Unable to Change Brightness on LCD R52 XGA

[scr71822]

I picked up an R52 and I am unable to make it brighter. Seems to be at the lowest setting hitting FN + HOME shows the indicator and the level of brightness but the backlight does not get brighter. Any thoughts?

[Harryc]

If this is on battery only, there is a BIOS setting to increase brightness in the config/display section. If it occurs while plugged it, make sure all power manager settings are unchecked for dimming and checked for max brightness. If it's none of that, you need a new backlight.

[scr71822]

I will clarify a few points.

It was fine before I attempted to flash the Embedded Controller from 1.01 to 1.06. I suspect the computer had a virus and infected the diskless executable. It hung at the flashing for a about 15 minutes. I powered off the laptop nad it came back up still at 1.01. Ultimately I was able to flash it to 1.06 via a usb floppy. Everything is fine except the LCD brightness is stuck at the lowest level (the backlight is not out) Hitting Function + Home shows the on screen display brigtness level but it does not get brighter. Laptop is fully funtional just stuck on the lowest brightness.

[scr71822]

I think when I attempted to flash the EC it caused the problem. Is it possible to reflash it or perhaps put a different version on say 1.05?

the Backlight was working fine before the flash and still works but is on a lowsetting.

[emeraldgirl08]

What happens if you go to BIOS and attempt to change brightness?

[scr71822]

No change still at the lowest briteness. If you plug it in it doesn't change either. I downloaded 1.05 ec I am going to try to apply it.

[emeraldgirl08]

Keep us posted. I have not tried reflashing EC to a lower version myself. I sure hope that fixes it for you!

[scr71822]

Well I tried and it says it is the wrong version. Has anyone gone down level on the bios and EC? How Exactly do you do it?

[ajkula66]

I believe that there are separate versions of BIOS/EC for Intel-based vs. ATi-based R52 units. Make sure that you're attempting a flash with a correct one.

It should warn you that it's a downgrade, but proceed once you okay it.

Good luck.

[scr71822]

Yep I verified the model # as 1849-6vu and used my USB floggy to put it back to 1.18 and 1.02 for BIOS and EC. No change, so, perhaps it is the inverter or the CCFL?!?

[scr71822]

I tried another LCD and it was nice and bright I will try replacing the inverter next.