Stop sign and Backlit keyboard

I was running my MBP on batteries and checked to turn the backlit keyboard down a notch, which it accepted. Then the "time remaining" on my menu clock went from black to red. I tried to turn the backlit keyboard up again, before and after reconnecting to the external power, and it doesn't move, it is off and there is a circle with a diagonal line below it (a stop sign).
I restarted. The keyboard preference has the "illuminate keyboard in low light conditions checked". I even tried to toggle it on and off.
Nothing happens

Thanks

MBP 15.4" 2.33 Core 2 Duo - 2GB, Mac OS X (10.5.6), Apple 17" studio display, various firewire hard drives, iPod touch

Posted on May 17, 2009 1:58 PM

Reply
9 replies

May 17, 2009 3:33 PM in response to tommmy

I assume you mean the stop sign when you try and turn on the keyboard light?
It means that the Mac thinks it's too bright to turn them on.
I had a 2007 MBP, as far as I know the light sensors for the screen dimming and keyboard lights are in the speakers. I found when I covered both speaker grills they usually activated.
Another option is to download Lab Tick.
This sits in your menu bar and lets you turn the lights on and off without being limited to the ambient light level.
If that doesn't work properly then there could be something else wrong. Unfortunately I wouldn't know how to solve that.

May 17, 2009 2:17 PM in response to tommmy

What do you mean by the "Time remaining on my menu clock"?


I think he means the time remaining on his battery charge.

I tried to turn the backlit keyboard up again, before and after reconnecting to the external power, and it doesn't move, it is off and there is a circle with a diagonal line below it (a stop sign).


Did you move your MBP to a well-lit area while doing all this? The backlight only comes on when the ambient light sensor detects that it's dark enough. If it's still a problem, you may want to try resetting the SMC ( KB article).

Yang

May 17, 2009 3:35 PM in response to tommmy

HI,

*"there is a circle with a diagonal line below it (a stop sign)."*

Called a prohibitory sign. When you see this, connect the power adapter ASAP.

If this is the original battery, it's most likely time for a new one.

Also, most 3rd party energy software can do more harm then good.

More info here: MacBook, MacBook Pro: Battery not recognized or "X" icon appears on menu bar





Carolyn 🙂

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Stop sign and Backlit keyboard

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