Chosen Solution
The Macbook (A1286, logicboard: 820-2850A) works fine with HDMI and there is image on screen (flashlight behind apple logo shows panel works) but no backlight. I am not very experienced with macbook repair, but have done SMD soldering before, i have watched a lot of louis rossmann videos on the topic. Looks like water damage on the board. I have checked the backlight fuse (F9800) and resistors (R9808/R9809) of the voltage divider for the backlight circuit which are all dead. The LVDS connector apparently can sometimes be shorted to ground (according to louis rossmann training guide + videos). My LVDS connector looks pretty bad (see picture), will i have to replace the whole cable which attaches to the screen or replace the whole screen which comes with a cable? For safety should i also replace and solder a new LVDS connector on the logic board?
Yes, you’ll need to replace the cable and you likely need a new connector on the logic board. As far as the logic board image, I would reflow the joints and then test things again. May need new parts as well.
