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Repair guides for the MacBook.

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Screen is dim or completely dark - Already changed inverter cable

It is possible that my MacBook 13" early 2009 Santa Rosa - Penryn was bounced around in Transit. What happens is the screen is so dark it is not usable when I adjust the brightness eventually it will flicker on and it is very dim but I can use it, if I move the screen it will go back to being dark and I have to repeat the process to make it dim again. For now I have plugged it into an external monitor and it works.

I want to do a repair but I am sure if I need to repair:

Display Data Cable

Inverter

Inverter Cable

Display

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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I am going to start with the inverter cable, I will update my result here.

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I changed the inverter cable turned it on and everything worked. I then restarted the and it went black again. When I turn it on it flickers then goes black.

I am now back where I started with the same issue.

What should I do next?

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If I change the brightness up and down it will turn on and work like normal for awhile then it goes dull again - FYI

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I think the questions and answers here are about different machines. Please give us the last three figures of your serial number.

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AFAIK that model has one cable an LDVS and no inverter (the screen is an LED). There is a controller/"fuse" but replaceing it is an advanced DIY project (requires desoldering/resoldering) soldering logic board componets is best left to those with lots and lots of experience, & the proper tools - it's easy to distroy the logic board with too much heat.

If this answer is acceptable please remember to return and mark it.

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This portable has an inverter, I looked at it when I replaced the inverter cable. Do you think this is an issue with the inverter?

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I don't think that the backlight fuse is blown since you get lightning sometimes. I would remove the unit bottom cover, disconnect the LVDS cable and inspect the connector and the socket for any damage. Reconnect the cable, start the machine and check if the lightning is normal. If not, while the machine is powered use a spudger and carefully move the LVDS cable to check if the problem is produced by the LVDS socket that can be damaged (partly desoldered).

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This Mac book used the Santa Rosa/Penryn Inverter cable. Should I replace the inverter next?

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jtorres175 will be eternally grateful.
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