Ok OP here - I figured out half the problem: I was testing without the dark red light cover, was letting light in and the IR functions were failing (duh). Once I installed the light cover IR tests healthy. But test says light: skip. Guessing it's an issue of a contact, tried to make contact between the spring and the light solder points but no go. Any help please advise. I would hate to put back together without the backlight function - thx!!