Re: Inspiron 6000 LCD - Backlight issue?



From your description, it's DEFINITELY a backlight problem.

The most likely cause is not the lamp, but rather the inverter (the high voltage power supply that runs the lamp). The lamp is 2nd most likely cause. The inverter is small circuit board inside the lid, but external from the LCD panel.

If the problem is the lamp, the ease or difficulty of replacing the lamp varies greatly. Inverter replacement is easy, the ususal problem is getting a replacement part.

Barry Watzman


M.I.5¾ wrote:

"RJ" <kalimantan_man@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:suuHg.70479$u11.58360@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I noticed a post from someone else about a possible backlight issue but was wondering if anyone knew the specifics of the Inspiron 6000 LCD?

I go to school online and usually use my desktop PC but also own a Dell Inspiron 6000. I have not used the laptop for about 2 weeks and, when I decided to turn it on yesterday, the screen flickered and then went completely out during the boot process. I just received my replacement battery and have tried several scenarios with the AC or battery only or both. The screen always comes up for a quick second when I initially turn the power on but then goes out. When the OS completely loads, I can see a faint image on the screen of the icons and am able to identify the cursor when holding a light up to the screen. A few times, the screen has flashed on again but only for a split second. Does this sound like a backlight issue or some other error? Unfortunately, Dell will not put a live person on the phone without $$$ since the warranty expired a few months ago.

Also, I have been looking online for either a replacement display or simply the backlight part and have come across some messages about changing out the light on your own. One of the sites I came across is http://www.xoxide.com/coldcathodes.html and the procedure seems fairly easy but, after disassembling the laptop panel, there are copperish looking strips across the back of the display stating "do not touch." Understanding the problems associated with static electricity, is that just a warranty warning or can I disassemble further to see if I can access the light source? It seems that I could save a lot of $$$ by changing the light myself.

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Your problem sounds like a fault with the inverter rather than the backlight itself. It is just possible that it may be a lose connection, but from what you describe, I doubt it.

Please also note, that by posting in HTML, not everyone will be able to read it. The preferred format is text only. It also uses up less space on the server.


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