Chosen Solution

Hi; The noted Macbook will sleep automatically per settings in System Preferences and when  > Sleep is selected. However, when the lid is closed it will not sleep and the back-lit Apple logo on the cover stays lit. I’ve tried creating a new user - issue remains. Tried a clean install of Mavericks - issue remains. This Macbook recently received a new screen (from iFixit) which in all other respects works fine, and there were no issues during installation. Is this a hardware or software issue? Any pointers for further differential diagnosis are welcomed. Thanks!

Thanks for the discussion guys. I just repaired a 820-3115 logic board that wasn’t recognising the battery (U7000 issue so it was replaced) and also the BIL unit was faulty so I left it disconnected. Then I noticed that it wasn’t going to sleep when I closed the lid and I have been told by a trustworthy tech (thanks Kike) that this Battery Indicator Light assembly also is a part of the sleep circuit so I will be replacing it tomorrow and will report back on my findings.

You’ll need to locate the magnet in your your original assembly and then open up your new assembly and move the magnet to the correct location. The easiest way to do this is using a metal washer and slide it along the edge of the frame that faces the keyboard. Then use some tape to mark the locations on the lid (both). To verify this is the issue get a rare earth magnet to emulate the lid magnet and slide it along the keyboard across the location you found the magnet in the lid the screen should go into sleep mode. Follow this IFIXIT guide: MacBook Unibody Model A1278 Front Display Glass Replacement. Then move the magnet to the correct location.

Well I know this is a long time after the original post but incase someone else reads this – here’s what I think it is and why. I believe the issue is with the battery indicator light connection or cable which is located to the right next to the battery connector on the motherboard. I can’t confirm it just yet because I need a new battery light indicator unit after accidently snapping the cable connector whist putting my machine back together after replacing my keyboard. I suspect this indicator unit also functions as to tell the computer that the lid is closed (I’m guessing magnetically). So either the connector beside the battery on the motherboard is not attached properly or is damaged. I’ll know for sure after replacing broken indicator unit.

Judging by what you have said, it seems like it’s a hardware issue, the LCD assembly only contains magnets which trigger the sleep cable located with the HDD cable, to resolve this issue I would suggest a replacement of the Hard drive/ IR Sensor cable Hope this helps

Hi All;

Thanks for all of the suggestions. Unfortunately, I no longer have that MacBook or the notes about it. I do know it was fixed, and went to a new happy owner.