Backlight of MBP keep turning off randomly

[Akzel]

Hi,

Well, while I'm typing a message at iChat, or replying to forum at MacRumors ;-), or doing anything really, the backlight simply turns off. I try to increase it back, but it gives me a "prohibited" sign meaning I cannot turn it on again. After some time it lets me turn it on again.

It's not only random, but a big annoyance. As I'm a new Mac user (just a year or so), all advice is welcome. (So far, this and the fact that the MBP randomly wakes up from sleep are my only problems! *knocks on wood*)

 

[Akzel]

I managed to grab a screen...

 

[iMacDragon]

The macbook probably thinks you're in a bright enough area to not need lighting. When the light level is over a certain amount it does disable the keyboard backlight, and won't let you manually override it either, till the light level drops again.

If it's borderline, eg, your body may be blocking and showing a light source alternately that is enough to flip it, it could cause such random seeming behaviour.

test it by covering the light sensor, which on the unibody ones is next to the isight.

 

[dkhuynh]

that **** happens to me too.

this time some new **** happened.
it turned off... get the prohibited sign.
then i randomly hit the button to increase brightness,
it works. then **** just turned off again with the
prohibited sign. now **** works again. wtf.

 

[dkhuynh]

haha i might be wrong... but try this...
cover your webcam, if theres no light, the
led backlight should turn on.

 

[iMacDragon]

That's what I just said, if the macbook thinks there is enough light it disables the keyboard backlight, it's how its meant to work.

edit, didn't see posting times so close to mine.

 

[Akzel]

Thanks guys, it's what's happening, hehe. I just wish it would let me increase the brightness even when the ambient is (technically?) bright. As it really helps to see the letters in the keyboard.

 

[iMacDragon]

Apparently you'll be wanting this then: http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/22151

 

[Akzel]

Apparently you'll be wanting this then: http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/22151

Woa, thanks!