iBook lid half closed -> display goes black

[Flight16]

I have a G3 800Mhz iBook and when I close the lid more than 90 degrees past the 90 degree open position the screen goes black, but the notebook remains on (since I use an external monitor). Any ideas on this? I'm wondering if a cable is loose. Does anybody know if there are metal contacts on the hinge that might be dirty? Should I risk opening up the back of the iBook's lid?

Any comments are appreciated.

Thanks,
Flight16

 

[Nermal]

While I've never had this problem myself, I have heard of the cable being pinched by the hinge as it closes. I have also heard the term "reed switch". Searching Google for "reed switch ibook" might turn up something. Sorry I can't be any more help.

 

[Flight16]

I quick searched the web, but not well enough. After a little more searching I found this nice slashdot post and two pages of comments about people having the same problems ( http://apple.slashdot.org/apple/04/01/14/228225.shtml?tid=137&tid=180 ).

I'm going to try to open it up and see if any of the cables are easily accessible.

Flight16