Macbook display sometimes fails to turn on after shut down (2008 2.4Ghz dual core 2 duo - 2GB DDR2 running OSX 10.6.8)

I own a black macbook (early 2008 model) and for the past few months the display has occasionally (although recently more often) failed to turn on when booting. This only happens every one in four times after a full shut down. When I turn on the computer, I hear the hard drive boot and the fans start going, I also get a response in the white light indicator. When this occurs, I then have to press the on/off button to shut the macbook down, then press the button to turn it on again. Sometimes this works on the second try, but other times it takes 3 to 4 times turning it on or turning it off. Initially I thought it was a hard drive issue (and planned to purchase a new hard drive), but after connecting the laptop to an external screen, the desktop shows up (macbook display remains off despite unplugging or replugging external display). Is this a firmware issue? Or potentially a display cable issue? I'm leaning towards firmware since it only happens every 1 in 4 times. All parts in the macbook are original to 2008 and I've never really had any problems before.
I've tried resetting by taking out the battery/pressing the on button.
I also did a clean 7 pass wipe and reinstalled Mac OSX.
Used TechTool Deluxe - found no issues.
Booted computer and pressed D to perform a Mac hardware test - no problems found.
Not sure what to do now...
These two looked mildly like my problem: http://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/68700/Not+booting+properly+after+10.6.8+and+F irmware+updates and another suggested replacing the display cable: http://www.ifixit.com/MacBook-Parts/MacBook-Display-Data-Cable/IF186-073?utm_sou rce=ifixit_guide&utm_medium=wiki_text&utm_term=if186-073&utm_content=product_lin k

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Macbook display sometimes fails to turn on after shut down (2008 2.4Ghz dual core 2 duo - 2GB DDR2 running OSX 10.6.8)

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