Screen inverter replacement. Fixing laptop backlight problem.
Do you have a problem with the backlight on your laptop? If yes, you are not alone, that’s one of the most common laptop problems. In most cases the screen inverter is the culprit. Here are some LCD screen backlight failure symptoms that could be related to a bad inverter board:
- Laptop boots as usual but after some time the screen blacks out. You still can see an image on the screen but it’s very dim. You might even use a flashlight to see it better. Sometimes the backlight comes back for a while but then goes off again. In some cases you can turn the backlight on if you tap rapidly on the lid close switch.
- The screen always stay black and the backlight never comes on but you still can make out an image on the LCD. It’s dark, but the image is still there.
-In some cases you might hear a buzzing noise coming from the area where the inverter board is located, it’s on the bottom part of the display assembly.
NOTE: if you cannot see an image on the screen, most likely you have a different problem and there is nothing wrong with the screen inverter.
Other related articles:
Laptop has bad video on the LCD screen. What is wrong?
Notebook display assembly diagram. How image appears on the screen.
How to troubleshoot and fix laptop video problems
How to replace laptop backlight lamp (CCFL)
Here’s an example of replacing the FL inverter board on an IBM ThinkPad T41 notebook. This guide will work fine for any other IBM notebook. Replacing screen inverter on other notebooks like Dell, HP, Toshiba, etc… will not be much different.
First of all, unplug the AC adapter and remove the battery.
In order to access the inverter board you’ll have to remove the LCD screen bezel. On most laptops screws are hidden behind screw seals. In this case we have 5 screw seals on the front. Carefully remove the seals with a sharp object and glue them on the LCD bezel, in this case you will not lose them. Remove all screws and mark them somehow so you are not confused when you assemble the notebook back.
Some laptops also have screws on the side of the display. This notebook has 3 screws on each side. Remove screws seals and then remove screws.
Start removing the LCD bezel with all fingers. Carefully wiggle the bezel to release plastic latches. Never use any sharp object during disassemble because you can accidentally damage the screen.
If latches are very tight you can use a guitar pick to unlock them. Insert the guitar pick between the LCD bezel and cover and carefully move it alone the side.
This notebook allows you to replace the inverter board without removing the LCD bezel completely. Lift up the bottom part of the bezel and remove one screw securing the inverter board to the LCD cover. This location is very common for the screen inverter. On most laptops you’ll find it under the display bezel below the screen.
Carefully lift up the FL inverter and rotate it a little bit. Unplug cables on both sides. The left side of the inverter board connects to the video cable, the right side to the backlight bulb (CCFL tube) inside the LCD screen. Remove the inverter and replace it with a new one.
To find a new inverter board (and any other spare part too) for any IBM notebook you should use the FRU number from the part.
Entry Filed under: Replacing Screen Inverter
January 31st, 2007 at 2:16 am
Hey its great to see a new post here. I subscribed to the feeds months ago and I totally forgot about the site until I read this post. Nice write up! I have always enjoyed reading this site. I guess posts come when repair jobs come… huh?
Well, I guess everyone should pool together and break their laptops and mail em’ in… I am looking forward to reading more articles written by you in the future.
Best Regards,
Garry Conn
February 3rd, 2007 at 9:56 pm
How about if I tell I can’t find the Fl Inverter in my Dell latitude Cpx when I open it? Could you tell me where it should be at them? It’s not where it say here on this page. Thank you.
February 5th, 2007 at 9:59 pm
[…] Replacing LCD screen inverter […]
February 6th, 2007 at 9:42 am
Carmen,
Maybe the inverter board is located on the side from the LCD screen? I just opened up a Dell Latitude CSx display to check the inverter board location and found it on the right side from the screen.
February 6th, 2007 at 10:46 pm
Very timely - the inverter in my T22 died yesterday. I had trouble getting details on the inverter at the IBM/Lenovo site - the FRU number of 10L1402 didn’t seem to exist. On the phone to them today, they told me that the part has been replaced with a new FRU of 91P7739, which explains why I couldn’t find it.
Thanks for the very useful article. I hope to have mine fixed in just a couple of days once the new inverter arrives.
February 7th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
Is there a way to test the inverter board to determine it’s actually the inverter board and not the bulbs?
February 7th, 2007 at 11:25 pm
my ibm laptop power s working but screen not working i don’t know what happend
February 9th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
I have an IBM T40 and it boots up fine and will work for ten minutes or so… then the screen will freeze/flicker or turn black, especially if I try to move it. It wont work again right away but if I leave it for a few hours I get another 20 minutes of work done on it.. I did all the virus scans etc… but now im a bit lost. Any ideas?
sincerely,
poor college student trying to save a 5 years old laptop
February 10th, 2007 at 6:26 am
I have a problem with my thinkpad r32 everytime i boot it it says
ERROR
Resource conflict - Allocation error static node # 02
ERROR
Resource conflict - Allocation error static node # 07
PLZ HELP
February 11th, 2007 at 9:15 am
Jason Denniston,
The best way to test the inverter board would be replacing it with a known good one.
I usually hook up a test backlight bulb first (I remove them from cracked screens) and if it will not light up I install my test inverter and test it again.
I’ve been searching for the instructions on how to test the screen inverter with a voltmeter, but haven’t found it yet.
February 11th, 2007 at 11:47 am
yosof yaghi,
Download the hardware maintenance manual for IBM ThinkPad R32. On the page 50 you’ll find some tips on resolving this problem.
February 11th, 2007 at 11:54 am
Rebecca,
You said the screen will freeze, what do you mean by that? You cannot use the mouse and access any programs or what? It’s possible the video cable connector on the back of the screen is loose. Try reseating the video cable.
If the screen flicker and turns black intermittently, it’s possible that you have a loose connection on the inverter board. Try reconnecting cables on the screen inverter, shown on the photo 7.
February 12th, 2007 at 10:05 pm
I have a T41 (XGA screen) with an weird issue: when starting Windows GUI or getting back from sleep/suspend, a LCD light is coming from center of screen and it is slowly extending to margins, then image is displayed. The same on turn off, the LCD looks like starting to slowly turn off pixels from margins to center.
