macbook pro screen doesn`t turn on

[biohazard6969]

hey i have a problem with my macbook pro and am far from an apple store so just wondering if this is some sort of common problem.

i have a macbook pro 15 inch 2.4ghz. its the aluminum one not the new ones. and when i was using it the other day i closed the lid and it never came back on, the screen is black, i`ve done a hard restart by holding the button took out the battery, the computer seems to boot up, yet without the screen on

are there any other troubleshooting methods i should attempt myself before taking it the 300 clicks to an apple store?

 

[genmic]

I would call Applecare, if you are still phone support eligible, and have them walk you through some troubleshooting steps and then give you a case number. This should expedite things when you get to the Genius bar, as you will already have the issue documented.

 

[snowmoon]

Hit the function key to bring the brightness up to see if it's just turned off.

Shine a light though the apple logo to see if the lcdi s working, but backlight is blown.

External monitor.

I can't think of anything else.