At start up, my monitor flashes once and then goes black. The macbook is still on but the monitor stays like barely on. I have to point a flashlight to it so i can see... any help? I've been checking on forums all over the place and lots of people says i must upgrade to Leopard or SnowLeopard. If so, how do i do that?
MacBook, Mac OS X (10.4.11)
I cannot say much about your issue but I can say that an upgrade will likely NOT solve the issue.
Is the computer actually booting and the monitor is just dim?
My inclination is to say this is a good question for the Macbook hardware forum.
It sounds like the Backlight or Inverter is shot, do you still have AppleCare on it?
No, i don't have the appleCare anymore. I ran the Hardware test and it said everything was fine. I tried restarting in safe mode but didn't help. Is there something i can do without taking it to the store? Any test, download, anything?
You mean the HW test showed up fine on screen, or you still needed the flashlight to see that the test worked fine?
I still needed the flashlight to see that the test worked fine. And i just reseted the PRAM/NVRAM and the SMC and nothing. i still need the flashlight (now i am using my TV as monitor)
Somebody is going to have to fix the backlight if you want to use it, there may be DIY instructions on iFixit...
MacBook Backlight fix - YouTubewww.youtube.com/watch?v=PW7DKxdUdDQ
Macbook 13.3" Screen,Inverter,Backlight Repair Part 1 - YouTubewww.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3-SQeABnaE
And many more if you do a web search for: replace backlight in macbook
Thanks Limnos! 🙂
OK. Thanks, but how can i know for sure what the problem is?
You're welcome! You narrowed down the issue (though I was kind of heading that way when I asked if the computer was still booting but dim).
Well. it is booting but the screen still ends up almost black and i still need the flashlight... Sometimes the screen stays on a bit longer tho and sometimes it won't even flash.
You either need to get the back light replaced or buy a big supply of flashlight batteries. It's kind of similar to the kitchen light bulb being blown - your options are very limited unless you're good at seeing in the dark.
Edit: Well I guess there are some options if you want to start experimenting: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/1140505
It's almost certain one of those two, most likely the Inverter, & a slight chance of a third possibility... the cable that goes through the hinges.
And by the back light you mean the inverter, right? or are they separate parts? I am sorry to ask, but i am not good with parts...
Oh, OK... got it!
Thanks a lot for your help.
you've been very kind.
Message was edited by: writing4vicky
At start up, my monitor flashes once and then goes black. HELP PLEASE!
