Macbook Pro 2009 17-inch Unable to adjust brightness

[EDeBree]

I am unable to adjust the brightness on my Mid-2009 17-inch Unibody Macbook Pro. The function does not work from either the keyboard or the display settings found under System Preferences.

Note that slider DOES appear under the display settings and the level appears when using the keyboard as well, the screen just does not react and always stays at full brightness.

I've already tried resetting SMC and PRAM, and am only interested in a permanent fix rather than using the brightness app.

I'm currently running on Yosemite and downgraded from El Capitan where it still did not work either.

 

[bdart2]

Well it is 11 years old now. It had a good run.

 

[EDeBree]

I understand. Is there a specific part that I can replace that would address this issue? Particularly anything other than the display?

 

[avz]

I understand. Is there a specific part that I can replace that would address this issue? Particularly anything other than the display?

It can be the display inverter board or the main logic board that supplies the voltage to the inverter board. If you are not good with component level repairs you can try just swapping the logic board.

 

[EDeBree]

It can be the display inverter board or the main logic board that supplies the voltage to the inverter board. If you are not good with component level repairs you can try just swapping the logic board.

Alright I'll give it a shot and see how that works! Thanks!