Powerbook G4 Keyboard Backlight not working.

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Level 1

0 points

Powerbook G4 Keyboard Backlight not working.

Hi, I've had my powerbook g4 since about august last year, and about a month ago the keyboard backlight stopped working. I have the controls on the F7-F9 keys, but these do not do anything now. I have browsed the online help and the help on the powerbook, and it just told me to check the box in System Preferences>Keyboard and Mouse>keyboard, which says Illuminate keyboard in low light conditions, But this option is not there! Anywhere! I am stuck now as to what I can do. I just rang up apple, but I cannot afford the 200 odd quid for applecare. has anybody ever come accross this problem?
thanks for any help

Powerbook G4, Mac OS X (10.4.5)

Posted on Mar 31, 2006 3:42 AM

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Answer 1

BW Lee

Level 4

2,574 points

Mar 31, 2006 6:07 AM in response to Seb James

Here in the states, we're covered for a year so it might be worth a trip to the apple store genius bar. If you got it last August they'd still cover the repair.

Otherwise, the only thing I could think to suggest would be to reset your power management unit. Find instructions for your model here:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=14449

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Answer 2

Tuttle

Level 7

29,541 points

Mar 31, 2006 7:00 AM in response to Seb James

It's probably a hardware problem, possibly a loose cable connector. When hardware options disappear from System Preferences, it often suggests that the software is doing its job. It doesn't see the hardware, so the options for that piece of hardware disappear. We see this from time to time with keyboard backlighting on PBs.

Perhaps the best thing to do would be to have it checked by an AASP.

And BW is correct: if it is a hardware problem, you are covered under Apple's warranty for one year from the date of first purchase, so AppleCare won't be necessary.

Good luck!

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Answer 3

Mar 31, 2006 12:28 PM in response to Seb James

Look online for a retailer selling Apple Care. In the US we can get it cheaper than the $349 the Apple wants. When I bought my PB I told the sales rep at the Apple Store that I would get it online and he gave it to me for the same price as from an online retailer - $249. Worth a try as Apple Care is worth every pence you pay.

MJ

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