iBook screen problems

[_The_Man_]

My iBook G3 with OS X.3.4 has a serious screen problem. It started with the
screen going blank under certain angles. Two weeks later only the 90 degree
angle of the screen could keep the laptop from going to sleep (with a pen
pushed between the screen and the rest of the computer to stabilise the
position!). Currently, the screen somehow works under any angle, but it gets
dim if not under the 90 degree angle...

Has anyone had similar problems and do you know a possible solution?

 

[jsw]

My iBook G3 with OS X.3.4 has a serious screen problem. It started with the
screen going blank under certain angles. Two weeks later only the 90 degree
angle of the screen could keep the laptop from going to sleep (with a pen
pushed between the screen and the rest of the computer to stabilise the
position!). Currently, the screen somehow works under any angle, but it gets
dim if not under the 90 degree angle...

Has anyone had similar problems and do you know a possible solution?

Offhand, it sounds like the screen position sensor (forgoet what it's like on the iBook, but typically it's a little push switch that gets depressed when the screen is shut) is broken. It quite possibly needs to be replaced.

 

[mkrishnan]

Offhand, it sounds like the screen position sensor (forgoet what it's like on the iBook, but typically it's a little push switch that gets depressed when the screen is shut) is broken. It quite possibly needs to be replaced.

Another major possibility is that the cable running from the motherboard to the screen is getting pinched or twisted or kinked or partially disconnected...like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome for computers.

 

[diamond geezer]

Try shining a bright light on the screen when it goes blank, if you can see an feint image then it's your inverter cable that's dying. This problem is more often seen in the 12" model.

The part itself is quite cheap, but the labour is large as it involves removing and taking apart the screen.

 

[arn]

Had the exact same problem... bring it to an Apple Store... they will fix it (you have to send it in, so back up first). I had a friend with the same problem... so it's not an unusual problem.

We had previous had the iBook fixed for the known video/logic board problem... that was covered for free. This one was free too. your mileage may vary.

arn