Powerbook G4 keyboard Illumination not working

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Level 1

0 points

Powerbook G4 keyboard Illumination not working

I've noticed that the keyboard no longer illuminates, and the screen does not dim. I put my hands over the sensors and it still does not work. Went to prefs, and noticed that the preferences to set the auto illumination is no longer present.

I've searched this discussion board extensively and have tried all of the various recommendations; repaired permissions, reset PMU, and PRAM. rebooted several times, and it's still as if the feature simply does not exist anymore on my PB G4 1.5 GHz. yes, I have the on/of, dim and brighten kets on this model, and I remember using this while in dark rooms.

Is this due to a recent system software upgrade? Is there a fix I'm not aware of or havent yet tried?

I've also noticed the pulsing light on the latch is on and pulsing, while the screen is up and I'm working now.

-Andy

PowerBook G4 1.5 GHz, Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Posted on Sep 11, 2006 8:00 AM

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Answer 1

JDee

Level 5

6,491 points

Sep 11, 2006 8:57 AM in response to abrenits

Hi abrenits --

It sounds like you've tried all the self help I would suggest. Just to make sure, you might try following one more time the steps outlined in this thread on the same subject (assuming you haven't seen it already): http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2545741&#2545741

If, when all's said and done you still don't have keyboard lighting and the preference for same is gone from the System Preferences (and the feature is important to you), you're probably going to need to send it in for repairs (like the OP in the the thread I linked to). If you have AppleCare, the repair will almost certainly be covered. If not, you may want to contact local Apple Authorized Service Providers and get a sense for how much the repair might cost.

Good luck.

-- JDee

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Answer 2

NewSwede

Level 1

100 points

Sep 12, 2006 6:51 AM in response to abrenits

I had some problems with mine too. I found this software
http://labtick.proculo.de/
which lets you have control of the illuminated keyboard manually from the menu bar. Lots of options and it will remember your settings. Works great for me! Check it out.

ps. I have no affiliation with the developer. Just a user.

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Answer 3

Sep 25, 2006 10:55 PM in response to abrenits

I too have been having issues with both the ALS and backlit keyboard illumination not working and both buttons missing in their respective System Preference panel. I read a reply to this in another thread and this solution worked for me. My ALS is now back in the System Preference Monitor panel and the Backlit Keyboard settings are also back in the Keyboard/Mouse panel and they are both working (and backlit keyboard works using the F8-F10 keys).

If you haven't tried this, it might just work:

Try deleting the following files-
Macintosh HD>Library>Preferences>com.apple.BezelServices.plist
And
Macintosh HD>User>Library>Preferences>com.apple.BezelServices.plist

Drag both to the trash and then restart.

I hope this works for you.

S.

PowerBook G4 1.5 Aluminum Mac OS X (10.4.7)

PowerBook G4 1.5 Aluminum Mac OS X (10.4.7)

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Answer 4

JonBruc

Level 2

216 points

Oct 2, 2006 1:01 PM in response to abrenits

I've had some problems with my keyboard, but not exactly as you described. I noticed that you have to cover cover the light sensors to be able to use the keyboard to 'turn on' the illuminating function. It seems convoluted, but if you are in a lit room and try to turn on or adjust the illumination, you'll get the symbol with a circle and line through it. you have to cover the light sensors even to turn off the illumination.

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