How to Run Apple Diagnostics on Apple Silicon: Decoding Display Error Codes (VFD001–VFD007)

A complete breakdown of Apple Diagnostics error codes for MacBook displays. Learn what VFD001, VFD002, VFD004, and ALS001 mean for your hardware.

Tools24Now Hardware Team

Hardware Diagnostics & Telemetry

How to Boot Apple Diagnostics

On Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3): Press and hold the Power/Touch ID button from cold shutdown until "Loading startup options" appears. Then press Command + D.
On Intel Macs: Press and hold D immediately upon turning on the laptop until the progress bar appears.

Error Code	Official Diagnostic Meaning	Real-World Hardware Failure
VFD001 / VFD002	"There may be an issue with the display."	eDP data line disconnect or T-CON power loss
VFD003 / VFD004	"There may be an issue with the display backlight."	Blown backlight boost converter or severed flex return
VFD007	"Display communication timed out."	Micro-fracture in logic board connector `J8500`
ALS001	"There may be an issue with the ambient light sensor."	Lid Angle Sensor or True Tone flex disconnection

Verify display subpixel state on Mac Screen Test and deploy DisplayGuard.

Topics:Apple DiagnosticsVFD001VFD002Error CodesHardware Testing