08-19-2010, 03:26 PM

Hey everyone,

I have my macbook for 3 years now and I dropped it about a year ago. My friend fixed it (basically the HD got knocked so we whiped it and put a new os on it.)

What's been happening now for about half a year is that I the screenlight keeps flickering. Usually I have it on the lowest setting. If I turn my Macbook on, it I have to play with the light-settings until the light stays on because it keeps turning off. After a while, it will stay on but it will seldom work on a medium or full light setting.

Do you think it's the controller or the bulb? Where could I purchase them?

Thanks SO much.

08-19-2010, 08:10 PM

The lamp that lights the display is called a backlight. Your model MacBook uses a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) to light the display. That lamp in turn receives AC power from an inverter.

So either could be defective or intermittent (CCFL or inverter). Or there could be a loose connection between the power source and the LCD panel.

I suggest you take your machine in to an expert (authorized Apple repair) and have them trouble shoot it for you. Changing the backlight is a very difficult procedure and is hardly ever done. Most repair facilities will change the entire display which includes the backlight. Changing out the inverter is also not easy.

Regards.

08-19-2010, 09:02 PM

Is it likely that it's the inverter? There are tutorials of how to change it on the internet. I'm not taking it into the store bc they'll charge me a crapload of money.. What's the most likely to be broken? the inverter? Where can I order an inverter?

08-20-2010, 02:57 AM

I have no idea what could be defective in your machine. As I stated in my first reply it could even be a loose or pinched cable or connector. If you wish to trouble shoot the machine yourself, go to iFixit: The free repair manual and take a look at their instructions on how to take your machine apart and do repairs. They also sell parts.

Regards.