Chosen Solution
Hi all, My Macbook air’s screen remains black (so does the backlight and rear Apple logo) and remains not visible in the Displays System Preference. An external screen works perfectly with the Mac, but it remains the only device visible. I’ve reseted the NVRAM, SMC, reinstalled the system, nothing changes, the main screen remains desperately black. An Apple Hardware testing (with my external display) indicates that nothing is wrong. That surprises me as it should at least report that the internal display is not available… I think that I’ve investigated all the software potential issues and now believe that I should open it to see if something is unplugged inside? Any other suggestion from you experts? Thanks
You’ll need a flashlight to shine though the back side of the lid (Apple Logo) are you able to see the faint images of your icon’s on your desktop? If you do then only the backlight is gone which also explains why the diagnostics didn’t see it as a fault. You’ll need to test the logic board, do you have the needed tools and skill’s? Update (05/01/2017) @pierrickp - OK, no need to go further. You’ve isolated the fault down to the displays ribbon cable and/or the logic board connector as the most likely fault. Follow this IFIXIT guide: MacBook Air 11" Mid 2012 Display Assembly Replacement. Start off doing the first three steps (1 - 3), then jump down to Step19. Inspect the internal displays connection do you see any corrosion or is the connection not fully secured? Disconnect and carefully lift the cable does the cable look damaged in any way? If you see something take a picture so we can see and post it in a fresh answer.
