Lenovo Keyboard Backlighting Problem

[Ghoti Ichthus]

I can't get the backlighting function to work on Lenovo Thinkpad (netbook/very small laptop). The other evening it would come on then immediately shut off. Then it stopped working altogether.
The backlight function works for the function keys
The function and space key, which together operate the keyboard backlight function, work as usual for the other things they control
The driver is up-to-date
I've turned off and restarted the computer numerous times since this started. In the usual manner, and by unplugging and using the power button and holding it for 22+ seconds and 30+ seconds.

Does anyone have any ideas before I resort to trying to lift the two keys to try to clean under the keys/contacts? and if that doesn't work, take the whole thing apart and try to clean under the whole keyboard/contacts? This doesn't seem like something I should try to do essentially one-handed, so not going to attempt for at least a few days.


Thank you.

 

[Tall Timbers]

From your description it sounds like the blacklisting might be toast. Hope not, but it sounds like it.

How old is your netbook?

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

From your description it sounds like the blacklisting might be toast. Hope not, but it sounds like it.

How old is your netbook?

I don't know. I bought it used an from a reputable local shop that refurbishes trade-ins from businesses that are upgrading. I've had it either 1 1/2 or 2 1/2 or maybe 3 1/2 years, so no warranty. All the months and years are run together [sigh] IIRC, I got it in March of whatever year.

Is the function on the mommyboard, keyboard, or someplace else?

 

[Tall Timbers]

Is the function on the mommyboard, keyboard, or someplace else?

I don't know but there's a good chance that it's from the mobo.

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

@Tall Timbers

Better get my tools and cleaning stuff together for when hand is happier . . . [sigh]

The rest of the computer works fine
The internet, not so much

 

[mattfivefour]

Here are a couple of suggestions to deal with your problem, from the Lenovo site:

Step Three - Check whether keyboard backlight can be turned on under BIOS or Safe Mode

1. Enter ThinkPad BIOS, or Safe Mode.
2. Press Fn + Space or Esc to check if the backlight works.
   • If this works, go to Lenovo support website to update BIOS to the latest.
   • If this does not work under BIOS or Safe Mode, backup important data and perform System restore from previous restore point.

Step Four - Perform a Power Drain

For systems with a detachable battery, try the following steps:

• Unplug the AC adapter and remove the battery.
• Hold the Power button down for at least 10 seconds.
• Install the battery, plug in the AC adapter, and try powering on the system.

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

Here are a couple of suggestions to deal with your problem, from the Lenovo site:

Step Three - Check whether keyboard backlight can be turned on under BIOS or Safe Mode

1. Enter ThinkPad BIOS, or Safe Mode.
2. Press Fn + Space or Esc to check if the backlight works.
   • If this works, go to Lenovo support website to update BIOS to the latest.
   • If this does not work under BIOS or Safe Mode, backup important data and perform System restore from previous restore point.

Step Four - Perform a Power Drain

For systems with a detachable battery, try the following steps:

• Unplug the AC adapter and remove the battery.
• Hold the Power button down for at least 10 seconds.
• Install the battery, plug in the AC adapter, and try powering on the system.

@mattfivefour

My battery isn't detachable without disassembly (waiting until better to do any messing around opening the case, etc.).

Wonder what would happen if I unplugged the computer and used it until the battery died, and then did the 10 second thing, as above?

 

[mattfivefour]

I am sorry, sis; I did not realize you had a non-detachable battery. I should have included the rest of the info--

For systems with a built-in battery, try the following steps:

• Unplug the AC adapter.
• Hold the Power button down for at least 10 seconds.
• Reconnect the AC adapter and try turning it ON.

If the keyboard backlight can still not be turned on after trying the previous steps, click Contact Us.