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Chad Gordy
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No backlight and LCD replacement didn't fix it.

History

Ipad2 was dropped. Worked fine, despite digitizer glass being shattered. Carefully disassembled and installed new Digitizer. Before sealing the digitizer in place, I tested unit. Discovered LCD backlight was not working. Reseated all cables. No change. Inspected for any visible damage, found none. Replaced LCD with known working unit and still no backlight on iPad.

What else could be wrong?

Update

I have a third broken iPad coming to my department for repair. This time, I am going to let the battery drain 100% before anything is disassembled.

Update

folks, I appreciate your time posting 1) disconnect the battery 2) reset iOS.

These things have been discussed here at length and have not resolved the problem.

my iPad issue is still not resolved.

Update

as I reflect on my disassembly, I have considered I did something different the second time around on repair. The first time, I used a plastic scribe to release the LCD cable from the system board. Second time around, I used the mini-screw driver from the kit to pop up the retainer. Reflecting on my actions, and knowing better, that probably created a short across contacts and damaged the system board, despite being careful. Course, I am just guessing, but that was a difference between the two repairs I did...the first ipad repair being successful, the second, not so successful.

Edited by

Is there a solution for this? i have the same problem, after changing the volum/power button cable, the backlight wont`t work, i changed the lcd and the touch panel. no luck == Update == Hi, I can see what`s on the screen(torch.) , but no help in switching on and off. no luck updating to IOS 5 ;-( I have not disconnected the battery yet, do you thing that will help? Jan O.

Jan Ove Knudsen,

no. no solution. I fully suspect it is board related and that is the only solution. As it stand now, I have a good parts device for the next iPad broken in our environment.

Chad Gordy,

i have the same problem ...i reset and restored with no help any one know how to fix ..i took lcd out of one ipad and work great on an other ipad ...

imez2nv,

Nobody succeed to fix the no backlight problem ?

saynijb,

I am still having this problem. I have tried a new LCD screen and a new LCD board. I have also tried everything on this page with no luck. I really need to figure this out so any help would be awesome! Thanks!!

Jeremy Lane,

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mark
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Have just fixed an ipad with no backlight. After much work I tracked the fault to a short circuit capacitor on the logic board this held one of the gate inputs to a mosfet low and hence turned off the backlight driver circuit. I also have figured out most of the circuit for driving the LED backlight.

Wow. Your knowledge is far beyond mine since simple solutions fix simple problems and Chads problem is not simple. Mark, can you compare this to the R8 chip fix on the iPhone 3GS? Did you just replace the capacitor and backlight works again? Is it a challenging soldering job? And please post a picture if you have of the area with the capacitor!

asle,

Hi good morning, Please could put a picture or tell you where this capacitor? It is very important for me to repair this iPad, so if you can help me.

Jose,

I have added a new answer below with pictures, hope this helps.

mark,

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mark
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Ok here's an overview of what was wrong with my ipad...

Block Image

This image is of a scrap board I had which I've removed the metal screening from. The red circle indicates the position of the short circuit capacitor (It's already been removed from the board in the pciture). Note this is the underside of the circuit board (i.e. that the side that's face down).

Its easy to check with a meter, if its short circuit then this is you problem.

Block Image

This second picture shows the output from the LED drive circuit, the arrow indicates the point to test with a volt meter to confirm that the fault isn't with the voltage part of the circuit (The voltage should be around 18volts). You should be able to test this in place (you don't need to connect either the digitiser or LCD to check it), my tip is to use some pins soldered to your probes to make it easier to test.

This is the topside of the circuit board, you should be able to access this whilst the circuit board is installed in the ipad.

Hi, mark, do you have the value of the capasitator? Is there any risk of damage any thing else, when you test the 18V . is it nessesary to put a new capasitator, or just leave it out?

Jan Ove Knudsen,

Sorry no value, as its connected to gound I just assumed it was for decoupling, so therefore you maybe able to remove it (but I didn't try that). When testing the 18v just take care not to short to ground, it probably wouldn't do the circuit any good!!

mark,

this is an ipad 1, not an ipad 2.

mark,

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AARON
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Ok i just had the same problem about 30 minutes ago with a cracked digitizer and had to replace it on the ipad 2. After the replacement i closed everything back up and realized the backlight wasnt working when it was before i did the replacement. so i had to open it back up and reseat everything this did not solve my problem.

LET ME NO IF THIS WORKS I HAD TO RESET THE IPAD BY HOLDING THE STANDBY BUTTON AND HOLDING THE DIGITIZER UP TO THE LCD AND TURNED IT OFF THEN ON AGAIN IT WAS THAT SIMPLE FOR ME IDK WHY I DIDNT DO THAT IN THE BEGINNING IT MAY NOT BE THE SAME FOR YOU BUT LET ME NO.

that did not resolve my issue. I even connected to my MAC and did aniOS restore.

