Anybody ever replace the ccfl backlight in a G4 15"?

[Unknown_K]

I have a G4 A1138 that works except for the backlight (shining a flashlight shows the apple logo on the screen and text from a bad boot crash). I just replaced the power inverter board hoping it would be a cheap easy fix and no luck. Since this is the higher resolution screen an LCD replacement might be costly and you never know if the backlight is good or not I was wondering if anybody ever tried replacing the bulb? They seem to be on sale shipped for $20 or less with ends soldered on.

 

[mopar300m]

I've replaced several LCD backlights, it's not an easy job to do. On some LCDs it is very easy to damage something and getting the diffuser sheets lined up properly can be a chore. If you're handy with small stuff give it a shot. With a laptop that age you should be able to source an LCD for not much more than the cost of the CCFL.

One question, have you ruled out a bad inverter?

 

[Unknown_K]

I did mention I replaced the inverter since it was the easiest way to go. I have a bulb on order should be here early next week. Might have a 12" G4 laptop coming with a broken bulb as well (have a spare screen that's cracked but the bulb is good). Might just practice on the 12" first.

 

[trag]

II have a bulb on order should be here early next week. Might have a 12" G4 laptop coming with a broken bulb as well (have a spare screen that's cracked but the bulb is good). Might just practice on the 12" first.

Let us know how it goes. I've been wanting to do the same on some Dell D430 with OSX loaded but haven't made the time/ worked up the courage.

 

[Unknown_K]

It wasn't the backlight nor the inverter. Seems like a video card issues (connected the machine to an external monitor and it panics on booting from a 10.4 cd).

Bummer.