Used 4.1 Macbook Ebay Screen Won't Turn On

[melodosgr]

Hello everyone.

I've got a used 17" 4.1 2008 Macbook Pro from eBay and the Screen won't turn on. Tried PRAM, SMC Reset, Nothing..

The Keyboard lighting doesn't work as well, either the DVI Output. I'm wondering if this is an issue due to the fact I'm using only the magsafe adapter as a power source as there is no battery available.

Fans, hdd, Power LED, working fine..

 

[iMacC2D]

Removed.

 

[melodosgr]

I'm taking a massive guess here, but considering the model, you may wish to take a look at this.

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2377?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

The symptoms you're describing are pretty consistent with those of the nVidia GeForce 8600M GT defect that plagues 2007 and 2008 MacBook Pros. Normally you would still be able to reset the PRAM and hear the boot chime, if you can hear this chime but still have no video, you may wish to consult with Apple or an Authorised Service Provider.

It's not unheard of to see MacBook Pros with this issue that fail to chime and run at all, in which case it would be difficult for a technician to run the necessary tests and makes the repair quite costly (Logic Boards for these can run in the several hundred dollars, if not a thousand or so), in which case many users have attempted to reflow the chip themselves via use of an oven or heat gun, however I can't recommend this unless you're confident in your abilities to perform such a difficult task.

Thanks.. I was also on the same track. I think the Logic Board is dead. Been totally scammed. Off to eBay Protection.

 

[Ccrew]

Thanks.. I was also on the same track. I think the Logic Board is dead. Been totally scammed. Off to eBay Protection.

If you have an Apple store convenient to you may be worth a trip in to see if they'll replace the logic board. Yeah, you didn't get what you paid for, but you may have it made whole. It's a known issue, and may well still be covered, as the official line was 4 years from date of sale - but others here, myself included have had them cover beyond that.