MacBook 12 2015 showing vertical lines

[chaeze]

The display started acting up (it used to be only horizontal lines flickering on screens with a lot of white colours) recently when it would show wide vertical lines when opened beyond 40 degree angle. I opened it up to see if the display cable is loose so I disconnected and reconnected it and then the Macbook wouldn't turn on.
After disconnecting the trackpad cable, it turned on but the display issues were still present.

I've replaced the LCD and Keyboard cable afterwards and the trackpad cable will be replaced when I receive it.
Macbook turns on now and charges fine but the flickering issue and vertical lines still remain after opening past ~ 40 degrees.
Here are some photos:
Lines - ABD9724-A-BC44-4-E96-9-E37-933-AC5642-CD9
Angle - 25-E3-AAC3-8-CDA-4831-B35-A-DE01-A374-B5-F7

In the meantime, I've connected an external monitor via a dongle and it's working but it's definitely not a long term option.
I'm out of answers now. Do you know what the issue could be?

 

[jaylach]

On any system the problem you described, and considering that you have replaced cables, I would have to figure that your display is failing.

I would consider that the issue might be the graphics card/chip but doubt that as an external display is OK.

 

[MacInWin]

The cables are very fragile, even when new. And the connectors are also very delicate. I would check that the cable is properly routed, the connections are solid and the cable is not being stretched or crimped. Your symptoms are of a failed/failing cable or connector, not the display itself. If the display is fine up to 40 degrees and gets squirrelly beyond that, it points to cable/connector.

 

[chaeze]

The cables are very fragile, even when new. And the connectors are also very delicate. I would check that the cable is properly routed, the connections are solid and the cable is not being stretched or crimped. Your symptoms are of a failed/failing cable or connector, not the display itself. If the display is fine up to 40 degrees and gets squirrelly beyond that, it points to cable/connector.

I handled them like I was doing surgery.
It’s just odd the same issues remain with the new cables. Can’t wait till I replace the Trackpad cable as well. As long as it’s not the display, I’m good. For $ 300-400, I might as well save some more and go for the M1 air.
The vertical lines first appeared when I wasn’t even touching the computer, though.
If it's the connector acting up, looks like I'll need to see how I can replace that.
Read that it doesn't require soldering but a plug and play replacement?

 

[MacInWin]

Go to ifixit.com to see what they show for that model. Their illustrations are usually pretty good.

 

[chaeze]

Go to ifixit.com to see what they show for that model. Their illustrations are usually pretty good.

Thanks. Been there already for the display removal.
I just saw this on how to replace the LCD connector. I don't have any of those tools for one and it's definitely something I've never done before.

 

[Rod]

Sadly our Macs do wear out over time. I have a 2015 13" MBP myself. It's on all day every day and I accept it may not last much longer. I've had to replace the battery and keyboard in that time and it now sufferers from a random shut down issue. It is my hope that it will last me until the new 14" M1X MBP is released. Considering my usage I'm happy it has lasted me till now.
All credit to you for tackling the hardware side of your problem, that's something I leave to the techs.

 

[chaeze]

Sadly our Macs do wear out over time. I have a 2015 13" MBP myself. It's on all day every day and I accept it may not last much longer. I've had to replace the battery and keyboard in that time and it now sufferers from a random shut down issue. It is my hope that it will last me until the new 14" M1X MBP is released. Considering my usage I'm happy it has lasted me till now.
All credit to you for tackling the hardware side of your problem, that's something I leave to the techs.

I’ve had the battery replaced approx 1.5 years ago (~$250) because the old one didn’t hold a charge for a long time even though it was on 400-500 cycles. The current one is on 350.
Anyway, here’s hoping that I don’t need to sell this Mac for parts only because the M1 is still not within my budget nor is an older model an option (I despise the butterfly keyboard because I’ve replaced this keyboard twice already— $200 in total!).

 

[techiesteve]

I repair the 2015, 2016 and 2017 MacBook 12" Retina. From your description the display assembly is failing. other common faults are failure of the IPD cable, this runs from the front of the logic board to the underside of the top case/trackpad. Sometimes after only disconnecting it once carefully it can fail. The I/O cable is also unreliable, that connects the I/O board (USB-C connector) the the logic board. Also the logic boards fail with dead symptoms and no 'ding' when power is applied. I've never had the cable that runs from the back of the logic board to the board connected to the display fail. Apple always supplies a replacement cable with exchange displays. Along with the awful keyboard they were never that reliable. An AASP or ARS always use a jig to support the MB when it is either partially or fully open. This avoids putting pressure on the delicate flex cables. The 2015 model is now vintage, spares only currently available until exhausted, no more to be manufactured.

 

[MacInWin]

Thanks, Steve. Nice to have a real techie chime in.

 

[chaeze]

I repair the 2015, 2016 and 2017 MacBook 12" Retina. From your description the display assembly is failing. other common faults are failure of the IPD cable, this runs from the front of the logic board to the underside of the top case/trackpad. Sometimes after only disconnecting it once carefully it can fail. The I/O cable is also unreliable, that connects the I/O board (USB-C connector) the the logic board. Also the logic boards fail with dead symptoms and no 'ding' when power is applied. I've never had the cable that runs from the back of the logic board to the board connected to the display fail. Apple always supplies a replacement cable with exchange displays. Along with the awful keyboard they were never that reliable. An AASP or ARS always use a jig to support the MB when it is either partially or fully open. This avoids putting pressure on the delicate flex cables. The 2015 model is now vintage, spares only currently available until exhausted, no more to be manufactured.

Thanks for the info!
Since the trackpad cable is on its way, I might as well just replace it and see how I'll proceed after.
An AASP asked about $60 for a diagnosis and $400-500 for a used display if that's the issue.
Yeah, that's definitely not happening.

 

[chaeze]

Alas, I've replaced the trackpad cable and nothing's been resolved.
Definitely not interested in throwing anymore money at this little guy especially when I don't have the budget for it. I'll wait till I have more funds to get the M1 Air.

 

[Rod]

There is now a no interest time payment scheme with Apple. They have trialled a few of these depending on where you are there is Apple Affirm in Canada Apple Pay Later with PayPal and an Apple Card Monthly Instalments system, see: Apple Card - Monthly Installments

 

[chaeze]

Thanks!
When it comes to these things, I believe I shouldn’t buy stuff I can’t afford/pay for immediately. I’ve dealt with debts and it’s never fun. That’s just me, though.

 

[Rod]

Yeah, well, I feel the same. Usually I dont buy anything unless I can afford it outright but the zero interest aspect is attractive.