Chad Gordy,

I had the back light problem today. I think it occurred because the ipad was still on when I disconnected the digitizer. I always fit the digitizer in place without removing the sticker covers to test it. When I switched it on there was no back light. I could just about make out what was being displayed with the aid of a torch. I pressed the On/Off button and when the switch off screen appeared I slid my finger across the digitizer to switch it off. When it had switched off I switched it on again and the back light was restored. If you cant make out whats on the screen then disconnect the battery, leave for a few mins to allow any capacitors to discharge then re-connect the battery and the back light should then work.

Pete Brown,

Thanks Pete. I took your post - removed my logic board and kept it off battery power for about 15 minutes. Re-assembled, powered ipad on and still no backlight for me.

Chad Gordy,

Thanks SOO MUCH for the Power Off suggestion!! Don't know why I didn't think of that first?? Guess it must have been the panic setting in. First screen replacement for our shop. My guys had a laugh at my expense, "Hey boss, don't you tell everyone else when they have a problem, reboot first!"

WooHoo,

I had the same issue after replacing the digitiser screen. The problem I found was that when I removed the LCD screen the IPad was still on and I think this confused the system so when I replaced the screen there was no back light. My solution as mentioned by one of the users above was to direct a bright torch directly at the LCD screen and you will see that the iPad is actually on. So click on the power button for a few seconds until you get the slide bar for full power off. Then slide the bar using the digitaliser screen. Once the iPad has powered off completely wait a few seconds then power back on and backlight should be back on. One good suggestion to all those who want to replace their own screen is to test the IPad before sticking back the digitiser screen. Hope this helps

Basil,

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June Yarborough
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To resolve this issue you must restart your device by pressing the hold button and the home button at the same time, keeping them depressed for a few seconds. You will need to have a very strong light source directed at the screen when you are doing this. The LCD is still working, but it is nearly impossible to see without the backlight. Once you press home and hold together, a red slide bar will appear at the top of the screen. The reset will not initiate unless you slide the bar. A few short moments later, you should see the the white Apple logo on your display, backlight hopefully.

June's answer solved my problem - make sure you hold the keys for up to 10 seconds - both at the same time. June said "To resolve this issue you must restart your device by pressing the hold button and the home button at the same time, keeping them depressed for a few seconds. You will need to have a very strong light source directed at the screen when you are doing this. The LCD is still working, but it is nearly impossible to see without the backlight. Once you press home and hold together, a red slide bar will appear at the top of the screen. The reset will not initiate unless you slide the bar. A few short moments later, you should see the the white Apple logo on your display, backlight hopefully."

hughbaker,

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Ash
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Dont have too much experience with iPads but have worked with LCD displays for over 10 years.

The backlight would be driven / powered by an LED driver board.

I would find out if the LED driver is integrated inside the panel.

As you now have 2 panels with the same fault I would guess not.

I would try and locate the LED driver and try replacing that or maybe even the LED driver cable.

Hope I helped.

I see (via Google) that iPad1 had a seperate LED cable...I am not seeing such for iPad2.

Chad Gordy,

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brandon
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I had this EXACT problem. replaced digitizer, screen worked fine, and then backlight went out. I had disconected the logic board while power was on, I had no choice because I had powered up without the digitizer connected to test it and as I found out, there is no way to turn power off without the digitizer connected. Above peopel suggested they created a short with the screwdriver, but I was meticulous, only using plastic.

Its a software issue, the logic board does indeed get "confused", and think the backlight is on when its not. Soft/hard resets didn't work, UPDATE THE FIRMWARE. for me it was rfom 3.2 to 5.01, as soon as I updated it the backlight came back on. If you dont need an update, try a factery restore and then an update.

I had already performed a factory restore - just now even installed an updated iOS - 5.0.1 and the problem still persists.

Chad Gordy,

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asle
1.5k

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Buy a can of contact spray and spray on the contact and cable. Reseat the lcd cable. This happens all the time when I am replacing LCD on unibody MacBookPros.

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keith
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just remove and reinstall main battery connector to reset the system then it will come the backlight on your lcd

Hi tried removing battery, no luck :(

Jan Ove Knudsen,

I changed the digitizer and the lcd went dull. Thanks guys for posting the part of unplugging the battery for a little while and finally the lcd starting working again. If you see the grayish apple logo, the lcd is back. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAAi80b8w.... This should help. Thanks again!

Ben,

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Dave
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Hey Chad, Did you get it sorted? I have exactly the same issue, ipad came in working except for cracked screen.

Disassembled and replaced digitizer and no Backlight. Also seems to have a power on /off issue now. I shall try the reset and restore route and let you know how i get on.

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iDope
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All you have to do is reset the unit, and the LCD backlight will be restored!

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Jan Ove Knudsen
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Hi again mark, is this the ipad or is it the ipad 2 you have been reparing?

i dissasmabled the ipad 2 and i did not locate thees components.

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Bill Gramley
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I had a similar problem with what appeared to be a blank LCD iPad screen after replacing the digitizer. However by shining a bright light on the screen I could see a very dim image. I was then able to reboot and this cured the problem.

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maccinir
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If you hold the power button and the home button at the same time for 15 seconds the unit will reset and the issue will go away. I have had to do this several times now. I do a lot of iPad repairs.

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Jan Ove Knudsen
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I still have no backlight on my ipad 2 after screen replacement.

