[Corina]

My iBook 500 dual USB's backlight goes out sometimes. It seems to happen if I close the lid to put it to sleep for long periods of time, but I can't recreate it at will by opening and closing the lid. I thought it was probably a wiring issue (hinge), but today when it happened I was able to put it to sleep using the apple menu, then wake it up touching a key, and that worked (so the hinge position stayed the same).

Anyone have an idea how I can figure out where the problem is? Is there any possibility it could be a corrupted file or something, or does this sound like it has to be hardware?

TIA for any suggestions or info!

[seanc]

Replace the backlight cable.
Since you have it open, it shouldn't be that much more difficult.

[Waragainstsleep]

Its probably the reed switch sticking. Next time it happens, run a magnet down the edges of the display(I forget exactly where it is). Strong magnet will work better. It was a very common issue with the earlier G3s. If a new reed switch doesn't do it, it may be the inverter/cable. Changing the reed switch is a pain though, the cable runs through the hinge.