A2141 No display

[mon2]

Hi. No internal display on this rather high end A2141. Works fine with an external lcd using type C external hub. No other fault and no liquid damage.

This is a common problem with this model. Apple wants the client (an old friend) to upgrade this $3k unit.

Fault is with the lcd display assembly and is not flexgate. PPVOUT_S0_LCDBKLT is 49v which is too high and a sink lcd load is not seen. Upon one lid opening, did see a brief flash of colourful graphics then dark.
A
Issue is reported to be with a faulty batch of t-con boards in the display assembly.

Has anyone attempted such a repair?

Will review but this requires the David Carradine / Master Liu slim discs to carve off the lcd front glass to access the raw lcd panel. May be wiser to replace the display assembly because the defective part on the t-con board is not easy to source.

[reformatt]

Re: A2141 No display

50V is probably ok (spec is 59V). Unlike with 13" displays, there are no cheap aftermarkets from China for 15" and 16" displays. I guess this is why dead machines with working displays fetch good prices in the auctions.

Biggest issue I have in trying to disassemble these displays (apart from breaking the LCD during removal) is contamination of the backlight diffusers and polariser. You need the patience of a saint to do it, and I think it requires a great amount of practice. Not something I'd even do for a relative.

[mon2]

Re: A2141 No display

Thanks @reformatt.

The A2141 16" is a problem child and sharing the info we have found so far:

https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/...cBook+Pro+2019

https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/...ternal+is+fine!

The PPVOUT_S0_LCDBKLT @ 49v is deemed to be too high and due to the backlight rail being not under load. This missing load is due to a defective batch of the t-con boards and specifically a controller on that board.

Visited the local Apple store on Sunday (in Michigan) and the frontline kid did not want to challenge my investigation but seemed to hint to relay the same dialogue with the geek / nerd squad to perhaps have this display replaced under grace. He noted the warranty was expired but there was hope. We will share this information with our client. I do see one website selling the replacement t-con board but as you have noted, it will be a challenge to carve up the thin display without damage.

[reformatt]

Re: A2141 No display

The LCD flat ribbon cables also suffer from what is known as dustgate in some circles. The cables get punctured by particles getting crushed into the flex when the display is closed. I've seen some videos where these have been patched up with fine wires. There are also some companies out there who refurb these displays (works out cheaper than buying another display). As I said, takes practice so best to give it to someone who does it all the time (like phone screen refurbishers).

The 16" also noted for SSD failure too. Happens way more than it should.