Apple Extends MacBook Pro Repair Extension Program for Video Issues Until December 31, 2016

[Sharky II]

I'd been trying since 2014 to get my 2010 15" MBP repaired, as it restarts randomly due to a faulty gfx card.

I've written them a letter as a final attempted, as they've extended this one, but not the 2010 repair program... finger's crossed.

 

[sracer]

At least they're doing what's right. Can't say the same about HP and their DV3000-DV9000 Nvidia chipset failure back in 2008.

Depends upon one's definition of "doing what's right". Although they acknowledge that the problem exists, they will only do the repair/replacement if the unit passes (or fails, depending upon the perspective). If your system no longer boots or doesn't pass the test, no repair for you!

M 15" MBP is covered. It demonstrated the classic symptoms well before Apple acknowledged the problem. So I tried repeatedly to get it to boot to pull stuff off that hadn't been backed up and then it no longer booted up. Months later, Apple announced the repair program, but it hasn't done me any good because it won't boot up to run the test.

 

[brewmonkey]

Nice move by Apple.

 

[frumpy16]

It's call the "Video System Test (VST)" and no, you can't perform it at home.

Not true. https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201257
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Does anyone know what the graphics test is that the Genius Bar people will perform? Is it something that I can do prior, to determine whether my Macbook will be eligible for repair? Currently experiencing major problems including video glitches, diagnostic test (hold down opt D at startup) does not reveal any problems.

Like this. https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201257
[doublepost=1456153662][/doublepost]

Depends upon one's definition of "doing what's right". Although they acknowledge that the problem exists, they will only do the repair/replacement if the unit passes (or fails, depending upon the perspective). If your system no longer boots or doesn't pass the test, no repair for you!

M 15" MBP is covered. It demonstrated the classic symptoms well before Apple acknowledged the problem. So I tried repeatedly to get it to boot to pull stuff off that hadn't been backed up and then it no longer booted up. Months later, Apple announced the repair program, but it hasn't done me any good because it won't boot up to run the test.

Based on my genius experience yesterday I think you have bad information or had a bad experience. As long as there is not physical damage to the computer (water or impact for example) they seemed very willing to fix it for me. It did 'fail' their test but he was talking about the repair process and program prior to that even happening.

 

[sracer]

Not true. https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201257
[doublepost=1456153311][/doublepost]
Like this. https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201257
[doublepost=1456153662][/doublepost]
Based on my genius experience yesterday I think you have bad information or had a bad experience. As long as there is not physical damage to the computer (water or impact for example) they seemed very willing to fix it for me. It did 'fail' their test but he was talking about the repair process and program prior to that even happening.

Your system didn't fail to boot up. It booted up and "failed" their test. That is specifically the scenario that they cover so I don't see how your experience, (which is different than mine) somehow shows that I have bad information or bad experience.

 

[slapple]

4 logic boards replaced under this scheme. Same MacBook Pro.

I thought Apple would offer to replace a computer with a brand new one if you had to get it fixed multiple times?

 

[frumpy16]

Your system didn't fail to boot up. It booted up and "failed" their test. That is specifically the scenario that they cover so I don't see how your experience, (which is different than mine) somehow shows that I have bad information or bad experience.

Yeah, you're right. I didn't word that well. I mean that the guy was trying to help me get into the program and fixed versus trying to tell me Apple wasn't responsible and turn me away. If the display is completely non-functional to run the diagnostic test and the repair program is affecting the display system, inability to run the test due to a non-functional display would seem to be reasonably suggestive of the problem with the display system that the repair program addresses. If you don't have physical damage (which the Genius checked for) it wouldn't make sense that they wouldn't send the computer off to the repair depot for you.
[doublepost=1456163117][/doublepost]

I thought Apple would offer to replace a computer with a brand new one if you had to get it fixed multiple times?

You won't get a brand new one. It would be refurbished, especially a product already this aged.
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Will they still fix the machine if it has had its HDD replaced? I replaced the failed drive with an SSD

Yes. I had an SSD in mine that was just approved for repair yesterday. The HDD also 'failed' their diag test but the genius just noted on the workorder that I'd installed an SSD. I think the failure was because the drive was not Apple approved. It works fine and it's not like it can stop spinning.

 

[robertosh]

Second-hand is fine. MY gf had hers done just a few months ago, and it was second-hand.

Great, thanks for the info.

 

[sracer]

Yeah, you're right. I didn't word that well. I mean that the guy was trying to help me get into the program and fixed versus trying to tell me Apple wasn't responsible and turn me away. If the display is completely non-functional to run the diagnostic test and the repair program is affecting the display system, inability to run the test due to a non-functional display would seem to be reasonably suggestive of the problem with the display system that the repair program addresses. If you don't have physical damage (which the Genius checked for) it wouldn't make sense that they wouldn't send the computer off to the repair depot for you.

Your first-hand experience doesn't invalidate my comments but confirms them. Apple made a public statement about creating this repair program, they get attaboys for "doing the right thing" (even though it took the threat of a class-action lawsuit to get them to finally act), and then strictly defines the criteria for which a machine will actually be repaired. THAT doesn't get reported.

Apple acknowledges that the problem is widespread for that particular model. There shouldn't be any "trying to help you get into the program". Apple should simply just fix it. It make sense to exclude units that exhibit physical damage, but absent that... no failing of tests, no debate, no convincing... just repair it.

 

[c_ra]

I commented on the previous post about my macbook pro 15 inch late 2011 - Apple Initiates Repair Program for 2011-2013 MacBook Pros With Video Issues

If anyone wanted an update here it is. I brought it to an Apple Store and the Genius Bar did help me take a look at it. They found no issues with their tests. The person who was helping me explained that it's better to not just switch out the logic board for the sake of switching it. Switching it out could cause more issues since those logic boards already in the computer were built to be compatible with the other parts when they were made together. However, they said if I was experience any more video issues I could bring it back and it could be switched out.