Otherwise it is working fine, but I’m worried about this issue. Is this an inverter issue ? Or is this a sign that LCD will be dead soon? Thank you!
February 13th, 2007 at 3:37 am
This is my problem:
- The screen always stay black and the backlight never comes on but you still can make out an image on the LCD. It’s dark, but the image is still there and sound works perfectly.
Will the above photo instructions also apply to the R31 ThinkPad?
Thank you.
February 17th, 2007 at 12:20 pm
Laptop Repair Guy,
My Toshiba M45 laptop had the “blacking out” LCD problem. I thought I would be in for a huge $$$ bill since my 1 year warranty just expired, but after checking out your website I removed the inverter, cleaned the flex cable conductors, put it back together and it has worked for about 7 months straight.
On behalf of everyone that visits your website and repairs problems caused by design or human error, thank you for creating this fantastic website. Your photos and instructions for repairing a lot of laptop problems are clear and helpful. Unlike a lot of technicians, you know what you’re doing and you present it in an honest, easy-to-follow way.
Now, if IBM, Toshiba, Dell and Acer would just read your website from time to time…
Keith
Raleigh, NC
February 19th, 2007 at 7:30 pm
gnu,
I don’t know for sure what is causing problem, never seen it before. I don’t think it’s an inverter issue, feel free to correct me if I’m wrong. I think the problem might be related to the LCD itself.
Use the screen until it works, there is nothing you can do.
February 19th, 2007 at 7:41 pm
Shirley Pollak,
I think the above photo instructions will apply to most IBM ThinkPad notebooks. Screws location might be different but general disassembly steps will be the same.
You can download a hardware maintenance manual for IBM ThinkPad R31 and find instructions for replacing the inverter board on the page 136 (page 130 in HMM).
February 20th, 2007 at 6:08 am
this sounds exactly like the problems I was having… it worked for me
go to the link for Laptop has bad LCD display or copy and paste this one (same link)
http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/2006/08/17/bad-video-on-lcd-screen/
and somewhere around post 140 is what I said, and then 145 I think was my reply after an attempted fix. I have an HP zv6010us model laptop.
February 21st, 2007 at 1:31 pm
I have DELL INSPIRON 6000 and The screen always stay black and the backlight sometimes comes on when you plug it with the a/c adapter but came off after 10 seconds and the right part is darker than the left one you still can make out an image on the LCD. It’s dark, but the image is still there and sound works perfectly. i need an advise what cause that, thanks
February 22nd, 2007 at 4:13 am
Hey - I had the same problem with the inverter - my laptop screen is now black but I can still see some images. Instead of repairing I got an alternativ monitor-but after a month the new monitor goes black after 20 min or so whenever I use it. Then if I let it stay for a while it works again for 20 min. Can it be the laptop that caused the monitor to have this problem, or the LCD is gone independent from that?
Thanks.
February 25th, 2007 at 1:15 am
Jorge Trevino,
It sounds like a bad inverter but I’m not sure 100%. I don’t like this part
I would try replacing the inverter board first, it shouldn’t be very expensive. If it will not help, probably there is something wrong with the backlight lamp located inside the screen.
February 26th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
All symptoms point to my inverter being bad. I called Dell and all they will sell me is the whole screen with the board. Is there anywere else I can go to find this part?
Thanks, Dave
February 27th, 2007 at 7:54 am
Hi Everyone,
I have a question. If you have a 17″ LCD on your laptop, can you replace it with another 17″ screen as long as the replacement screen comes with the inverter and cable made for it?
Thanks.
February 27th, 2007 at 10:15 am
Ok I forgot tell u something else the lcd comes on a regular light as soon and I connect the ac adpater 10 seconds later start to comes off again I can see the screen but is to faded, I read a lot of different situation and the lcd inverter regulate the power to the lcd? I already try to clean the end but still doing the same and the inverter heat at least 90 degrees way to hot do u think is the inverter?, thank for this site let me learn more about different situations, thank u again
February 28th, 2007 at 11:24 pm
Hi,
I’d first off like to say many thanks to this laptoprepairguy as my NX5000 inverter died previously, and the instructions on this site helped me change it with complete success.
I have had the second inverter for a period of about 6 months, the same problem has occurred. I reboot and it’s still black, but when I turn it off, take out the battery, press the power button, put the battery back in and boot up, it’s fine until the screen goes black again. Any suggestions? Is this still an inverter problem?
(by black i mean the inverter light turns off)
Regards:
Eric
March 1st, 2007 at 7:38 am
I had a problem with the backlight on my Toshiba M45-S331. I bought a new FL inverter board and installed it a month ago. Everything worked fine. Yesterday it quit again. It comes on for a short period of time and then goes out. I can see a dim image when that happens so I know it is the same problem. Is it possible to replace the backlight, or do I need to replace the whole screen?
You have a very good website. Thanks!
March 3rd, 2007 at 8:32 am
[…] Screen inverter replacement. Fixing laptop backlight problem. - replacing inverter board in an IBM ThinkPad laptop […]
March 3rd, 2007 at 10:04 am
Dave,
Try on eBay. Here’s a guide for taking apart a Dell laptop LCD assembly, might be helpful.
March 3rd, 2007 at 11:18 am
Eric,
Maybe it’s bad again?
March 3rd, 2007 at 11:26 am
Mike Fager,
Maybe it’s an inverter problem again? I would try replacing the inverter board one more time, it’s much cheaper then replacing the screen.
March 3rd, 2007 at 12:01 pm
I don’t find the inverter on my screen. I have a Dell Latitude Cpx. Can anyone please tell where it at? Thank you.
March 3rd, 2007 at 9:02 pm
Carmen L,
Here’s a picture of the inverter board for a Dell Latitude Cpx notebook.
http://www.asklaptopfreak.com/wp-images/dell-latitude-cpx-inverter.jpg
Isn’t it located somewhere inside the LCD panel? By the way, you can find a new inverter for about $6 on eBay.
