Author Topic: LCD display question  (Read 931 times)

Monkeyleg

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LCD display question
« on: April 18, 2015, 01:08:09 PM »
I have an older Dell laptop. For a year or more there's been a line running across the screen when it's been tilted at a certain angle. If I tilted the screen forward or back, the line went away. I had the laptop in a range bag with other stuff on it earlier this week, and now the line doesn't go away.

I'm assuming it's actually the screen itself, and not anything in the system or in any components that control the monitor, and thus I can't do anything about it. Am I right?

It's not a big deal, just a bit of a distraction for now.

Brad Johnson

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Re: LCD display question
« Reply #1 on: April 18, 2015, 02:24:16 PM »
Sounds like you've lost one horizontal line of diodes in the panel, either in one of the color filters or the illumination layer.. Not much you can do about it. LED control circuits usually have the control connections integrated into the main panel construction.

Panels are usually easily replaceable, but you'll likely spend more on the replacement than on an entry-level new laptop.

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Monkeyleg

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Re: LCD display question
« Reply #2 on: April 18, 2015, 02:33:13 PM »
Thanks, Brad. I figured it was hardware, since at one time it disappeared when tilting the screen.

I can live with it.

lee n. field

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Re: LCD display question
« Reply #3 on: April 18, 2015, 04:50:40 PM »
Replacing the display panel's not such a big deal anymore.  It'd be a judgment call, though, if it's worth it for an "older Dull".
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bedlamite

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Re: LCD display question
« Reply #4 on: April 18, 2015, 04:54:25 PM »
You might find a replacement screen on evilbay.
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Doggy Daddy

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Re: LCD display question
« Reply #5 on: April 18, 2015, 06:52:30 PM »
You might find a replacement screen on evilbay.

I've gone that route twice, with fully acceptable results.
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dogmush

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Re: LCD display question
« Reply #6 on: April 18, 2015, 08:37:45 PM »
I've replaced an LCD. Lots of tiny screws, but no big deal. Find the cost of the replacement and decide from there. I also used Ebay.

RevDisk

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Re: LCD display question
« Reply #7 on: April 19, 2015, 10:50:58 PM »
 Like everyone else said. Likely have to replace the screen, eBay is a good bet.

It's not that hard, just about 3 dozen very tiny screws. Dell has a service manual with step by step instructions. Use a needle nose plier for moving the screws. Wear headphones and don't stop in the middle. Takes between 20 and 60 minutes depending on the model.
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Doggy Daddy

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Re: LCD display question
« Reply #8 on: April 19, 2015, 11:10:32 PM »
Take pictures at strategic stages of disassembly to assist with reassembly.
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Calumus

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Re: LCD display question
« Reply #9 on: April 20, 2015, 11:50:40 AM »
Also, look up your model on ifixit.com and youtube. Chances are pretty good that someone will have done a video walkthrough.

KD5NRH

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Re: LCD display question
« Reply #10 on: April 20, 2015, 12:06:27 PM »
Yup; used to gut and fix Latitudes for a living.  Not that hard once you get the hang of it.  Just keep track of where all the screws go, and be sure to use the right size screwdriver.  A little blue Loctite on reassembly is a good idea too.