(Q) Broken LCD Fix Cost

[dmeadows013]

Hey guys...
The other day, I opened my MacBook Pro 15'' 5,3 and saw a large crack in the LCD. It was usable, but kept getting worse and worse. Now, it is completely gone. I was wondering how much Apple would charge to fix it. No AppleCare, no warranty. Would it be cheaper for me to just buy the new one when it comes out?

Here is a pic:

I read it would be around 1000$ to fix...

 

[Astroboy907]

Hey guys...
The other day, I opened my MacBook Pro 15'' 5,3 and saw a large crack in the LCD. It was usable, but kept getting worse and worse. Now, it is completely gone. I was wondering how much Apple would charge to fix it. No AppleCare, no warranty. Would it be cheaper for me to just buy the new one when it comes out?

Here is a pic:
Image


I read it would be around 1000$ to fix...

Late 2008 MBP?

You can replace the LCD and glass with parts from Ebay.. Total cost would be about $110 (much cheaper than apple...)

You can get an LCD from a late 2008 or mid 2009 model, they will both work (I have a mid 2009 in my late 2008, works perfect).
Dont get a 2010 or 2011 LCD. It might work, but I think apple changed display tech to support higher res screens, so they might not work.

As to replace the LCD you have to remove the display assembly and glass, you should get a new glass panel too (they break pretty dang easy- trust me)

This will void any warranty you have on it, but as you have none... your move.

But if you take off the LCD you can pull off some cool mods (mine has 2 sheets of blue colored cellophane on the apple and it glows blue in the dark)

Just search around on Ebay or something a LOT because sometimes you can find working display assemblies for cheap. But these are hard to find, so you might just end up buying a new lcd + glass.

Edit: Be careful with the broken display assembly now though. If the backlight LEDs short out, you might end up with a blown backlight fuse. If you are willing to fix it, and go all the way with it I recommend at least unplugging the display cable, if not removing the entire assembly.

 

[dmeadows013]

Late 2008 MBP?

You can replace the LCD and glass with parts from Ebay.. Total cost would be about $110.

You can get an LCD from a late 2008 or mid 2009 model, they will both work (I have a mid 2009 in my late 2008, works perfect).
Dont get a 2010 or 2011 LCD. It might work, but I think apple changed display tech to support higher res screens, so they might not work.

As to replace the LCD you have to remove the display assembly and glass, you should get a new glass panel too (they break pretty dang easy- trust me)

This will void any warranty you have on it, but as you have none... your move.

But if you take off the LCD you can pull off some cool mods (mine has 2 sheets of blue colored cellophane on the apple and it glows blue in the dark)

Just search around on Ebay or something a LOT because sometimes you can find working display assemblies for cheap. But these are hard to find, so you might just end up buying a new lcd + glass.

Mid 2009 actually. Not really comfortable doing it myself for fear of screwing it up even further. Any other options that would be semi cheap?

 

[Astroboy907]

Mid 2009 actually. Not really comfortable doing it myself for fear of screwing it up even further. Any other options that would be semi cheap?

Its not really that hard to repair (A dozen screws, adhesive, and a cable), but if you want to replace it..

I have seen a few screen repair services on ebay, but cannot recommend the validity of them... They seem to be around $200-300 ish.

You *might* be able to find a complete, working display assembly on ebay for around $300. Then it is just a few screws and unplugging and re-plugging a couple cables (can be done in ~30 min)

You can also try scouting around at some computer repair places around you. Describe the problem and ask them if they feel confident about fixing it.

Truly though, dont fear about fixing it yourself. It is surprisingly easy to fix it, and as long as you have the parts, the only thing you have to worry about is trapping dust under the new glass, and plugging in the cables..

 

[dmeadows013]

Its not really that hard to repair (A dozen screws, adhesive, and a cable), but if you want to replace it..

I have seen a few screen repair services on ebay, but cannot recommend the validity of them... They seem to be around $200-300 ish.

You *might* be able to find a complete, working display assembly on ebay for around $300. Then it is just a few screws and unplugging and re-plugging a couple cables (can be done in ~30 min)

You can also try scouting around at some computer repair places around you. Describe the problem and ask them if they feel confident about fixing it.

Truly though, dont fear about fixing it yourself. It is surprisingly easy to fix it, and as long as you have the parts, the only thing you have to worry about is trapping dust under the new glass, and plugging in the cables..

Even removing the adhesive and glass with the heat gun?

 

[Astroboy907]

Even removing the adhesive and glass with the heat gun?

That is the hardest (I was going for complete display assembly). It took me ~3 hours.

You really do not need a heat gun.. it didnt do much for me. User dadioh posted on a backlight forum a method with a card which should work (plan on breaking your glass!!)

The hardest part after the glass is taken off is making sure that there is not dust under the glass before you put it on.

You also might have to buy adhesive strips for the glass, depending on where you buy it from.