MacBook Pro 13" W/Touchbar Late 2016 graphics issue

[wolfaaron]

For several months my laptop had a weird bug where every time I opened up the laptop the login screen had some horizontal strips that went away when I logged in. I was dumb and didn’t think that it was an issue and now that I don’t have warranty anymore it started doing it all the time.

I don't know what is causing it. My MacBook Pro Late 2011 did the same thing but it was the GPU that was failing and they replaced it because it had a recall for it. But as far as I know this version doesn't have a dedicated GPU.

I called Apple and they had me restart the machine and re-install the OS but it didn't help. I was told to visit a licensed Apple repair shop so I may do that. This machine has never had any water damage and it doesn't take any abuse because it's always in my room mostly on my desk or couch.

 

[slam5]

For several months my laptop had a weird bug where every time I opened up the laptop the login screen had some horizontal strips that went away when I logged in. I was dumb and didn’t think that it was an issue and now that I don’t have warranty anymore it started doing it all the time.

I don't know what is causing it. My MacBook Pro Late 2011 did the same thing but it was the GPU that was failing and they replaced it because it had a recall for it. But as far as I know this version doesn't have a dedicated GPU.

I called Apple and they had me restart the machine and re-install the OS but it didn't help. I was told to visit a licensed Apple repair shop so I may do that. This machine has never had any water damage and it doesn't take any abuse because it's always in my room mostly on my desk or couch.

Bring it backasap, you have a hardware issue. Try to visit an Applestore as they can be sympathetic to your problem and offer you a free fix. I feel bad for you. Why did you get them to look at it when it was under warranty?

 

[Painter2002]

For several months my laptop had a weird bug where every time I opened up the laptop the login screen had some horizontal strips that went away when I logged in. I was dumb and didn’t think that it was an issue and now that I don’t have warranty anymore it started doing it all the time.

I don't know what is causing it. My MacBook Pro Late 2011 did the same thing but it was the GPU that was failing and they replaced it because it had a recall for it. But as far as I know this version doesn't have a dedicated GPU.

I called Apple and they had me restart the machine and re-install the OS but it didn't help. I was told to visit a licensed Apple repair shop so I may do that. This machine has never had any water damage and it doesn't take any abuse because it's always in my room mostly on my desk or couch.

Which version of High Sierra are you using? The most current version right now is 10.13.5. If you are using an older version I’d try updating to the newest software. There have been several graphical glitches due to the older High Sierra updates.

 

[cobracnvt]

If you paid for it with a credit card, such as Amex, your card may extend the warranty for you automatically.

 

[wolfaaron]

Which version of High Sierra are you using? The most current version right now is 10.13.5. If you are using an older version I’d try updating to the newest software. There have been several graphical glitches due to the older High Sierra updates.

It’s on 10.13.5 at the moment.

 

[cobracnvt]

I'd definitely bring it for service. I doubt it's a DIY fix.

 

[wolfaaron]

I'd definitely bring it for service. I doubt it's a DIY fix.

It appears to be a loose cable at the spine of the laptop. When I slightly move the monitor towards the left it’s fixed. But if I move the lid again it comes back. I think that there was a manufacturer defect that caused some of the monitor connectors to come loose with use.

 

[slam5]

It appears to be a loose cable at the spine of the laptop. When I slightly move the monitor towards the left it’s fixed. But if I move the lid again it comes back. I think that there was a manufacturer defect that caused some of the monitor connectors to come loose with use.

Regardless, don’t diy.. I learn from past experience.

 

[Painter2002]

It’s on 10.13.5 at the moment.

Yeah you’re using the latest then, definitely take it in to Apple. Best of luck!

 

[wolfaaron]

Regardless, don’t diy.. I learn from past experience.

They’re quoting $517 over the phone to re-adjust a loose cable. I think I’m going to DIY it at those prices. I’ve been looking at schematics and it looks a lot more complicated than earlier versions but it’s doable. I bough it with a credit card that increased its warranty by a year but I cancelled the card last year not knowing that it did that. And I didn’t get a chance to add warranty because I didn’t know that they made it so that you could only get Apple care within 60 days not a year like it used to be.

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

They’re quoting $517 over the phone to re-adjust a loose cable. I think I’m going to DIY it at those prices. I’ve been looking at schematics and it looks a lot more complicated than earlier versions but it’s doable. I bough it with a credit card that increased its warranty by a year but I cancelled the card last year not knowing that it did that. And I didn’t get a chance to add warranty because I didn’t know that they made it so that you could only get Apple care within 60 days not a year like it used to be.

FYI for future, AppleCare+ is 60 days. Regular AppleCare is still 1 year, as it used to be.

If you're certain it's a hardware fault then that's fine, just make sure you get them to look at and confirm that's the problem. Only as you mentioned it goes away once logged in, this would highly suggest a software issue - namely FileVault or something similar. However you did mention a reinstall didn't do anything.

You said there was a manufacturing defect? Are you sure about this? If you are then I'd pay for the official repair - assuming it is indeed a manufacturing defect, you can keep your fingers crossed and should get that money back one day. If you DIY it you'll loose that as well as all other repair options in the future, which potentially includes future repair programs and stuff not related to this issue.

I'd also make sure you're understanding what they will be doing, there's no way they'd charge $500 to adjust a loose cable. Usually they'd do that for free or charge a service fee, which would be minimal. If they are charging $500 then they'll be doing a lot more than adjusting a loose cable. Just beware of this if you do want to DIY it, it could be a lot more involved than you have initially perceived.

Good luck with whichever route!