MacBook Pro Screen Not Working Australian Consumer Law

Lboy on 04/11/2018 - 10:40
Last edited 05/11/2018 - 16:23

Update: Apple Genius was happy to repair the screen free of charge, and I quote him “it is well within the time frame for Australian Consumer Warranty”. No issues at all, will pick my MBP up in a few days once it’s ready. I did notice however that without ACL protection, the paperwork said it would cost ~700 to conduct a display replacement. Thanks for everyone’s advice.

Hi everyone,

Just wanted your opinion on what I should do in regards to repairing and replacing my MacBook Pro 13” touch bar late 2015 model

My MBP has been fine until yesterday, when the display stopped working but everything else is functional. There is no crack or damage to the screen and I’ve tried connecting it to an external monitor and it works fine so I suspect that the display cable inside is loose or faulty. Once or twice it will flicker on with no lines or pixel damage etc, but largely remains black with no backlight.

This laptop is 1 year and 11 months from date of purchase (large department store), and sits on a desk permanently, no drop, physical or water damage whatsoever.

I have an apple genius appointment soon, but was wondering what are my options? Can I get this replaced for free? I think it shouldn’t have to pay for any repair if their product fails within such a short amount of time. Can I claim a repair or replacement under Australian consumer guarantee? And what if apple say no take it to the store and the store refuses and sends me back to apple?

Thanks

Computing Apple Computer Laptop

Comments

  • tdrive on 04/11/2018 - 10:50
    +8

    You should be entitled to a repair as it is reasonable to expect a $2000+ laptop screen to work for at least 2 years.

    You can refer the genius to their own website https://www.apple.com/au/legal/statutory-warranty/

  • JordanM on 04/11/2018 - 10:51
    +4

    I am unsure what time period Apple has automatic coverage for under the ACL for MacBooks but considering it’s two years for iOS devices I don’t think you should have any issues. If the Genius mentions a cost simply state you expect it to be covered under ACL and request a manager.

  • oscargamer on 04/11/2018 - 10:51
    -2

    What is your interpretation of the ACL, after reading it and applying it to your situation?

    • boy on 04/11/2018 - 10:58

      My understanding is that products sold within Australia should last for a reasonable amount of time (e.g for a $3k laptop at least 3 years), and any defect or issue that causes the product to fail (e.g the screen no longer working which is essential for a laptop in comparison to maybe a button on the keyboard not working) should be covered by the manufacturer

      But then I’m not 100% sure about all of this, because it’s my first time dealing with this stuff

      • zoombie on 04/11/2018 - 11:59

        Consumer law is so vague and everyone (consumer) want to interpret it in a way that suit them. Your example of a $3K laptop last for 3 years is an example. Should a $4K laptop last 4 years? What if the basic model cost $1.5K but the buyer decided to update to a larger HD, more RAM and fancier options to increase the cost to $3K, does the product life expectancy automatically increase with the increase in price?
        Not having a go at you :)
        You will be fine, Apple is very good with their warranty.

      • oscargamer on 04/11/2018 - 17:48

        I would agree with you.

        Tell Apple that's what you think and ask them to contradict your standpoint.

    • Doggiie on 05/11/2018 - 11:07

      To anyone who is downvoting this, I think he was making the running (but somewhat unfunny and can turn out rude to an OP) joke that has been on OzBargain where they divert attention to a professional or statute, in this case the ACL.

  • Olokun on 04/11/2018 - 11:03
    +1

    I have an apple genius appointment soon

    Apparently they may try and tell you everything needs replacing even when it's just a loose connector/cable.

    https://youtu.be/_XneTBhRPYk

    • Sergeant Salami on 04/11/2018 - 11:35
      +4

      Watch Louis Rossmann's videos. He gives it to apple. He shows how apple will try and get you to buy a new mac or replace logicboards over small ribbon cable issues.

    • Richardc on 04/11/2018 - 12:21

      Or they might found water damage in the device.

      • foxmulder on 04/11/2018 - 22:50

        Or they charge you for $1k to fix but Rossman doing it for free!

