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Macbook screen goes black while active

I think I've sussed this.
Mine only went when I had it on my lap, or was putting it down. I had no problems when it was on my desk.
I got suspicious so I started tapping it when it was ok, and the screen immediately died. I got the screen back with laptophires tip.

I used cocktail to disable the sudden motion sensor (Disks -> Misc) and have had no problems since.
 
I have a Macbook2,1 and my screen started intermittently going black a month or two ago. I realized that if I wiggle or tilt the screen it will come back on(sometimes will go off when on). I decided to take it apart yesterday to see if it was a cabling problem, and it is. The cable running from the video card to the screen has been worn down right next to the hinge. The bare wires are beginning to become exposed. I don't know if this is the same type of problem the rest of you had, but that is my take on it. If anyone is wondering why I took it apart myself instead of taking it in to a macstore: I bought it used and it is no longer under warranty. I also live in the middle of nowhere and there isn't a macstore within 100 miles. Does anyone know where to get a new cable?
 
Black Screen

Recently I had my screen go black too, it would start up just fine and then right after the initial startup screen finished my screen would go black and the keys didn't illuminate. I removed my extension cord and unplugged my computer and moved it to another outlet and only used the power cord that came with the computer. This solved my black screen problem.
 
Same Problem

I have exactly the same problem, I called the applecare, since my computer is out of warranty, the guy said I'll have to pay for the repair. I mentioned this NIVIDIA card issue to him, but he said it sounds like the back light is failing, so it won't be covered. I was getting upset, but I'll take it to the apple store maybe they'll fix it as part of the video card problem deal.
 
Read This.

I've been having the same problem where the screen would go black. It would only do it when I opened and closed it. I would keep changing the brightness and opening and closing it to fix it but it would take a couple tries. I took it to the apple store and he kept trying to open and close it until the problem occured but it wouldn't do it. He said it was probably the backlight inverter so it cost around $85. The parts were cheap, labor was more expensive. It was a busy week so they took 7 days. I picked it up then the next day when I was on my macbook it did it again. I called took it back the next day then they kept trying to open and close it. Of course when I take it there it only happened ONCE in that half hour. He said it might be the software and reset a lot of things then talked to the manager and said I would like to refund you your money back. Now...It's been the next day(which is today) and the screen went black again when I opened it...I'm not really sure if i want to go back for the 4th or 5th time...They were more than welcome to refund me and replace my keyboard and some other parts for free even when I didn't ask because it was falling apart but the issue is still not fixed...He said the last thing he could try was to replace the screen or something and it would cost over $300 and he said I wouldn't recommend it because he's not sure what the exact problem is yet..
 
Possible solution for macbook screen going black

Macbook screen kept going black whilst idle, in use, etc, not when being moved. Ran Disk Utility - clear. Noticed that the screensaver and desktop picture files had vanished - replaced them with a backup and they kept disappearing. Did not believe it was the inverter or cable because this happened whilst the macbook was still. Apple couldn't work it out and didn't charge me because their service was terrible. I decided to replace the hard drive and haven't had a problem since. This might not work if you used a corrupted clone to restore your info, of course. I started from scratch again.
Shows the value of keeping an older backup as well as an up to date one.
 
Having this problem now as described by everyone else :mad:

i removed the battery and it hasnt done it since.

I don't know if this will work
 
My MacBook pro 5 runs os 10.6.6 and every once in a while the screen went black when I wasn't paying attention. I could still see the courser though. I could also hit F3 to see all the minimized windows but when I clicked on one it went black again. I could also hit F4 to see those windows.

I found that if I right clicked it was a DivX error. I hit the minimize window option then apple Q and my screen returned. I hope that helps some of you.
 
Reset the SMC

If these are all Intel-based machines, you might want to consider resetting the System Management controller. On Intel-based iMacs and MacBooks, this is what controls thermal sensors, the lid/screen backlight, and a bunch of other key items on there.

Here's a link: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
 
MacBook screen blacks out

I have the same issue but I don't have a MacBook Pro. I have a regular MacBook, about 2 years old with OS X 10.5.8. It's very annoying! If I just leave my computer for a minute and come back (lid left open) the screen will be black. To get it back on I have to hit the power button but then I get the message confirming that I want to shut down. Would hate to have to take to the genius's because they'll have to keep it for days on end. Aargh!
 
Graphics card issue?

Does the graphics card issue recall apply to MacBooks produced the same years as the MacBook pros that were recalled? I've tried everything that was suggested by previous posters and am still having issues. My computer won't even start up without going black. My AppleCare just ended in February so I can't even get phone support, and no apple store anywhere close!
 
Same issue with external monitor

Have had this issue with an external monitor, the Apple MacBook Pro monitor, on battery power and on AC power.

Cannot get the screen to come back up by doing anything (opening lid, etc). The keyboard stays lit but the screen is entirely black. Also, if I'm in the middle of a movie, the audio cuts out and loops a bit. Seems a little bit different from the others here, but if you read through the whole thread, it appears that there are different sub symptoms people are experiencing, with the core of the issue being that the display goes out and often times, a hard-restart is necessary.

Also, after a hard-restart, does anyone get reports? There are crash logs in /Library/Logs/Diagnostic Reports and I have gotten so many reports on this issue. Luckily, under extended warranty and I will be taking this into the Apple Store soon...
 
Kev647, I have literally the EXACT same problems as you. I've read through this thread and none of the problems were exactly like mine until I got to your post. I get the error reports, the issue with my external monitor. Sorry I can't be of help because I've been searching for weeks for a solution, even on the Apple discussion forum. Only response I've gotten is that the graphics card might be fried, but it wasn't said with any certainty. Have you had any luck finding a solution?
 
