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mayer
121.8k
Asked
Replacing the inverter board charges
Model A1181 2.0 GHz EMC 2092
I got one in that I need to replace the inverter board on. The part with shipping will run about $55.00. I looked at the 45 step teardown just to get to it and that it's listed as a very difficult repair. I saw online that this could be done for $99.00 at one of the repair services. My question is: do they know a better, faster way to replace this part that what the iFixit procedure is? Do any of you know a faster method?
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rdklinc
15.3k
Answered
Accepted Answer
Do you absolutely know the problem is the inverter and not the screen itself? I find that most often the problem is the screen, or the inverter cable...but it's usually the screen.
I suspect that the guide goes through complete disassembly of the laptop, with total removal of the screen assembly and hinge. This is not necessary. All you need to do is pop the screen bezel off, pull off the hinge cover (which admittedly can be a little tricky), then remove all the screws around the screen frame, fold back the screen itself, and the inverter is right there and can be replaced. It's not the easiest repair, but it's far short of 45 steps, and I've gotten to the point where I can replace a screen using this method in about 20 minutes. This isn't the best guide, but it will give you the basic idea:
http://www.screentekinc.com/lcd-removal-...
Note in the last picture, they show the location of the inverter.
No, I'm not sure it's the inverter, I don't do video repairs that much. It works when hooked up to an external monitor. I can see the Apple when I shine a flashlight through the back. Anything else to check?
Unfortunately at that point there's not a lot of testing that can narrow it down further, and it's necessary to start swapping parts in order to determine whether it's the screen, inverter, or inverter cable. Please note, the link I posted doesn't go straight to the MacBook guide for some reason, and you have to click on MacBook in the "other machines" list.
When I first started it up, I got a flash of white screen then just black. I have the inverter and cable in stock. Suggestions?
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A K
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Answered
I fix those screen issues alot. A new inverter will probably make the screen work, at least initially. If you hear some noise coming from the inverter and/or the backlight flickers a little then the culprit is something else; your ccfl bulb. you can get them for $10 on ebay but its not a simple repair.
Good luck
Shaq
UPDATE Believe it or not, the easiest thing to replace was the inverter board so I tried that first. It worked. I'll leave it on overnight to make sure. It surprised me too.
mayer,