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Released October 2008 / 2.4, 2.53, 2.66, 2.8 or 2.93 GHz Core 2 Duo Processor

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Backlit dimmer in certain spots on the keyboard after a coffee spill

Hi All,

I spilled coffee on my MBP Unibody '08 about 10 days ago. First I was happy to even see it work after such a disaster, but then I noticed the MUTE and the right OPTION key didn't work. Also, there was an odd observation I made: the keybaord was not backlit evenly no more. In the middle the keys were shining as brightly as usual, but then to the left and right other keys seemed dimmer.

Today I used the "teardown guide" and went all the way down to the keybord. I peeled off the background of the backlit, I cleaned the transparent sheet with all those dots on it, I put it all together again... BUT THE PROBLEM persist. I think I did improve the effect a little bit, but it is still not perfect as it was before.

My quesitons:

1) is it even possible to fix such a problem (or am I just lying to myself my actions brought some improvement)

2) If I need a new keyboard, would buying one on eBay work, because I've heard contradictory comments about being able to replace JUST the kybrd.

Thanks.

Answer this question I have this problem too

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Oh, and I forgot to mention: the keys started to work again after two days, so actually the laptop is fully functional, but the only problem is that uneven backlight... arghhh!

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Here's where I would start to try to make sure I got it as clean as possible and then see what the problems are: Electronics Water Damage

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Thanks for quick response Mayer. What about my questions at the bottom - what do you think?

Thanks.

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Your very lucky that the thing runs at all. Sometimes cleaning works great and sometimes it does nothing. On the keyboard, try hooking up an external keyboard and mouse and test the non-functioning keys. If it works, then try cleaning again, that failing, replace the top case.

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Like I said in the comment to my own original question, all the keys work now. The only issue remaining is the uneven backlight - good in the middle, quite dim at sides. Can I try to replace just the keyboard? Does it even make sense to buy one on, say, eBay? Thanks.

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Pilgrim will be eternally grateful.
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