XPS M1330 - Dark screen / Backlight not working

Question

I bought my Dell XPS m1330 three months ago. It has a LED screen.

One morning, a month ago, I opened up my laptop, turned it on, but the screen was very very dark. I tried to hold it up to a light and I could barely see some elements on the screen. Later I tried to hook it up with my desktop screen and there was no problem with that. I have tried to look on the internet, but appearantly there is noone else who has this problem with m1330.

I have been looking on the Dell website for spare parts, but I cannot find any m1330 spare parts. I have also been trying to get a hold on Dell a few times over the phone without any luck. In matter of fact, I am calling them right now, but I am still in queue, listening to the music, and I have been in line for, let me see, 1 hour and 33 minutes.

Is there any help out there?

ejn63 · Answer

Why are you looking for spare parts for a system still under warranty?  Call and have Dell replace the screen under warranty.

tommeh · Answer

The thing is that my wife, who is an american, bought this laptop in USA, but now we live in Denmark. Will Dell in Europe still take this laptop in eventhough we bought it in the states?

Emalf · Answer

If the Screen is faulty, it should be covered under warranty and Dell should send an engineer out to change it.

However it maybe just a bad connection with the screen cable and they should be able to talk you through how to check while on the phone. Heres an idea how to do it from another site.

Turn the laptop over
- Remove the battery
- Remove two screws under the battery
- Remove two screws next to the plastic legs
- Remove the screw that holds wireless cover (labeled with a C) and pull the cover out
- Remove 4 screws that hold the memory cover (labeled with an M) and pull the cover out
- Turn the laptop over again
- Pull the black piece that has the media controls (pull it gently from sides until it pops out).
- Remove two small, silver plastic "covers" at the top corners of the keyboard (this will expose two more screws). Dont remove these screws yet, because doing so will release the screen.
- Remove two screws that hold the keyboard, and lift the keyboard.

- Disconnect the LCD cable (just pull it out). This is the wide cable on the left side and it travels with a black cable

- Reconnect.

Re-assemble and see if there is any improvement.

Hope this helps

tommeh · Answer

I took the advice and called Dell(the XPS premium line in the UK) and told them about my problem. Now, two days later, there is a technician in my apartment replacing my screen. Fast service there.

I didn't know that the warranty would count if the laptop was bought in the states but was being used in Europe, but appearantly there is no problem.

ejn63 · Answer

Many of the 1330s shipped with LED-backlit screens, meaning they have no inverter.  First check which type of screen you have (support.dell.com, enter service tag, choose Original Configuration).  If your screen has an LED backlight, replace the screen.  If you have a CCFL, you may or may not be able to find a replacement inverter - you may wind up replacing the screen and inverter anyway.

aqaxz · Answer

I know this thread has some time under its belt, but I am having the exact same problem with my m1330 xps LED. Do you remember what the issue was..inverter or backlight?

robvee · Answer

Try this adress http://blog.parts-people.com/2011/10/12/dell-xps-m1330-parts-repair-manual-index/

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XPS M1330 - Dark screen / Backlight not working

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