claire.mia88

Q: Dark Screen, backlight issues


Hi there,

I have a mid 2009 MacBook pro which I have not been able to use since feb 2012, where the screen stopped working. The laptop still works but the screen is so dark that is unable to be used as u can barely see (but only just by shining a light on it.) At the time it stopped working I took it to the apple shop but they said it was wasn't covered under warrenty. Should have this been covered under Australian consumer law? as I think it is a backlight issue and not a software issue. Could someone please give me some advice to solve this? thanks

MacBook Pro (15-inch 2.53 GHz)

Posted on Dec 13, 2014 4:41 AM

Close

Q: Dark Screen, backlight issues

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Dec 26, 2014 5:47 PM in response to claire.mia88
    Level 6 (14,259 points)
    Desktops
    Dec 26, 2014 5:47 PM in response to claire.mia88

    The issue as stated suggests a backlight or other electronic component issue

    related to the display and not a software cause. Have no information on local

    consumer laws, and significant time has passed, so even with some law, it

    may be too late for some kind of adjustment to repair fees.

     

    To contact Apple there, to inquire, and also check the local government law

    would be the best thing to follow through on; we're just users helping users

    when possible, in these ASC discussions for the most part...

     

     

    • Australia - Sales, Service, certification, consulting, training options, etc.

     

    There are several parts that may contribute to the display backlight faillure

    to include inverter and other parts, there's a cable, a switch, and other items.

     

    Some of these start to go out due to the cable flexing between the movable

    display/lid and the logic board; others have a failure in the inverter itself. An

    Apple product specialist, authorized service provider, should be able to look

    into the issues, symptoms, and troubleshoot or diagnose the issue. This is

    about the only way to get an approximate estimate. Also, once opened up

    there may be other minor parts that could require replacement to assure the

    main repair (for the effort involved) to be a success. Some parts can still work

    but a history of their known duration before failure may be a factor if other items

    inside the computer may be addressed while it is open for a different service.

     

    So that may be the direction to go with this.

     

    You may be able to locate a qualified Apple expert or specialist, that could

    perform the work on an older out-of-warranty model; some the Store and

    genius bar may not mess with.

     

    If you have tried an external display with correct video display adapter, that is

    one of the ways to narrow down the other aspects of what may be involved

    with a repair. That would be a part of troubleshooting at home. Also consider

    the iFixit.com repair guides that cover most aspects of repair; they may be

    beyond ones technical skills & experience to DIY, yet helpful to know about.

     

    Older LCD units use a cold fluorescent light behind the LCD panel, newer ones

    use the LED (light diodes) instead; so they also have wear and failure causes

    in and of themselves; and panels could be bought in nearly complete form from

    a supply vendor. Other times, another Mac may be parted out, for such bits.

    In either kind of panel, there is a liquid crystal component of some kind or other.

     

    Hopefully you can talk to someone there who knows the legal issue you ask

    but it does seem quite along time ago since you bought it, and these do have

    a history of eventual failure. Almost all portable computers can have the cable

    or inverter, or other related parts fail at some point. If the computer has sat

    with the display open and it had only been used with external keyboard, and

    mouse, the hinge and cable to the display should never wear out. That said,

    the inverter and other electronic parts could still fail over time & due to use.

    Mine are rarely set to full-bright, to save the backlight from failure, and to limit

    the heat build-up which may also cause a problem with the electronics.

     

    Good luck & happy computing!

     

    edited