Seems like this is a kernel issue, with users of other Distros experiencing the same problem.
A fix is: Added file sony-laptop.conf with single line: options sony-laptop kbd_backlight=1 to /etc/modprobe.d/ and it seems to work fine now. As per http://www.fedoraforum.org/forum/showthread.php?t=268249 -- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu Bugs, which is subscribed to Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/804595 Title: Sony Vaio VPCS132FX/B Ambient Light sensor does not work To manage notifications about this bug go to: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux/+bug/804595/+subscriptions -- ubuntu-bugs mailing list ubuntu-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-bugs