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10.6.3 Update Has Lead to Backlight Issue

This is a software issue that has been bugging me these past few weeks. I put my computer to sleep, I wake it up, and everything boots up but the backlight. The problem is not hardware because the light does come on eventually.

Problem is, that this issue is not reproducible, but it most likely happens when the laptop is not attached to the AC. Now the only reason I'm posting about this issue now, is that I've rebooted my A1211 many times and the backlight is still stubbornly off. It may turn on again eventually, but at this point, I don't know.

Here's what I've found online.

I'm not alone: http://discussions.info.apple.com/thread...

Possible solution, if I had a flashlight right now: http://appletoolbox.com/2010/05/mac-os-x...

If anyone can add more to this issue, please do.

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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Start it up in "Safe Mode" by holding down the "Shift key". This failing boot from the system installation disk by inserting the disk and restarting holding down the "C" key. If the problem persists, then it's a hardware issue.

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While using my friend's monitor, the backlights magically turn back on again! I didn't even touch the LCD, maybe the wiggling of my typing did something, but what hardware issue does that point to?

I'll try your reboot method next time the lights go out. I'm hoping this is due to the software issue I posted, but so far, I really haven't come across any evidence of what the source of the problem might be.

It really is a random issue. It comes and goes when it pleases.

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My best bet without testing would be the display data cable: MacBook Pro 15" (Models A1150/A1211) Display Data Cable

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Isn't there a diagnostic test I could perform? I really don't want to jump the gun and spend money on a replacement until I'm sure it's the inverter.

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It could still be a faulty inverter board. MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo Model A1211 Display Inverter Replacement

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I agree with reMacberlin for the inverter board issue or a flaky inverter cable connection but if you want to explore the software issue boot the MBP from another source than your hard drive and check if the problem persists. If one of your friends has a Intel Mac just connect to his Mac via firewire target mode and boot your MBP from his hard drive or boot from an external firewire or USB drive.

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Well I am getting a firewire external HDD soon. (I can fresh install 10.6 on it right?) So unless there is another test I could perform, I'll go down that road.

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Here are some potential solutions.

This post is the first Google result for "10.6.3 backlight". It is a common sofware problem, and the accepted answer is not correct. Actually, until moments ago, it was still not working in 10.6.8 on my 2006 Macbook Pro (I set it to hibernate when I close the lid). The following worked for me:

Open Terminal.app (found in Applications/Utilities), and type

sudo pmset -a lidwake 0

then hit <return>.

Another person reported this to work:

1. Delete com.apple.PowerManagement.plist from this location:

/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/com.apple.PowerManagement.plist

2. Shut down the computer and do an SMC reset:

I found these solution on the Apple forums.

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Vahan C will be eternally grateful.
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