DIY backlight replacement? g4 12" alum. pb

xfurious_mindx · #1 March 14th, 2005, 02:21 PM

i have been given a 12" g4 aluminum powerbook which was dropped. (the owner took it to an apple store, and they said it would be almost $1000 to fix it, so he got a new one and told me i could do whatever i wanted to with the old one). everything works fine, except the display is very dark. the screen lights up when i shine a flashlight through the apple on the back. from what i've read, i think this is probably a backlight issue. i have not worked with apple powerbooks before, but am technically savvy with taking apart various computers (pc's, new and old iMacs, and various pc-type laptops) so I'm trying to tackle this myself.

So - my question is - do I have to take everything (and I do mean -everything-) out of the laptop in order to get the display off (as detailed on pbfixit.com) before taking the display apart to replace the backlight bulb? Or is there an easier way? I'm not entirely sure how to take apart the display, either, so any ideas on that would be welcome.

Yes, I know I could really screw up the laptop (but I'm going to try it, anyway). I won't hold you responsible.

thanks in advance!
--lacinda

bobw · #2 March 14th, 2005, 03:19 PM

Here's a Service Manual for help.

xfurious_mindx · #3 March 14th, 2005, 07:55 PM

nice! thanks!

xfurious_mindx · #4 March 28th, 2005, 10:12 AM

oh yes, btw, i fixed it by replacing the backlight. thanks again for the manual - it was a great help!

HateEternal · #5 March 28th, 2005, 02:46 PM

How much did it end up costing you? Just curious.

xfurious_mindx · #6 March 28th, 2005, 05:30 PM

$60
of course, as soon as i ordered it, i found a site that supposedly sells them for $30...
oh well.

Satcomer · #7 March 29th, 2005, 09:05 AM

I am just curious, what actual part (backlight) was replaced (maybe a link would help)? Plus, just a time estimate it took you to replace it. Thanks.

xfurious_mindx · #8 March 29th, 2005, 09:18 AM

i replaced the backlight - it's called a backlight bulb, but it's one part.

http://wegenermedia.com/lcdpage.htm (scroll down to the bottom where it says backlights and lcd tools)

i didn't do it all at once so i can't give you a good estimate of the time it took. basically, i took it apart one day and put it back together the next. the support guide linked above is great for taking everything out, and taking the display off, but you do actually have to disassemble the lcd display, which the service manual doesn't get into and is not really a task for the faint of heart. (hint: the backlight is at the bottom of the screen, and yes, you do have to take off the tape that says "DO NOT TOUCH THE WHITE TAPE").