Vertical lines appear on my Mac screen. Solved/Closed

Question

After 15 months of owning my Mac, vertical multicolored lines have appeared on the screen: one, then two, and now there are ten lines. The after-sales service in Tunisia (which would be authorized by Apple!!!) is incompetent in providing a solution. I would like to know if the appearance of such lines is common on Macs and what the solution to my problem, which is only getting worse, could be????
Thank you in advance for your advice.

Best regards from Tunisia.Configuration: Mac OS X
Safari 2.0

Michel82 · Accepted Answer

Hello everyone, I called APPLE yesterday (08 25 888 024) and after insisting, they agreed to replace my screen for free.

You can check if your device is under warranty on this site: https://checkcoverage.apple.com/fr/fr/

My iMac is from October 2006.

Regards. Michel

gabuzo · Answer

the problem would seem to come from the video card and not the screen at first glance it would be necessary to try the screen on another machine (unless it's a laptop)

seb · Answer

Same here. I have the same problem with my Mac bought about 18 months ago. No solution for now, I’m looking into it.

Denis · Answer

for a month now I've had a vertical line on my iMac Intel purchased in France in May 2006
for the past 2 days there are now 2...

I'm searching online and it seems that this problem is common...

I still don't know if it's covered by Apple Care

to be continued ...

Denis

fab-le-demuni · Answer

Hello,  For the past 3 days, I've had a yellow vertical line running from top to bottom on my iMac screen. I have a G5 OS X, Intel Core 2 Duo, 2.16 GHz, 17 inches, which has been out of warranty for 2 months. This happened while I was working on the computer without any shock or mishandling.  I have noticed on discussion forums that we are many suffering from this phenomenon. That is why I am reaching out to those of you, Mac users, who are experiencing the same problem and have an out-of-warranty computer, in order to form a collective and put pressure on Apple's parent company.  I want to ask them to fully cover the repairs due to this strange phenomenon (a yellow vertical line crossing the screen). I am very upset with Apple.  Thank you to those interested for coming forward.  Fabien

brian400 · Answer

Hello everyone, I also have this screen line problem.

The first one appeared a week after the warranty ended, then a second one, and then more and more, which makes it 6 so far:
3 pink
1 yellow
2 blue

On the MacGeneration site at the following address:

https://www.macg.co/2007/10/les-lignes-de-vie-bris%C3%A9es-de-limac-g5-14191

Some time ago, we drew your attention to a problem occurring with the latest generation of 17" PowerBooks. A number of models produced between March and April 2005 tend to show signs of fatigue after 12/24 months of use. This is manifested by vertical lines appearing on the screen.

Evidently, the PowerBook is not the only model suffering from this issue. Several owners of iMac G5s have experienced the same misadventure. This malfunction would mainly concern iMacs from late 2005 whose serial number starts with W854 and would materialize after 13 to 15 months of use, just after the warranty period ends. For now, Apple estimates that it's not a manufacturing defect and charges €700 for the repair. If you encounter this problem, feel free to let us know.

Getting it repaired at that price is almost as much as buying a new one.

It seems that on Apple's site there is a section where it states what Apple covers. I haven't found it yet, but I think they won't do anything about it.

So just wait until we can't see anything on the screen, throw it away, and then switch back to Microsoft.

Lamb · Answer

Just like everyone else, for the past three days, without any risky or violent manipulations, a thin blue line has appeared on my screen... Obviously, the Mac is no longer under warranty. Reading other forums, I'm afraid more will appear. I'm letting Brian 400 and fab-le-démuni know. Have you found a solution?

soleil91 · Answer

Several posts directly point to a failure on APPLE's part, and since unity is strength, we will have to consider a class action lawsuit, as our friends across the Atlantic often do. Although I myself am not yet affected by this -- but what about my next Mac????????

chant13 · Answer

Hello, I also have the same problem with a Mac purchased in November 2005; soon the screen is nothing but a series of vertical lines. The problem began about 10 months ago. They tell me the panel needs to be replaced......... I'm convinced that we ended up with a bad batch and we need to take action.

loloololoololoolol · Answer

Same problem on my Mac OS X, 7 days after the end of its warranty -_-.(exactly 1 year and 7 days since it was purchased) Still no one has a solution?

coco17 · Answer

But this is crazy!!! I was hesitating to buy a MAC laptop!!!

