Intermittent backlight problem

Question

I have a CPxJ, bought used a year ago, and no longer covered by warranty. The problem began about a month ago and now happens several times a day. The display will flicker or go dim, then the backlight goes out completely. When I restart the system, things go back to normal but the problem seems to recur within an hour or so. Is it the backlight? or the inverter? or the flexcable? I've completely disassambled and reassembled the display following the instructions of the Dell service manual. Any suggestions?

DELL-Corey · Answer

kmag, Thank you for using Dell's Community Forum. None from me, other than a new backlight or LCD.

dgenr8 · Answer

Hi, I am also experiencing the same sorts of issues. When my backlight goes off I can still see Windows running on the screen... its very frustrating. In the last hour i totally pulled the LCD assembly apart and reseated everything. I have found the easiest way to restart the LCD output is to press Fn and the LCD/CRT buttons so that the video goes from the LCD to the Video Out port and back. Sometimes its ok, sometimes it plays games and doesnt power on the backlights. If it continues I might hardwire the Backlights to another powersource :)

Other than that the only way to find out whats happening is to replace 1 piece at a time until it no longer happens.

Oh btw I have a Samsung LTN141X8-L02 14.1" TFT Screen using PCB Revision 2.3

JK

kmag · Answer

Thanks for the info. It looks like you have a decent machine. Mine is an older Latitude with PIII 500mhz processor and 6Gig drive. DVD drive has already failed and been replaced with used CD ROM. I've also had to deal with the dreaded '8ik' keyboard issue. After the backlight problem I figured it was time for a new machine. So I have a new notebook - not a Dell, although I still like Dell. I guess I'll tinker with the old Latitude and see if I can fix it. The ballpark quotes I've received from shops I've visited have been around $300 (CDN).

speakertoanimal · Answer

I have a new Lattitude 740 with beautiful 1600x1200 display. But, it has recently exhibited intermittent backlight problems. The problem happens at startup, and seems to be worse when cold. I can see the dim images, and if I shine a flashlight at the display I can sometimes even see what I am typing. If I toggle CRT/LCD a few times and then do a cold re-boot it will sometimes come up. It seems to help if I let it sit and heat up for a while.

I called Dell tech support - the Indian tech support guy was courteous but not helpful, and kept wanting me to re-install the video drivers, run Windows update, etc. He kept forgetting that I could not see my screen to try anything! Then he would ask me if I had a monitor. I finally insisted that I wanted the LCD replaced, and he scheduled the service call. I am nervous about having my laptop subjected to surgery - can I trust the Dell service guy to not make it worse? (I.E., is it full of tiny parts that will spring out all over the place? ;- ) ) Although my unit is under warranty, it is a critical machine for me and my company. The service guy is scheduled for Tuesday, but I have a hectic week coming up - we are upgrading our 8000 user e-mail system and I just cant be without the laptop. I was thinking about canceling the service call and seeing if the problem gets worse. Any thoughts? I need a guru who has some stats on this kind of failure, what is causing it, etc.

Thanks,

$teve Crye

dgenr8 · Answer

Good old Dell with their New Delhi Informational HotSpot. I very skeptical of the effectiveness of the helpdesk people there... whether or not they have the resources of the service history with dell products to effectively help customers. My bet is most of them have never used a Dell Laptop. let alone getting you to reinstall a Windows Driver to make the display work in the BIOS.

JK

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Intermittent backlight problem

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