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Rikos87

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Thing has served me well, and it's had little problems. Until recently.

I'm having the old backlight won't turn on when woken up or turned on problem. It takes a minute or so, but it's concerning. I've tried the SMC reset, the Command reset, same result. It works, but it doesn't work long term. When I wake it up or turn it on, I can see everything, just that it's dark. And the brightness keys do not work.

Considering taking it to Apple store if it's a problem that can't be fixed at home. Won't be surprised as the computer is seven years old, but this is a concern and an annoyance.

Anyone know what it might be? Thanks in advance.
 
If it flickers when you move the lid: Inverter cable ($5).

If it doesn't work at all, or you get no backlight after a while: Inverter Board ($20).

If it flashes briefly (like half a second) when you first turn it on then dies: LCD ($150).

Those are the most common scenarios, but it could always be any combination of them. I usually start cheapest up - try the cable, then the board, then the LCD.
 
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