March 4th, 2007 at 9:01 pm
I have a Dell Latitude C610 display screen on my C640. Its been working fine until the inverter went bad. I want to replace it and have already taken it apart, but I dont know what to use to find the replacement part because it doesnt have a tag on it like the one in your guide. Do you know where I could find the part number for it or do you happen to know? Thanks.
March 4th, 2007 at 10:51 pm
Thanks! for this very helpful information, you are a money saver thanks.
March 6th, 2007 at 7:42 am
I have a TP X31. Yesterday the PC died as though something overheated. It came back after 20 minutes or so. When it restarted the display is dim, not black just about 1/3 as bright as before. It is now working with a dim display but is usable. Would the inverter be the suspect component?
March 6th, 2007 at 3:17 pm
I have a Toshiba satellite 1135. It usually sits on the counter running through it’s photo screen saver. One minute it was on like normal the next minute “black”. I flipped the cover switch and it momentarly goes on for a second, but it was in a “red” cast - no other color and then black out again. I plugged my regular screen into the laptop’s jack and the stand alone monitor worked fine. The laptop is 5 years old. Should I replace the back light as well? or is the inverter the cause? Thanks for any help you can give me.
March 6th, 2007 at 9:41 pm
My laptop screen will go very dim, then cutting the monitor off or forcing it to go into standby mode will make it come back on for 15 or 20 seconds then it goes back out again.
However if the power cord is not connected to the computer, it works fine. Is this still the inverter or is it something else?
March 7th, 2007 at 2:29 am
HI THERE
I HAVE A LAPTOP OF SONY..THE PROBLEM I AM HAVING IS WHEN I SWITCH ON THE SCREEN IS TURNING TO WHITE COLOR .PLS TELL ME WHAT IS THE WRONG WITH MY LP
March 10th, 2007 at 9:07 am
Kenny,
Search for “Dell C610 inverter” or “Dell C640 inverter” here and find one you need.
March 10th, 2007 at 9:28 am
Reger Wells,
I’m not sure if this is an inverter problem. When inverter goes bad you loose ALL backlight, not just 2/3 of it.
March 12th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
Hi;
Your information of Screen inventer was a money savings for me. I fixed my dell inspiron 6000 screen with $40 instaed of
$500+ the Dell technicains were asking for.
Thank you very much;
March 12th, 2007 at 8:10 pm
Hi,
I was able to take apart my Inspiron 8500 laptop screen because of your website…Thanks. My problem it seems is not fixed…Magnets where placed on top of my screen and since then the screen is black. I have about 1/16 inch of windows at the bottom of the screen but nothing else…I bought a used lcd and inverter hoping that this would solve the problem but it did not….I am now thinking it might be the back light…what do you think….??? when I hook my laptop into a regular monitor, I can see my desktop so I know that my hard drive has not been effected….Please advise if you can…thanks for such a wonderful website!!!!
Jan
March 13th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
[…] I think you have a failed screen inverter. The screen inverter works as a power supply for the LCD backlight lamp, it converts low voltage DC power into high voltage AC. When inverter goes bad, it starts acting up exactly as you described. […]
March 15th, 2007 at 4:14 am
regarding #40. You were right. The inverter did not fix it. Do you think that the ccfl is just dim? Or the entire lcd panel? I hooked up an external monitor and that seemed to work as expected.
March 15th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
Where do you buy an inverter? I have an HP L2005CU with a failing inverter. I’m very sure it’s the inverter because it works perfectly with an external monitor and the inverter area of the screen buzzes just before the backlight shuts off. I’ve opened it up and found the part number, but HP doesn’t sell it in their parts store. Other than some long-since-passed eBay auctions, I can’t find it for sale anyplace.
March 16th, 2007 at 6:34 am
For Jeff;
I found the inverter for Dell 600 from ebay and it worked fine. I got a new screen inverter and not a used one.
Hope this helps.
Deepika
March 16th, 2007 at 7:29 am
I have a HP Pavilion ZT3120EA and it recently took a fall… The screen is dim and when i tap the button to turn the light off, it makes a buzz sound, but i don’t think that it comes from the inverter, and the light from the mouse pad goes off to…
Everithing else is fine and was fine before the fall…
Do you think it’s the inverter?
Thanks in advance!
March 19th, 2007 at 12:09 am
Thank you in advance for all the time and effort you have put into this website.
My problems sound very similar to posts 8 and 43. But before I go and buy an inverter, I was hoping you could give me some specific insight.
The LCD monitor went out as I was in the middle of typing an email. After this happened, I could not see the screen (not even a faint image), however the computer was still running (as the audio still worked). I adjusted the angle of the screen-open to close-and noticed some flickering, but the screen did not come back, nor was I able to see a faint image of the desktop. I manually shut down the computer and restarted it after 5 minutes. The laptop started up normally. After about 20 minutes the sceen went out again. I repeated this process and the time to blackout was even shorter now.
The power cord connection (in the laptop) has recently become sensitive (and loose). This would cause the connection to break frequently and the laptop to switch to battery power. In the process, the screen would flicker as the transfer of power was made. Sometimes, this would happen multiple times consecutively, and consequently, the screen would flicker multiple times.
I don’t know if this has “abused” the inverter and it gave out or not even related, but it is the only problem I have had with the laptop till now.
After I found these postings, I took off the screen faceplate, unplugged the right side of the converter (the left side was tight and I didn’t feel like breaking it just yet), cleaned the area, tried to adjust/settle the video cable and inverter better. Unfortunately, that didn’t fix the problem.
The main reason I am posting is this: I plugged the laptop into an external monitor and booted it up. I wasn’t able to switch the video to the external monitor until the second start-up (in which case, the external monitor was the screen the laptop started running on). The moment I touched the keyboard on the laptop, the external monitor went black (as if I had disconnected it), although the laptop was still powered up. This also seemed to be the case when using the laptop’s lcd monitor (it would go black as I touched the keyboard).
I will defer to you, but would the external monitor “go black” if it was an inverter problem. That is, is the inverted localized only to the laptop and would it affect an external video feed?
