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Model A1181: 1.83, 2, 2.1, 2.13, 2.16, 2.2, or 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo processor

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Is it the inverter or the inverter cable?

I am attempting to repair a macbook which has recently been dropped from about 2 feet, it was closed, and landed on the display hinge (directly on the casing of the inverter board.)

The Damage (all damage happened immediatly upon dropping): No backlight, though picture is clear as day (with a flashlight)

There is no flickering, the connections were not loose. I don't think it could be a wire but I am not sure, I cannot take out those pink and yellow wires, but I do not SEE any damage.

The computer booted to a hardware test screen when I turned it off and on. For some reason, the computer said that I had a bad hard drive when I ran a hardware test, but I bet that was just because it got knocked loose, it booted fine (besides the backlight) the next time I tried.

I already tore apart the computer and the display, and I do not see any visual damage to the board (though, I do not have much experience with this yet). And there are no severed cables.

I would like to know if there is any way that I can test to see if it is the board or some pinched cable, without having to swap out with this computer's display...

Or, if some professional just knows for sure, and says so, that would be good too.

Thank you for your time.

Update

Update, it isn't the inverter board, I will see if I can borrow a multimeter from a teacher, what cables should I test,

Could Someone provide a picture of where I should place the probes and what setting?

Or maybe just a quick guide?

How would I get to the other side of the pink+white wires, behind the lcd screen?

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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Well, it is my mom's computer, and she wants to order the cheapest thing first... so... what wires do I need and where can I get them?

Wires don't cost much, so I would probably buy all of them it could possibly be.

If that doesn't work, I'll change the lcd panel.

It is a Santa Rosa model.

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Aw man, I just lost 100 and something dollars breaking my keyboard >:(

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They're not on the other side, it plugs into the bottom of the LCD frame. MacBook Core 2 Duo LCD Panel Replacement

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My best guess (without seeing the machine) is that the backlight tube inside the LCD is broken. Quite possible after such a crash. In that case you will have to replace the LCD panel.

Good guide how to swap it without opening the computer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD_snbFa9...

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Found a $99 LCD screen! This should do it!

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Here's the guide I use to do this: MacBook Core 2 Duo LCD & Inverter A1181 (fast method) Replacement

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If remac is correct, this tube may work for you: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...

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Alright, so, the tube is waaay cheaper than the lcd (Pardon my grammer)

I haven't been able to find a guide on removing the backlight tube... can you help me out? Oh, and would I be able to visibly or audibly tell that the backlight tube is broken?

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Thanks, I think that was it, the backlight tube was indeed broken, (however, it is POSSIBLE I broke it myself... but seeing how sturdy the metal containing frame is, it isn't likely.

I'll try out a new backlight bulb, and see if it works when I plug it in to the inverter.

P.s. With Macbooks, will I have to attatch all of the cables in order to test the backlight bulb or just the inverter cables?

(Because with some, apparently you do)

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Do you know where I can find a presoldered pink/yellow wire+bulb combo?

Or, just the cables, I googled and searched the web site, I couldn't find any macbook pink+yellow inverter cables.

I take it there is a soldering kit sold on ifixit, I'll check, if there isn't, do you have any recommendations.

Oh right, I have never soldered before...

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If you have a multimeter handy, you could test the inverter cable's continuity. It is a simple 4 pin cable, no crossover or anything like that.

I can tell you, however, that it is almost assuredly the inverter board. I see the inverter board go bad all the time for various reasons weather it be physical damage or wearing out. I have only seen a broken inverter cable once. That was on a test machine which was having parts replaced daily, and the cable was eventually fatigued.

Digital Multimeter Image

Product

Digital Multimeter

$19.99

MacBook Display Inverter Image

Product

MacBook Display Inverter

$14.99

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Thank you, I was thinking a multimeter would come in handy for this.I'll try it!

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Uh oh, I replaced the board, but it still doesn't work.

And now I am finding that the power button is broken, (but it didn't used to be) as well as the brightness up and down buttons.

Was it just the keyboard? Is there a way to change the brightness without the keyboard?

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System Preferences>Displays

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Ben will be eternally grateful.
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