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Model A1174 with 2 GHz Core Duo or Model A1207 with 2.16 or 2.33 GHz Core 2 Duo

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Main iMac display blacklight turning off, inverter issue?

Recently, my hard drive failed on me. So I went and bought a new hard drive which was DOA (irrelevant but hey), and came with a failed S.M.A.R.T. test. So I then sent it back and went to finding a new drive - this is when I first got the issue.

The iMac's display backlight turned off, randomly, while in use. It happened once or twice in a week. It came time to replace the hard drive again with a new one (and it still works alright!) and the screen issues went away for a little while.. then started to happen more and more frequently. Now it happens constantly to the point where the screen is unusable most of the time (although I do get some lucky periods of OK use).

I know it's the backlight as a second screen works alright, and if I hold a torch up to the screen I can make out what's open on the screen.

It's quite annoying but after researching on the internet I've read that it may be an inverter / inverter cable issue? I had a look and there seemed to be a small cut in one of the cables, but it didn't look deep enough to have done any damage (i.e. maybe just the coating). I'm not looking at spending *too* much as I'm going to replace this machine in the summer, but any advice on how to fix the issue for now would be appreciated.

tl;dr: broken display backlight, what are the different things that could be at fault

Also: Is it worth me taking it down to the Apple store? Would they be able to work out the exact part that's at fault or just try and replace the entire display?

Thanks!

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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I think you figured it out. If you can see the desktop, then it's the inverter or inverter cable. I suspect the cable, but they are both reasonably priced as they don't go out often. Here's how to fix it: iMac Intel 20" EMC 2105 and 2118 Inverter Replacement

Please give the last three figures of your serial number to identify the machine exactly so we make sure to direct you to the correct parts. It's on the bottom of your stand.

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Thanks for the response. Last three characters are U25.

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Bump! I'm hoping it's the cable and suspected they would be reasonably prices (from previous searches) but cannot find them anymore. Please could you link me to the cable part? Thanks.

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fixer2202 will be eternally grateful.
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