Fix Your Stuff Community Store

Model A1181: 1.83, 2, 2.1, 2.13, 2.16, 2.2, or 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo processor

1203 Questions View all

Options

Why does Display Backlight light up only briefly?

My daughter's MacBook (A1181, 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo) has a display problem. Some of my observations have already been mentioned in the forum.

Just to be sure on the cause, a summary:

  • The display has no backlight. When opening the laptop, the media-drive revs up. Simultaneously the display lights up briefly and goes off again.
  • The desktop is always there (faintly visible under a strong light). Hence, the graphics works ok.

Does all this indicate a power-problem ? Could there be other faults ? A pinched/broken cable does not look likely to me.

The Macbook is only 3 years old (nicely out of any warranty). Shop-technicians say: exchange the display for ca. 700 Euro.

That's about 2/3 of the purchase price in 2008 --- ridiculous.

Do i purchase an 'inverter board' and mount it acc. to your instructions on the web ?

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Yes No
Score 1
2 Comments

Anybody with the same phenomena ? Help is greatly appreciated.

by

Obviously you need to accept your own answer hankerot for future people to learn of your solution. I submitted your answer as a solution to the problem to moderation. My suggestion was denied. I'll try resubmitting it, we will see where it goes.

by

Add a comment

2 Answers

Filter by:
Most Helpful Newest Oldest
Chosen Solution

Options

The end-of-story.

My theory: The "inverter" is a switching powersupply with low voltage DC input, chopping, transforming up (coils) to produce some higher voltage DC for the backlight lamp. If the lamp has a short, the PSupply runs into current limitation with the output voltage collapsing. Hence, the backlight lamp must be replaced --- or a new display must be purchased.

Back to reality: A new display is bought. I ordered the same Samsung type (LTN133 AT002-001), but got a Toshiba (LTN133 other-bla). Dismantling once more is required, because the power-plug has to go into the inverter. Now, TEST the Macbook with everything dangling, i.e. held by sticky tape. - Boot-up - VOILA, the Macbook is a fully functioning laptop with high-gloss screen. The re-assembling is not a big adventure anymore (you might call it "experience").

My daughter has her beloved Mac back; I am grateful to everybody in the forum, who gave useful hints.

PS. I keep the inverter. It will never break as long as i have a spare.

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 1

1 Comment:

You should accept your answer...

by

Add a comment
Most Helpful Answer

Options

This sounds like an inverter problem or inverter cable problem. Hook it up to an external monitor to check this out. To get you to the correct part and installation guide please give the last three figures of your serial number, (found in your battery compartment). Thanks

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 2

1 Comment:

All experts point to a broken "inverter". I bought one from IFIXIT (good service!).

I replaced the inverter using the "Fast Method" - worked fine. It requires care and "feeling" to get the cover back on with the keyboard in place.

My advice: First, move cables on both sides with tweezers "behind" the hinge-rods out of the way of the U-cover sliding over. Second, the inverter PCB has a coil-assembly mounted. It is in the way of the lower lip of the U-shape. To ease mounting, i clipped off the lower "guides" on either side. Then, with a bit of force (NOT brute) and bending the U wider, the cover goes on. The guides are not needed, because the cover is rigid and held by 3 screws to the display lid.

So far, so perfect: Run up the Macbook. The bitten apple shows up briefly (1 sec) at boot-time; and the display goes dark. Running "brightness" to "0" and back up illuminates display (again 1 sec) followed by darkness. The new inverter shows exactly the same behaviour as the old ("faulty") one - disappointment.

by

Add a comment

Add your answer

hankerot will be eternally grateful.
View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 0

Past 7 Days: 0

Past 30 Days: 0

All Time: 619