Laptop Display Issue

[krnmastersgt]

So my laptop has been use by my mother for quite some time, never had any real issues with it that I couldn't fix. Just recently she complained it wouldn't do anything when it was turned on so I looked into it a bit.

Currently the laptop powers on without any real hiccup except the display, the screen is at it's proper brightness for a second then INSTANTLY dims itself to something so dark I can only barely make out there is something being displayed with ideal light conditions. It also appears to be failing to load into the OS properly, but the light issue persists without the HDD in so I'm not too worried about replacing a hard drive/wiping it and starting over.

Any thoughts or ideas on what is causing the problem? I've tested the RAM to the extent that I could by trying each stick in different ports etc., my standard testing procedure and it doesn't appear to be the RAM (unless both are somehow damaged but functional at the same time.

As for dismantling the laptop to try other things, I've been able to check most parts but pulling off the plastic casing for the bottom half was simple...till the portion under the screen. Now there's nothing in particular I'm worried about as it's not tied to the hinging at all, but the back part is extremely tightly held together (and yes I checked for screws). The plastic seems to start deforming before the last part will dislodge so I'm not really sure how to fully dismantle the thing so I can recheck every connection and try out a few more things.

Any thoughts or ideas would be helpful, though it being a laptop I likely lack the tools/hardware to fix it anyways

 

[pete1229]

Sounds like the LCD inverter is going or is shot.Have you tried connecting the laptop to an external monitor? Most of them have a VGA port and it's yhe best way of isolating the problem. If you do need to replace the inverter therer are various websites with detailed steps on how to access, replace and re-assemble the LCD housing, most will even have the procedure for your particular make and model. Just google it and you should find the links.

 

[paul878]

That is a backlight problem.

 

[Matt1970]

Yes a backlight problem. "Most" times an inverter replacement will fix that.

 

[paul878]

No, I mean from my years of experience fixing laptop it is actually the back light that is the problem of the symptom above.

 

[Matt1970]

No, I mean from my years of experience fixing laptop it is actually the back light that is the problem of the symptom above.

It’s possible, but a light will typically work or it won't work. The inverter board has a circuit that if not running properly will shut the light off to prevent damage.

 

[paul878]

It’s possible, but a light will typically work or it won't work. The inverter board has a circuit that if not running properly will shut the light off to prevent damage.

No, back-light burn out, they burn out at the end of the tube.
If you ever take one apart, a failing back-light would be black on both end.
It is at this stage that it will exhibit the above symptom.

 

[Matt1970]

No, back-light burn out, they burn out at the end of the tube.
If you ever take one apart, a failing back-light would be black on both end.
It is at this stage that it will exhibit the above symptom.

A burned out light will come on for a second and then shut off?

 

[Steltek]

It can be either, but in my experience it is more often the inverter than the backlight. As a result, that is where I always start with this type of problem. FWIW, cheap replacements for both are in most cases easily had via eBay, so you have nothing to loose by trying them other than a few bucks and your time.

What is the brand and model number of the laptop?

 

[paul878]

A burned out light will come on for a second and then shut off?

Yes, I spend over 6 years fixing laptop and that is one of the symptom.