Keyboard backlighting issue fixes

[shuffles]

Illuminated Keyboard Problem!!!

I got a question bout the illuminated keyboard....it only turns on when there is a light on...when i turn off the lights it turns off. How do I fix this??

I went into the keyboard settings but all u can do is turn illumination on or off!!

PLEASE HELP!!!

 

[aaronw1986]

Use Lab Tick to have greater control. I'm sure a search would've revealed this.

http://labtick.proculo.de/

 

[shuffles]

Cheers, but i only have it a day so if i have to download a program to fix a problem after just one day then i might as well bring it back n get it fixed.

Is there anything else i can do? Its supposed to illuminate in the dark right?

 

[aaronw1986]

Cheers, but i only have it a day so if i have to download a program to fix a problem after just one day then i might as well bring it back n get it fixed.

Is there anything else i can do? Its supposed to illuminate in the dark right?

Do you have it set to "illuminate in low light conditions" ?

 

[NC MacGuy]

This is a pretty widespread issue. I'm sure it will get cleared up in a subsequent software/firmware revision. It's an annoyance but in my opinion, not enough to be a deal breaker.

 

[shuffles]

Dont worry, i love my MBA!!! its the best laptop ive ever used!!! and yes, i have it set to illuminate in low light conditions. How many others are experiencing this problem???

 

[NC MacGuy]

I can bet just about everybody....

 

[alpinadvl]

Not trying to snipe anyone here - but I do not have this problem.

I am really surprised to hear this is "widespread" - I would be upset if this was the case with my computer !

 

[devilot]

shuffles, I've merged your thread with this existing one as it's very much so related. In the future, please try to do a brief search before starting a new thread in case the issue is already being discussed elsewhere on the forums, thanks.

Not trying to snipe anyone here - but I do not have this problem.

I am really surprised to hear this is "widespread" - I would be upset if this was the case with my computer !

MR isn't indicative of every MBA and every MBA owner, but it's not only shuffles who is having this and other issues w/ the backlighting.

 

[NC MacGuy]

Three of the four Air's on display at my local Apple store when I covered sensor shut OFF keyboard illumination. I was thinking mine was broke too until I went to Apple Store and checked myself.

My first MBP had similar issues that were somewhat remedied in software updates.

 

[happyslayer]

I am also having the keyboard issues.

The only useful solution is Lab Tic. I have tried all the posted fixes. Sometimes they work for a little while (a few minutes at most) but they do not last long.

I love this laptop so far, but I really want the keyboard backlighting to work as it is supposed to. I certainly will not be returning it over it since lab tick will let it work, but I am definitely hoping that they (Apple) release some kind of software fix.

Anyway, just mentioning that I have the issues as well.

 

[applestew]

This is likely to be a software issue.

I've read somewhere that the MBA ambient light sensor has got several trigger points. From Very bright down to no light.

I tested this myself. Hold ur hand over the sensor and gradually move in, u will see the screen gradually darken as the perceived ambient light reduces.

Now I've played with the sensor and keyboard backlight options.

And found like what people say...

You HAVE TO totally COVER the ambient light sensor, then you proceed to adjust the keyboard backlight settings.

This way the keyboard backlight will behave itself as it should.

I think many get the problem when they are attempting to adjust the keyboard backlight in the intemediate ambient light levels. This makes the keyboard backlight go flipflop.

Why? I don't know. A software fix is likely on the way. Till then this is a good way to remedy your problem.

 

[NC MacGuy]

This is likely to be a software issue.

I've read somewhere that the MBA ambient light sensor has got several trigger points. From Very bright down to no light.

I tested this myself. Hold ur hand over the sensor and gradually move in, u will see the screen gradually darken as the perceived ambient light reduces.

Now I've played with the sensor and keyboard backlight options.

And found like what people say...

You HAVE TO totally COVER the ambient light sensor, then you proceed to adjust the keyboard backlight settings.

This way the keyboard backlight will behave itself as it should.

I think many get the problem when they are attempting to adjust the keyboard backlight in the intemediate ambient light levels. This makes the keyboard backlight go flipflop.

Why? I don't know. A software fix is likely on the way. Till then this is a good way to remedy your problem.

This seems to work for a while for me but loses its calibration after moving room to room and sleeping the processor in-between.

 

[anfield11]

Mine isn't working either...it was wonderful while it did. I do notice though that when I try to press the F5 & F6 keys that the guage/icon that appears on the screen has a little "no entry" sign under it. Anyone else see this?

 

[anfield11]

I just did a software update and there was a download for Leopard graphics [which involved a re-start after]. I don't see why a Leopard graphics update would effect the keyboard, but my backlit keyboard is working again???

 

[NC MacGuy]

I just did a software update and there was a download for Leopard graphics [which involved a re-start after]. I don't see why a Leopard graphics update would effect the keyboard, but my backlit keyboard is working again???

Maybe it was just restarting that reset it. I've done the update and it made no real difference to mine. Now on the other hand, restarting the system will make a difference.

 

[Mr X]

Mine isn't working either...it was wonderful while it did. I do notice though that when I try to press the F5 & F6 keys that the guage/icon that appears on the screen has a little "no entry" sign under it. Anyone else see this?

Yep exactly the same symptoms here

 

[saisrujan]

Another thing that annoys me is that the backlight is off in a dark room just when I wake it from sleep. I squint my eyes, type the password and press enter, lo and behold, the backlight dramatically lights up!

 

[rroback]

Hopefully they can fix this in a somewhat timely manner. It's not huge, but it is annoying. I tried all the fixes on my air, but none seem to work. I don't care a whole lot, as the keyboard stays mostly lit ( since my laptop is basically stationary), but when the air starts to venture out ( when I get a darn case), I'll care a lot more.

 

[shuffles]

Does anyone know if the backlighting issue has been fixed yet???

 

[dahcheet]

Does anyone know if the backlighting issue has been fixed yet???

No complete fix. Just the temporary ones listed in this thread. It is quite a pain.

 

[shuffles]

I hear that dude...i hear that. Hope they fix it soon

 

[cbeyond]

MBA Keyboard Backlight Issues

I purchased my Air about 2 weeks ago.
The light sensitive keyboard backlight seems to be working backwards.
It does not turn on when the ambient light dims...but then illuminates as the background lighting increases.
In fact it has come on when a light was shone directly on the computer, but turns itself off as the light goes off.

I've tried resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) according to Apple Support directions, but nothing seems to change.

Any ideas?

 

[junglebutterfly]

OK heres mine my keyboard and screen are doing the same thing at the same time

when it use to work when i turned the light off the screen dimmed and the keys brightened

now they dim and lighten at the same time

I tried the move the hand closer to the sensor and it made my screen and keys get brighter.

I did just turn up the key brightnes so now its always on but for the money this notebook cost it needs to work the way it is supposed to

sidenote.. I have the graphics update loaded and it didnt fix anything

 

[caelem]

Any word on a fix yet?