iMac late 2009 backlight issue

[denyason]

Dear forum members,
I know my late 2009 iMac is old but it does a great job for my needs like web browsing, video streaming etc. Its a 27inch A1312 model. I've done a lot of research online and done most things to try to fix it but to no avail.
Its a well known backlight issue all over the internet where the backlight is temperamental and only works on the lowest setting thats if you can get the screen to it work- ctrl+shift+eject helps but its not a fix. I replaced the worn v-sync cable which did nothing. External screen works like normal if that helps.
What are my options? new display is around £200-350 which is great but what if this did not fix it? I'm no tech expert but i do have some basic knowledge. I did replace the graphics card few years ago when black boxes kept appearing on the screen and i definitely don't think its the graphics card.
Don't want to or can afford to waste a lot of money on a new iMac/pc when mine still looks the part. if i can fix/mend it then it'll last a few more years, it aint dead yet. help would be great, whats your advice? replace the display or is there the option to replace the backlight component etc.

 

[chscag]

The first thing to do is go to the US site www.ifixit.com and see what they say. I don't remember if your iMac has an LED backlight arrangement or uses the older tube type. I believe it's LED but am not sure. Normally, the repair for that symptom is to replace the entire display unit since the backlight is built in. Anyway, go to the ifixit web site, and do some research. If you're able to do most work yourself, you should have no problem replacing the display. I'm sure you can shop around over there in the UK (perhaps eBay) and find a new display for less cost.

 

[denyason]

thanks chscag. Great website ifixit. yes mine is the LED backlight and after bit of reading i think i don't need to replace the display itself but the LED driver board which i've just ordered. fingers cross this will fix it if not then its most likely replacing the whole display, still significantly cheaper than buying a new, decent iMac. thanks again. i will reply once I've received my led board to see if it works.

 

[chscag]

Good deal. Let us know how the repair goes and good luck with it. A 2009 iMac is still a useful machine.

 

[denyason]

HAPPY!!!! thanks chscag So happy. Bought the led board for £40 from eBay, brand new and fitted it 30 mins ago and blown away, straight away a bright white light and wow, full brightness and so chuffed. few weeks ago i had seriously contemplated paying over a £1000 for a new iMac and making sacrifices elsewhere.....now i've saved money and my iMac the serve me right for a few more years. this forum saved my life!

 

[chscag]

Thanks for posting back. And enjoy your 2009 iMac for many more years!

 

[denyason]

thank you.

 

[pm-r]

HAPPY!!!!

Glad to hear the fix worked and thanks for posting back.

I was going to suggest purchasing another used same iMac model and then keep yours for spares, but I think your method was probably better and cheaper.




- Patrick
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[dtravis7]

Great to know it was just the driver board. Glad you got it up and running again. Great machine still. Is yours an i5 or i7? Those are still very fast even on Sierra.