So has the backlight on your Sidekick stopped? Can you see the image on the Sidekick LCD screen but it is really dark? 

I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but more than likely the backlight on your sidekick has blown out.  Don’t panic! It’s not the end of the world or your sidekick.

Before going off and getting a new Sidekick, there are a few things you should try to do first.

Make sure the backlight settings are on.

To adjust the backlight settings for the Sidekick 2008 or the Sidekick LX:

  1. From the Jump screen, press MENU  then select Settings > Battery & Display.
  2. Highlight, then select the Brightness slider to open it for editing. Roll the TRACKBALL right to increase brightness; roll the TRACKBALL left to decrease brightness. After you’ve made the adjustment, press the TRACKBALL to exit edit mode.
  3. Select the length of time you want backlighting to stay on from the Dim after pop-up menu.
  4. To use the device’s light meter while the backlight is on, select the Use ambient light sensor check box.
  5. Press JUMP  to return to the Jump screen and save your settings.

To adjust the backlight settings for the Sidekick Slide:

  1. From the Jump screen, press MENU  then select Settings > Battery & Display.
  2. Highlight, then select the Brightness slider to open it for editing. Roll the TRACKBALL right to increase brightness; roll the TRACKBALL left to decrease brightness. After you’ve made the adjustment, press the TRACKBALL to exit edit mode.
  3. Select the length of time you want backlighting to stay on from the Dim after pop-up menu.
  4. To use the device’s light meter while the backlight is on, select the Use ambient light sensor check box.
  5. Press JUMP  to return to the Jump screen and save your settings.

To adjust the backlight settings for the Sidekick 3

  1. From the Jump screen, press MENU  then select Settings > Battery & Display
  2. In the second group box, select the Turn on backlight when using device check box.
  3. Highlight, then select the Brightness slider to open it for editing. Roll the TRACKBALL right to increase brightness; roll the TRACKBALL left to decrease brightness. After you’ve made the adjustment, press the TRACKBALL to exit edit mode.
  4. Select the length of time you want backlighting to stay on from the Turn off after pop-up menu.
  5. To use the device’s light meter while the backlight is on, select the Use ambient light sensor check box.
  6. Press JUMP  to return to the Jump screen and save your setting.

If you backlight settings are good, then the LCD backlight is burned out.

Follow these guides to replace them:

Sidekick LX LCD Replacement Guide

How to Replace a Sidekick 3 Screen  This guide also can be used for the Sidekick ID LCD Screen replacement or to put on a new Sidekick II LCD.

You can find replacement Sidekick screens at the following links:

Buy Sidekick LX LCD Screens

Buy Sidekick 3 LCD Screens

Buy Sidekick ID LCD Screens  Limited availability, check back often

Buy Sidekick II LCD Screens

I do not know of any good sources for Sidekick 2008 LCD Screens or Sidekick Slide screens.  I will update as I find a good source.

Originally posted 2008-10-19 20:59:56.

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