But at Apple, it's not just the computers that act up after the warranty, my brother's iPod stopped working 2 days after the warranty expired, mine's screen died a week later and they suggested I buy a new one because the repair costs as much as an iPod

Let me know if you have any updates on the computer, so we can stop getting ripped off :)

Chris 94 · Answer

Hello,

And a little yoyo with my friend Sanspseudo who in post 20 above reminds that I posted elsewhere a news article that leaves hope that Apple will finally act as a responsible supplier on this subject and others.

Please, follow the links offered to you and try to take action. Fab-the-dispossessed left an organization and a specific discussion in which the grumblers (rightly so) express themselves and listen to each other, and a few try to help as soon as they have information. Thank you.

Have a good day.

Chris 94 · Answer

Good evening,

See the above posts by Sanspseudo or Arno. They direct you to important information (France) or provide it to you directly (Belgium).

Thank you for paying attention to the responses already given.

pcatop · Answer

For your information:
A first vertical line appeared on my Intel Core Duo iMac in early January 2008, two weeks after the one-year warranty expired. (no AppleCare)
To date, after the appearance of an 86th vertical line!!! half of the screen no longer displays anything. Just a black background, striped with vertical lines.
Since Intel iMacs are not subject to an extended warranty procedure by Apple, which does not recognize its responsibility for this defect that occurs in series on many machines, I have the choice between paying around 700 euros for the repair (not an option), or buying an external monitor, or even buying a PC, which is much more likely to be reliable. One thing is for sure, I will need to be paid to buy another iMac.

Brian400 · Answer

My insurance is taking care of getting it reimbursed for me, and if not, they will take it to court.

Don't buy an extra screen or sell it as is or for parts; look for legal insurance, like at Caisse d'Epargne, and go to court. You won't be able to lose; the laws are there, and they prove that they are obliged to reimburse if there's a hidden defect and it's proven.

Hidden defects were proven on June 3, 2008, when Apple lost the lawsuit and had to reimburse the two iMacs.

So I don't think we can lose the case for the same issue, especially if several of us go.

I have my iMac; I bought it to avoid having a ton of wires on and behind the desk, to have everything in the screen, something nice, for 1390 euros. If they screw up, then I won't buy an extra screen or sell it like that; I will get reimbursed.

Check out other posts with solutions for the procedures.

https://forum.macbidouille.com/index.php?showtopic=227501&st=180

And the petition http://www.petitiononline.com/

marie · Answer

Hi everyone,

well my problem is the same except it's my parents' MAC, and they don't dare do anything other than wanting to be compensated! So I want to take care of it; it's about time because the screen is filled with vertical lines!!!
I think that in a year at most, they won't have a computer anymore.

I HAVE A GOOD PROPOSAL FOR YOU:
Everyone who has this problem, I suggest we write a joint letter (I'll explain in detail on MSN) and send it to APPLE MAC before the end of the year. The letter will detail the various cases, and we will all sign. And if no action is taken, we will send a second warning letter specifying the compensations we are all entitled to (we could each inquire on our own).
THERE'S NO OTHER WAY TO SOLVE OUR PROBLEMS, BECAUSE UNITED WE STAND, IT'S A FACT.
Reply to me quickly, I really want to start these steps because we deserve a minimum of respect given the price of these computers!
PLEASE REPLY ON THE FORUM,
thank you, Marie

