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Gliderman8

Gliderman8

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The light on my laptop screen goes out every few mins... I've decided to give it a go and try and replace both the inverter and small fluorescent bulb.
So my question is: Can anyone recommend a place to buy the components? I hate to close my eyes and cross my fingers and just pick one off the net. Give me the name of the place you get your parts from.
Anybody done this operation on their laptop?
 
Elliot - I've never done it myself. And I've heard it can be a dicey situation, with some very small and intricate parts inside.

Many laptops (apple and pc versions) have a ribbon cable linking the base with the folding screen. That ribbon cable can get very worn and fragile with use (opening and closing the screen/top). The cable is probably where I'd start, after searching on the specific make/model laptop you've got.

This might help get you started:

https://www.lcdparts.net/howto/troubleshooting/LaptopCCFL1.aspx

Tom
 
Thanks for the info Tom... Just for that very reason I do not open/close my laptop; it stays in the open position always.
I'm pretty convinced it is the inverter board or lamp.
 
I've rebuilt laptops several times. The hardest part is remembering exactly how it comes apart and goes back together. There is an order that things meed to be done it so that it all fits.

I also agree about the ribbon cable being the most common problem. I've had two or three go out over the years. I also had the power supply go out for the backlight once. The best source of parts I've found is the manufacturer, but if it's a big brand name PC or any type of Apple / Mac product then you're out of luck. In that case, hopefully there is an aftermarket version. This is one reason why I never buy Apple or any other big shelf brand (Dell, HP, etc) laptops. If they won't sell repair parts then they aren't my kind of people.
 
Elliot:
I`v replaced two different laptop screens it is fairly easy however ... the retaining screws are quite tiny.
Both computers I dealt with did not have any screws in the screen bezel it just snapped apart and back together. However yours may have screws holding it, look closely they may be under the small rubber bumper stops. You only need to remove the screen side of the bezel not the hinges.
Once the bezel is off , you will see the inverter board on the bottom near the laptop base.The ones I have seen are held by one small screw and have one small three wire cable to unplug to remove it . It will have a part number that you will need to look up a replacement and to place an order with. on the side of the screen you will see three or four very small Phillips head screws remove these in order to replace the screen. The screen ribbon is straight forward and easy to deal with.
The screen part number is on the back of the screen
I looked up and ordered both screens I replaced on ebay with relative ease and good luck from suppliers that sell new/used laptop parts. These are parts that come from unsold new laptop models that have not sold before the new models hit the market so essentially they are new parts but cannot be listed as new. both screens I purchased were priced right at $100.00
I did not replace the inverter boards nor did I price them.
there are two types of screens matte and glass Glass breaks easily if mishandled or accidentally dropped which is what happened to both computers I worked on. so I choose matte for replacement as they are much more durable.
this is everything I know about laptop screen component replacement
I hope it is helpful.
 
:iagree: Source ebay. Sounds like the inverter from here. :wink:
 
Elliott, if it works let me know.
the kids #3 laptop(which my daughter has to use now that the Mac was stolen, has a blue stripe down the screen about an inch wide. Was thinking about fixing it.
 
Thanks to everyone for their informative replies.
I have the laptop apart and have removed the inverter board.
Just ordered one from fleabay for $8 including shipping. Yes, it is used, but even if it gives me a year or two how can I go wrong?
I tend to agree with you doc that it's the inverter board because the ccf will relight if I toggle the sleep switch... that tells me the ccf is good.
Will let you all know how it goes once I get the inverter board replaced.
Thanks for all the help!
 
Just an update... Got the inverter board today and installed it. It was easy to do! Unfortunately, I still have the same problem.... the fluorescent lamp goes off after a few mins of use. If I toggle the case closed switch the lamp relights...hummmmm?
Guess I will order a new lamp and give that a try.
 
Still thinking it's a loose wire or cable ...

I'd next try pushing hard on various areas of the case, on the keyboard half, just under the screen.

Tom
 
Argh. Do Tom's "wiggle test" first, if no difinitive conclusion then go fer th' lamp R&R.
 
OK guys my next move will be as you say to check the leads... Really, I never close the top for that very reason of continually flexing the cables, but I'll check!
 
Poke an' prod.

Check th' physical connections. :thumbsup:
 
Last time I did that she slapped me :devilgrin:
Will do... Will go further into the case tomorrow... thanks!
 
ACK!!!! DON'T ~TOUCH~ th' BLUE button!!! :laugh: :jester:
 
DrEntropy said:
ACK!!!! DON'T ~TOUCH~ th' BLUE button!!! :laugh: :jester:
Click to expand...

You fool! don't touch the RED button! (or is it the green button ...?)

Henry: (reading instructions) And carefully cut the wires leading to the clockwork fuse at the head.

Trapper cuts the wires

Henry: But first, remove the fuse.

subcontrols.gif


boom

T.
 
mehheh... there's a story to accompany th' "blue button".

Nowhere near a blue WIRE.

Or a Hollywood movie.

You need to grind that Hydrak further south than th' original plan to learn th' whole story. :wink:
 
Gliderman8 said:
Will do... Will go further into the case tomorrow... thanks!
Click to expand...

Elliot - what's the latest?

Tom
 
Oh boy....
Checked all the connectors and all is fine.
Then I decided to remove the Flurescent tube (CCF) and that was a LOT MORE THAN I WANTED. In order to remove the tube, you have to disassemble the layers of the LCD :wall:
I managed to get it out and have ordered a new tube from the place you suggested. Now all I have to do is get it all reassembled when the new tube comes in.
My guess is that either it won't work, or it will be drastically different. I say this because when they are made it is done in a "clean room"... it is bound to have dust, etc between the layers. Will let you know the "end of the story" when I get the part.
 
:banana: I am happy to report SUCCESS! :banana:

I just finished completely disassembling my Hitatchi lcd screen in order to install the new CCFL tube. I never took a lcd screen apart before... there are LOTS of layers that make it up.
Put it back together and it is like I have a NEW screen.
It works, it's alive. :winner1: is me!
 
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