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Model A1181: 1.83, 2, 2.1, 2.13, 2.16, 2.2, or 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo processor

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Screen goes dim after 10 seconds.

Hi all,

I have a Macbook A1181 which starts up okay but after about 10 seconds (just after the apple logo appears on the grey background)the screen goes dim.

I can see the picture faintly on the screen and if I turn the screen brightness right down and then back up the screen is lit but then goes dim again. I've changed the inverter and the problem persists.

Is there a sensor or switch that may be at fault or could the screen be at fault?

Andy

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have you tried booting with your top case disconnected? If not, try that and let me know your results.

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What happens if you try starting up and hold down the "Shift key"?

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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.

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Hate to ask such a silly question, but did you change the Inverter cable as well or did you just replace the inverter?

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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.

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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

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,i've encounter thid problem before with the new macbook not a1181 model...i replace the whole LCD/screen with new LCD which i order here at iFixit... but unluckily it does not solve the problem. the problem is the "onboard video chipset controller". try to reflow the video chips.

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That's a pretty extreme fix for an undiagnosed problem.

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What are the markings (letters and numbers) on the chip you reflowed to make yours work?

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Let's see if we can narrow down the problem. Hook it up to an external monitor and see if the problem persists.

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I am having this problem and I have an external monitor. The external remains lit up while the MacBook screen goes dim .

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@Josh,

Wondering what the issue is if the screen stays bright with the top case removed? I'm asking because I have a MacBook 1.83 that is doing just that. I've replaced the LCD, inverter and cable but it still dims if I boot with the topcase on. For some reason, without the top case it works fine (external keyboard and mouse). Not a long term solution though. :)

Please help.

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The Apple solution for that would be a new top case. I don't have that specific machine available right now, so I don't think I'll be much more help. See if you can figure out where to go with it. Or, the easy answer is to just replace the top case and test.

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Josh,

I think there's a reed switch in the topcase, somewhere on the left hand side that gets activated by a magnet in the lid. If that switch is getting nudged by something it could set the screen to dim.

If you've changed the lcd, did you notice the magnet? It could be tucked away in the body.

Andy

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yes I sent my machine over for lcd replacement'

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