I know this is a rather long post, but I wanted to be detailed. Thank you again for your response.
March 19th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
I have a Compaq Presario 2100. The screen dims if I pull the screen toward me more than about 45 degrees. Almost as if it hits a switch or bad connection that occurs as the angle decreases. As long as I leave it at a wide angle, the screen seems to be ok. I can live with this but am concerned that something is about to really go wrong. Suggestions?
March 19th, 2007 at 9:41 pm
Ryan L.,
A failed inverter shouldn’t affect the external video output at all. I think you have a different problem.
The external / internal video goes black when you touch the keyboard so it’s possible that you have something loose (maybe video cable or video card) under the keyboard. Maybe some kind of gounding issue. It’s hard to guess until all connections are checked and reseated.
March 19th, 2007 at 9:42 pm
Jim,
maybe the video cable is loose and has to be reseated?
March 20th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
cj2600,
Thanks for the help. First time openning up a laptop–lot different from a desktop.
Anyway, for those who have a similar problem (now or in the future) it appears that the video cable from the screen managed to get loose from the motherboard.
Thanks again.
March 21st, 2007 at 6:22 am
Ok I remove the inverter from the laptop, now where I get the replacement is quanta display is a 15.4 wxga I call dell they dont sell the part separate, what I can do? anybody have any advice where I can get it
March 21st, 2007 at 1:52 pm
Hi:
My NEC Rugged PC (FC-11) screen goes White when it is fully opened (over 45 degrees). However, when I close it to less then 45 degrees, the screen comes back up. How can I fix this?
March 22nd, 2007 at 3:39 pm
I have a monitor problem with a Compaq Presario R-4000 with a 15.4 screen I need to diagnose. Any help will be appreciated. My screen is black - cannot see any picture, but works perfectly with external monitor. I tried a new inverter, but it did nothing. Anyone have suggestions - PLEASE !
Thanks,
Howard Lewis
March 22nd, 2007 at 5:23 pm
Jorge Trevino,
Try here. Enter “Laptop model inverter” and see what search brings to you.
March 22nd, 2007 at 6:21 pm
Ram Mohan,
the laptop screen might turn completely white (on some models) if you unplug the video cable from the LCD. It is possible that in your case the video cable is loose and needs to be reseated. Unfortunately it’s necessary to open up the display assembly, get under the screen and reseat the video cable.
March 23rd, 2007 at 7:50 am
I have installed a NEW inverter - which did not help. I’m beginning to think it may be the back light. I can’t see any picture at all except on an external monitor. Any one agree OR disagree ???
I could use some help diagnosing this.
Thanks
March 23rd, 2007 at 8:36 am
i have the solution to all the person who cannot find the inverter for the quanta display lk01 of 15.4 wxga 1V11145/T,
http://www.impactcomputers.com/iv11145-t-.html I HOPE THIS WORKS FOR YOU
March 26th, 2007 at 1:15 am
My laptop is not showing anything on the LCD, its black but it can turn on when i switch it on. Pls help me
March 26th, 2007 at 5:39 am
58Howard Lewis Says:
March 23rd, 2007 at 7:50 am
I have installed a NEW inverter - which did not help. I’m beginning to think it may be the back light. I can’t see any picture at all except on an external monitor. Any one agree OR disagree ???
I could use some help diagnosing this.
Thanks
Hi, I tried two used inverters in my IBM T21 , I see the screen very very vague so I also think it is the backlight itself, does anyone have a solution?
TX, Joe
March 29th, 2007 at 7:00 pm
My problem is a little different from all of these, as my screen does not go out completely, but I still have problems with it. The color on my screen is not as bright as it once was, and fluctuates between being brighter and dimmer. I can deal with that, as it stil works, but not the colors on my screen are all inverteted! As in, black is white, orange is blue… it’s driving me crazy! Any suggestions about where to look to fix it, or just what on earth is wrong with it?
Thanks!
March 29th, 2007 at 8:32 pm
Howard Lewis,
When you have a bad backlight lamp, you still should see a very faint image on the laptop screen. You mentioned that there is no picture at all, so I don’t think this is a bad backlight lamp.
You might have:
1. Bad video cable (likely)
2. Bad LCD screen (likely)
3. Bad graphics card (not likely because the external video works).
March 29th, 2007 at 8:41 pm
Marianne,
colors on the scree are all inverted? I’ve seen this problem a few times before, most likely it’s a bad screen.
March 30th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
There is another possibility if you can see the screen very dimly but no backlight. On my t20 I discovered it wasn’t the light nor was it the screen. It was the little button the screen pushes down when it is closed. (It’s up on the right hand side just below the battery light.) This turns off the backlight. You might try using a needle nose tweezer to lift that button. If that turns the light on you’ve found your problem. If you take off the keyboard bezel you’ll find that the spring that is supposed to lift the button is bent too far down to do its job. You need to either replace the bezel with one that has a tight spring, or do a little constructive bending to get the spring to push the button up enough to break the contact so the light will come on. I discovered this after replacing two inverters and a screen. It turns out they’re all good.
March 31st, 2007 at 11:41 am
I have a gateway m250 and the backlight has been going off and on for sometime now and now it never comes on. i can faintly see the picture on the screen…i was wondering if this could be the inverter? Also I was wondering if u have any how to on where the inverter is in the gateway m250?
Thanks
Erin
April 1st, 2007 at 12:16 am
Hi,
I have a ROCK laptop- Quadra XS. I removed the inverter as per your suggession. I could not find any code at the back. There are no numbers over there. Ain’t these inverters universal? Where do I get the inverter for this uncommon laptop?
Please offer help if you know any websites, where I could get it.
Thanks
Bye.
Abhijit
April 2nd, 2007 at 1:23 pm
My C640 battery is not charging my AC cable is working what can I do to tell if I need a new battery
April 2nd, 2007 at 8:01 pm
calvin mcbell,
You are absolutely right. Before replacing the inverter board, I would check this little button (lid close switch) and make sure it’s not stuck inside. When the lid close switch gets stuck inside (maybe because it’s dirty), it cuts off power from the inverter board and it looks like you have a faulty screen inverter. The image is still on the screen, but it’s very very dim. Try tapping on the switch, make sure it moves freely. It might help fixing the backlight problem without replacing the inverter board.