Lorenzo85 · Answer

As I mentioned earlier, I had to replace the screen of my Mac after calling Apple and insisting several times, as the device had been out of warranty for several months. It was purchased in February 2006. The vertical lines appeared in June 2008, and Apple made it clear to me that in this specific case (defective screen), they could not extend the warranty. I therefore went ahead with the repair as I had no choice. As a photographer, it was impossible for me to work under these conditions. But 8 days after the repair, the problem reoccurred. A green horizontal bar. Since the new screen was guaranteed for 3 months, I replaced it once again, along with the infamous cable connecting it to the motherboard. (I had learned in the meantime that the problem had already occurred on some Macs, and that the cable was the culprit).
Today everything seems to be resolved, but I can put myself in your shoes. The problem with Macs, for any operation, is the prices. It's a bit like Jaguar compared to Renault or Opel. In fact, if you don't absolutely need to use a Mac and have to restrict yourself financially, it's better to stick with a PC.
Best regards, Lorenzo.

Mûrløc · Answer

Hello everyone, here I am, I also have a Macintosg G5. I have a vertical black stripe about 5 cm wide on my screen, it distorts all the colors on the display, adjusting the brightness doesn't change anything. My machine is no longer under warranty, but if yours is, normally, the Apple store (authorized, not the reseller who doesn't know what the Safari browser is...^^) will take your machine back, and normally, Apple resellers send the stock back to the factory, where the management decides: 1° to repair your machine / 2° to refund you a machine at the price of yours / 3° to send your machine back (not repaired) with a letter in which they put a "tralala" explaining that they can't respond to all requests, or whatever. I hope I've helped you.

I have a little advice, don't buy Apple products right now, there are quite a few series of computers affected by this "manufacturing defect." My G5 died this morning, being a WoW (World of Warcraft) player it’s going to be tough. So there you go, it's up to you to see the important thing in my message, good luck! :)

Kisses, Mûrløc

Lorenzo85 · Answer

There you go. Everything is becoming clear. Different models of Macs, failures of different natures. I believe we now have a nearly complete summary of the issues with vertical lines in this forum. Good luck to everyone!

Brian400 · Answer

Hello everyone, I’m not used to posting on another forum

--> https://forum.macbidouille.com/index.php?showtopic=227501&st=240

I had posted my last post, number 34.

I received the letter from my legal insurance with a contract that Apple wrote and signed that agrees to exchange my 2006 iMac G5 for the 2008 aluminum model due to issues with vertical lines.

They prefer to avoid the lawsuit and therefore accepted my condition to exchange it for the new one. I sent back the signed contract to my insurance, which will send it to Apple, so now I just have to wait.

Good luck to all the others.

Brian400 · Answer

For everyone living in France or in Europe, I recommend getting legal insurance, it will save you from a lot of hassle.   I'm with Caisse d'Épargne and I pay €4 per month.   I hope you can exchange or get refunded.    And that Apple opens their eyes.    Good luck to all.

Chris 94 · Answer

Hello,

Some series of iMac G5 had display issues... At least for a while, Apple covered the problem outside of warranty (I benefited from this with my professional machine). Please contact customer service or your supplier if it's an "official" Apple supplier.

You could have, and perhaps should have, created a new discussion thread but it's Christmas, isn't it, and you seem a bit worried...

Before going to customer service, insert the original Mac CD and restart while holding down the D key. The Mac will start a hardware test; choose the most thorough test and carefully note the reported errors to inform customer service.

Best regards.

Chris 94 · Answer

Hello,

For the information of those affected by this issue, "Please note that a new procedure for dealing with vertical line defects on certain iMacs has also been launched. Unfortunately, this has been a recurring problem with the latest iMac G5 and early iMac Intel, and Apple continues to pretend that nothing is happening" (quote from MacBidouille).

Best regards.

ronflements insupportables et panne complète · Answer

I also had problems with my MAC G5 after a year. Insufferable buzzing.
I wrote to the headquarters in Brussels (I'm in Belgium) who didn't bother to respond. The device was under warranty. Eventually, after insisting at the store, they completely reinstalled everything inside and............. here we go again. Now, after two years, it is completely done for.