So far I haven't experienced any issues but I am just worried I will start having issues near the end of the extension again. I was originally going to buy a new macbook pro but with the issues I've had on this one and the fact that you can no longer add memory later on, macbook pro is becoming more limiting.

Anyway just wanted to thank you guys for the information!

 

[bladerunner2000]

Why aren't the 2012 MacBook Pros with the Nvidia GT 650m GPUs covered? The 'retina' MacBook Pros with the same GPUs are covered, but the classic MBPs are exempt?

WHY?

 

[b_scott]

still out of luck with my Mid-2010 MBP. Same issue, somehow there's a cutoff.

 

[Gibbyice]

After years of the screen randomly gowing completely blank while using Adobe Creative Cloud apps and some more serious issues over the last few months I contacted Apple, after reading about the repair program on macrumours.

I just recieved my rmbp back from a certified  repair centre after phoning Apple. I live on a remote scottish island, so they agreed to pick up and post back the laptop using a courier and a custom designed packing box with specific foam inserts.

The only original parts left are the bottom case plate and 512gb ssd, they replaced the logic board which will include the graphics and ram, fitted a new battery, topcase including keyboard and due to delamination - the retina screen( still has the sticker covering the  logo on it), the machine is tip top, however I spoke to the technician who said some of the parts were exchanged for like for like condition.
This is clear when I look at the USB port and can see dirt on the white plastic port indicating the logic board is definitely refurbished.

Should I sell it or keep it? It's a risk but I have fallen back in love with the machines beauty and power.

My model is a 2.6ghz 16gb ram 512ssd is there a particular model that is more prone to worse graphic issues?

 

[algorithmruss]

I had mine repaired through the Apple Store when it first happened a couple of years back and paid $300. Later on when they owned up, they reached out to me to offer the money back. That is service beyond anything I've ever received, top notch.

I took my 2010 mid Macbook Pro in when I found out about the faulty GPU around 1 month after the repair program expired. I asked them to waive the fee but they said they had to charge me $300 for the depot repair. No one has called to offer my money back so consider yourself lucky!

 

[ericgtr12]

I took my 2010 mid Macbook Pro in when I found out about the faulty GPU around 1 month after the repair program expired. I asked them to waive the fee but they said they had to charge me $300 for the depot repair. No one has called to offer my money back so consider yourself lucky!

Not so lucky as it turns out, that repair was over a year ago and now I'm having the same GPU error again.

 

[mdgm]

I have a friend who has gone through several logic board replacements. The replacement logic boards still have the known defective parts which will fail prematurely in many cases.

 

[St13v13]

This is relating to the issue colloquially known as 'Radeongate', from the 2011 MacBook Pro models (15" & 17") which had dedicated graphics cards. There was an existing repair program in place to fix affected models, even if the computer is out-of-warranty, and now it's been extended.

Hello,
Mine says the same, that the warranty has run out, how should I go about it,
as mine was getting so overheated that it doesn't boot anymore, bought the AIR 2015

 

[keysofanxiety]

Hello,
Mine says the same, that the warranty has run out, how should I go about it,
as mine was getting so overheated that it doesn't boot anymore, bought the AIR 2015

Take it to an Apple Store. They're obliged to repair it under consumer law.

 

[Hedley Lamarr]

I have an early 2013 rMBP; the first repair was a logic board and SSD swap out about a year ago, and I recently had another logic board installed. It's going to have to go back again because the video issues are worse than before, and I get constant system restarts which appear to be triggered when the battery gets to about 40%.

I can't fault the service I've had at the Apple Store but when you pay £2700 for a laptop you expect it to work...

 

[SvenSvenson]

I've bought a second hand late 2011 macbook but i didn't notice this issue yet. Anyway, anyone knows if this can be applied to a second hand product?

Just phoned Apple (UK) for my late 2011 17" which I bought off eBay and they say yes - it's covered. I'm taking it to Apple today.

 

[magbarn]

I have an early 2013 rMBP; the first repair was a logic board and SSD swap out about a year ago, and I recently had another logic board installed. It's going to have to go back again because the video issues are worse than before, and I get constant system restarts which appear to be triggered when the battery gets to about 40%.

I can't fault the service I've had at the Apple Store but when you pay £2700 for a laptop you expect it to work...

As I'm sure you've read, Apple is just recycling defective boards by just resoldering the defective GPU's with the horrible lead free solder. They are not replacing the logic board with the defective chips replaced with a new 750M like they should be doing. The only true fix is to find a specialist shop that can reflow the GPU with the proper solder WITH LEAD that won't break after a few thousand heating/cooling cycles - just like our older electronics used to do without the dumb lead free solder regulations. I can still boot up computers from the 80's. Our electronics today will have much shorter lifespans...

 

[T-Will]

Is there a DIY fix for the GPU solder issue (I'm asking about a 2010 MacBook Pro)? Or is solder not the issue with the 2010's?

 

[jblagden]

Is there a DIY fix for the GPU solder issue (I'm asking about a 2010 MacBook Pro)? Or is solder not the issue with the 2010's?

As far as I know, Apple didn't start using lead-free solder until 2011.

 

[T-Will]

As far as I know, Apple didn't start using lead-free solder until 2011.

I guess that's why Apple won't fix my randomly restarting/kernel panic 2010 MacBook Pro under warranty. :-/

 

[chrfr]

I guess that's why Apple won't fix my randomly restarting/kernel panic 2010 MacBook Pro under warranty. :-/

Apple had an extended repair program for the GPU failure in the 2010 15" MacBook Pro, but the program has ended and Apple no longer services 2010 models.