Macbook pro only boots if lcd cable is disconnected?

[Shane_33]

I have a Macbook Pro A1278 (June 2009) 13", that won't boot if the laptop's LCD cable is connected to the motherboard. However, if the cable is disconnected, and the laptop is plugged into an external monitor, it boots and runs fine. I'm wondering how to go about diagnosing the problem. Is a bad LCD cable/display possible here, or could it be an issue with the laptop's internal power (not enough power is coming through to allow the screen to work?)

 

[BadAsAl]

Most likely a short in the cable. Probably just need a whole new top half of the MacBook as getting at the cable is going to break the glass more than likely.
You can try and confirm by taking the top half off and taking the black cable guard off and physically inspecting the cable (ifixit.com has guides) but it is not for the faint of heart.

See this guide: https/www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+13-Inch+Unibody+Mid+2009+LCD+Replacement/1423

You would need to do step 1 to 14 and then step 26 and 27 to be able to inspect the cable properly.

 

[Shane_33]

Most likely a short in the cable. Probably just need a whole new top half of the MacBook as getting at the cable is going to break the glass more than likely.
You can try and confirm by taking the top half off and taking the black cable guard off and physically inspecting the cable (ifixit.com has guides) but it is not for the faint of heart.

See this guide: https/www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+13-Inch+Unibody+Mid+2009+LCD+Replacement/1423

You would need to do step 1 to 14 and then step 26 and 27 to be able to inspect the cable properly.

Maybe I'll remove the top half from my 2010 mbp which is known working, and swap it and see if it works in place of the other.

 

[BadAsAl]

Sounds like a plan. Be extra careful when disconnecting the cable from the board, if you pull up at all it can break the copper plate so I like to hold that down while lifting the retention bar and while sliding the connector out. Good luck!