Mac Book Pro 2016 - Horizontal hotlines

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Mac Book Pro 2016 - Horizontal hotlines

Hi, my MBP 2016 has the horizontal hotlines issue. Hardware test doesn't reveal any problem (ADP000 code). But when I use my MBP... after a bit of time, horizontal lines appear on the flickering monitor (and they also appear on external monitors too). I read that a lot of people has this problem on their MBP 2016 and 2017, because there is a "from factory" internal bad air cooling flow. Apple knows well about this problem (and about the butterfly keyboard issue too, that I have), it knows well what are all my devices, but doesn't do anything about it for me and for us. I've never had problem with my Macs Pro G3, G4, G5, with my iPads 1, Mini, Air and with my iPhones 3G, 5, SE and 7 Plus. Instead with both my MBP (Mid 2010 and now with this End 2016 - i7) I experience video card issues on the monitor (VCARD ISSUE! on MAC ???). My fault: I pay thousands of euros for MBPs that I use very little as soon as they are bought, having other Macs to work with .. and I don't notice immediately the rip off, discovering it only a few years later, when it's too late. For my MBP mid 2010 I found an independent patch that help me to use this laptop until now. Anyone can help me with my poor "brand new" flickering MBP 2016 ? Thanks a lot. (Maybe it will be my last MBP).

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 12.5

Posted on Aug 19, 2022 03:06 PM

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Answer 1

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leroydouglas

Community+ 2025

Level 10

196,488 points

Aug 19, 2022 03:27 PM in response to gianfilippo1974

gianfilippo1974 wrote:

Hi, my MBP 2016 has the horizontal hotlines issue. H̶a̶r̶d̶w̶a̶r̶e̶ ̶t̶e̶s̶t̶ ̶d̶o̶e̶s̶n̶'̶t̶ ̶r̶e̶v̶e̶a̶l̶ ̶a̶n̶y̶ ̶p̶r̶o̶b̶l̶e̶m̶ ̶(̶A̶D̶P̶0̶0̶0̶ ̶c̶o̶d̶e̶)̶.̶But when I use my MBP... after a bit of time, horizontal lines appear on the flickering monitor (and they also appear on external monitors too).

Anyone can help me with my poor "brand new" flickering MBP 2016 ?

The user diagnostic is not as definitive as Apples own back bench AST2 (Apple Service Toolkit) test.

Check your coverage

My Support - Official Apple Support

In or out of warranty you can get a free over the counter 'Apple Service Diagnostics' test /assessment

Make an appointment for a "hardware issue"

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Outside the USA

Find Locations - Apple

Call Customer Support (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753)

or on line Apple Support

or call AppleCare Support at 1-800-APLCARE (800-275-2273)

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Answer 2

Sep 6, 2022 01:04 AM in response to leroydouglas

Hi Leroy and thanks for your valuable advice. I took my MBP to the (EUROMA 2) Apple Store and there they were really kind, professional and super-fast: they cleaned the computer for free and replaced the dissipation cream, but despite this the problem remains when the MBP starts to heat up. Repair costs for changing parts: 760 euro.

As you can read online, a lot of users with this model have had the same VCard problem of hotlines on their screens (integrated and external) as mine. Those who noticed it immediately were able to change the defective parts for free, those who noticed later - but still under the cover of Apple Care - also were able to repair the computer for free. Is it their fault? No, the fault is the air circulation design.

On the other hand, now I would have to pay another 760 euros, which is almost the current value of my MBP (Early 2017) and not much less than a new Mac Book Air with M1 chip, due to a machine used very little (not even 500 charging cycles), maniacally well preserved, but badly born from the factory (power surges are excluded, because I only use electrical plugs with fuse filters for my Macs).

So you will agree that there is no point in repairing it.

If I were to buy a new MBP I would have to spend at least another 2400 euros for the 14'', and of course I should also add the 299 euros Apple Care, given my two bad experiences with my old MBP Mid 2010 and with this Early 2017 - i7.

I think that 2700 euros is a bit too much for these laptops that are often poorly built and have very high repair costs out of warranty. Macs of the past were made so much better to last than these and their very high cost was very justified: I still have my MBP G3 from 1997 and it is fully functional. For me, today, they should cost half their price as well as repairs. Anyway I will buy at most a Mac Mini in the future, but for the MBP' is enough. I will only have it if someone will give it to me. Thank you

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Mac Book Pro 2016 - Horizontal hotlines

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