Keyboard Backlighting problem on E6400- very dim!

how has your issue worked out? i have a problem with my keboard backlight thats similar to yours.any info is appriciated

thanks.

 

Unfortunately, the replacement keyboard didn't fix the problem. I have two E6400s (one work, one personal...and work, too). When the new keyboard was still not properly illluminating, I switched it out with my other E6400 to test it. It lit up perfectly in the other machine....so the problem lies somewhere deeper than the keyboard. It has now become so dim that it doesn't appear to be illuminated at all unless I'm in a pitch dark room...then it glows a bit.

I haven't pursued the issue any further for now because it will obviously require sending it in for testing/repair. I'm just pretending that it's just a plain non-backlit keyboard until I have time to deal with it...

It sounds as though mine isn't a totally isolated issue if yours is doing the same...

 

although mine was dim, and they sent me a new one, which was bright. So YMMV, as they say. Good luck!

 

Hey Allfiredup, there has not been any mention of the ALS sensor. It can have negative affects on the back light if set wrong. Here is an interesting document on Dell's website that might help.

http://support.dell.com/support/top...d=5D026FC4791E28FDE040AE0AB7E177AE&doclang=en

 

***UPDATE on dim keyboard backlighting***

The keyboard only has a faint glow between the keys even in a pitch-dark room. The letters/characters on the keys aren't illuminated at all.

I've been emailing a support tech, since this is a non-critical issue. At this point, he thinks replacing the palm rest assembly will correct the problem. He is asking whether I feel comfortable replacing the it or would I prefer to ship it in for the repair.....I'm stressing over what to do!

Here are the following items that must be removed prior to removing the Palm Rest:
-Remove Bottom Base Assembly (Bottom Cover)
-Remove Processor Heatsink Assembly
-Remove Hinge Covers
-Remove Modular Drive
-Remove Display Assembly (Disconnect display cable from system board & un-route the cable) *this is where I start to get freaked out, actually removing the entire lid/display from the system!
-Remove LED Cover (trim piece above keyboard with Volume buttons and LEDs)
-Remove Keyboard
-Remove Right Speaker Grill

After that, the steps to remove the Palm Rest are:
-Turn over and remove seven (7) screws
-Turn computer topside up and remove four (4) screws labeled "P"
-Lift the touch pad cable to reveal contactless smart card cable, disconnect cable from system board
-Lift the left side of the palm rest, then push in on the right side to release the palm rest tabs.
-Pull the palm rest forward, then carefully lift it up from the computer.

Dare I attempt it? Will I ever get it all back together (and properly connect all the cables back to the system board)?

Input/advice is needed and appreciated!

 

That's a long list of steps which I would be reluctant to start on unless absolutely necessary although the Dell service manual is an excellent guide.

However, what is the certainty that doing all that will fix the problem? it seems to be a very obscure fault. I would be tempted to ship it in (how many days?) so Dell can set about replacing everything if that is what is needed.

John

 

Yeah, I think you're right. I'd basically be tearing down the entire system and it's so easy for clips to break and getting all the cables reconnected to the system board....if I break anything in the process, they won't warranty it. I'll just wait until I can do without it for a week or so (I have a vacation planned in June) and send it in for them to fix!