I find them cynical because they told the store it was a bad batch........ 1,500 Euros for which I had to take out a loan.

It's discouraging because who can just shell out 1,500 Euros, even with a loan. I needed it for an important writing and illustration project. Fortunately, I had saved my book on a diskette.

I seriously think we should come together, but here in Belgium, people are hesitant to stand up for themselves........ except when they are CERTAIN of getting money in compensation.

Good luck, sir, and try to find many people in your country to defend yourselves.

CAPUCINEPARIS · Answer

My screen was replaced by Fnac and for now, it's okay... I'll let you know if the lines come back... good luck to everyone!..

ctoutafetwa · Answer

After experiencing the same issue (vertical lines, then a whole vertical band turned gray), I called Apple, the problem was acknowledged, and the screen was changed for free. My computer came back home yesterday, and... right from the start, it’s humming! A slight high-pitched hum, with a faint background sound resembling a tuning fork. Has anyone among you encountered this problem after the screen replacement? Do the specialists know what might have been inadvertently damaged during the repair that could cause this noise? Personally, I’m thinking about the fan, but I don’t know much about it...
Thank you!

MacLaren · Answer

Hello,

I have a Mac G5. While I was online, a vertical black band 8 centimeters wide appeared on the left side of my screen, and it hasn't gone away since, even after a few manipulations. Also, for about a month now, I've had a rolling metal noise when it runs for a long time. With the black band, the color also looks strange, as if it’s faded and fluorescent. I bought my Mac in July 2007 at the top of the Avenue de la Grande Armée (if anyone knows...) I might have kept the receipt; I need to look for it. My question is the following: I didn't take Apple Care, as I found the plan expensive, but is it normal to have such a hidden defect after nearly 30 months of owning this machine? Thank you in advance for any information you can provide.

lakedemon · Answer

Hello,

I also have a problem with vertical lines appearing gradually; right now I have quite a lot of them. I called Apple, and they don't want to hear about it. I'm starting to have serious doubts about the quality of Apple products; in fact, out of 3 Macs at home, 2 have broken down after 3 years (screen issues on the iMac and a Power Mac G5 where the motherboard failed suddenly).

Talk soon.

Dr.Trevör · Answer

Hello, I just wanted to clarify that whenever you have an issue with an Apple product, you just need to call customer support or check the support section on Apple's website.

Dr.Trevör · Answer

Hello, if you have the Apple Care Protection Plan, I suggest you download TechTool Deluxe, a powerful diagnostic utility that allows you to test key system components of your computer, such as the processor, RAM (Random Access Memory), VRAM (Video Random Access Memory), hard drive, etc. at this page: https://support.apple.com/techtooldeluxe/main?id=dl&lang=en  You will just need to enter your Mac's serial number.

Chris 94 · Answer

Hello,  If you read through the entire thread, and another one on the subject, many manage to get by, but with persistence and patience, or even —not just for the rhyme— with the help of their insurance!  Best regards.

trist108 · Answer

Yeah well... topic buried for 3 years but here it is anyway: set your screen to thousands of colors instead.

thom · Answer

Good evening, I'm facing the same problem with my white 17-inch PowerPC iMac (bought in 2006). A while ago, three vertical lines appeared on my screen. For the past few days, two-thirds of my screen has been black... I called Apple, and after some troubleshooting, they confirmed that the display is indeed dead. However, for this model of iMac (those without iSight), there are no established precedents, and they can't do anything. Friends are suggesting I raise a fuss to get Apple to make a gesture... Personally, I'm not going to spend 500 euros to replace the display. Has anyone else experienced this problem with the same model?? Thanks in advance.

