Problem with LCD backlight

Discussion in 'MacBook' started by Hazzarell, Oct 24, 2010.

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  1. Hazzarell, Oct 24, 2010

    Hazzarell macrumors newbie

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2010
    #1
    First of all, I'm new here so hello everyone!

    Now, onto business. I have a 2006 black Macbook. Several months ago, the LCD backlight started to cut out every time I tilted it towards myself beyond an 80 degree angle. (I haven't measured it. That's just a guess, but it cuts out at least a couple of degrees before being at a 90 degree angle.) If I move the laptop to a place where the screen catches external light, I can see the images on the screen, so it's not that the LCD itself is blacking out.

    Anyway, this hasn't caused me any problems so far, but today when I turned it on, it started to cut out when I tilted it right back, and towards myself, leaving me a small screen tilt amount to play with. It's stopped doing that now, but I'm just worried that it's a problem that could get a lot worse, very quickly and want to sort it out before that happens.

    Any help/suggestions/wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

    - Hazzarell
     
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  2. Pax, Oct 25, 2010

    Pax macrumors 6502a

    Joined:
    Dec 12, 2003
    #2
    This is a common problem on older Macbooks. It is the inverter which provides a high voltage to the CCFL backlight, or the cable to the inverter. Symptoms are the backlight goes off, but the screen image remains. Since your backlight goes off at certain angles, it is probably the inverter cable rather than the inverter itself.

    The cable part is quite cheap (tens of dollars) but installation is complex, you have to gut the Macbook to get at the hinge. So the cost of installing it can be quite high.

    Have a google for independent Macbook repair companies (cheaper than Apple). The problem is common enough that they should be able to quote you a standard price for the repair. Or if you are skilled at electronics, have a go yourself!
     
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  3. Hazzarell, Oct 30, 2010

    Hazzarell thread starter macrumors newbie

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2010
    #3
    Thank you!

    I know a guy in my neighborhood who has a good reputation for fixing Macs, so I think I'll get a quote from him.

    Thanks again for your reply.
     
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  4. freddyfingers, Oct 31, 2010

    freddyfingers macrumors member

    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2010
    #4
    The cable is causing the problem is the one in that top square.
    The metal hinge which is holds the screen in place sits directly on top of that wire going to the inverter board.

    I recently replaced a LCD on my computer and ran into the same issue. Most likely that metal swivel is loose and pinching the wire causing it to cut out so you probably just need to adjust that and make sure its not getting pinched. I realized this after spending a good 4hrs on mi

    So may just need to open it up and adjust.

    http://guide-images.ifixit.net/igi/yAvWHOG4kOr4PX5m.large
     
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