MacBook Pro 2011 Ambient Light Sensor

Question

Level 1

5 points

MacBook Pro 2011 Ambient Light Sensor

Hello!

I just bought a new MacBook Pro 13" and I think my ambient light sensor is not working properly. If I cover it, the keyboard backlit dims, but there is no effect on the screen brightness (and I have this option enabled in the System Preferences -> Display).

How is the behavior of your sensor, guys?

Thank you!

MacBookPro8,1 - 2011 MacBook Pro 13" i7, RAM 8GB, SSD Corsair F240, Mac OS X (10.6.6)

Posted on Mar 18, 2011 4:54 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Mar 20, 2011 6:40 AM in response to guitrein

Having the same problem on my 2011 15" MBP. It was working for a while but now only the keyboard sensor appears to be working. If this is the case I am sure all it needs is a firmware update to sort it out but its very frustrating nonetheless!

Reply

Answer 2

eww

Level 9

53,028 points

Mar 20, 2011 6:49 AM in response to guitrein

You might try resetting the System Management Controller and see whether that has any effect on the problem:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964

Misbehavior of the display and keyboard backlights is among the problems that are mentioned as possibly being resolved by this simple procedure.

Reply

Answer 3

Tim Fall

Level 1

65 points

Apr 1, 2011 2:13 PM in response to eww

Also, make sure you're covering the right sensor. The 2011 MacBook Pros have the sensor in the display bezel next to the iSight camera. Additionally, this placement can lead to some issues (like not getting direct back, or sometimes top, light).

Reply