Macbook Pro (early 2011) keyboard backlight doesn't adjust

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Level 1

15 points

Macbook Pro (early 2011) keyboard backlight doesn't adjust

Hi,

Running OS X 10.11.4

Ok, here is the problem. The keyboard backlight is very dim. F5 & F6 keys do not work for adjusting it and nothing appears on the screen when pressing either. Tested by installing Lab Tick and the backlight can be dimmed but the bright setting is pretty much non visible.

I have done the following:

Reset SMC

Reset PRAM

Keyboard system preferences does not show the option to adjust illumination of backlight.

I have tested the ambient light sensor and it seems to be working correctly as the screen is dimmed automatically when I cover the sensor (camera).

I have turned on and off the automatically adjust display brightness and turned on and off the "slightly adjust the display when on battery power" in the energy savings.

It just appears that the operating system is not recognizing that the keyboard has a backlight at all. I initially thought it was a hardware problem because the light is so dim it really doesn't even illuminate the keys. Light can be seen around the edge of each key.

Anyone with any suggestions other than the old faithful hammer solution which serves to eliminate all computer or electronic problems.

Cheers,

Otto

MacBook Pro (13-inch Early 2011), OS X El Capitan (10.11.4)

Posted on May 7, 2016 6:14 PM

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Answer 1

Devin_FG

Level 1

8 points

Dec 13, 2017 8:57 PM in response to odevries

I am having this same issue

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Answer 2

Duane

Level 10

124,293 points

May 7, 2016 7:34 PM in response to odevries

odevries wrote:

Thanks, I actually found that link already. I can't execute their option #2 in their suggestions as it doesn't appear in my keyboard preferences anymore (Missing: "Automatically illuminate keyboard in low light") Which is part of my concern.

...

If you are using El Capitan the option is called "Adjust keyboard brightness in low light"

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Answer 3

odevries Author

Level 1

15 points

May 8, 2016 6:58 AM in response to Duane

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Answer 4

odevries Author

Level 1

15 points

May 7, 2016 6:53 PM in response to ManSinha

Thanks, I actually found that link already. I can't execute their option #2 in their suggestions as it doesn't appear in my keyboard preferences anymore (Missing: "Automatically illuminate keyboard in low light") Which is part of my concern.

Just a few additional things I have tried as well:

I deleted the ambient light sensor preferences from the Library Folder: "com.apple.iokit.AmbientLightSensor.plist"

The only way the back light is illuminating is by using Lab Tick. I hadn't realized this before....its just not bright enough. In conclusion the mac os on its own is not seeing the fact my keyboard even has a backlight. Could it be a keyboard problem or internal connector?

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