bgrock · Answer

Hello, if your computer (non-portable) has blue or red lines that run vertically across the screen, and sometimes the screen goes black while your computer is running and the screen is on, it's likely that your GPU* is overheating or dying.  There may be dust blocking the cooling of the computer, or the fans may be worn out and therefore not cooling anything effectively... it's because of turning on the computer all day and almost every day...  I had the same problem before, so I cleaned the inside of the computer of all the dust that was preventing cooling and let the computer rest overnight... so my GPU was no longer overheating... and I didn't have vertical lines anymore or the screen suddenly turning black...  GPU* (graphics card): located at the back of the computer. It converts digital data into images. It's the card where you plug in your screen.

bgrock · Answer

OUps! I was talking about Windows XP, but it's probably the same problem: it might be the GPU.

bgrock · Answer

I am SURE it comes from the GPU: and on an iMac, it is much more difficult to find and change a GPU than on a computer where the screen is separate from the unit... yes, on an iMac there is no "unit", everything is in the screen, right?  Otherwise, to change the screen frequency, you just need to adjust the screen using the buttons right below it, I think... anyway, I don't know anything about Macs, but I do about Windows...  But in any case, it must be the GPU... as I said before, the GPU is either dead or not ventilated enough...  But tell me? Do the lines that cross the screen appear as soon as you turn on your computer? Or after a few minutes of use? :)

_Ritchi_ · Answer

bgrock,  Thank you for your inputs, but as you say yourself, "anyway, I don't know anything about Macs." For your information: on an iMac, there is no button on/under/behind/in front of the screen to adjust anything. There is a "System Preferences / Displays" menu that allows you to adjust the resolution, the color depth, and the refresh rate (inactive on an iMac). The problem of vertical lines appearing on some iMacs is indeed a hardware issue that Apple acknowledges reluctantly for a certain series of iMacs and that some Apple service centers sometimes consider upon the insistence of the customer (see the link provided by Chris94).  Thom, Changing the display panel is indeed one of the solutions, but you will need to insist heavily or find a more accommodating repairer. Another solution is to sell your Mac for parts and buy another one, either new or used, by checking classified ads on sites dedicated to Macs: - Macbidouille - Annonces Mac - Mac Plus - Mac Generation - 2eme Generation or more generic ones like: - Le Bon Coin - eBay - ... Also, check the website Mac2Sell (select the French valuation) to get an idea of the "reasonable" price for a used Mac. There is even the Apple Refurb Store: Macs that have been barely used or not used at all, sold by Apple after a complete check and refurbishment to new condition. Note: on the Apple Refurb Store, offers are daily. So you need to check every day, preferably early in the morning, to grab the best deals...  Ritchi

kristel_cd · Answer

Hello everyone, I had the same issue with vertical lines. While searching on this forum, I found a phone number for France: 0805540003 I don't remember who posted it, but anyway. I called, even though my Mac is from November 2006. The nice assistant had me do a procedure that obviously didn't work!!! :-) So she created a support case for me and gave me the addresses where I could go to get my computer repaired. Well, I have to bring it in within 30 days, but I'm going tomorrow. I will keep you updated as soon as I have my computer back. So if anyone has an issue with "vertical lines," even after the warranty, call!!! It will be taken care of without any issues...

nicoludo · Answer

I just bought a MacBook Pro a week ago (June 26, 2010). And I've just noticed a vertical blue line (or brown depending on the background) on the left side of the screen. I will head to the store tomorrow, we'll see what they think...