  • whooah1979 on 04/11/2018 - 11:21
    +2

    This laptop is 1 year and 11 months from date of purchase

    this item is still covered by statutory guarantees. go to appointment and have them look at it. ask them for a repair.

  • [Deactivated] on 04/11/2018 - 12:05
    +6

    this thread was unnecessary considering you have a genius appointment.

    i didn't even have to remind them of anything they just have an option in their service record for "ACL warranty"

    it's one reason i still buy Apple products. the premium is hassle free ACL claims. buy AppleCare if you need international warranty ie. always travelling. otherwise it's a waste of money now.

    • RockyRaccoon on 04/11/2018 - 14:34

      So true, and a member here for only 13hrs. What’s the bet we’ll hear nothing again once this thread gets old

    • boy on 04/11/2018 - 16:13

      Sorry long time lurker but just wanted some advice before I went in

      Thanks for your input

  • Randxyz123 on 04/11/2018 - 13:48

    MacBook Pro 13” touch bar late 2015 model

    late 2016*

    This laptop is 1 year and 11 months from date of purchase

    I have an apple genius appointment soon, but was wondering what are my options?

    It is Still covered by the min 2 years in Australia so no issues there. I would wait and see what happens at the genius appointment before doing anything else or freaking out. If you have any issues at the genius bar (which you probably won't), first up ask for a supervisor senior person to have a look, next call apple care on the phone and ask for someone senior. I've never had issues having things sorted.

    Can I get this replaced for free?

    The laptop will be repaired not replaced as it isn't a major failure. It should be free unless you have dropped it or spilled something on it.

    What is really important now is that you back up your data just in case you have some sort of other issue.

    • boy on 04/11/2018 - 15:24

      Thanks have everything all backed up

  • John Kimble on 04/11/2018 - 14:32

    Don't get a VW replacement

    • whooah1979 on 04/11/2018 - 18:57

      apple unlike makes vw produce quality products at a price.

      • [Deactivated] on 04/11/2018 - 22:41

        not necessarily. they appear classy but the internals are quite garbage and prone to failure at some point (you can argue this for all manufacturers though). i've had several apple laptops, ipads, phones etc and they've all been faulty in some way. they usually do repair under 1 year + 2 years ACL now without fuss which is why i seriously consider every product released and whether i believe the premium is worth it.

        the premium is now getting ridiculous for some products (latest greatest iphone a prime example) so i limit myself to what i buy. found a samsung galaxy phone better value, but i can't go back to windows.

        hackintosh is a better option too for desktop now with nvidia card drivers available and ease of install.

  • N1NJ4W4RR10R on 04/11/2018 - 22:09
    +1

    To add to all this. Do not back down. If they try to rip you off, don't bend the knee.

  • bettina44 on 05/11/2018 - 08:46
    +2

    My screen has issues and I took it to genius 2 months after my Apple care warranty expired. They refused in store so I called and they were able to extend the warranty for me to get it fixed. Would have costs me 1k otherwise. If they say no instore, call.

  • mnma on 05/11/2018 - 11:18

    please do update on how it went when you can.

    • boy on 05/11/2018 - 16:24

      Update: Apple Genius was happy to repair the screen free of charge, and I quote him “it is well within the time frame for Australian Consumer Warranty”. No issues at all, will pick my MBP up in a few days once it’s ready. I did notice however that without ACL protection, the paperwork said it would cost ~700 to conduct a display replacement.

      Worked out well! Very happy

  • unity1 on 30/03/2023 - 21:13

    So where do you go when Apple refuses to honour ACL? We have a M1 MacBok Air which suddenly developed a cracked screen. It's a know issue and there was even a lawsuit regarding this in the USA. Apple want to charge $900 for a screen replacement when we paid about $1250 for the computer. Apple 1 year limited warranty ran out 2 months ago.

    I'm wanting to take if further given it's a know issue and the laptop is only 14 months old.

    • foxmulder on 30/03/2023 - 23:15

      NSW? Fair Trade.

  • unity1 on 30/03/2023 - 23:17

    Ok thanks. I'm in Vic so it's probably consumer affairs in that case

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join