Take note Apple

Seeing more and more of this issue, wonder if Apple will take action to rectify their faulty hardware.

Having this issue as well on my 2010 Spring MBP. Happens under both SL and Lion.
 
Magnets May Be The Cause

Ok my screen wentblack while active - then came back on.

I was typing with my right, hold ipad next to keyboard (near harddrive) with left - screen goes black.

I go "WTH!?" and drop everything and start pressing buttons...nothing happens for a few seconds - suddenly screen comes back on.

This happen two more time before I realize it has to do with my ipad - specifically my iPad case (made by Merkury) which has built-in magnets to clasp the portrait and landscape stands.

Ok. Remove case, bring ipad near harddrive...no black out.

Here are my two hypotheses when considering previous posts:
1. Apple has magnetic sensors that shut-down the hardrive when there is a high magnetic field nearby.

-or-

2. There are no protective magnetic sensors. A magnet near the hardrive disrupts the signals from hardrive to processor to screen.

Bottom Line: keep all magnets away from your harddrive. Check all your cases for little magnetic clasps.
 
Same problem with simple quick fix.

I have a Black Macbook running OS 10.5.8 and my screen goes black when i slightly jiggle the screen. I found that once the screen goes black if I push the screen brightness button as if to turn the screen all the way down and then the other one to make the screen brighter that the screen comes back on. It is a simple solution and doesnt prevent it from happening again, but every time my screen goes black i push these buttons and it comes back on.
Cheers
 
Repeatable way to black out the screen

I started to have the same problem of screen blackening on my MacBook Pro bought November 2010. After reading sbmac's message, I suspected that the physical setup of my MacBook was the culprit.

I have also a four year old white MacBook, and sometimes I put my MacBook Pro just on top of my MacBook, to use the same adapter (laziness). When both MacBooks are perfectly aligned, the Pro's screen goes black immediately after boot (when the desktop appears). If I move the macbook a centimeter or so, the screen lights up. If I move it back to perfect alignment, the screen goes black again ! And so on, an experiment perfectly reproducible and repeatable.

The MacBook is turned off (and without chord) So ... I guess there is some magnetic sensor that switches off the screen. I have to test the inverse setup: switching on the MacBook on top of the MacBook Pro, just out of curiousity :rolleyes:
 
More than one problem

There seem to be multiple problems that can each cause a black screen.

In some cases, the machine is still running, but the screen is black. The dim-bright keys may help in this case.

In other cases, the screen won't come on at all, even after rebooting. This may be a motherboard issue.

In my case, the screen goes black sometimes when idle, the sleep light stays on steady (so the machine is not sleeping) and it won't respond to pings. Rebooting clears it up for some time, but it happens later.
 
This so far has worked for me!!!!...all the rebooting removing batteries lark done nothing for me.

2009 13" macbook white, running leopard 10.5.8

In Finder:Applications

Utilities
Terminal:app

enter this code......... sudo pmset -a lidwake 0 ....... to reverse replace 0 with 1
enter your computer password..........

This sends your laptop to sleep on closing but on opening tap any key to wake.This has stopped my black screen issues.

In addition i disabled hot corners, and totally deleted front row as it popped up during one black screen episode. Screensaver set to never.

Hope this works for you :apple:
 
Black screen

My MacBook started doing it a few months ago. I took it to an authorized repair, they changed out a couple of small parts. Still did it, not as often, when I got it back.

Then it did it less and less. It will still do it occasionally, closing and opening the lid usually fixes it.

But meanwhile, I'm saving my pennies and nickles. :confused:
 
Ok after my initial short lived victory i have finally sussed this out.

The problem is with the lid magnets. Run a very weak magnet alongside the left hand side of the keys at the lower point of the fn button is located the sensor this instantly sends the mac to sleep/wake.

GoogleImageResultforhttpwwwmacrecyclingcomimagesproducts9227754gif.png


Seriously this is working for me at no expense.....:D other macbooks the sensor could be located on the right, it's just a matter of locating it...:cool:

No more flickering then black and opening and closing until it stays on.......

Late 2009 Macbook 13" White
Model A1181 - Located on the base of your mac
 
Today while I was playing Sims 3, I unplugged my charger and moved my laptop to the other room. When I opened it, the white light was on, but the screen was blank. After pressing several letters, combination, etc, I looked this up on google. I had noticed that the screen appeared blank, but it was just a very, very dim screen. I tried adjusting the light section, but no luck. I held my iPod behind that apple icon and some light shone through so I could see my login. (I have options so whenever I go idle, I have to log in. Little brothers have messed up my computer otherwise. :)
So I looked this problem up, and tried shutting/opening my screen. After a few tries, it worked! This isn't the first time this has happened, so I'll try this technique in the hopefully far future.
 
I have had this same problem for almost a year. The Genius Bar guys are very nice but cannot figure it out. Very frustrating! Is the video card really a culprit here?
 
mondele said:
I have had this same problem for almost a year. The Genius Bar guys are very nice but cannot figure it out. Very frustrating! Is the video card really a culprit here?
Click to expand...
Depends. If you read the various posts here, there clearly are different situations that only appear the same. In some cases, people's Macs are going to sleep or dimming the screen all the way. The stuff about magnets and using 'pmset' to set 'lidwake' to 0 (which disables waking on lid opening) indicate that the issue is sleep/wake. If that's the issue, closing and opening the lid, or pressing 'shift' or moving the mouse should wake the machine. If the screen is going all the way dim, pressing the 'screen bright' key a bunch of times should fix it. In other cases, it does seem to be the video card. In my case, replacing the MacBook Pro has fixed the problem :)
 
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