4 Common Issues:
1. AC Adapter
2. Power Inverter
3. Backlight
4. Bad Panel
1. AC Adapter
The AC Adapter can be easily tested with a multi-meter. This test is usually 90% conclusive if the AC adapter is good or bad. Also if the LCD has absolutely no power, no power light, no faint display, no reaction at all, the AC Adapter is a likely culprit. We can do a multi-meter test for free if you bring to our service center.
Est. Repair Costs: apx $20 - $50
2. Power Inverter
This is an internal part that inverts power to the needed amount for the backlight and panel. Inverters fail, and can be easily replaced. Failing inverter symptoms:
• No Picture (or very faint picture)
• Screen flashes
• Power light and sound still DO work
Est. Repair Costs: $75
3. Backlight
The backlight is simply a miniature compact Florescent light bulb. Just like what's in office ceilings but very thin and small. This can fail like any light bulb and can be easily replaced. Failing Backlight symptoms:
• No Picture (or very faint picture)
• Power light and sound still DO work
Est. Repair Costs: $75
4. Bad Panel
The panel itself can fail. The panel contains thousands of tiny pixels all connected by a mesh of thin signal cables. When a panel discolors or fails, the entire panel needs to be removed and replaced. This is less common, and is only sometimes worth the repair. Failing Panel Symptoms:
• Faded Screen or partly faded
• Discolored areas of the screen.
• Dots of color. Usually Black or White, but could be any color. This is a bad pixel and is the start of a failing screen.
NOTE: (if it’s very faint, only visible on certain angles, it’s likely the inverter or backlight mentioned above.)
Est. Repair Costs: $50 - $250
What if I break my panel?This is rather common on a laptop. Almost always its worth fixing. Usually we purchase a new panel or pull from a parted out laptop.
On a desktop LCD, I usually suggest to replace the entire screen. Some manufactures make replacement panels, but often times do not.
Est. Repair Costs: $50 - $250
Other Failures. This can be anything from bad controller board or bad internal cable. These items should be diagnosed by a professional. A simple cable issue can be $5 part. Bad board might be a time to buy a new screen.
In all cases, it might be worthwhile to fix your LCD, especially on a laptop. Although with a few year old desktop LCD, you may consider a replacement, especially if you’re thinking of an upgrade.
Happy Clicking!
Nathan DeSutter
IT Consultant
Contact me:
559-674-1301
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