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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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Screen brightness goes to minimum randomly.

The brightness of the screen of my white macbook (intel core duo) 13" while being used gets dim (lowest), it happens randomly even when I am using it. When the screen is on its minimum brightness I can still see the programs working just fine. I can even see the screen but its too dark.

To get the brightness back i have to press F1 till the brightness bar comes to minimum and then press F2 to get the screen brightness back. I have tried un-checking the options under the energy saver but it did not help me.

I even tried formatting my macbook but it did not help either.

I am concerned whether the inverter or the inverter cable has gone bad. What should be my best take to fix this problem. Or is the problem with some other hardware component.

Update

With the replacement of Inverter board that did not help solve the problem I visited the Genius again.

On my visit the Genius decided to send the Macbook to the repair depot. The fault was with the display which was changed.

The best part was that I was not charged anything except for the initial $ 70 I paid for replacing the inverter board.

Once again Apple has won my trust through a bit delayed but an excellent customer service.

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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I just observed that when my macbook runs for over 2 hours it seems to get rid of the problem, but when its cold the problems is back. Could this symptom point to something?

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problem resolved

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Remove the battery, and you won't have a problem.

I think that the battery that is bad, should be removed (i know, it is ugly, but it is actually working.)

Or replace it, with another one (new).

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Chosen Solution

Your problem might also lay in ur topcase. Try removing the topcase and before u do that make sure your settings are set so that the screen/computer don't go to sleep at all..."never". with the topcase off just use your mouse to surf the web/ open apps and see if the problem persists. When u say it dims; do u mean it goes completely dark, or does the brightness just dim to a very low setting? I would also trash ur preferences plist file.

Update

CLICK HERE for the guide. And be extra carefull with the ribbon cable that's attached to the Logicboard.

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I did not get you? Are you suggesting that I try using the macbook with the top case separated. If the screen still goes blank what should be the problem?

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Well, taking the topcase off is pretty simple. And are u running a fresh install of OSX?

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Yes, I would try running the machine with it's topcase off and see if the problem persists.

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I am using the updated software with latest updates. Is there a manual for removing the top case?

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Yes Rai...I will provide that link in a update. But, before that can u please answer my questions? Does the screen go completely dark, or just to a very low setting? Have u installed a fresh OS?

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Most Helpful Answer

Hook it up to an external monitor and compare your screen to the monitor. If the monitor looks good, then consider replacing the inverter. Here's how I do it: MacBook Core 2 Duo LCD & Inverter A1181 (fast method) Replacement

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Thanks for pointing out the problem part, I did connect it to an external monitor and it worked fine even though the macbook screen's brightness went dim a couple of times.

What would be the best place to buy the inverter from and would you have any idea how much the apple store might charge to replace the produce if in case I plan not to mess around?

Would you also recommend changing the inverter cable?

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For your exact part numbers we need to know your exact machine. Please give the last three letters of your serial number (found in the battery compartment)

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Today I made an appointment with the Genius at the Apple store to pin point the problem. But while I was experimenting I thought of running a Hardware test and bingo it solved my problem.

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1509

I opted for the extended testing, which took me over an hour. It did not show any problems but then when I restarted the Mac everything was smooth and the issue just vanished.

Though I am not sure how it happened but I guess that the hardware was reset or something.

Any explanations?

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The problem may return after it has been cooled down.

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Would you recommend shutting the mac for an hour and checking it again?

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I apologize for not updating my final solution. So as you can read above after getting the inverter board changed and spending $ 80 for the same, I could not get the problem fixed.

So I went back to the Apple Store and met the Genius. He apologized for misdiagnosing the problem. The problem was with the screen and that had to be changed. I did ask him specifically what exactly was wrong and he informed me that it could be the screen tubes or a faulty electronic component.

I had to send my Macbook to the Apple facility to get it fixed and it was shipped back home with a new display within 7 days. I did not have to pay anything except that previously paid $ 80 as the Genius said that he had misdiagnosed and it was for Apple to make the necessary changes.

This might not be the scenario everywhere, but I highly advise you to make an appointment with a Genius and he will be the best person to resolve the issue, but what I could gather through this whole ordeal was that this problem could be because of the following reasons:

1. Inverter Board: A small chip set that sits on top of the keyboard - replacement charges at Apple $ 80

2. Cable: It connects the motherboard to the display, Charges @ Apple $15-30, but in my case the Genius replaced both the inverter board and the cable for $ 80

3. The screen: Can be the tubes or an electronic component. Charges @ apple 300 onwards.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any questions that you may have.

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I having the same problem described above... Is there any news on how to fix this?

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Rai will be eternally grateful.
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