Laptop LCD Issues --- DIM

[idenyit]

I've read that this can be either a backlight problem, or an inverter problem? I actually have no idea as I've never really looked into laptops. This was my brothers old laptop and he left it on for three days straight, and then he said next time he powered up it was dim. Anyways, just wondering how much would you guys estimate the cost to fix this, and who (what stores, which AT members, ANYBODY!) could do this? Thanks.

EDIT: Forgot to mention --- was talking to Gateway for a bit. They got my hopes up telling me to reinstall drivers and such, but it didn't work. Then they quoted me 549 for out of warranty repair and I said hell no to that. So, yeah, thats why I'm posting here =).

 

[crazydrummer4562]

It might be a display error rather than the actual screen itself. Check all your basic stuff like gamma, brightness, saturation, etc. before sending it in.

 

[corkyg]

Find a local repair shop and ask about back light replacement. Also - check for another of that model on E-Bay - it might be cheaper that a repair.

 

[idenyit]

OK Thanks -- So do you guys think its probably the backlight? I can hook it up to a monitor just fine, and it will run. And do you guys know approximately how much a backlight repair will run? 200 would probably be the highest I'd pay (though I'm not even sure if I would want to pay that).

 

[Hiruko]

Are we aloud to insult others here? The backlight of the laptop's LCD would have nothing to do with the external monitor you are plugging in. Just go to your local repair shop and get an estimate from them.

 

[Fardringle]

Originally posted by: Hiruko
Are we aloud to insult others here?

Only if there is good reason to do so.

Checking the display through an external monitor as idenyit did is a VERY good way to make sure that the problem is not with the video card in the laptop itself. Considering the fact that the picture is fine on an external display, that means it has to be something in the LCD panel itself. You came to the right conclusion that he should have a local shop take a look at the system, but please don't insult someone for actually doing some decent troubleshooting on their own for a change.

 

[Hiruko]

Sorry, I'm tired today and I get tired of some stupid questions. Yeah you're right, the video card could have been a problem, I shouldn't jump to conclusions on that ^_^

 

[idenyit]

I checked on ebay to see if they have just the LCD panel for sale (I remember reading that this model has some LCD issues) and I see a ton of listings. I realize that replacing the backlight would require labor, and is a very delicate process, but what about purchasing just the LCD? Would I be able to do this my self, or have someone (who is more technologically inclined) to do this for me? They go for maybe 120 with shipping, but I would be saving on labor. Thanks

 

[Mickey21]

You arent aware of laptop repair basics (no offense of course). I would say let someone who works on them more commonly, to do the work. It is what they are good at. You could end up making the problem worse. I would take the repair to a reputable flat rate laptop repair shop (hourly could get expensive). And once they determine the actual problem (yes, sounds like backlight to me if dim, it would be the inverter if completely out in almost all cases). But since you say you dont really want to pay more than $200.00, your odds of finding a place that will fix it for less than $200 including the parts, is virtually none. Weigh your needs to fix the laptop and act accordingly. Laptops are just fairly expensive to fix. Otherwise, you could chance the repair your self if you absolutely wont pay that much to fix it and just cross your fingers your diagnosis and repair are spot on... Good luck...

 

[bucwylde23]

We experienced the same problem with a laptop where I work. We replaced the inverter with one from the same model laptop that we were getting ready to throw in the trash.

The LCD is fine now.

 

[idenyit]

Yeah, I know nothing of laptop repair. But I am a learn as you go type of guy, and I seriously can't afford over 200 dollars to repair this laptop. I have no idea how to replace an inverter however, and would not attempt that. I just mean that there are kits on ebay that sell everything (casing, hinges, etc) for about 170 shipped. That doesn't look too hard at all, but I also noticed that there were panels for sale, which again, I would think wouldnt be too hard to pop in order to get it working. (I've looked at a how to guide, and it doesn't seem too difficult). Anyways, thanks for the advice, more feedback would be appreciated.

 

[birdpup]

I recently replaced the inverter on my 4 year old HP Pavilion laptop. The inverter is also informally known as a backlight. I went to HP's parts listing on their website and ordered the inverter for $30 + $10 shipping. From what I saw, the price range for an inverter is $30 - $120. The inverter is the power supply source for the background light in the LCD panel. Sometimes the screen will randomly go black yet whatever is on the screen can still barely be seen if you shine a strong external light on the panel. The inverter was located at the bottom of my laptop's LCD panel. I had to remove the panel just above the keyboard and unscrew and remove the plastic frame around the LCD panel, disconnect the old inverter, connect the new inverter, and then replace the plastic frame. The hardest part of this procedure was to convince myself I needed to remove the plastic frame containing the LCD panel. Peeling off the frame and destroying the seal provided an uneasy feeling but I was reassured when I found the inverter underneath the panel.

