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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 Backlight on ONLY when lid is almost closed?

MacBook 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Model A1181

When I first turn on my Black Macbook A1181 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo notebook, the screen's backlight will only come on when the lid is virtually closed. As the computer warms up, I can open the lid in smalls amounts. However if I open it too far, the backlight turns off.

This process usually take close to 45 minutes until I can set the lid at any position without the backlight turning off. Any suggestions? Difficult fix?

Should I replace the Inverter? Or could this simply be a cable issue? Is this possibly a MagSafe Board issue?

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Apple MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.16 13" (White) Specs

Identifiers: Mid-2007 - MB062LL/A - MacBook2,1 - A1181 - 2139

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Replace your inverter cable(s) and/or make sure the existing ones are properly seated. As you describe the problem, it is either in the cables or the connections.

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If you can still see the desktop dimly when it goes dark, this is your answer.

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Most definitely.

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This is an A1181 Macbook. It has a CCFL backlight. A CCFL backlight requires a certain amount of voltage for the inverter to to work properly. If it works at all, ever, consistently the problem is in the inverter cables or their connections 90+ % of the time.

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Sounds great guys, thanks a lot. If you have any idea if I should get the Display Data Cable over the Inverter Cable, please let me know!

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Sounds like you have a damaged Display Data Cable. Here's how to replace it: MacBook Core 2 Duo Display Data Cable Replacement

If it is the inverter, here's the guide I wrote on replacing that: MacBook Core 2 Duo LCD & Inverter A1181 (fast method) Replacement

Here's the part you need:

MacBook Display Data Cable

Hook it up to an external monitor to insure that the problem is isolated to the display unit. If the external works, it confirms the problem is in the display unit. Holding a flashlight at an angle to the screen helps diagnose a bad inverter or inverter connection. You will be able to discern the desktop dimly.

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MacBook Display Data Cable

$19.99

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MacBook Core 2 Duo LCD & Inverter A1181 (fast method) Replacement

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MacBook Core 2 Duo Display Data Cable Replacement

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Thanks! This is great news. How would I know if it's the Display Data Cable, or the Inverter Cable?

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Good question, usually if you can discern the desktop when it's on it's the inverter or inverter cable. If you can't see the desktop then it's the display data cable. These things both get pinched in the hinge so the damage ends up being undetectable from the outside. The fact that it comes on when moving the screen is the giveaway on the cables.

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Props to you guys for your huge effort and compendium of knowledge! I'll start with the cables and work from there!

You've been a huge help, the both of you!

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The thing is, the back light is the issue... not the display. I can plainly see windows on the screen, even color and my background image changing. However, the back light is what is only coming on when it's almost closed.

As the computer "warms up", I can ever so slightly raise the computer screen. 45 minutes into this process, I can eventually open the lid all the way. But throughout this entire process, the back light will flicker, or turn off if I've opened it too much.

I would imagine the Inverter isn't to blame, since it's responsible for the actual image appearing on the screen--not the back light coming on.

Would I be safe to assume that it's a cable issue that would cause the back light to flicker, and only be on when almost closed?

Thanks for all your input. Promise this is the last question! Ha!

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The fact that changing the screen position has an influence on the backlight screams it is a cable issue.

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I agree with AB completely. It's a cable. We just don't know which one, could be either or both, there's really no way to tell till you start replacing them. AB and I are not kids. We probably have 50 years of experience between the two of us. Trust us we don't make a dime for doing this, it's just public service. We don't work for iFixit. We repair this stuff for a living but here we just try to help people.

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I have the same problem... could this be an issue with the lid switch? When the lid is almost closed the screen fully lights up... open it open and the screen goes dim again

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