Ambient Light Sensor Not Working Macbook Pro 13 inch early 2011 version

Question

Level 1

10 points

Ambient Light Sensor Not Working Macbook Pro 13 inch early 2011 version

Hi. I just need some clarification on how the ambient light sensor works. it seems mine is not working. Correct me if I'm wrong:
1. Screen light must adjust brightness if you are in a dark / dim room
2. Screen light must decrease brightness if there is natural light

Am I correct or not?

Mac Book Pro i5, Mac OS X (10.6.6)

Posted on Mar 18, 2011 7:06 PM

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Answer 1

eww

Level 9

53,112 points

Mar 18, 2011 8:40 PM in response to midimauve

In the Displays pane of System Preferences, click the Display tab at the top, then make sure "Automatically adjust brightness as ambient light changes" is checked. Then take your machine into a brightly lighted room and see whether the display brightens. In the bright room, cover the camera lens in the top of the display bezel with your thumb. This will also cover the ambient light sensor. Does the display dim when you do so? If it does, your sensor is working as intended.

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Answer 2

guitrein

Level 1

5 points

Mar 19, 2011 1:42 AM in response to eww

I also have the same problem (or behavior I don't know). I haven't seen this post, so I posted my problem on http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=13245590#13245590.

I have the option enabled on System Preferences but when I cover the sensor only the keyboard backlit dims. Lets see if we can find an answer.

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Answer 3

midimauve Author

Level 1

10 points

Mar 20, 2011 6:50 AM in response to eww

No, its not working, only the keyboard lights are working. Not the screen, no difference in the brightness of the screen. The screen is not dimmed.

I have that option checked in system preferences.

What must be the level of the light in F2 button?

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Answer 4

eww

Level 9

53,112 points

Mar 20, 2011 11:06 AM in response to midimauve

Reset the SMC and see whether that helps:

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

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