It is best just to replace the inverter, replacing the panel will not provide you with a new inverter, only a new panel. Go to your laptop manufacturer's webpage and see if they sell replacement parts. Look through the parts available for your laptop, find the inverter, and order it. If you are not sure, then post your laptop manufacturer name and model number so someone here can find the part for you.

Replacing the inverter is a simple, easy, and inexpensive repair that you can easily do yourself. It would be a good idea to find the manufacturer's repair manual for your laptop from the support section of your laptop manufacturer's website.

EDIT: for a temporary fix, try shutting the laptop down and disconnecting all external devices, including the power supply, mouse, network cable, and anything else that is attached to the laptop. Then reboot the laptop and it may shine brightly again until the inverter quits again.

EDIT2: Your product support page is here: Gateway 450SX4
It appears you can easily remove that panel just above the keyboard by:
1) removing the screw on each hinge cover from the back,
2) then open the LCD panel up all the way until it is flat away from the keyboard,
3) then pry open the plastic panel with a small screwdriver. You will feel plastic notches give way. Hopefully none will break, I am not familiar with this model.

Then remove the LCD panel cover by removing the covers over the embedded screws. I assume there are four of them with one at each corner.

Peel the cover away.

At middle bottom of the LCD panel, there will be a small circuit card with some coiled copper wire and one wire connecting to the keyboard area and the other wire connecting to the LCD panel. That is the inverter, disconnect it at both ends, unscrew it from its support, remove, and replace.

EDIT3: I attempted to find the inverter amongst the components and other leads I could find but I was unable to find the inverter. You have two options if the inverter is unable to be found on the support pages. They are:
1) contact Gateway customer support and ask them how you may order the inverter for your model laptop.
2) find the serial/model numbers on the inverter within your laptop and search for these numbers on the internet to see if anyone else sells them.

 

[idenyit]

WOW -- THANK YOU. I can get the inverter from ebay easily enough, but is replacing the inverter really an easy task? I'm not really that tech-minded -- I can buid a PC fine, but I've never done soldering and such, just to give you an idea. Thanks for the in depth information, it saves me the pain of buying a panel only to find out that it still wont work.

 

[birdpup]

Originally posted by: idenyit
... but is replacing the inverter really an easy task? I'm not really that tech-minded -- I can buid a PC fine, but I've never done soldering and such, just to give you an idea.

Yes, replacing the inverter is an easy task. Make sure the laptop is unplugged and the battery is removed before you open up the laptop. That plastic panel at the top of the keyboard may be tricky to pry open but I did not break anything with mine. It just felt as if I was breaking the plastic notches off as they popped loose but they were fine. Also, peeling the panel cover off the LCD panel did make me feel uneasy since there is a seal between the panel frame and the panel, but it is either break this seal or purchase a new laptop.

Good luck with it.

 

[idenyit]

OK -- http://www.fonerbooks.com/laptop_5.htm is it pretty much like that? If it is, it doesn't look too hard. Also, if I mess up, http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Gateway-450-450...9QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem would this be able to fix it? (I assume so). Thanks.

Also, is there a "HUGE" drawback to buying used inverters (working pulls)?

 

[birdpup]

That fonerbooks link is very nice. I did not have to move the LCD panel on my HP laptop since my inverter was located at the bottom of the panel, between the hinges.

Yes, this ebay LCD Screen will definitely work if you happen to break something, which I doubt will happen. Do you see that cable/wire coming out the bottom of the frame at the hinge? That is what I replaced to fix my backlight/inverter/black screen issue.

Relax with the repair and enjoy the process. It will be fine.

 

[idenyit]

Thanks -- will order a inverter.

 

[bucwylde23]

Originally posted by: idenyit
Thanks -- will order a inverter.

Replacing an inverter is NOT as hard as you might think. It just takes patience. If you are careful and pay attention to what you are doing it's not a problem.

 

[idenyit]

Hi guys, I'm going to bid on a working pull from ebay. I'm just wondering though, some have this yellow protective covering like this. http://cgi.ebay.com/GATEWAY-450SX4-LCD-...4QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem while others dont have it at all http://cgi.ebay.com/Inverter-Solo-400VT...9QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem like this. What is that yellow thing for? Is it important? I am tempted to buy the second one, cuz it's cheaper and also there is a 30 day warranty. Please advise, Thanks.

 

[birdpup]

That is the inverter. Mine also had a similar yellow protective covering. It is a thin sheet of plastic bent in an arc over the inverter. I suppose it is there for heat protection so the inverter does not melt into the plastic of the panel frame. But that is only a wild conjecture. I really have no idea what it is there for. You should have one on yours when you pull yours out that you can switch over to the new one, so it should not be necessary to purchase the one that does have it.

Maybe somebody knows what that plastic yellow sheet is for?