Thanks for your help and suggestions, everyone. It seems that the it was the backlight itself at fault. As I commented earlier, pressing a certain point on the screen surround resulted in the screen going dim (at the bottom, just to the left of where it says 'macbook'). If I released the pressure (by removing the screen bezel or flexing the whole screen) I could set the brightness to minimum and then raise it to make light up again.
Firstly I replaced the screen inverter as it was the most likely culprit but there was no change. After reading around I suspected that the inverter cable had been damaged and was shorting so I purchased and replaced that but still the problem persisted. I replaced the screen last night and it has been working without problem since.
I suspect, though I haven't dismantled the screen to confirm it, that where the bulb connects to the power source has a problem. If I get the chance I'll test this.
Regards,
Andy
crwdns2894046:0crwdne2894046:0
crwdns2894056:0crwdne2894056:0
crwdns2915270:0crwdne2915270:0
crwdns2889612:0crwdne2889612:0
0
have you tried booting with your top case disconnected? If not, try that and let me know your results.
crwdns2893770:0crwdnd2893770:0 Josh crwdne2893770:0
What happens if you try starting up and hold down the "Shift key"?
crwdns2893770:0crwdnd2893770:0 mayer crwdne2893770:0
Hi Mayer. The same thing happens even when I hold the shift key down: grey screen, apple logo and then the screen goes dim. I haven't tried disconnecting the top case yet, though.
crwdns2893770:0crwdnd2893770:0 andyinwales crwdne2893770:0
Hate to ask such a silly question, but did you change the Inverter cable as well or did you just replace the inverter?
crwdns2893770:0crwdnd2893770:0 Majesty crwdne2893770:0
I dont think it's your reed switch cause that would put the Mac to sleep and you won't see any images at all o your screen.
crwdns2893770:0crwdnd2893770:0 Majesty crwdne2893770:0
crwdns2893776:05crwdne2893776:0