFixit directions on how to remove the logic board, do the repair as the guy specifies in the video. Done!
U8900 GPU power buck converter: solder on pins around the U8900 IC need to be redone. Use a fine tip, good flux and solder for the touch up. Make sure to not bridge the pins with solder. Dont reflow or remove the IC. Apple was aware of the problem with this model. Their repair solution was to install a rubber pad over the IC to compress it with the back panel but this was not a permanent solution. For more infos make a search on google: U8900 repair