April 2nd, 2007 at 8:26 pm
Erin,
yep, it could be just a bad inverter board. I don’t have any instructions for Gateway laptops, but most likely the inverter board is located under the LCD mask as shown in the article.
April 5th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
I have a Gateway 400VTX. I am following the instructions above to try to replace my inverter. I got the screen off and found (I believe) the inverter with number RT2X313. However, this number does not exist anywhere on google. Is there a way to find out if there are compatible inverters? And any idea where to get them?
Thanks.
April 5th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
I have a wierd problem where the screen looks extremely light and mouse movements look like that they have a ghosting trail. The backlight is definitely working, but..?
April 5th, 2007 at 11:26 pm
Thanks for your website, it might have saved me the money for buying a new laptop.
Just to share the experience, mine is a Compaq HP NX5000. In less than a year after I bought it, the backlight was out, HP replaced it with a new display under warranty. Now 9 months later the backlight flickers or goes out altogether (if the screen is wide opened, the flicker will stop and the screen stays on). I followed your instructions and opened the display, just pressed hard on the connectors on both ends of the inverter, turned the laptop back on, it has now been working for a couple of hours since then (the trick seems to have worked, as the flicker usually came soon after the laptop is turned on). Now if the problem recur I will try cleaning or reseating the connectors first, before replacing the inverter.
Just some observations to share, if one can see faint content in the dimmed screen, most likely it is the inverter. If this situation is added with flickers which may come and go with the screen opened to an angle, it may be loose a connector at the inverter, most likely the one from the video card (opening and shutting the screen could have loosen it). If the screen stays half dim or with red colour, it may be the backlight problem (due for replacement). If there is not even faint content in the dimmed screen (screen totally black), but you can see the picture with an external monitor, then the cable from the video card may have become loose. If you cannot see anything on the external monitor, then the video card probably has a problem.
Thanks again for your website, at least now I know where the problem is and I most likely could fix it myself if it recurs.
Rgds Herman
April 6th, 2007 at 6:57 am
by own experience friend 71 the best what you can do to get the right part is dissambly the lcd and copy al the number in the lcd becareful dont touch the cooper color in the back of the lcd, and copy all the numbers you found in the back that sound more for me like video card try hook another monitor an see if make the same if is not access www.impactcomputers.com get the number and speak with the rep at the ext 4 is very good and he can give some good advices.
April 6th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
I have an HP dv1000. inverter board was bad but when I replaced it, it only worked with the battery, not when plugged in. got 2nd inverter board and replaced it today. it works with both battery or power cord BUT if laptop is powered up with the battery installed, the screen goes dim. Powered up with just the power cord, everything works fine, can run on AC or DC power. Just can’t have the battery installed when booting up. Is this an inverter problem, wiring problem, battery problem? How does one inverter board work with just a battery and the next one can’t have the battery installed? Weird. Any ideas are appreciated.
April 6th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
I had an issue that seemed like a classic inverter problem. The screen was still visible, just without a backlight, it worked with an external monitor, and when I pressed the screen closed button, it would flicker on for sometimes 5 seconds and sometimes an hour. Also, the top of the laptop is cracked (not the screen, but the plastic casing) just from general use.
I found a new inverter on ebay and put it in and had no change. Then, a day later, the screen lit up brightly with an audible “pop” and went dark (no backlight but still a dim LCD image) and hasn’t come on since. My best guess is that there was a short somewhere in the backlight circuit that blew this inverter and might have blown the bulb too.
So, my questions to the group are: 1) Does my diagnosis seem correct? 2) How difficult would this be to track down and fix myself without breaking something else (like the LCD)? and 3) Would I be better off just ponying up the $400 for a new display, which I’m sure I could install myself, since the current casing is cracked and the repair might be that much anyway?
April 8th, 2007 at 9:51 pm
Rachel,
Search for “Gateway 400VTX inverter” here and you should be able to find it. I would recommend contacting the seller and ask him about any compatibility issues, just to make sure you are buying a correct one.
April 8th, 2007 at 11:07 pm
Jeff,
Yep, looks like a classic inverter problem. I think your diagnosis is (was) correct and I would replace the inverter board in this case too.
I’m not sure why the screen went dark. Did you use a correct inverter board?
You’ll have to find another inverter board or find a test backlight lamp.
April 9th, 2007 at 6:22 am
It would appear that my inverter went out last night but, now that I’ve already gone ahead and purchased a new one and disassembled my laptop, I wanted to post here and ask for a ’second opinion’.
Here’s the situation: I’ve got an HP Pavilion ze5300 series laptop. Last night, I was working on it doing some graphics work and the screen went dark. I could still see some of what was there, but it was extraordinarily dim (though, this morning, nothing is visible at all).
So, after some quick research via Google, I went on eBay and found what I thought I needed (a new inverter) and it should be shipping out tomorrow.
Am I correct in thinking that is that the correct repair … ? If it’s not, is the cold-cathode flourescent bulb something I can fix on my own, or would it be better just to order a new screen and lid for ~$200.00 … ?
Thanks for the assistance!
April 9th, 2007 at 6:30 pm
Jacin,
Most likely it’s just a bad inverter board and your diagnosis is correct.
If you can find a new screen and lid just for $200, I would go with that. Replacing the backlight lamp is not an easy repair.
April 13th, 2007 at 3:44 pm
I have a Dell Inspiron 8500 that I dropped
The upper half of the screen is fine! the lower half is lit, but is actually displaying the last line of the top half of the screen all the way to the bottom.
At first, I hooked up an external monitor and it was working full screen there, but eventually it turned blue, then green now won’t work at all.
Suggestions? Think it is the video card which i understand is part of the mother board, or think it is the screen and the video card?
I’ve been laid off work and need to find a solution fast and inexpensively of course!
thanks for any help you can be.
cjloveslife1960@yahoo.com
April 14th, 2007 at 7:36 am
Hey there. Thanks for enlightening us technically challenged folk.
