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Released in November 2020, the 13" MacBook Pro features Apple's Arm-based M1 SoC with both an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU. (Model A2338 / EMC 3578 with two Thunderbolt 3 ports)

Intermittent Black Screen, Wakes Briefly Connected to Charger

I'm dealing with a very frustrating intermittent issue with my Late 2020 M1 MacBook Pro (Model A2338) - I have been using it for 4+ years and wondering if anyone has experienced this exact problem.

The Symptoms:

· Screen goes completely black at random times, but computer remains running (keyboard caps lock work)

· When black, NO image visible even with flashlight shining on screen

· Key clue: When screen is black, if I connect the charger AND press a key/trackpad, screen wakes up normally for 2-3 seconds, then goes black again

· Problem comes and goes randomly - might work fine for 2-3 days, then suddenly fails.

· Sometimes fixes itself after minutes/hours/days of not being used

· Screen angle has NO effect on the problem, I tried the lid at different angle during normal screen and during black screen issue.

What I've Tried:

· Multiple repair shops - getting conflicting diagnoses

· One shop visually inspected flex cables - reported no physical damage

· Shops suggesting: replace screen, replace Touch Bar (died 2 years ago), or possible logic board issue.

The Big Questions:

1. Has anyone had this EXACT pattern - black screen that briefly wakes with charger+key press?

2. What was the ultimate fix? Screen replacement or logic board repair?

3. Any known issues with the Late 2020 M1 Pro models related to this?

The intermittent nature makes it hard to diagnose. Any insights would be hugely appreciated!

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Sorry haven't seen your exact symptoms but I think there's enough clues here.

Let's give this a test! From your description I'm suspecting the display lid sensor is acting up, here the little guy in question

Block Image

This is pressing onto the uppercase deck along the side, between the speaker and USB-C ports. So to help identify the sensor take a steel paper clip and rub it along the edge of the displays edge to locate the magnet which sits behind the screen, mark the spot with a piece of masking tape so when you fold the screen down you have the placement of the Hall sensor which senses the magnetic flux of the magnet.

OK let's get to the test! Sliding a rare earth magnet (strong flux) across the uppercase landing on the sensor the display should go out and as you slide it onward it should go out! Don't go to fast as you want to note the transition.

Doing this both when the system is working and then when the display goes out on you.

Checking it at least twice did it come back to life? If it did someone with a good soldering station should be able to reheat the solder joins of the sensor to see if this is nothing more than a cold solder joint. Sadly, this is a custom part but can be salvaged from a donor board.

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