Backlight Keyboard won't let me turn it on.

Question

Backlight Keyboard won't let me turn it on.

First mac for me, so maybe it's a newby question (I did search, though, and find nothing).

Basically, the backlight keyboard won't let me turn it on. If I press the button on the keyboard, it'll display this image:

http://www.grabup.com/uploads/cdf8f59de1655287c30063277e8a1a53.png?direct

I've tried this in both dark and light rooms and it's the same issue. Also tried with no programms running ot no avail. Only thing that occurs to me is temperature (both times CPU was at 65-70ºC, with fans at 2000 rpm).

Any ideas of the reason for this? Prehpas at certain temperature the backlit keyboard won't work?

Macbook Aluminium (Late 2008), Mac OS X (10.5.5)

Posted on Dec 10, 2008 12:35 PM

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Answer 1

deltatux

Level 2

491 points

Dec 10, 2008 12:43 PM in response to EnriqueRamirez

Try using your hands to cover the camera, that's where the light sensor is. While your hand is covering it (you don't have to touch the screen, just block the light from getting to the sensor), try pressing the backlight button, it should then work. It's just too bright in your room for it to turn on.

If that doesn't work, call AppleCare and ask them for a solution.

deltatux

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Answer 2

Dec 10, 2008 3:23 PM in response to EnriqueRamirez

Yeah, it is a 2.4ghz model. Forgot to mention the keyboard doesn't always does this. It's just at times. Mainq question is if it normally disables itself at some points other than bright light or there's something wrong with it.

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Answer 3

theWu

Level 1

0 points

Dec 29, 2008 10:49 AM in response to EnriqueRamirez

I have this EXACT same problem. Just today, my backlit keyboard would not change settings. It stays off. However, when I put my hand over the camera, it turns on automatically, and I can change the brightness settings with my hand over the camera.

It just happened suddenly, and I have tried amending this problem with no avail by playing with the system preferences, restarting, rebooting, nothing worked. Any help here?

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Answer 4

Dec 30, 2008 8:42 AM in response to theWu

Same deal here:

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e8/trentblue/Picture2-126.png?t=1230655242

I'm in a really bright office and the keys won't light up.

Blocking sensor works.

Maybe it's just the MacBook looking out for our best interests.

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Answer 5

Dec 31, 2008 3:09 PM in response to lucasmagic

Try this,

http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/15717

Illumination is a menu bar program that lets you set the brightness of the keyboard backlight no matter what the brightness of your surroundings.

As lucasmagic said, if the light sensor senses a predetermined amount of light, it is disabled.

Regards

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Answer 6

Dec 31, 2008 3:34 PM in response to alex.lyons

That is how it is supposed to be. When we program the ambient light sensor next to the camera, we put in Mac OS X to disable the keyboard completely unless the threshold of darkness is met.

It is completely normal and how it is supposed to work.

If you would like to be able to turn on the backlight in bright conditions, there are many free 3rd party applications to do that.

Just be aware that you should download a reputable one because some have damaged the keyboard / light sensor system.

~ Harris

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Answer 7

Dec 10, 2008 1:00 PM in response to EnriqueRamirez

Do you have the 2.0GHz model? That model does not have a backlit keyboard.

-Doug

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Answer 8

Dec 30, 2008 2:12 PM in response to EnriqueRamirez

The mac will never turn on the keyboard if it senses light, it's just how it works. It is much easier to see the keys in the light without the backlit keyboard anyway.

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