nikies · Answer

Like many of you, I have had an increasing number of vertical lines on my screen for nearly 2 years, followed by a large black band. I have an iMac purchased in November 2006. I took it back to the Apple Store in Lille where I bought it. Diagnosis: screen panel dead. I was told it was a very rare problem, and they didn't understand it. To repair it would cost 750 €, or I could buy an external monitor and an adapter. I chose the second option for 160 €. But there was a problem; I couldn't transfer the top bar and the icons at the bottom to the new screen. The Apple technicians couldn't figure it out either. I tried to find a solution myself on the forums, which was an excellent idea. I discovered that it was a manufacturing defect and I benefited from all your experiences. In summary, I called Apple Support at 0805 540 003, which lasted over 40 minutes; they put on quite the show: "your computer is older than x years, there is no warranty extension program, I found a circular, I consult higher authorities, I consult a senior technician..." Each time I was put on hold, of course I had to argue each time, and in the end, I got approval for total coverage along with the precious case number. The Apple workshop repaired it, everything is perfect. As for the screen I bought for nothing, Apple Support refused to compensate me because I didn't buy it from them, obviously since they don't sell them! But Grosbill agreed to take it back (I had just 7 days from the purchase) and I received a store credit. Thank you all. I hope this message can help others with the same problem. My intervention with Apple Support was on 07/20.

t · Answer

response to Mya972: here are the arguments I developed to obtain coverage from Apple’s customer service. First of all, stay calm, patient, firm but not aggressive... I referred to the forum and the testimonies of many users who had the same problem, most often after the end of the warranty. So there's a recurrence of the issue. Additionally, there’s a hidden defect proven by a court ruling on 03/06/2008. My representative did not have an extension program for my iMac model that is supposed to last 3 years. Then he found a circular that could allow for coverage. He asked me how many vertical lines I had (+10 and a large vertical black band), when the lines appeared (for me it was early 2008). Then he consulted higher authorities and senior technicians, each time, I was put on hold, and at that point, especially, stay calm!!!! let the scenario unfold! And he simply told me that I had done well to insist and that the repair would be covered. And now? I had it repaired, I picked up the computer on 07/28, and since 08/17 (3 weeks later) I have again vertical lines gradually reappearing, today I have 6 and I am taking my computer in this afternoon. The replaced part is defective (it happens, according to the workshop!!!) the repair is covered under the warranty of the previous repair. Bad luck? I persist...

caligula4 · Answer

Like many of you, I had the problem of vertical lines appearing on the screen of my iMac; I had a hundred of them before reacting. My supplier gave me a phone number at APPLE (0892.690.172) I called, and a technician immediately took over after asking me for the serial number of the device (it's located under the foot of the computer). I was provided with the address of an APPLE dealer near my home, where I can have it repaired. The whole thing was covered free of charge by the company. The screen was replaced, and here I am with a like-new Mac. It's worth calling, despite the premium phone number.  Have a great day, everyone!

Virgin · Answer

Hello, I have a 17" Core2duo IMAC from 2006, and for almost two years I have seen the first thick white line appear on the right side, which would disappear after a few minutes of the computer warming up, but then it stayed... for the past few months, when I turn it on, there is a big black bar on the left side that disappears after a few minutes of warming up... but I still have the permanent white bars, another one appeared on the left side but then disappears, and now there are also small colored bars (I think they are the same as yours)... here are some photos:  http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/12/04/89/37/p2711111.jpg http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/12/04/89/37/p2711110.jpg I didn't think I could make a claim with Apple since my computer is out of warranty now (I moved it down to the basement), but I am starting a graphic design course in the fall and my low-end laptop won't be enough... I can't afford to buy another computer at the moment... already the CD/DVD drive on this IMAC died after 3 years and I had to buy an external one given the price Apple was asking to replace the original: 300 euros... I will call them on Monday... thanks for your feedback, and if anyone else has had the same issue with white/black bars please let me know.

priscilla67et93 · Answer

I called this afternoon because my 17" iMac purchased in May 2006 has this problem. I confirm, there is no more support for devices over 5 years old. For the 17" iMacs of this series, support stopped in May 2011, and moreover, parts are no longer available because they are no longer manufactured since 17" screens do not exist anymore, so the machine is irreparable. I was advised (and I had thought about it) to buy a second screen with an adapter... it still costs at least 200 €. I bought it refurbished and, three years ago, the hard drive failed.

Vertical lines appear on my Mac screen.

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