I tried changing my inverter and it worked fine for 3 hours or so, then it just wnet black again. I can get it to work again briefly by pressing the screen cable down next to where the inverter is and opening and closing the screen. There’s a knack to it. But even that’s stopped working. What is wrong with the thing? I only need it to last me a few more months.
Is it the screen cable? Do I go find out how to change that now?
Thanks, Chaz.
April 16th, 2007 at 11:24 pm
CJ,
Look what I found for you. Here’s a guide for upgrading the video card on an Dell Inspiron 8500/8600 laptops. Looks like the video card is a discrete module in this laptop. You can follow the guide and try reseating the video card. It’s possible the video card was dislocated when you dropped the laptop and doesn’t make a good connection with the motherboard. Try reseating it and see if it helps.
April 17th, 2007 at 6:28 am
First of all, thanks for the previous help.
I got the inverter that I’d ordered, but despite assurances from the seller that it works on all HP and Compaq laptops with a 15 inch screen, it didn’t do anything to solve my problem. It also wasn’t the same model / part that I’d taken out, so I’m hoping THAT is what the issue was and ordered one that I’m absolutely certain is the same part number and everything.
I’ve powered up the screen with the old inverter, with the different inverter that was the wrong part number, and without any inverter at all and it’s all the same level of ‘dim’ … so, in that regard, I’m still hoping that’s the issue.
My question now is, if I get that new, correct inverter in there and that doesn’t solve the issue, what’s my next course of action … ?
April 19th, 2007 at 8:11 pm
Hi I have a T20 with no video at all..what can I do ..pls help me?
April 20th, 2007 at 8:31 am
Hi,
I replaced the inverter, but it didn’t resolve. Any other ideas?
Thanks,
Mitch
April 21st, 2007 at 6:49 am
Answer to 86 are u sure is the right inverter? try to gt the phone number from impact computers and select the option 2 the guy in that extension is excelent and he is going to tell you if u have the right inverter, make sure you have the lcd part # more if your laptop is dell is www.impactcomputers.com the price is alittle high but you receive the corect part if u can have the lcd disambly better.
April 21st, 2007 at 6:52 am
85 sell you laptop for parts replae the video card is a major fix becasue u must disamblie the lcd and the laptop too everything is the left top corner conect a couple wires to the but u need dissambly the lcd god luck if u want sell it mail me castgeor@msn.com
April 21st, 2007 at 6:58 am
84 those guys who sell at eb…y they dont care if you fix your laptop or not, if you want have good service go www.impactcomputers.com they are going o tell u the inverter you need and they can help u with the problem too, becareful the cheap no all the time is better, I can fix your laptop if u are close to kansas city MO my email is castgeor@msn.com
April 22nd, 2007 at 2:15 pm
Chaz,
Your laptop worked fine for 3 hours, right? I don’t think it would work for 3 hours with a bad cable. Maybe you got a bad inverter? Did you buy a used inverter? Can you ask the seller for a replacement and try it again?
April 22nd, 2007 at 9:49 pm
Jacin,
Even though the screen is dim, I assume you still can make out an image on it, correct?
1. Try reseating the video cable connector on the motherboard
2. Make sure the lid close switch isn’t stuck inside and moves freely. Try tapping on the lid close switch and see if the backlight flashes when you do that.
You can do 1 and 2 before you buy a new inverter.
If installing a correct inverter doesn’t solve the issue either, then one of the following parts is bad:
- backlight lamp inside the screen (more likely)
- video harness (not very common but possible)
- motherboard (less likely)
April 23rd, 2007 at 5:27 am
I have an M45 Toshiba. Is the wireless antenna just a pair of wires or is there something else at the end of the wires. I don’t want to take the unit apart to find out and I want to hook into the wireless pcb so I can use some sort of external antenna (parabolic).
Any suggestions are welcome.
April 23rd, 2007 at 11:31 am
Hi there, I got a laptop that works fine using the external VGA D-SUB, but when trying to use the laptop without the display is just black - nothing but blackness.
The strange thing is, I can actually change the brightness of the black…
Any ideas? Is this the inverter or you reckon it could be the LCD itself?
Appreciate any help guys!
Thanks
April 24th, 2007 at 6:25 pm
elkyn,
That’s a good question and I wish I know the answer.
When you start the laptop, do you see any activity at all or it’s completely dead? Check the memory module, try moving it from one slot to another. Test the laptop with an external monitor and see if you can get any external video. If the laptop works with an external monitor but you have NO video on the LCD (not even a faint image), try replacing the video cable. The video cable is not expensive but might fix your problem. You can find it for $15-20 on eBay, make sure you are buying a correct one. Check the FRU part number on your cable and buy the same.
April 24th, 2007 at 10:02 pm
Allan Johnston,
The wireless antenna is not just a pair of wires. There are square plates attached at the end (I believe it’s for better signal reception). Take a look at the step 8 of this Satellite M45 teardown guide. Do you see two yellow squares on the top of the cover? That’s what I’m talking about.
I’m not sure how you can connect an external antenna to the internal wires. Please let me know if you find the solution.
April 24th, 2007 at 10:23 pm
Chris,
If you can change the brightness of the black then I assume it’s not an inverter problem.
If I understand right, you have the following symptoms.
1. The screen is blank but it’s not completely dark, you still can adjust the brightness of the backlight (inverter and backlight lamp are OK).
2. There is NO video on the laptop LCD, not even a faint image.
3. The laptop still works with an external monitor (probably the motherboard is OK).
Is it close enough? If yes, then the LCD doesn’t get data from the video card.
First, I would try reseating the video cable on both ends - on the motherboard and on the LCD screen too. It might be just a lose connection. If it doesn’t help, I would probably replace the video cable, it’s the less expensive part. If replacing the video cable doesn’t help either, you have either a bad LCD or a faulty video card (probably integrated into the system board). In this case you’ll have to guess witch one is bad.
Ideally, you just connect a test LCD and this test helps a lot. Unfortunately not everybody has a spare LCD at home.
