row of pixels show incorrectly on laptop display after water exposure

[Turbonium]

I have a 1440x900 display (Samsung SEC4457) on my laptop. A couple years ago, it came into contact with some water.

Ever since then, a single row of pixels across the entire display show incorrectly (near the bottom of the display, if it matters). The pixels aren't dead, nor are they stuck. They simply show the wrong colours/information at all times, and they change what they're showing depending on what else is being displayed elsewhere on the screen. I figure this means they're getting a bad signal somehow, which leads me to think there's either a problem with the signal cable, or the panel itself (in which case I'm probably screwed).

If it's the cabling (which I know for a fact the wiring of which is partly exposed, as the protective sheathing is damaged), would it be worth cleaning it (or the connector) somehow, and reconnecting it? I don't want to risk making the issue worse than it already is.

In the case of it being the panel itself, would I be correct in assuming that there is no way to fix it? The damage, I would imagine, would be far too minute, requiring intricate repairs that are not possible under normal conditions.

 

[Rackmountsales]

I think you have a connection issue with the ribbon connector. The ribbon cable, they do wear out and they cause intermittent problems.

 

[Turbonium]

Well, I reseated the ribbon connector (name?), and even tried cleaning out the connector of any dust. The problem is still there, though. :/

 

[Fardringle]

If it's the cabling (which I know for a fact the wiring of which is partly exposed, as the protective sheathing is damaged), would it be worth cleaning it (or the connector) somehow, and reconnecting it? I don't want to risk making the issue worse than it already is.

Since you already checked to make sure the connections are secure, I'd replace that cable. Even a slightly damaged cable can cause problems.

 

[Matt1970]

A row of pixes like that is not going to be the cable. It's a connection problem inside the screen itself.

 

[Turbonium]

A row of pixes like that is not going to be the cable. It's a connection problem inside the screen itself.

This is what I'm lead to think.

Is it something I can actually fix? I'm all for opening up the lid and cleaning it out if it might help.

 

[sm625]

Yeah the cable should be sending serial data. It knows nothing of rows and columns. It's gotta be in the screen. (How did you spill water into the screen anyway?)

 

[Matt1970]

This is what I'm lead to think.

Is it something I can actually fix? I'm all for opening up the lid and cleaning it out if it might help.

You will need a new screen. They are around $50 on ebay. You can search by your laptop's model number however most are compatible.