Reboot on os update, no luck, anybody know how to fix this?

Is ther anyone how does ipad 2 mainboard fix?

Regards Jan Ove

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linda van der laak
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Issue solved. Had the same problem when I replaced the home button cable and digitizer. I had no light on the display.

Solution for me: hold the power and home button for a while. When the reset was starting, the apple logo popped up.

Grtz Tim

Edited by

You can put your web site in your profile, not in your answers or questions - that is considered spam here.

ABCellars,

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cyberdoctormd
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you those of you need the 4R7 backligth coil and ipad backlight iC chip

you can buy it here and many other places...

Edited by

cyberdoctormd, be careful with posting your URL all over. Could be looked upon as spam. Place the URL into your profile and link your answers to that. Many people that answer questions, have their own business but do not use this forum to increase their business

oldturkey03,

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Takashi Alekseev
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Power off and back on restored my iPad2 backlight.

Thank you Peter.

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dev dev
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Please try this -- hold down both home and power buttons for 15 -20 seconds then ipad will display apple logo then release both buttons.

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tom
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i caught my daughter squirting water on the glass and it was seeping through the volume buttons, i sucked out as much water as i could, i was working with minor glitches but i kept using it and now the backlight stopped working, any ideas, i tried most of the option on here but to replace the LCD, will it come down to replacing it

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AndreaBaglione
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I too had the same problem I unplugged the cable with an incorrectly spudger metal contact even seen it sparks thought to have created a short circuit and then the surprise of the backlight is not working.

I was provided with light and restored to like new after I turned it ipad.

rekindled the light has begun to function. I highly recommend everyone to leave the download ipad before removing the digitizer.

Andrea

Update

Now you can see if your monitor is functioning under a light?

Update

Hi fred,

The last possibility that remains is to do this test:

Put under a lamp and display at least the screen in a poor return ipad off from that state.

At the restart should be able to meet again the backlight.

If the problem persists, I suggest you take a look at this boat ebay, I read that you can repair the backlight of the chip with only $ 7! might be a good solution if the answers that I provided you can not come by chance.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/iPad-2-and-1-LCD...

Hope that helps.

Andrea

Update

Sorry , is soldered! remove this and re- solder new 4R7 !!! ;)

cheers

Andrea

Edited by

4R7 is magnetic type components, you should not have major problems in replacing just a little bit of forethought to remove it. If you have a micro soldering or otherwise you can find it and have good manual you can do it without problems, unsoldering the base component and only after removing it. I could let you but from what I see are very far from you. I live in Italy even though I live in the us and make this work: ((

AndreaBaglione,

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Fred Del
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I've got the same issue after replacing Digitizer and I did;

1. itunes update

2. restore ipad

3. reboot ipad by holding on/off and home button

Still no backlight...

Any advice??

Thanks

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AndreaBaglione
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@fred del

1) Re-open iPad. disconnect the battery connector form logic board.

2) re-conneted the battery connector

3) push I/O button

Andrea

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Fred Del
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"I too had the same problem I unplugged the cable with an incorrectly spudger metal contact even seen it sparks thought to have created a short circuit and then the surprise of the backlight is not working."

Hi Andrea,

I had exactly the same issue but I've tried your suggestion and I didn't work for me. Do you think it's possible that I have damaged the logic board??!

Thanks for you answer

Edited by

I have tested with another digitizer and it doesn't work as well

Fred Del,

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Fred Del
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''If the problem persists, I suggest you take a look at this boat ebay, I read that you can repair the backlight of the chip with only $ 7! might be a good solution if the answers that I provided you can not come by chance.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/iPad-2-and-1-LCD...

''

Thanks for your tips but I can't find a repair guide for the coil 4R7... Do you know if it's an easy job? As well do i need specific tools? Or is it just a plug?

Cheers

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ifixsmartphone
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replacing 4R7 is not an easy job. It's not a job with soldering iron and removing chit out and in. I repair iphones professionally and I even get nervous when I have to remove such and 6R8 on 3Gs.

If you want to get an experience with a chance of sacrificing your board, try it, otherwise look for a professional.

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Nick
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I am an ACMT. Though I'm not sure about the design of the iPad, on macbook pro machines there is fuse on the logic board built into the backlight. Replacing the LCD would not fix that issue, but a new logic board would.

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rewindman
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HELLO PPL,

when i changed screen i cut through the vol button ribbon but i cut it after the vol buttons and before the power switch (so volumes were working power button was not)

power down ipad via removing the logic board of the battery DONT PULL THE BLACK SILVER BLOCK ABOVE BATTERY with the single screw in (you pull the logic board up off the battery connecters)

you will need to remove the 2 screws in the corners of the end of the logic board in plain sight not were the digitalizer plugs.

now put a plastic pry tool the lift the logic board there is a bit of tape underneath.

with the logicboard in the air one end you will see how the board connects to the battery.

simply hold off battery for few mins (press some buttons only to drain the bit of power on the board then simply put back together and re try the screen.)

if not working try and plug usb in to ipad as this will power it up then you will know if the button ribbon is damaged.

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