May 4th, 2007 at 11:20 pm
@cj2600
Hi thanks for the reply; I was getting itchy feet and decided to go the whole distance with the “Blackness” on LCD issue…
I re-sat all connectors to the LCD and Mobo, still nothing; the cable was fine so I forked out £87 for a new compatible LCD - 5 mins of fiddling later we had lift off.
First time I’ve come across this particular issue, the fact all the backlights were in full swing swayed me to the LCD.
Can’t complain - got a new laptop for £87!
May 7th, 2007 at 7:00 pm
another dark screen question….
I have a 3 yr old Toshiba Satellite Model A20-S207.
It’s been a great laptop until last week then the screen started flickering and finally went really dark and dim. With some research on the web, I thought it was the FL inverter. I found a new inverter, replaced it & the screen is still dark.
Could it be the bulb? If so, how & where do I find the bad bulb? Is it a replaceable item?
Thanks!
May 7th, 2007 at 10:12 pm
Rory,
Yes, it could the the bulb. Unfortunately there is no simple answer because you might have a bad bulb, defective video cable or faulty motherboard. The only way to find out is installing a test screen or connecting a known good backlight bulb. For cases like this I always keep 2-3 different backlight bulbs I removed from broken screens, it makes my troubleshooting process much easier.
Is it possible to replace the backlight bulb? Yes it is but I never done it myself. The backlight bulb is buried deep inside the screen and replacing it is not an easy job. Here’s an example of replacing the backlight bulb on an IBM laptop.
BTW, check the lid close switch - small button located close to the hinge. Make sure the switch is not stuck inside. If the switch gets stuck inside the case, it cuts off power going to the backlight bulb and it stops working.
May 8th, 2007 at 3:20 am
CJ,
Thanks for the info. Looks like a job for a professional. Unfortunately, I don’t have any test parts. I am thinking the best, easiest & most practical fix for me is a brand new LCD screen. I’ll keep the new inverter since the old inverter is 3 yrs old & used approx 4 hrs a day average.
How easy is it to replace the keyboard? The most used letters have worn - no big deal but if I am going to replace the LCD I might as well replace the keyboard also. But, I don’t want to open a pandoras box and because of my inability, cause other problems. What’s your opinion?
Thanks again for your speedy reply!
May 8th, 2007 at 8:13 pm
Rory,
You don’t have to open Pandora’s box, here are instructions. Take a look at this Satellite A20 disassembly guide. Steps 7-11 here show how to remove the keyboard and steps 20-25 show how to remove the LCD screen.
If you feel uncomfortable opening up the laptop, do not do that. Take it to a repair shop instead.
May 9th, 2007 at 6:30 am
hi, i have a T41 EXACTLY the same as your website, but the thing is i’m not too sure is it my screen inverter that is spoiled or what. Cause when ever i plug in my battery, my backlight just goes off, but rather i’m in AC MODE. So i’m not too sure is it my screen inverter spoiled or? pls address my problem thanks!
May 17th, 2007 at 5:34 am
My laptop screen flicks when I pull the lit towards me… It only happens in some angles… It also happens when I turn it on after moving it around. Do you think it may be a lossen cable or something more complex? Is it is a lossen cable, wich cable is more likely to be?
Thanks in advance.
May 18th, 2007 at 5:09 am
Hi,
My presario 900 laptop screen goes dim after a few minutes once it boots up. When it happens desktop can still be faintly seen thru the dark screen. On occssion the screen has gone dim after a couple of hours, happens with the slightest movement to adjust the screen up or down. Initial repairer queries have said I needed new backlight &/or inverter. & quoted $200+ to repair. It works well with an external monitor. Any ideas/advice on a possible fix?
Many thanks!
Ilus
May 20th, 2007 at 2:22 am
llus,
You mentioned that the screen goes dim with the slightest movement. I think it might indicate some kind of connection issue, maybe the inverter cable is not making a good connection with the inverter board. In this case reseating the cable on the inverter board might fix the issue. If reconnecting the cable doesn’t help, I would try replacing the inverter board. You can find a new LCD inverter board on eBay for $30-40.
May 21st, 2007 at 1:35 pm
I have a HP ze5300 with this problem I am attempting to fix. The hardest part so far is removing the screws.
(This is the most common stumbling block in most other types of repairs I’ve encountered.)
I have three of the six out so far. The other three (along the top) I can’t get a grip on with my phllips. I have the screen on the table (keyboard up) as it is easier to remove screws with the screwdriver in the vertical position for better control. I have my notebook on a flat, stable surface and with ample lighting for the dark-color laptop.
I want to avoid stripping out the screws or getting metal bits on my screen. It’s possible they have been affected the most by weather (haat and cold) and so need something to help them out.
Any suggestions? Is there a lubricant that can be safely applied to a notebook screw?
May 25th, 2007 at 7:08 am
I’ve got a problem with a IBM A30p.
Symptoms are as described:
When booting, the IBM-Splash appears (but quite dim), after that everything is dark. Under some light-conditions ic can see the win2k bootsplash and so on.
VGA-Connector is ok.
Replacing the inverter results the same.
Any hints for fixing it???
Thomas Gregor
May 25th, 2007 at 9:35 am
Turn off power mgt in bios, or make sure screen brightness on max in battery mode.
May 28th, 2007 at 10:29 pm
Thomas Gregor,
As Mike suggested check the BIOS power settings.
Check the lid close switch button. This button cuts off power from the inverter board (and backlight lamp) when the display is closed. Make sure the lid close button is not stuck inside the laptop case. Sometimes the lid close button might get stuck inside the case and the inverter board will not get any power, as a result the LCD screen has no backlight.
If a known good inverter board doesn’t help and there is nothing wrong with the lid close switch, you might have a problem with the backlight lamp, motherboard or video cable. It’s hard to say which part is failing, probably you have a bad backlight lamp but this is only a guess.
