[Pomar]

Hello everyone

I'm running a white MacBook (MacBook White Early 2009). Sometimes, after working for while or surfing the web, the screen becomes black. It may also happen that the light comes back if I move the screen, but then I can't work: the screen's new angle makes it impossible for me to type or see anything in a natural position.

Has anybody experienced a similar situation? If so, what was the cause?

And the solution?

I've already replaced a hard drive in a iBook, so I wouldn't mind opening the box and replacing what needs to be replaced...

Thank you!

Pomar

MacBook White Early 2009, Mac OS X 10.7.2, 4 GB RAM.

[Pomar]

I forgot to mention that when I plug an external monitor and choose «Detect Displays» I get video.

The problem started aprox. 2 months after installing Lion.

Thank you for your thoughts.

[Waragainstsleep]

I assume plugging in an external monitor doesn't get the video back on the built-in screen?

When the screen goes black, look at it very closely. Shine a bright light on it, or from behind it and see if you can still see the image on the screen.

I suspect the backlight is going out. This could be the LCD, or the sleep switch but is most likely an inverter or inverter cable. Annoying to replace but not impossible. Fewer screws than an iBook HDD, but you need to remember where those cables go.

[Pomar]

Hi, Waragainstsleep, thank you for your answer.

I assume plugging in an external monitor doesn't get the video back on the built-in screen?

You are right, no video on the MacBook. I only have video in the external monitor.

When the screen goes black, look at it very closely. Shine a bright light on it, or from behind it and see if you can still see the image on the screen.

Yes, I can. It's fainted, but it's there.

I suspect the backlight is going out. This could be the LCD, or the sleep switch but is most likely an inverter or inverter cable. Annoying to replace but not impossible. Fewer screws than an iBook HDD, but you need to remember where those cables go.

Do you think I could easily buy one of those in an electronics store?

Thank you.

[Waragainstsleep]

No, you need the specific part for your MacBook. They are mostly interchangeable in the MacBooks from 2006-2008/9 I believe.

There are guides on how to do it on ifixit.com. You can get the part(s) from eBay or a site like powerbookmedic.com.

[Pomar]

Thank you, Waragainstsleep. I think I just got myself a project for the holidays...