Unsolved
This post is more than 5 years old
2 Posts
0
12421
Inspiron 1501 no video
I hope someone can offer some things for me to try..
I have an Inspiron 1501 that has beeen working great. When I powered it up this morning, I noticed the usual LEDs on the case flashed, hd activity light was going, etc.. but the screen was dark, just as if it was powered off. After a minute I heard the start music for Windows, so apparently it is booting OK. Nothing happened to laptop between the time I last powered it off and it was working fine (that was done on Friday) until this morning.
I tried unplugging ac adapter, opening and closing lid with the computer loaded into windows as well as powered off, still to no avail.
Anyone know of anything else I can try so I can narrow down what the problem is? I have a feeling it's the onboard video chip. This laptop is out of warranty, so no free calls to Dell for me.
Sofu
984 Posts
0
September 16th, 2008 01:00
TMcCaine
262 Posts
0
September 16th, 2008 12:00
If its the backlight display you should see a shadow image of your desktop while it is on. If it was your video card you will not have a successful boot. It is very likely the display has gone bad but I would want to test the LCD inverter as the entire display doesn't typically go out like this. It is also possible that the display ribbon cable has simply become dislodged. This is perhaps the simplest problem to fix and to do this refer to the documentation dell has on the unit;
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1501/en/sm_en/index.htm
And click Display Assembly.
There it shows you were the cable attaches to the motherboard. You must remove the Hinge Cover and typically they simply snap off. Hopefully this is all it is.
If not...
Blacklight; you will see shadowy images on screen visible in bright light (flashlight, sunlight)
LCD Inverter; if the unit looks completely dead
Video Card; if the unit won't boot
Protoclown
2 Posts
0
September 16th, 2008 14:00
Thanks for the suggestions. I tried them all and it looks like it is the backlight:
1) External monitor plugged in works
2) Ribbon cable was tight, but just to be sure I unplugged and plugged it back in
3) Shining a bright light on the display, I could see text/graphics/etc...
So all I should have to do is purchae a new backlight and install it? Looks like quite a few places sell just backlights.
Sofu
984 Posts
0
September 16th, 2008 17:00
TMcCaine
262 Posts
0
September 16th, 2008 23:00
If you have the experience then go ahead and do the backlight, but I would debate the cost of buying a new screen as they often are close in price (sometimes and in the used department only).
I would have a professional do the job as it is way to easy to permanently damage a screen during the replacement process as the backlighting acts as part of the rigid structure holding it firmly in place.
Good Luck!
Sofu
984 Posts
0
September 17th, 2008 00:00
TMcCaine
262 Posts
0
September 17th, 2008 13:00
"Did anyone suggest buying a new screen?"
Yes I did, I have found some that fit models;
Dell Inspiron E1505
Dell Inspiron 6400
Dell Inspiron 1501
And run a screen resolution of 1680x1050. This might be a good upgrade if your display was at a lower resolution and they run between $169-200. But you would either have to pay to have it installed or do it yourself (which is not hard to do), this price is for the screen only.
The WXGA screen running 1200x800 only $10 cheaper running about $159.