June 5th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
hi…i have a lcd dell monitor screen not laptop…ok i turn it on..then it lights normally for a few seconds…then goes dim….i can see stuff working in the background..but its so dim…if u can help..plz email me at aly@amdarwish.com and thank u for ure time…by the way i triend connecting it to different computers…but still got the same symptom……ALI
June 9th, 2007 at 8:13 am
my dell laptop lcd is black so send me pannel digram
THIS ALL WORDS IN THE PANNEL
T51.008.c.00
007054-35
AMBIT REV:3
CK99
9952
June 11th, 2007 at 10:34 am
have a compaq v2000 with a screen which does not light up nor does it show any dim images on it at any point whatsoever. it remains completely and totally black throughout the entire bootup process up to and following, windows xp desktop.
connecting to an external monitor shows the laptop is working.
i have ensured that the video cable into the motherboard is plugged in securely, and that the connectors in and out of the inverter are snug.
inverter or backlight or …?
any ideas is greatly appreciated. thx,
June 12th, 2007 at 12:40 pm
actually, i think it might be the motherboard itself. i googled and someone had some (what) success with setting the video driver to “single monitor.”
i fiddled with numerous combinations with the video driver and all of a sudden, a vibrant image came back on the screen!
upon turning off the laptop and coming back to it, the screen was blank and black again. i reloaded the driver but only had an image on the screen one more time.
so, perhaps a faulty video circuit on the presario v2000 motherboard. i googled v2000 and other folks weren’t having a happy experience with this motherboard either.
June 15th, 2007 at 10:19 pm
Harreson,
This is not a problem with the inverter board or the backlight lamp because when either of these parts fails you still should be able to make out a very faint image on the scree.
Not sure about that. In the comment 112 you mentioned that the laptop works fine with the external monitor and it means that most likely the motherboard/video card operates properly. Yes, it’s possible that you have a faulty motherboard, but it also could be a faulty video cable or even bad LCD screen. It’s hart to tell that is wrong until you test the laptop with a another LCD screen.
June 17th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
Couple of weeks ago I posted “My laptop screen flicks when I pull the lit towards me… It only happens in some angles… It also happens when I turn it on after moving it around.”
Finaly I had the time to open the screen and reaset the cables. Everything is working fine so far, problem solved. Thanks…
June 19th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
how do you know if the problem is with the inverter or with the actual light? Is there some way to tell the difference?
June 19th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
i really appreciated the forum!
i myself refer it sometimes to customers that call me from somewhere out of San Diego area.
should anyone here need computer repair or laptop repair in San Diego, or even from somewhere else i’ll be glad to help.
i charge $79 labor fee to change dc jacks and you guys can find me at www.geekavailable.com or even 619-794.4774
have a great day!
regards
rod
www.geekavailable.com
rod@geekavailable.com
619-794.4774
June 22nd, 2007 at 10:08 am
Great information on your site. I have one question, I took my Dell C610 14.1″ display apart to remove and replace the inverter. I took the old inverter out and I cannot find a part number or anything. How do I find the part number so that I can replace the inverter with a compatible one? I bought an inverter off of eBay and it says it’s for a Dell C610 and it has a part number that starts with LXN. It does not fit the little metal strip that my old one was screwed into. The “groove” on the metal strip does not fit with the “notch” on the inverter.
June 22nd, 2007 at 12:22 pm
I also have T41 display problem. the laptop boots up and function ok. It’s just when I move the laptop, or any type of vibration of the unit. The screen will lock up. I can’t move the mouse or anything like that. I can still hear the harddrive and LEDs still respond. So could this be a inverter problem or something else? Any comments appreciated, I am indeed to fix my laptop, finals are near.
thanks
June 25th, 2007 at 6:25 am
Hi,
after I accidentally dropped my T41 on the right-back corner (the casing is slightly cracked around the external monitor outlet), I now have this dim screen as described above. Before I try the above suggested fix, could it perhaps also be that the backlight bulb (CCFL tube) itself is broken? What if?
Thanks,
Maarten
June 28th, 2007 at 5:00 pm
Hi I have a IBM T40 with a problem which I am not sure what to think about or how to go about isolating. But the thing is the computer will boot fine, no dim sscreen or anything but after a few minutes it freezes, that is to say the mouse button will NOT move and no keyboard commands do anything either. Image on screen is fine but will flicker if I turn the laptop or move it or it goes totally black and if I move it again it may show an image again but everything frozen, this also may happen if I move the screen as if to close it. Sometimes I get a hardcrash and a blue screen of death and it says the problem was caused by Ati2Dvag. If I leave the computer and turn it on later it will again boot until the same dance begins. Any ideas ?
June 29th, 2007 at 1:14 pm
Have a panasonic toughbook cf-73 can barely see the bios, how to change invertor or backlight or is there a stuck switch…
July 2nd, 2007 at 10:31 am
It sounds like you have a drive conflict. You should remove the current video driver and reinstall the most recent driver from IBM. You should also adjust your refresh rates to what works. Default is usually 60hz. I would also verify the problem by using F8 and go to VGA mode and see how the PC acts. If it is stable, Update driver. BSOD?? You have a hardware driver issue and need to see what you added that may cause this??
July 3rd, 2007 at 5:44 pm
My back light does not stay on, but it appears for a second after pushing the button that turns the light off/on. The button is not stuck. I just push and release, and the light is on for a second. I can do that repeatedly. Does this mean there’s a connection problem or I need a new FL inverter? I have a Compaq Presario v2000, 2 years old. Any advice would be great! Thanks.
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:38 pm
Michelle,
I think you should try replacing the inverter board.
July 6th, 2007 at 6:49 pm
Great site!
A few weeks ago some beer was spilled into my Gateway MP8708. I’ve since replaced the motherboard with great results except for the display being dim - an image is visible, but only with a flashlight. I went on to replace the inverter #AS023217020 with no improvement. Rather than fuss with soldering new backlights, I swapped out the 17″ LCD display (Samsung #LTN170×2-L02) for a new one - result was same dim LCD image.
Should I be double- and triple-checking the wire connections for a proper seat, or am I missing something more fundamental? Perhaps the switch that turns off the backlight when the lid is closed? The image is there, just can’t get it to light up… Please help!!
Many Thanks!