Dell laptop screen flickers, fades to white...?

[bovinda]

Problem: My friend gave me their Dell Inspiron 4000 laptop to see if I could figure out the problem. After turning on, the screen starts flickering, then fades to mostly all white. Wiggling it or turning it off and then on may temporarily relieve the problem, but it returns quickly.

What I've tried: My friend said he already tried reinstalling video drivers, to no avail. I've hooked it up to an external monitor, and that display works fine, even as the LCD screen messes up.

What I've been able to Google: Found some posts suggesting it could be an "inverter cable" or something needs to be reseated...? Does that sound possible?

What I'd like help with: what is your opinion? Seen anything like this before? What should I try next? I don't have much experience with laptops. Any advice how to open it up and what I can check?

All help is greatly appreciated! :beer:

 

[PhaZe]

If you decide to take it apart, take your time and do it slowly Also, check out the service guide here http://support.dell.com/suppor...m_en/remove.htm#999202

I think what you googled was to reseat the cable for the shown in the link above as the lcd flex cable connector. You could try that. Does the screen go crazy immediately, or does it show the bios and dell screen and go crazy once in windows?

 

[bovinda]

Thanks for the link, PhaZe.

The screen doesn't typically go crazy immediately, only after a few seconds. It is completely independent of whatever software is running. Given that the external display works fine, it really makes me think it's a buggy cable or LCD, yeah?

 

[HdwGuy]

Yea reset the video cable, but most likley a LCD problem. You can order just the LCD or the whole panel assy includind the plastic bezeals. The panel is easier but much more expensive. Since the external works correctly i would rule out the video processor on the system board. Check the display drivers and make sure the LCD display is the default. Good luck

 

[bovinda]

How hard is it to replace just the LCD? I think that may be what needs to end up happening.

Second question: how do I rule out the video processor on the board? If an external monitor works correctly, doesn't that imply the video processor is working? The display drivers are current and reinstalled, no changes.

 

[Jest3r]

It is most likely that the cable is not seated correctly. This used to happen to Toshiba laptops I used to work on. Co-workers and I simply called it a "white screen" meaning the cable in the back of the LCD (not the FL inverter cable) was not seated.

However, you mentioned flickering. Do the pixels slowly turn grey or do they go white very fast? If it goes from dark to light slowly then it is the LCD.

 

[bovinda]

The fade to white occurs over a period of two-four seconds or so, I'd say. Would you consider that fast or slow?

If it is the LCD, how hard is it to replace the LCD screen?

 

[Jest3r]

I'd say LCD itself. It's not entire too hard to replace, but if you have no experience with it you might break the LCD top cover or the bezel. Also, the LCD itself might be costly.

Best bet might be to call DELL and see how much it will cost you.

 

[bovinda]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll give it a try opening it up and reseating the cable just in case, and if that fails, give Dell a call for part pricing and repair pricing. Appreciate the help!